My Favorite Retro Handhelds of 2024 (So Far)

Summary

In this video, Ruster Metro reviews the top five retro handheld gaming devices of 2024, highlighting their unique features and performance capabilities. The devices range from Game Boy-style to powerful Android-based machines, offering a variety of gaming experiences. The standout picks include the FP GBC for classic Game Boy nostalgia, the Amernick RG35 XXH and XXSP for budget emulation, the Miu A30 for micro handheld gaming, the Amernick RG Cube for its compact design, and the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for its exceptional performance and value. The summary also mentions runner-up devices like the Amernick RG556 and the Odin 2 Mini, providing viewers with a comprehensive guide to the best retro handhelds available.

Takeaways

• 🕹️ The video is a roundup of Ruster Metro's top 5 favorite retro handhelds released in 2024.
• 📐 The handhelds are categorized based on their features and targeted gaming experiences.
• 🧩 The 'favorite Game Boy' is a self-assembling device that mimics the original Game Boy Color with modern upgrades like a rechargeable battery and backlit LCD.
• 🎮 The 'budget pick' features a tie between the amernick RG35 xxh and the RG35 xxsp, both capable of emulating PS1 and some Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 games.
• 🕹️ The RG35 xxh is preferred for its horizontal form factor and additional features like analog sticks and stereo speakers.
• 📺 The RG35 xxsp is favored for its nostalgic Game Boy Advance SP-like design and clamshell durability.
• 🔥 The 'favorite micro device' category highlights the gkd pixel, the amernick RG 28xx, and the Miu a30, with the latter gaining favor due to software and control improvements.
• 🎳 The 'favorite retro machine' is the amernick RG Cube, praised for its compact size, unique screen aspect ratio, and ability to emulate GameCube and PS2 games.
• 💰 The 'overall favorite' is the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio, compatibility with modern systems, and high-resolution upscaling.
• 📲 The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro also supports widescreen gaming and streaming, making it versatile for various gaming needs.
• 🔄 The script mentions runner-up devices like the amernick RG 556 and the Odin 2 mini, which offer larger screens and different advantages but at a higher price point.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video by Ruster Metro?

The main topic of the video is a roundup of Ruster Metro's five favorite retro handhelds released in 2024.

What are the ground rules set by Ruster Metro for selecting the handhelds?

The ground rules are that each handheld must have been released in 2024 and they are all retro-based handhelds focused on emulation, with broad categories used to narrow down the selection.

What is the unique feature of the Game Boy-like handheld mentioned in the video?

The unique feature of the Game Boy-like handheld is that it is assembled by the user, similar to a Lego set, and it offers modern upgrades like a rechargeable battery with a USB-C connection and a backlit LCD display.

How does the FPGA technology used in the Game Boy-like handheld affect its performance?

The FPGA technology allows the handheld to behave like an original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, providing an authentic gaming experience.

What is the price of the Game Boy-like handheld after shipping?

The price of the Game Boy-like handheld is $83 after shipping.

What are the two devices that tied for Ruster Metro's favorite budget pick?

The two devices that tied for the favorite budget pick are the Amernick RG35 XXH and the RG35 XSSP.

What are the main differences between the RG35 XXH and the RG35 XSSP?

The RG35 XXH is a horizontal handheld with analog sticks and stereo speakers, while the RG35 XSSP has a clamshell design similar to the Game Boy Advance SP and is more nostalgic and durable.

What is the price range for the Amernick RG35 XXH and RG35 XSSP devices?

The devices can usually be found between $50 and $75 depending on the retailer.

What are the key features of the Mio A30 that made it Ruster Metro's favorite micro device?

The key features of the Mio A30 include its compact size, improved controls, and software updates that have enhanced the user experience.

What are the shortcomings of the GDK Pixel mentioned in the video?

The shortcomings of the GDK Pixel include its small size and cramped feel, making it less comfortable to use compared to other micro devices.

What makes the Amernick RG Cube unique among the handhelds discussed?

The Amernick RG Cube is unique due to its compact size, 720x720 square aspect ratio screen, and its ability to run Android while playing most GameCube and PS2 games.

What are the main advantages of the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro according to Ruster Metro?

The main advantages of the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro are its excellent price-to-performance ratio, compatibility with a wide range of systems including modern ones, and its ability to upscale older games for a remastered experience.

What are the runner-up devices to the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro mentioned in the video?

The runner-up devices are the Amernick RG556, which has a larger AMOLED screen and better ergonomics, and the Odin 2 Mini, which has a mini LED display and is more powerful but more expensive.

What are the main concerns about the analog sticks on the Amernick RG Cube and RG556?

The main concerns are that the analog sticks do not provide full analog input and behave more like traditional joysticks with eight-way control.

What is the starting price of the Odin 2 Mini?

The starting price of the Odin 2 Mini is $340.

What is the main reason Ruster Metro prefers the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro over the Odin 2 Mini despite the price difference?

Ruster Metro prefers the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro due to its better value for money and overall performance, despite the price difference.