New to Handheld Gaming? Start Here. [2023 Edition!]

The whole world of handheld gaming devices has blown up recently, so here is a quick starter guide to help you narrow down the available options.

Handhelds mentioned in this video:
Miyoo Mini Plus releases March 1st, 2023! Link coming soon!

Playlists:

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:32 corporate consoles
04:53 Linux handhelds
08:06 Android handhelds
12:38 x86 handheld PCs
16:51 summary and conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#steamdeck #retrohandhelds #emulation

[ColeMay]

If you're new to the channel this guy is the real deal.

[KarlRock]

Thanks so much! This video explained the entire ecosystem to me. Gonna check out the Ayaneo 2.

[Xuvier]

One of the BEST handheld/retro gaming channels on the site! Fantastic as always!!

[BrianJones-wkcx]

Great work, as always, Russ. You are an invaluable resource for the community. Whenever I come across someone new to the scene, your videos (and your written guides) are at the top of my recommended reading (and watching) list. Bravo and thank you for all that you do!

[boostedmedia]

Your videos have singlehandedly gotten me back into enjoying retro games and bringing back some awesome childhood memories. I dont have a lot fo free time to stuff around so having your videos as a guide to get me up and running ahs removed a tonne of frustration. Thanks!

[mb]

You are the king of all things handheld, Russ! You’ve quickly become one of my favorite YouTubers. I replay your videos over and over as a soundtrack to my life! Thank you for all your dedicated work 🎮❤

[SvDKILLSWITCH]

Your videos led to me picking up a Japanese PS Vita a few months ago, and I followed your guides on how to jailbreak it. I've got a bunch of emulators set up on it, and it's a way better experience than using my phone like I was before - plus I can now play PSP and PS Vita games properly! Thanks for what you do, your content is always well put together and super informative.

[infinty]

Russ, I just want to say thank you for all that you do for the community. I bought my first handheld before being introduced to your channel, but all of the information you put out is excellent.

[Agumon]

Definitely a lot of options. Something to keep in mind, if you're just a fan of retro games, and by retro I mean primarily 2D pre 1998 stuff, any of the mentioned sub $70 devices will work wonderfully. You definitely don't need to spend more than $70 for retro emulation.

[auraline_vt]

I wanted to say thanks for all these videos that you are making. They are extremely important to the retro community.

[TheLegendofTrk]

Thank you russ for your honesty and impartialness, one of the few people I trust on YouTube, and I was glad you supported your friend about his new album, This is really nice of you

[theRealPito]

Incredible video! So good summary of a big rabbit hole in just 18 minutes. So happy to have found your channel

[PhillyP]

Thank you so much Russ. I always look to your videos when it comes to anything and everything retro and handheld. Sometimes it seems daunting when shopping for a good handheld. I’m so glad you’re out there guiding the masses🙏🏼

[NikoNT_GR]

Hey dude, I just recently found your channel because I started digging more into handheld emulation. But after doing some research I got really confused because there are so many handheld consoles out there that I couldn't decide what to get. This video is just perfect for my current situation. I really just want to say thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos and all the help you provide to this whole emulation community. Keep it up!

P.S. Sorry for any grammar mistake but English is not my native language.

[rahlekk]

Hey Russ! Thank you so much for the videos. Picked up an Ambernic RG353M last week and it's been my primary gaming device since. Loving it.

[samnite]

I knew all of this stuff already but I still watched the whole thing and enjoyed it. Thanks for your contributions to the community Russ.

[mfreddy]

Been following this channel and scene for the past couple years and it's been an awesome hobby. First purchase was the RG351M followed by a Kishi 1st gen for the Android phone. Then got a RP2+. The three I've settled on since stem from 3 categories. The Steam Deck, RP3+, and Miyoo Mini. I have trouble seeing a better 3 device combo right now. Covers power, portable, and pocket. I haven't had much desire to buy since I get this set but sure something else will come along. Probably the steam deck 2 and rp4, lol.

[fablefortitude]

I started tuning into your videos during the early days of your reviews, and you haven't steered me wrong. I'm absolutely loving the look and concept of the latest Anbernic; the 405 just looks amazing. Unfortunately, I won't be able to afford it for a bit and my last anbernic was stolen -- pesky thieves. But fingers crossed for the future. Keep up the great work man!

[PacoVJ]

Fantastic introductory video. A No-frills welcome to the retro handheld world!! :)

[wizzel]

This Video helps everyone to seperate the pro's and con's of each category of Handheld Devices. As a Veteran of the Scene i must admit that it was all on my mind before, but Russ melted these thoughts into an easy, understandable Video. Thanks for that. The Handheld Wars can come to an end, now that we know better.