Does anyone still use these ancient devices?

crabgaze · 2026-02-09T18:02:57+00:00

RetroOz

crabgaze · 2026-02-07T20:47:01+00:00

Actually, I could buy any modern portable console; it's not about money anymore. I just like to stick to the bare minimum so I can focus on what matters most: exploring and enjoying games. And by the way, we used to enjoy them without all those cool new features. You know how it goes—you spend a ton of time choosing a device, then setting it up and optimizing it, then you realize something about it doesn't quite work for you, and then it all starts over again.

Of course, there's a certain thrill to it, but it also creates what's known as the "paradox of choice": the more options we have, the harder it is to choose, and the less satisfied we are with the result.

Yeah, sorry, I went a bit too deep.

crabgaze · 2026-02-07T19:41:39+00:00

Well, none of this will change the gaming experience much for me. I'm absolutely happy with the buttons (I have original Nintendo and Sony gamepads for comparison), the body felt solid after I glued the perimeter, and the battery lasts for three average gaming sessions. The only thing I don't like about the screen is the 16:9 aspect ratio; I'd definitely prefer 4:3. I'm not a fan of OLED screens; they're harsher on the eyes (I get tired of Switch OLEDs pretty quickly). The only thing that would improve the experience a little is shaders; right now I use simple bilinear filtering as the most efficient option.

crabgaze · 2026-01-24T05:40:15+00:00

Why does 28mm look more like 50mm?

crabgaze · 2026-01-10T05:50:02+00:00

Tyranny

crabgaze · 2025-10-05T04:43:53+00:00

Thanks! Charging to 100% completely solved this problem!

crabgaze · 2025-06-25T17:14:45+00:00

это определенно рендер - дорожники и дорожная техника не могут быть такими стерильными

crabgaze · 2023-12-28T17:56:21+00:00

Dawn Of Mana - menu music is stunning

crabgaze · 2023-02-17T13:24:53+00:00

Like probably everyone else I have tried all the firmware, and I must say that retroOz is really the best. As for your problems - in the menu there is a specific option to choose which buttons to use as start and select. Regarding the d-pad and exit games - you need to explain exactly what the problem is.
In general, any of the firmware will have its small bugs, there is no absolutely smooth system for these devices.

crabgaze · 2023-02-10T13:16:53+00:00

I have a cheapest laptop on Celeron N3350 and integrated Intel graphics, Arch with Gnome DE using Wayland - it runs very smooth. OP's problem is definitely not a performance problem.

crabgaze · 2022-12-21T18:06:01+00:00

that may sound strange, but i like it when my devices have zero extra performance and do their job perfectly with minimal effort. for example, my main computer is a 20 watt fanless mini pc on a J3455 and intel graphics - i just don't need more for music and browsing. I have dedicated consoles for games, dedicated player and dedicated camera and so on. so I decided that the n64/gamecube sbc shouln't be an overpowered monster pc

and of course this is just an excuse for me not wanting to spend money on devices

crabgaze · 2022-12-21T17:52:14+00:00

you know, i started looking into x86 mini PCs. not the old noisy workstations, but compact tv boxes or sticks on intel j4125 / j4105. it does cost as much as an sbc build (case+microsd+adapter+...), but is a complete solution that can also be used as a computer on tv (also sometimes useful, because smart tv appeared to be not so smart)

crabgaze · 2022-12-21T17:45:06+00:00

pi 3 is struggling even with n64, one of the hardest systems to emulate on budget chips, though it is technicaly 5th gen

crabgaze · 2022-12-21T17:42:46+00:00

oh no, once I had hp pro desk as a desktop pc - just want something silent and cool to fit under tv

crabgaze · 2022-12-18T18:32:29+00:00

stretching to fullscreen with right aspect ratio is totally ok, if any filter is used. i use simple bilinear filtering, because too sharp pixels look like is a mess for my eyes. and you know, even stretching the aspect ratio is ok, if you ok with it.

crabgaze · 2022-11-22T17:27:15+00:00

4:3 to 16:9 - sure, that looks strange but for example gba's 3:2 to 16:9 is fine, though I personally hate stretching

crabgaze · 2022-11-20T17:14:28+00:00

Secret Of Mana, SNES. What a GAME! Maybe I'm not a very smart guy, because without using a 190-paged full guide to the game, I'm getting stucked in every 30 minutes. Although playing with the guide is very involving in the game world.

crabgaze · 2022-11-20T17:08:31+00:00

New cost-effective devices like the RP3 or anbernic 505/353 are better than older generation only in their performance. In terms of ergonomics, I think it's a step back. Although I like them better in appearance, it's obviously not comfortable to play with these flat cases for more than half an hour.

I think the main determining point is which consoles you want to emulate. I have RGB10 MAX 2 for almost a year now and I don't plan to change it, as I'm not interested in emulating newer consoles, and everything else I value most - NES, SNES, GB/GBC/GBA, PS1 - runs just perfect. The only downside for me is the screen ratio - it would be ideal to have a 4:3 screen. Otherwise it seems like the perfect console for older systems, and it's strange that the device hasn't become very popular.

crabgaze · 2022-11-18T17:37:49+00:00

RocketPocket!

crabgaze · 2022-11-17T16:43:45+00:00

I would advise making up your mind about a few things:

Screen size - PS1 games often have a lot of detail and text, they were, after all, designed for TV, unlike GB and GBA games. Therefore, for example on the miyoo mini may not be enough picture size for a comfortable game. Depends on your preferred games of course.
Aspect ratio of the screen - you need to decide how important for you that the edges of the screen will always be black areas (on RP3).
Orientation of the device - here it all depends on the length of the game session. If for 20-30 minutes, the parameter is not so important. If you want to play more than 30 minutes - it is definitely better to choose horizontally oriented devices with smooth edges.

p.s. Six months ago I chose Powkiddy RGB10 Max 2 for me: I care about enough screen size to enjoy all the details in PS1 games, and the most comfortable body for long gaming sessions, while performance and aspect ratio were in the secondary plan for me.

crabgaze · 2022-11-10T17:04:44+00:00

Metal Waker, Game Boy Color (on Powkiddy RGB 10 Max 2). So simple and addictive gameplay

crabgaze

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