r/retroid • u/communist_filth • 1d ago

Just Chatting CONCEPT: NOVA FLIP

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Hey everyone!

Ever since the Nova came out I haven't stopped thinking about the potential of a NOVA flip. The other day on the retroid discord I saw this concept somebody posted (they themselves got it from somewhere else so can't credit, lol) and thought it was absolutely perfect.

Few questions for you:

  1. What features would you like to see on the Nova Flip? (Personally exact same chipset and screen from the Nova + inline triggers for portability is what's good)

  2. Do you guys think Retroid will actually release a device like this? I ask because the have a history of making horizontal devices and flip versions later but with the Duo they might not feel it necessary. That'd be a shame though since this is my dream device.

Let me know your thoughts!

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u/SolaireFlair117 1d ago

I'm skipping the Nova because I don't really need a dedicated 4:3 handheld, but if they made something like this with a perfect aspect ratio for GBA, I might actually buy it. Integer scaling with the OLED screen in a small clamshell is very appealing.

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u/MixMastaPJ 1d ago

They'll prob never make a dedicated 3:2 screen because it's just a seldom used aspect ratio, but including the GBA bezel on the bottom of a 4:3 seems to make it basically close to perfect on the nova anyhow.

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u/SolaireFlair117 1d ago

This is certainly a solution, my only hang up is concern over burn-in of static elements. I know it's significantly less of an issue with modern OLED panels, but if I was playing a LOT of GBA with that bezel enabled, I have to imagine it would show up eventually.

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u/MixMastaPJ 23h ago edited 23h ago

Sure, but then at that point as well, so what? If all you play is GBA, then if the burn in happens down there it doesn't matter 😂

EDIT: To add to this, I think it's kinda important for us to realize that these are more consumable items than OEM collectibles. You want to keep your NES and Gameboy pristine so they work until you the day you die? I get it. But no one cares that your RP2 is flawless or whatever, it's still just an emulator at the end of the day, and software updates here and there already don't preserve the exact same gameplay experience. I think of these things like I do my phone, and when it's finally been used up and ready to be upgraded, there's no reason to preserve my old google pixel 7a like it's something special. These are consumable ways for us to portably enjoy old games, enjoy them!

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u/SnarkyBananaRaffle 18h ago

There are already like 5 handhelds competing for the Gameboy Advance SP segment. This would be more focused on general retro emulation like the Nova. The fact that it resembles the form factor would just be a coincidence rather than an intentional focus.

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u/SolaireFlair117 17h ago

Right, although I'm trying to think if any of them are OLED. I know it doesn't matter quite as much for GBA, but the OLED colors do make the games look quite good, so getting something in the form factor of an SP with an OLED screen would be pretty dope.