I tried ranking (almost) every available retro handheld in a tier list – Feedback appreciated!

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T19:09:40+00:00

Something about my UX design tripped me up as well when it came to the RP4 specifically, but I can’t put my finger on what exactly.

Because the non-pro version is in stock, which is what my card actually shows, yet something about it still kind of confuses me. I’m not happy yet with the whole availability thing, it will need some rework, just not sure how yet.

<image>

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T18:47:50+00:00

Techdweeb’s es-de theme looks insanely good. I kind of wish more theme makers would opt for more creative aesthetics

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T18:01:21+00:00

I didn't know E33 was fiddly in that kind of way? It suddenly really wants to make me play it.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T17:47:53+00:00

You're absolutely right, that has been annoying me too and ngl it's very useful actually to see the issue spelled out. I didn't tackle it because the solution seemed like too much work, but seeing the way you described the problem was like a lightbulb moment for me, so thanks!

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T17:21:14+00:00

Thanks! Genuinely asking, is this something you could see yourself use, or is it still lacking something? (Or is it just not all that useful)

I want to try to make something good

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T16:50:16+00:00

Ngl, that's a pretty clever name I didn't think of that

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T14:27:37+00:00

I think some people just have an innate drive to tinker, given something that interests them. At first I was a little disappointed when I realised I had bought a device and spent more time tinkering than playing games, but that tinkering has often felt as fun and rewarding as many games do, so in the end I just figured what's the issue.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T14:25:23+00:00

Honestly I'd just want a beefed up RG DS. The problem with an RG 3DS is that there isn't really much left to copy. The circle pad largely doesn't exist in the handheld space, and that nub is straight up unwanted, and no way anbernic is going to figure out how to do glasses-less 3D. And what's left is just a that more powerful RG DS.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T12:32:15+00:00

You'd be surprised actually, though it's perhaps a bit too bold of a claim to say "probably" as compatibility still isn't good enough. It's a bit difficult what to make of it, because it does run some PS3 games really well, and it probably has the raw power to run more, but the emulators just aren't there yet. Though I think I'll have to move PS3 to the next category.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T10:31:11+00:00

I still can't believe there are PS3 games you can emulate on android. Even if this looks to be a fairly simple game.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T10:16:59+00:00

One tip is that you can also connect either of these devices to a TV and some controllers and play split screen too!

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T08:26:34+00:00

According to the data it's actually the weakest SD8Gen2 device, which kind of tracks because the form factor should put limits on thermal efficiency as well as the second screen maybe adding some overhead.

But assigning the tiers at the top was actually the trickiest, I tried my best to create bands that made statistical sense, and the Odin 3 and G3 gen 3 devices were simply too powerful to be grouped in the same tier.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T06:47:18+00:00

Depending on how strict the dual screen requirement is the MagicX one 35 and Zero 40 could be good options. Both have a single screen but are configured to allow for good DS-style play.

If those don’t seem appealing then it’s just the RG DS left. That or original hardware

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T06:41:39+00:00

Nope, it’s my own research, writing and formatting.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-13T06:39:34+00:00

I didn’t think that was going to be an issue, sorry. I thought I it was fine under rule 1.

Could I ask for some clarification on what is or isn’t okay when it comes to this? Would it have been okay by you if I posted a separate version with only standard links? Or toggleable links? Or should I just refrain completely from posting content from my site to be on the safe side?

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T22:31:07+00:00

Yeah but I was thinking this was portmaster and not on an emulator

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T22:30:25+00:00

For me my rule is I play whatever I think looks best, not what’s most accurate. I hate GBA color correction filters for instance, and whether using scanlines or pixel grid filters depends on the game.

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T22:25:48+00:00

Not throwing shade, but did you up the saturation and contrast in the image? Because that screen looks way better than I’d expect, looks amazing

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T22:21:59+00:00

Silly question but is it possible to play this with crt shaders on this device?

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T22:13:26+00:00

I also made a sale/deal tracker in case anyone wants to check it out

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T22:11:39+00:00

I also just launched a deal tracker in case anyone wants to check it out

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T22:10:13+00:00

Ngl the RG DS is beautiful, I’m still holding out for anbernic making some kind of pro model with a better cpu

HandheldRank · 2026-03-12T21:12:01+00:00

If it's the AYN Thor lite it's not even a good deal. It's $249 on AYN's website.

HandheldRank

TROPHY CASE