Retro DOODADS of the YEAR Awards! ~ 2025!

Summary

In the 'Doodads of the Year Awards,' Techweb humorously ranks a variety of retro handheld gaming devices reviewed throughout the year. With a mix of candid opinions, tech analysis, and quirky commentary, he evaluates each device on performance, price, and nostalgia value. From budget-friendly gems to high-end powerhouses, the tier list ranges from S to D, giving insights into what makes each device stand out or fall short. The video offers a fun, relatable look at the handheld gaming scene of 2025, with Techweb's signature humor and enthusiasm guiding viewers through his choices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is a humorous and energetic tier list of retro handheld gaming devices, with a mix of comedy, personal opinion, and light-hearted criticism.
• 😀 The review follows a ‘Techb scale’ where even devices ranked in the lower tiers (like C or D) are still enjoyed to some degree, emphasizing a positive outlook on most gadgets.
• 😀 Many of the devices are budget-friendly, and value for money is a key theme. Devices like the RGDS and Magny AirX are praised for being affordable yet functional.
• 😀 Some devices stand out for their unique form factors, like the Game Gear-inspired GKD Bubble and the transforming 1X Sugar, though some are more niche and not recommended for everyone.
• 😀 Flippy screen devices (like the Miu Mini Flip and Retroid Pocket Flip 2) are highlighted as a fun trend this year, with some praised for portability and others criticized for their aesthetics.
• 😀 The tier list includes a mix of well-known brands like Retroid, Amberlick, and IO, as well as more niche ones like TrimUI and Conquer, offering a wide range of perspectives on the handheld market.
• 😀 While many of the devices are solid performers, some, like the IO Pocket Micro Classic and RG34XX, are seen as niche, with features that don't fully justify their price tags.
• 😀 The battle between form factor, performance, and affordability is a common theme. Devices like the Ein Thor and Odin 2 Portal are praised for their performance but criticized for their size or limitations.
• 😀 Some devices, like the RG476H and Battle XP G350, received surprise praise for their quality despite being budget-friendly, proving that great things can come in affordable packages.
• 😀 The video ends with a call to action for viewers to share their own thoughts on the handheld scene and their favorite devices, with a lighthearted touch on not making fun of the host's fingers.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Doodads of the Year Awards' video?

The main theme of the video is a humorous and personal tier list of retro handheld gaming devices. The host, Techweb, ranks various devices from the year based on factors like performance, nostalgia, and value for money, while adding a lot of humor and casual commentary.

Why does Techweb say they can't rank 50 devices at once?

Techweb humorously complains that ranking 50 devices all at once is impossible, both because it's too many to keep track of and because their desk would collapse under the weight of all the paper. The comment is a playful exaggeration meant to add humor to the review process.

What does Techweb mean by 'techb scale' when discussing their tier list?

The 'techb scale' refers to Techweb's personal ranking system, where even a 'D' rating still indicates that the product was enjoyed and had some positive aspects. This scale reflects Techweb's generally positive attitude towards the devices, as they focus on fun and value rather than just flaws.

How does Techweb feel about devices with good value for the price?

Techweb often praises devices that offer good value for their price, suggesting that the price-to-performance ratio is a significant factor in ranking. Devices that may not be the most powerful but offer great value for their price often receive higher rankings.

What device does Techweb consider their favorite of the year?

Techweb seems to consider the 'Ein Thor' as one of the best devices of the year, giving it an S-tier ranking due to its dual OLED screens, powerful performance, and the great overall gaming experience it provides.

Why does Techweb give the '1X Sugar' device a D-tier ranking?

The '1X Sugar' gets a D-tier ranking because, although it is an interesting and weird handheld device, it doesn’t work well in any of its transforming modes. Techweb notes that other devices do the same things better, and the high price makes it a poor value for its performance.

What is Techweb's opinion on devices that are marketed as 'budget' options?

Techweb is generally forgiving of budget devices, as long as they perform decently for their price. However, they often note the compromises made in terms of design, build quality, and features. Budget devices are frequently ranked lower but still receive praise for providing good value.

What is Techweb's view on devices with unique features like flip screens or slide mechanisms?

Techweb enjoys devices with unique features like flip screens or slide mechanisms, but they acknowledge that these features can be hit or miss depending on the device's execution. For example, the 'Miu Mini Flip' is praised for its compactness, but it doesn't quite reach S-tier due to some limitations in performance and screen size.

How does Techweb rate the 'RGDS' device and why?

Techweb rates the 'RGDS' device B-tier. Initially, it had many issues when released, but those were fixed over time, making it a solid device for its price. However, it’s not powerful enough to run all N64 games, and it’s not a 'must-have' device, so it sits comfortably in the middle of the tier list.

What is the significance of the 'Magny AirX' in the tier list?

The 'Magny AirX' is highlighted as an exceptional budget device. It’s affordable, can handle Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast games, and is especially praised for being one of the best budget devices for playing PSP games. However, its slightly cheap feel prevents it from reaching S-tier.

What does Techweb think about the 'Odin 2 Portal' and 'Odin 3' devices?

The 'Odin 2 Portal' receives an S-tier ranking because of its great performance, large OLED screen, and comfy form factor. The 'Odin 3', while more powerful on paper, is not yet fully optimized due to driver issues with its new GPU, which keeps it in A-tier for now.

What is Techweb's opinion on the 'Amberlick RG476H'?

Techweb expresses surprise at how much they like the 'Amberlick RG476H', considering it initially seemed boring. It ended up becoming one of their favorite devices due to its perfect balance of form factor, screen quality, and performance, earning it an S-tier ranking for its value and simplicity.