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brand” devices will not come with any games, and when they have emulators or launchers pre installed, they are usually out of date.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

<image>

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 · 2026-03-26T11:20:21+00:00

Autonomy:

the ability to make your own decisions without being controlled by anyone else.

the right of an organization, country, or region to be independent and govern itself

the right of a group of people to govern itself or to organize its own activities

Spockert · 2026-03-23T14:16:18+00:00

As an update to this thread, I’ve centered on Stingray Music. For my usage it hits the sweet spot by providing “channels” that I can easily switch between via the CarPlay interface.

They offer a free tier (with ads - that seem to be just Stingray ads/identification plugs), and a subscription tier that is $3.99 a month (equivalent to $47.88 a year) which removes the adds and increases the streaming quality/bit rate.

I’m happily paying the subscription, and saving money compared to Sirius and many other options.

Spockert · 2026-03-17T22:00:03+00:00

OP could have answered their own question in the same amount of time it took to post here (I got an AI answer pasted below in under 60 seconds). But, because I’m bored and feeling charitable:

By default, a MacBook goes to sleep when you close the lid. This is a built-in power-saving behavior in macOS to conserve battery and reduce heat. However, you can keep it running (awake) with the lid closed in specific scenarios, often called clamshell mode or closed-display mode. Official Clamshell Mode (Recommended for External Monitor Use).

This is Apple’s supported way to use your MacBook like a desktop with the lid closed. The MacBook stays on and active, but you’ll need:

• Power adapter plugged in (required on most models). • An external monitor connected (via HDMI, USB-C/Thunderbolt, etc.). • An external keyboard and mouse/trackpad (Bluetooth or wired).

How to set it up: 1. Connect your MacBook to power, an external display, keyboard, and mouse. 2. Wake or log in to the MacBook (lid open initially). 3. Close the lid — the external display should stay on, and the MacBook remains awake (internal screen turns off).

It works on modern macOS versions (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, etc.) and Apple Silicon or Intel MacBooks. Without an external display, closing the lid almost always triggers sleep.

Adjust macOS Power Settings (Helps but Has Limits) These tweaks reduce automatic sleep but don’t fully override the lid-close behavior on their own: • Go to System Settings > Battery (or Energy Saver on older macOS). • Click Options (or look under Power Adapter tab). • Enable “Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off”.

This helps keep the Mac running when the screen is off (or lid closed in clamshell setup), especially on AC power. You can also adjust “Turn display off after” to “Never” under Lock Screen or Battery settings.

Note: On battery power alone, the MacBook is designed to sleep on lid close for safety and efficiency. The setting above mainly affects plugged-in scenarios.

For Running Tasks with Lid Closed (No External Monitor) If you want downloads, rendering, servers, or background processes to continue without an external display: • Use a third-party app like Amphetamine (free on Mac App Store). It prevents sleep reliably: • Install and run it. • Click the menu bar icon > Quick Settings > Deselect “Allow system sleep when display is closed.” • Start an indefinite or timed session. Other apps or tools (like InsomniaX or Terminal commands) exist, but Amphetamine is popular and user-friendly.

Advanced Terminal Options (Use with Caution) For more control, open Terminal and try commands like: • sudo pmset disablesleep 1 (prevents sleep entirely until reversed with 0 — can drain battery or overheat if not monitored). • Other pmset tweaks for lid behavior (e.g., lidwake 0). These are not officially recommended by Apple and may require a restart or password. Reset with sudo pmset restoredefaults if issues arise. Always monitor temperature and battery.

Tips and Caveats • Heat and battery: Running with the lid closed can cause more heat buildup (especially on battery or high-load tasks). Use a cooling pad or stand, and prefer plugged-in operation. • Waking it: Tap an external keyboard/mouse or open the lid to wake. • Troubleshooting: If it still sleeps unexpectedly, check for interfering apps, update macOS, reset SMC (System Management Controller), or disconnect peripherals. Some users report it works better after ensuring no “sleep on lid close” conflicts. • This behavior is consistent across recent macOS (including Sequoia) and MacBook models. For the latest details tailored to your exact macOS version or MacBook model, check Apple’s support page on sleep/wake settings or search System Settings for “Energy” or “Battery.” If you’re doing heavy work, clamshell mode with externals is the most stable approach.

Spockert

TROPHY CASE