My Favorite Handhelds of 2024

Summary

In this 2024 handheld gaming roundup, the speaker discusses the best devices of the year, focusing on categories like favorite disappointments, most improved, most played, easiest to recommend, and favorite overall handhelds. The *Retroid Pocket Mini* is a solid yet underwhelming choice, while the *Lenovo Legion Go* sees significant improvements. The *Ayn Odin 2* takes the top spot for most-played, and the *Ambernick RG35 XXSP* wins the title of favorite handheld due to its portability and customization options. The speaker also highlights the *Steam Deck* as the best high-end, plug-and-play device, looking forward to 2025's releases.

Takeaways

• 😀 The *Retroid Pocket Mini* is a solid handheld but ultimately feels redundant compared to other options like the *Retroid Pocket 5*, making it the reviewer's 'favorite disappointment' of 2024.
• 😀 The *Miu A30* and *Trim Smart Pro* were both disappointing at launch but have significantly improved over time, with hardware and software upgrades making them more reliable.
• 😀 The *Lenovo Legion Go* started off as a flawed handheld but became a standout after software fixes, better controller ergonomics, and community-driven mods like 3D-printed grips.
• 😀 The *Ayn Odin 2* is the most played handheld of 2024, with its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor making it ideal for high-end emulation and Android gaming, along with streaming capabilities.
• 😀 The *Retroid Pocket 5* is quickly gaining traction, and the reviewer predicts it will surpass the *Ayn Odin 2* in playtime in 2025 due to its versatility and performance.
• 😀 The *Ambern RG35XXSP* is the easiest handheld to recommend in the budget category, thanks to its versatility, compact form factor, and easy-to-use stock operating system.
• 😀 The *Retroid Pocket 5* strikes a balance in the mid-range category, offering dual-boot capabilities for both Android and Linux, making it an attractive option for users seeking flexibility.
• 😀 The *Steam Deck* remains the easiest handheld to recommend for a high-end gaming experience, providing a smooth, console-like experience with strong software and hardware support.
• 😀 The *Ambern RG35XXSP* also wins as the reviewer's favorite overall handheld of 2024, thanks to its portability, clamshell design, and overall retro gaming experience.
• 😀 The reviewer highlights the growing variety of handhelds in 2024, with devices like the *Retroid Pocket 5* and *Ayn Odin 2* showing significant promise for both casual and power users.
• 😀 Future handheld releases are expected to keep improving, with devices like Ambern’s upcoming Game Boy Advance-style handheld generating excitement in the retro gaming community.

Q & A

What is the main reason the Retroid Pocket Mini is considered the 'favorite disappointment' of 2024?

The Retroid Pocket Mini is considered a 'favorite disappointment' because, despite its solid specs (Snapdragon 865 processor and OLED display), it doesn't offer anything significantly better than other similar handhelds, making it less appealing over time.

What improvements were made to the Miu A30 that earned it a spot as one of the most improved handhelds of 2024?

The Miu A30 improved both in hardware and software. The control feel was enhanced, and software updates, including the introduction of Spruce, significantly boosted its performance, making it one of the best micro handhelds.

How did the Lenovo Legion Go improve over time to become one of the most recommended handhelds?

The Lenovo Legion Go initially had software bugs and uncomfortable controls. However, after several updates, including software fixes, better audio quality, and the addition of 3D-printed grips, it became one of the most improved handhelds, particularly for those seeking a larger handheld PC experience.

Which handheld was played the most in 2024, and why?

The Ayn Odin 2 was the most played handheld of 2024. It features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which makes it ideal for high-end emulation and streaming, and it became the go-to device for a balanced, all-round gaming experience.

Why is the Retroid Pocket 5 expected to be a favorite in 2025?

The Retroid Pocket 5, although newly released, is expected to become a favorite due to its dual-booting capability (Android and Linux), its strong price-to-performance ratio, and its solid build. The anticipation for its maturity in Linux-based operating systems is a key factor.

What makes the Ambernick RG35XXSP a great handheld for casual gaming?

The Ambernick RG35XXSP stands out for its portability, clamshell design, and ease of use. It’s highly customizable with a variety of software options, making it a top choice for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a straightforward and reliable device.

What is the key feature of the Ambernick RG35XXSP that makes it the easiest to recommend for budget-conscious buyers?

The Ambernick RG35XXSP is easy to recommend due to its versatility. It has a wide range of software options and allows users to easily switch between multiple operating systems on different SD cards, providing great value for the price.

Why does the Steam Deck continue to be the easiest high-end handheld to recommend?

The Steam Deck remains the easiest high-end handheld to recommend due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio, starting at $400. It offers a great PC gaming experience, and its user-friendly design and solid hardware make it a go-to choice for those looking for an accessible handheld PC.

How does the Retroid Pocket 5 compare to other handhelds in terms of software flexibility?

The Retroid Pocket 5 is highly flexible in terms of software. It can dual boot between Android and Linux, offering users the option to choose the operating system that best fits their needs. While the Android setup is straightforward, the Linux option is expected to improve with time, making it versatile for different types of users.

What makes the Ambernick RG35XXSP the 'favorite overall handheld' of 2024?

The Ambernick RG35XXSP is the 'favorite overall handheld' of 2024 because it consistently delivers a joyful gaming experience. Its clamshell design, ease of use, portability, and ability to support multiple retro games make it the go-to handheld for casual gaming enthusiasts. It has proven to be the most reliable and enjoyable option for the year.