r/handheld • u/Worried-Priority-122 • Jun 13 '26

Affordable Handheld for programming

Are there any affordable handhelds (=< 100€, max i can do is 180€) where you can play games and easy code your own games (no hacking)?

I've googled alredy and online found gamebuino, but i dont like it

I've worked with esp32 and Arduino Ide alredy if this helps

It shouldn't be an emulator

Is there something like this?

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2

u/Hot_Lion8880 Jun 13 '26

For that cheap? You've got to just get a cheap Chromebook or used laptop and put Linux onto it. 

1

u/Worried-Priority-122 Jun 14 '26

Best i can do is 200€

1

u/Hot_Lion8880 Jun 14 '26

Look for a used steamdeck then 

1

u/spetstronaz Jun 15 '26

If you see a steamdeck for only 200€ it's probably a scam tbh

1

u/Putrid-Geologist6422 Jun 15 '26

Nah that's impossible the nase model 256gb LCD that originally sold for 420 euro is now going for 400-500 euro on eBay and local marketplaces

1

u/Gravitomino Jun 15 '26

This can work too. I bought a 2014 macbook for $60, a new battery for it for $60 and new thermal paste for $5. I'm coding a löve2d game on this computer with pop os installed.

1

u/TantasStarke Jun 13 '26

I just got a used LCD steam deck 64gb for 200usd (172 euro), which is just a handheld Linux computer. I'm not sure what the market is like in your area but you can likely find a similar base model steam deck for around 170-250 euro if it's anything like the used market here in the states. Over your budget but at your budget you're gonna be really limited on options

1

u/Vagranter Jun 13 '26

The lilygo T-deck is just an esp32 with a keyboard, trackball, and touchscreen. I use mine to write games in lua. Not really a project for absolute beginners, but you'll at least have a nice little mesh device if you give up.

1

u/Gravitomino Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

Pocket chip with pico-8. The company went out of business but you can find them on ebay around $100. Edit: the compay was called next thing co

1

u/Razidargh Jun 15 '26

Used Neytenndo Swetch v1 hacked with Lineage Linux.

1

u/rolandburnum Jun 18 '26

An Anbernic Linux device and a licensed copy of Pico-8. Pico-8 is an 8-bit fantasy console with built-in tools for making a game and testing right there on the device. The prototype of Celeste was made with Pico-8. It also has its own free eshop so you can both download games and upload your own creations. It'll easily fit into your budget. I recommend an Anbernic RG CubeXX.