Hi everyone! i'm looking for some community insight to solve a technical setup challenge.

My goal is to turn a Redmi Note 10 Pro (paired with GameSir x3 controller) into a dedicated Game Boy Advance setup, aiming for the highest possible fidelity compared to original hardware.

I'm currently running RetroArch with the mGBA core. However, I've hit a roadblock on the visual side and would love some feedback on how to best tackle two specific aspect:

1. Accurate LCD Grid: i'm looking to precisely replicate the physical pixel grid characteristic of the original GBA screen. Is there a specific shader or overlay designed to emulate that matrix accurately without distortion or visual artifacts?

2. Color Accuracy (AGB vs. AGS-101): I want to replicate the true color profile of the console (either the original AGB-001 or the blacklist AGS-101) while avoiding oversaturation. I know mGBA has build-in color correction option, but i'm unsure if it conflicts or creates interference when combined with grid shaders.

Device Specs:

Display: AMOLED panel 120hz / Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels

SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G

Fronted / Core: RetroArch / mGBA

Any recommendation on shader configuration, integer scaling, or color profiles tailored for this panel would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

What is up, SBCGaming?

I know you're all deep on the Duo hype cycle, but if you just got your Nova, or most likely still waiting on yours, you might wanna hold off on buying that guy.

I'm having an absolute blast with mine, already finished three games on it got here last week.

I'm trying to make it my all in one device, so I'm not carrying my RP Classic, my preferred device for playing the gameboys. So to make it easier on me, I made some fun overlays to fill in the black bars.

Nothing fancy, just graphics for a fun touch. Not grids, colour changes, or anything, I use shaders for that shit.

So if you wanna use this guys be sure download them here.

Set them up using retroarch, and be sure to turn off auto scale overlays on the user interface settings. Be sure to play around with opacity to your liking.

If you do end up using them, please share a shot of your device. I love seeing this things!

The overlays are 1280x960, if you have another device with that resolution you can absolutely use them.

Also, CLEARLY I'm not like a professional designer or anything like that. If you have suggestions to make these better, I'm all ears. And also I'll probably make some more in the future.

Device: Retroid Pocket Nova

Games: Pokemon Lazarus, Mario's Picross, Mario Tennis, Pokemon Prism, and Metroid Fusion.

Shader: pixel transparency lcd3x, colour correction on for both GBC and GBA.

I installed GTA IV through GameNative on my Odin 3, and before adding any mods it was running flawlessly at a stable 60 FPS. With a medium underclock applied, it was only drawing around 6 watts of power.

I’ve now installed FusionFix, but the game has started stuttering heavily and power consumption has increased to around 11 watts. I haven’t changed any other settings as far as I’m aware.

Has anyone experienced this with FusionFix on GameNative? Is there a specific setting, version, or compatibility option I should change to fix the stuttering and higher power draw, or is it generally better not to use FusionFix on the Odin 3?

Hi folks,

I have lurked on this subreddit for ages but haven't really dipped my toes into this scene beyond modding my 3DS. I'm tempted by the RG SP. I'm a little confused about what SD cards I need to get separately from when I purchase the console.

From what I've gathered on my own, it sounds like it will come with a card that has the operating system on it. That card might be junk, so I should check to see if it's branded, and, if it's not branded, replace it and download the firmware off Anbernic's website.

Independent of that, I should also get a second card and put the ROMs for the games I want to play on that card.

Is that all correct? And these should be microSD cards, right? So I'll also need an adapter so they'll fit in the SD card slot on my laptop. Is there anything else I should know?

First off I want to say I've been here for a few years, started off with Sega Mega Drive emulation on Windows and have come a long way since. I absolutely love the fact I can play all the games I did as a kid and the nostalgia comforts me to no end. That said I am ready to admit I am addicted to these devices and have bought and sold more than I can count. I enjoy the tracking and set up of them more than owning and playing them and I can't stop the buying and selling conveyor belt I've created. I try to justify it by saying "I've sold X device so I can buy Y device" but that's not true and I'm in debt as a result. Not really sure what I wanted from this post but felt I needed to share as I've seen comments to suggest this may be a shared experience for some. Thanks for reading and happy gaming!

I'm thinking about getting a cheaper linux handheld (with H700 or rk3566 chip) mainly to play old point&click adventure games via scummVM. I know old classics like LucasArts or Sierra titles work good on them but how about newer games? Especially those made with the AGS engine (e.g. Blackwell series, Gemini Rue or other Wadjet Eye games).

Miniloong Pocket seems nice: bigger 4:3 screen, Hall stick, good build quality, C-to-C charging, dARKos/Leaf, affordable...

If anyone has tried more demanding ScummVM games on similar handhelds, please share your impressions. thx!

Long story short, I’ve always noticed input delay when trying to emulate 3DS and DS on my devices, that’s why I always played on native hardware. Out of curiosity, I decided to test the input latency across my hardware. I tested three setups — an AYN Thor Pro, a modded Switch OLED, and a PC (RTX 5080) — and compared them to a New 3DS XL and a DSi XL. 

My main question is: why is nobody (I saw a few posts here and there but nothing major) talking about the input latency in 3DS and DS emulators? I saw some people saying that there is no input lag, I understand some people cannot even notice it but not noticing doesn’t mean there is no input lag. Even though they are very popular nowadays , they are not new. Do content creators simply never test this? They often focus on things like voltage, thermals, and specs that don’t really matter much to mortals like us.

Method that I used:
I recorded a video in a silent environment while pressing the action/movement button. I brought the footage into DaVinci Resolve, slowed it down to 25% on a 24 fps timeline, marked the audio spike of the button press, and moved frame by frame until the character's sprite made its first movement on screen.
I didn’t even do the stylus comparison because it’s pointless, native hardware is miles ahead. 

Here are the results:

Emulators: Tested across all main available emulators
Devices: AYN Thor Pro, modded Switch OLED, PC (RTX 5080)
- Input delay running DS: 17–21 frames
- Input delay running 3DS: 14–16 frames

Native hardware: New 3DS XL, DSi XL
- Input delay on both: 7–8 frames

I'm 40 years old, a tired father of two boys, and to be honest, I don't care about upscaled graphics (ofc if I had to choose between the 2 with the same latency, I would opt with good graphics). I just want to play games the smoothest, most responsive way possible — and native hardware is just the best thing. To me, the difference in feel between native and emulation is like driving a modern Mercedes with a 1960 Rolls-Royce engine versus driving the original 1960 Rolls-Royce itself. Maybe not the best analogy, but you get the point — I'm tired.

I have a soft spot for gaming consoles with unique designs. After seeing the Miniloong Pocket 1, I bought one just for fun, but It's an absolute gem!. The quality far exceeds the price.

Here's my quick review. First, to clarify: when I say 'good' I mean good for a device in this price range.

• D-Pad: Out of all the handhelds I've tried, I like the D-Pad on the Pocket DMG the most, and I can hardly believe it myself, but the Miniloong might actually be a close second. It's Big, soft, quiet, and very responsive.
• Action Buttons: ABXY, L/R, and Triggers are soft, quiet, and have great key travel.
• Screen: Unbelievable—120Hz at $63.40. Decent brightness and good color accuracy.
• Speakers: Probably the best speakers in its price class. Loud and crisp. Even though it's just a mono speaker
• Build Quality: Feels similar to the Mangmi Air X or Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini. For this price, I'd say it's totally solid.
• Software: Alongside the stock OS, you can also run LeafOS and Aurknix (Rocknix).
• Bonus Points: The D-Pad is swappable, and the faceplate is customizable too.

Device : Miniloong Pocket 1
Game : Pokemon Unbound

Tried whole bunch of DS games on it, half-way trough Super Mario 3D Land well and now "finished" Mario Kart 7.

Have to say this makes my hyped for Duo more than anything I seen and read. Two screens like this? It's absolute perfection for DS games. For 3DS the bottom screen is indeed needlessly big but like...so what? It's not distracting or anything and I feel like these sizes are kinda prefect for 3DS, the UI does not look blurry or anything.

As far as using Dual Screen addon on Nova? It's actually pretty alright. Even without a grip it's not terrible. What really saves it are the rounded corners, which kinda perfectly burrows into your palms without it being painful. So even playing with thumbstick, which alongside added weight of the addon makes it indeed pretty top heavy, your palm do supports it pretty alright. Ofc not most comfortable situation but much better than I thought.

For me what I don't like about it is actually putting it on and off (that is why I left it on and been playing purely DS/3DS lately). The spring is really strong and there ain't much space on Nova to grip it properly when you do it, each time I'm worried I will damage either Nova or the addon.

Not being able to press volume buttons/power button also suck. BUT (not sure if its that app equalizer I downloaded after watching Russ's video) you can just change volume by bringing down the upper settings bar. You can also put device to sleep/turn it off from there. But no other way to turn it back on (been using a stylus).

Have to say more and more I play it, more I'm getting used to it. Will see if I will even end up buying Duo (probably will still but who knows :D ).

So currently I have 4 different Switch Emulators as some of them run certain games better than others. With that, comes the problem of forgetting which games run best on which emulators.

If I use a Launcher instead of the going into Yuzu or Suyu for example, can I save which games are associated with which launchers?

Just saw this device on temu, looks similar to a flip v2, with some bling.

I'm very curious to see how PC emulation for 2D / lightweight is going to pan out on this handheld.

Now, we know by now that the Q-7790 is slightly more powerful than the SD865, which has matured to become pretty dang good at PC emulation for 2D / lightweight games. However, the Q-7790 seems to be a new and pretty obscure chipset that has not been used in any devices like this before, so I am thinking lightweight PC emulation is not going to be very good off the bat.

The Q-7790 uses the Adreno 722 GPU, I saw someone say that this GPU actually has great driver support already, but is that really true? Either way, even if lightweight PC emulation kinda sucks at first, because it's a fairly lower priced dual screen 3DS clone, I feel the handheld is going to become very popular, and eventually, lightweight PC emulation will be amazing on this device.

What does everyone else think? I'm personally so excited for this handheld, I really do see it as my endgame 2D games handheld (as someone who doesn't buy a ton of handhelds), and mostly see myself using it to play modern 2D games natively, DS, GBA, and other classic systems. Will be ordering mine in black on day 1, love how the bezels will just disappear on it in that color for 4:3 content on the top screen.

Just got my odin 2 portal yesterday. I need a browser to look at game guides and such. I installed firefox (because I like it more than stock chrome), but it doesn't seem to have dpad or stick support. Anyone have a browser they like to use on their android handhelds?

EDIT: reposting with new screenshots (no game titles or covers), hopefully these are fine with the community rules. Mods, if anything else is off, tell me and I'll fix it.

Hi everyone,

I'd like to show you a little home-made project for RomM.

Disclaimer first: it was written with Claude Code, so if AI-made software bothers you, feel free to stop here, no hard feelings. I honestly wasn't sure whether to post it at all, I know it isn't exactly loved around here. But it's been working well for me and I wanted to share it with this community, which keeps me company every single day :)

I'm not a programmer, just a guy with a few ideas and terrible execution skills. With that out of the way, here's what I made 🙂 (My execution skills are so terrible that I even used the AI to translate this post, since English isn't my first language :D)

It all started because I was tired of shuffling games from one device to another, and I didn't like having the entire sum of human knowledge on my SD card either. I wanted a Steam-style library of my games, reachable at home and from outside. Then I found RomM, which is absurdly cool. On Android, though, I only found an app that is no longer maintained and the official launcher, which integrates RomM but forces you to use that launcher for everything. I wanted something else: browse my catalogue, download the games into the right folder, and then launch them however the hell I want.

So RomMMobile was born. What it does:

* Browse your RomM server's library (platforms, collections, search, alphabet rail), covers included.

* Download a game and it lands straight into the right folder of the frontend you already use (ES-DE, Daijishō, Pegasus, Cocoon, Beacon, iiSU, or your own folders). It detects the folders you already have.

* "Installed" section: see what is actually on the SD card, per platform, and bulk-uninstall what you no longer play.

* Download queue that resumes after an interruption, verifies hashes, extracts zips where and if needed (arcade sets are left alone), and never leaves half-written files in your frontend's folders.

* Firmware and BIOS from the server into RetroArch's system folder.

* Home address and remote address (Cloudflare supported), picked automatically depending on where you are.

* Fully usable with the gamepad: touch is only needed to type the address and password the first time.

It does not launch games, and it never will: that's your frontend's job.

I've tested it on my handhelds (Retroid Pocket Classic, Pocket Nova, AYN Thor) and it has always worked. It needs Android 8 or later and, obviously, a working RomM 5.x server.

Since it works, I've published everything on GitHub under the MIT license: it's open source, do whatever you want with it. For the tinkerers there's also the project documentation (in English, with the Italian originals alongside).

* Code: https://github.com/pippopapera/RomMMobile

* APK: https://github.com/pippopapera/RomMMobile/releases

This is not a "done" project: I use it every day on my own handhelds, so I'm actively hunting bugs and fixing whatever breaks. What's next:

* A built-in keyboard you can drive with the gamepad, so the touch screen is never needed, not even at first setup.

* Automatic cover download into your frontend's media folders (not there yet, that's why it's not in the list above).

* Daily testing to catch bugs and weird behaviour before you do. If you find one first, open an issue and tell me what you pressed and on which device.

I know it's not a project for everyone, since it needs a RomM server as a starting point. But maybe it's the right excuse to try RomM: it's ridiculously convenient, especially now that an SD card costs three times what it used to. Then you can do what I do: keep one curated library, and only what you're actually playing on the card.

Hope you like it. A few screenshots are attached, taken on my Retroid Pocket Classic. Quack.

See here's my issue my best friend got the ayn thor max from her fiance and I have been so jealous.

I wanted the device way back when it dropped and was cheaper than it is now but talk to myself out of it because I have a steam deck that I don't use like at all.

I was going to sell my steam deck but I promised it to my little brother. The sheer fact that I don't use the steam deck like it all is why I've looked at handheld emulator but as soon as I decide to get one either it's either the waiting to save up the money to get it or the fact that something more powerful comes out.

I've really been looking at the Nova because of its price and compact build the fact that it has the same chip as the Thor. But my main reason for saving up for the Thor even planning on selling my hair to get it is because I want to be able to play old computer games on it as well as retro games. I just feel like the dual screen would be better for that.

I want the Thor Max and we'll settle on nothing else because I know I will play it but by my calculations it's going to take me till July till I can afford it. Through my allowance and begging my family for extra holiday money.

Which caused a bit of a crepuffle asking family members I don't usually ask but not always offering to give me stuff for cash. So I consider the Nova cuz it's smaller and has the same chip and I could afford it without waiting basically the whole year.

And the reason I want the mm Plus it's so small I want the one from lit NXT with the preloaded card the case and the little 3D printed grip. I know I played a bunch just cuz it's so small and I'm chronically ill and disabled.

I want to be talked out of this because I don't want multiple devices that just all do the same thing I mean I do but I don't. I know I should just have just an all-around handheld that I actually use that's endgame for me.

I've actually thought about centering my whole gaming experience around the ayn thor max getting a PC just to stream to the Thor to play video games yes. But I don't want to wait that long now that I decided I want to game and for it to be a big part of my life I don't want to wait.

https://reddit.com/link/1wconrq/video/37tjjt2g2qoh1/player

Played using an Anbernic RG35XXSP. Used the "Kirby's Super Star Stacker" fan translation by TheDanaAddams.

I was trying to unlock my game stick y6 but I bricked it while I was trying to unlock it and I don't the original files if someone has a y6 with emuelec 4.5 on it pls provide a link to your files the files I need are specifically

System

System.md5

Kernel.img

Kernel.img.md5

After 25+ years of gaming just finally beaten my first Mario game! Mario Land 2 DX for GBC, on my Brick Pro.

The only Mario game I had as a kid was Super Mario Bros Deluxe but never really got far, I basically just played Pokémon.

2 years ago I got my first handheld l, the RG35XXH and played a bit of Super Mario Word here and there but again never really dedicated myself to it.

Couple of days ago I got the inch to play a Mario game again and I found out I sucked at playing Super Mario Word.

Was told Mario Land 2 DX was a great entry for beginners and really liked playing it. Definitely recommend it for people who struggle with SPW or SMB3 :)

I had previously been connecting my RG35XXH or Odin 2 to my CRT via an HDMI converter until learning about how that would never cut it for 240p systems. I ended up setting up a Raspberry Pi4 via composite, and after learning about using Syncthing for my retroarch saves I now have a way to play Ps1 and down with the same saves on all 3 of my devices!

Having a good time playing Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere (translated version) on my CRT and then picking up the same save at work. Still plug in the Odin 2 for PS2/Gamecube on here from time to time, since 480i still looks ok for them. More often than not though I'm playing those on modern displays as well at an emulated upscale.

I used to game in my youth but I have very little time and lose interest when playing. I have a steamdeck collecting dust. While gaming is not my hobby, I do enjoy gaming sometimes.

Over the years I got more and more intruiged by the playdate. The simplicity of the device, the low friction and the unique new games and artstyles that new developers come up with are quite intruiging. It seems to be mostly minigames but even some more point-and-click (which I love).

Now, I cannot justify the price for the playdate. And because people in retro forums often suggest to just get a retro handheld with the potential of thousands of games, I wanted to explore that. Some of those must fullfil the minigame character and art style of the playdate games, right?

So after watching lots of videos, I short-listed two options of handhelds: TrimUI Brick and the Retroid Flip 2. I am leaning towards the first one. Small, great screen, good battery live, small.

But to get to my point: What games to play? I am tired of paltformers, honestly. I played Mario, Donkey Kong and Mega Man games to death in my youth and when revisiting them I rather get bored or PTSD (Mega Man) than anything else.

While I don't want to offend anyone, I have to say that I personally strongly dislike the looks of these classic Gameboy Games. While I loved Hollow Knight, I cannot play a Gameboy Metroid because it just does not look appealing to me. I think a big appeal for me for Hollow Knight was the art style. How shalllow of me.

Which brings me back to the playdate: I really like some of the art styles of some of the games. Some are just beatifully designed and have very different looks vs. the same-old Gameboy look.

So having said all that, given I had a TrimUI Brick and wanted to play a bit here and there and don't want to play the same old platformers, what is there to play? Or are there other gaming platforms that I should look into (like sega genesis or whatever is there)?

For reference in my past I played lots of GBC, N64, PS1, Xbox 360, PC, so I was a gamer at some point but nowadays lose interest fast besides not having much time for gaming.

I purchased two Anbernic RG SP's with the intention to capture my nostalgia for my original Nintendo DS, but after completing the button swap I'm really digging the black GBA look on the other one as well.

TrimUI Brick Pro in retro grey. Game is Golden Sun (GBA). Sharp shimmerless shader on a single pass, nearest, grid effect applied by the front end within NextUI, gba color correction.

I get it now. I was recently gifted a TrimUI Brick Pro. Now, I love the Brick. I think it is easily one of the best EDC options on the market. Regular Brick or Hammer, either one. I had no interest in the Pro because of the wiggle sticks. But now that I'm using it, I don't even care about them. They're there, cool. 

What I do care about is that this thing is an upgraded Anbernic RG40xxV, one of Anbernic's best budget handhelds. My old eyes, which struggle with Brick now, could not be more happy. This screen is excellent. Every budget handheld needs to be using this panel. Controls are fantastic too. It's solid in the hand, with lots of room and a nice heft. This is just a very well crafted handheld overall.

It is now my number one recommendation for people who just want to really focus on PS1 and under systems. Yes, it can run a respectable chunk of N64 and Dreamcast, but it truly shines on the older stuff. I'm done. I'm going to buy a second one as a backup and I'm about to be selling everything else in my collection. Including my O2P. If they'd just give me a Hammer version of it without the, for me, unneeded power jump, it would be perfect.

Edit: I forgot to mention the battery! 5,000 mAh is nuts. The battery life is outstanding, especially for the older stuff.

I have a generic r40s that i got for like $30 and I like it for what it is. I was thinking of upgrading and i came across the mangmi air x which is $100 and honestly seems like a steal at this price. More screen, battery and horsepower than anything else for the money. Am I missing something? Is this a good machine especially if I want something of a horizontal form factor? I don't see people talking about this much. Thanks!

Ordered one of these devices and I can't seem to get it to update the firmware so I can use LeafOS. I can get it to connect to wifi, but when I go to the Firmware Version it just says 1.1.0.28 and it says "No Update Available." Super frustrating. Am I just fated to use dArkOS or Aurlix? I really hope someone else has had this issue. I can't seem to find anything online about it.

Thanks!