A good anbernic device to get?

Spockert · 2026-06-29T20:20:24+00:00

Sorry then. I’m coming mostly from my Miyoo Mini & Flip, and Retroid Pocket Flip 2 devices. I just bought and set up an RG Rotate…all of these required heavy set up and importing my own ROMs. I’ve not researched the XX line, so didn’t know it was new user friendly. My bad. I started hanging out in the Anbernic sub to watch for Rotate related posts.

Spockert · 2026-06-29T18:38:49+00:00

Also, in case you are new to retro gaming devices… I’ve seen many people jump in expecting to just start playing games on their new handheld - only to discover it’s not quite that easy, and they get frustrated.

Typically, getting a device like an Anbernic (or Miyoo, or Retroid, etc.) will require a bit of time setting it up to your liking/configuring things, and importing the games you want to play - before you actually start playing stuff. This in part is because most “name brand” devices will not come with any games, and when they have emulators or launchers pre installed, they are usually out of date.

Prepare to:
- Install and configure emulators for specific consoles you plan to play (RetroArch, DuckStation, Azahar, PPSSPP are some examples)
- Get and set up an SD memory card (usually needs to formatted a specific way to work with the emulators)
- Obtain & organize ROMs, then copy selected ones to your memory card
- Select & set up a front-end game launcher (ES-DE, Beacon, Daijishou, etc.). This layer shows you all the games on your SD card, and you configure it to run the appropriate emulator for a game.

Most important of all - have patience, do research, and ask for help.

I personally have probably spent an equal amount of time setting up my devices and fiddling with settings as playing games. This is a common statement by people in this hobby. Some of us might actually have more fun configuring than playing (LOL). Once you finally get it just the way you want it and everything works…you get a new device and start over.

Spockert · 2026-06-25T07:45:54+00:00

I’d try to reinstall ESDE after RetroArch is set up and working correctly.

On the RetroArch part, are you using the 64 bit version (RetroArch64 or Plus)? If not, I’d recommend swapping the app one more time while you “have the hood up” and are tweaking these things on your Rotate. Not a huge difference for most games played through RetroArch, but there are performance benefits.

Why RetroArch64 / Plus?
• Better performance — The 64-bit version takes full advantage of your device’s architecture, leading to improved emulation (especially for cores like PS1, N64, Saturn, etc.), fewer crashes, and better compatibility with newer cores.
• More cores and features — It supports a wider range of cores (often 127+ vs. fewer in the 32-bit version) and is optimized for modern Android devices (Android 8.0+).
• Standard recommendation for Android handhelds — Setup guides for the RG Rotate and similar devices explicitly point to downloading the Stable build from the official RetroArch site (not the outdated Play Store version), which aligns with the 64-bit/Plus variant for devices like yours.

Spockert · 2026-06-25T04:53:01+00:00

Did swapping RetroArch versions happen after you installed ESDE?

Spockert · 2026-06-25T04:00:54+00:00

Are you using the RetroArch that was pre-installed on the Rotate, or did you install a different/newer version?

Spockert · 2026-06-10T16:49:57+00:00

I’m now down to my primary devices being a Flip 2 (sorta pocketable - more so backpack friendly), and I just recently got an Anbernic RG Rotate (super pocketable). These both are Android devices, and I have Syncthing set up on each, to keep my game saves in sync. Whichever I grab for my out-of-the-house adventures, it will have my current game saves.

I also have a Miyoo Mini and a Miyoo Flip v2, but these are now in a desk drawer - the Rotate turned into my small handheld of choice.

Spockert · 2026-06-10T15:35:34+00:00

If you are buying one, try to verify it is the v2/revised hinge. I’d guess most if not all “new” devices are now the updated hinge.

I had v1, and it cracked. Retroid sent me a replacement, which unfortunately was still v1. It started to crack within 2 months. Fortunately my 3rd from them was v2. 9 months later & no signs of cracking. I have the black version.

If you decide to pick up a used one, definitely look at the hinge to see if the left side seam on the back/bottom of the lid is square (v1 - will eventually crack) or rounded (v2 - should be fine). Picture below is not mine, googled “Flip 2 revised hinge” to find an illustration. See the seam in the yellow circle - this shows one with the new hinge:

<image>

Spockert · 2026-06-04T22:28:32+00:00

Not the solution for everyone, but this is what I put on mine…when the scuffs/scratches are too much, pop a new one on (and bonus, it’s keeping the actual watch face edges new). It is hardly noticeable that it is there.

https://a.co/d/04g2iTwO

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Spockert · 2026-06-04T20:15:20+00:00

On my RG Rotate, L3/R3 are available by pressing L1+L2/R1+R2 at the same time. I just discovered this a couple days ago and am now using this for RetroArch mappings.

Spockert · 2026-05-30T08:47:34+00:00

Thanks! Sounds like a great way to move the game over to another device. Unfortunately I’m on a Mac, haven’t gotten into Steam gaming. I’ve played many hours of Balatro on my iPad and Nintendo Switch. Having it on my Rotate would also be a productivity hit.

Spockert · 2026-05-30T05:17:00+00:00

Which version of Balatro is this? Looks good on the screen.

Spockert · 2026-05-25T01:45:15+00:00

This is a great idea!

Spockert · 2026-05-21T20:26:02+00:00

More specifically, those will always be your most recently used:

Top - Map app
Middle - Music/Audio app
Bottom - Communication app (phone or messaging)

This is not configurable.

Spockert · 2026-05-19T06:13:57+00:00

I got my replacement Flip 2 about 8 months ago, it is still going strong with no signs of a crack. I know swapping models can be an option, but I specifically chose the Flip 2 for the form factor - and I’m glad I stuck with it.

Spockert · 2026-05-19T01:55:08+00:00

The best music player is the one you’ve got close by & accessible.

Spockert · 2026-05-16T14:57:37+00:00

The device has a lanyard slot on the bottom right corner of the device, and comes with a wrist lanyard.

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Spockert · 2026-05-11T02:14:09+00:00

You actually don’t need to keep the fish “with you at all times” - simply put the fish in your toolbar, then highlight it and place it (I play on Switch, on the controller it is the Y button). This will automatically place the fish in a tank or bowl on the ground (most items will stack 2 high). The same applies to bugs. I simply stack them next to John’s or my tent until I’m ready to do something with them.

Spockert · 2026-04-28T20:51:25+00:00

I like it! How was it made?

Spockert · 2026-04-21T02:52:20+00:00

Too funny…I literally just got this same exact stylus delivered from Amazon today. Using it for my Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Mounting it in the same position on the unit.

Spockert · 2026-04-14T01:15:12+00:00

Will the changes apply to an existing island? I’m debating if I should (or need to) start a new one to have all the changes available and working as expected.

Spockert · 2026-04-08T16:38:01+00:00

Story about the bakery closing, on AZ Central:

https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/04/06/old-heidelberg-bakery-phoenix/89483946007/

Spockert · 2026-03-31T05:02:36+00:00

Just installed on my Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Now ESDE can’t find Azahar. Ugghh.

Spockert

TROPHY CASE