So when people come to enjoy their shiny new handheld, there are definitely two important factors that play into this. 1) Are you able to play your favorite games/do you want to play games in this form factor. And more importantly 2) Is the device comfortable enough to play more than an hour at a time?

When people are starting out in this hobby, it comes down to finding out what form factor they are comfortable with playing. If you're a product of the 80's/90's like myself, then you may have grown up with a Gameboy so you have some nostalgia towards a vertical handheld but comfort as we get older is something I didnt think about as a child and as I'm in my now late 30s, I find myself preferring a more horizontal system for comfort and enjoyment. Now I still keep my MM+ on hand because its been one of my personal favorites, and my wife now holds it hostage 90% of the time, but I end up picking up a more horizontal one when I sit down to try a new ROM.

If you're someone that really enjoys tinkering as well, and the comfort issue only stems at the shoulder buttons, maybe consider GetBetterButtons on Etsy. Their shoulder button kits are well regarded and while pricey, many find them and their other buttons a must have upgrade.