I’ve been enjoying Pokemon Black 2 on my DSi XL, but I’m looking for something that can emulate other systems.
Performance wise, I’m looking for something that can play 3DS/2DS games. I’ll play only a handful of games to relive my childhood before moving onto other systems. I’m skipping the AYN Thor since in the long run, I’ll be playing mostly single screen games.
I really want something portable and pocketable, but putting it in my school bag is an option.
It needs to have good battery life. I play for only a couple of hours a day, just in between college classes, but I would like for it to last a few days.
You are looking primarily to play 3ds Games? Mmmh…
Have you considered a 3ds/2ds? They are the best at playing those games. Just hack it and you can play older games as well.
But if it’s really going to be an emulator handheld, dual screen handhelds are still fresh and buggy so I would hold out a little and check out Russ from retro games corps or tech dweeb on YouTube for updates.
I second the 3DS. Compact, cheap, runs 3DS games perfectly and emulates a ton of older systems even including Windows 98.
I got one of the cheap R36s’s off of Aliexpress for like 40 bucks, and it does okay, but it still throws me for a loop from time to time with a special key combo needed to exit a game.
The good part about it is that it comes pre-installed with a bunch of games, so you don’t have to go searching for them. The bad side is the aforementioned key combos.
Would phones count? I have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, and would recommend it as it’s surprisingly powerful for its release year. Can even tackle some PS2 games through AetherSX2 and using a vanilla Android. Also works with 3DS emulation, at least from what I tested of Bravely Second.
Second this. My Redmi 12 can run heavier PSP games and NDS. I didn’t try 3DS yet as I don’t know any worthwhile games and RetroArch requires some setup IIRC, which I haven’t been in the mood to do. Didn’t try PS2 either.
Just find a suitable gamepad. I have a cheap PS2 shaped ergonomic one I got for like 15 USD (it just says X3 Wireless Controller or some such; don’t remember the brand)
If not, only other pocket system I’m familiar with for emulation is the PS Vita, but given being from the same generation as the 3DS, the most it can run is Saturn (emulator got dropped from Retroarch so maybe not ideal?), PS1 (through emulator and native support in the PSP mode) and some PC games through source ports (and heavy graphical downgrades when needed).
I have an Ayn Odin 2 that has been pretty solid. It does up through PS2 really well and I’ve had luck with some switch games and some 3ds games.
