My interest in retro emulation and handhelds has recently been resparked. There are a number of reasons for this, from Sony’s wrong-headed decision to stop physical game production, to Nintendo’s naked avarice in charging $80 USD for more and more of their games, and Xbox’s enshittification of Game Pass. My desire to give money to the “big 3” of the industry is at an all time low. So, what am I going to do about it? I’ve decided that my gaming time and budget is better spent on a combination of indies and retro games.
My plan on how to do this is simple: I’m going to purchase and test a number of retro handhelds to see which one meets my needs based on a number of criteria I will lay out shortly. Then, I’ll share my findings. My hope is that they will be useful for anyone also looking to get into (or get back into) retro handhelds and emulation. Let it be known, however, that I’m not planning to delve too deeply into the specs of each device unless I think they merit explicit discussion. There are other places to get that kind of information for folks who want it. My goal is to give basic information about my experience with a device and leave it at that.
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My criteria for evaluating each device can be seen below. Each section will be given an individual score, and then each unit will be given a score out of 100. The physical user experience is given an especially weighty score because it is the most difficult for the end user to change. This stands in contrast to software, which can be updated fairly easily by a user with know-how, and the unboxing experience, which has never left much of an impression on me.
The Unboxing Experience ( / 20)
What documentation is included with the device?
Are there any included accessories or pack-ins?
Does the device seem well-packaged?
Is there anything about the unboxing experience that stands out?
The User Experience: Physical (/ 40)
How is the device’s build quality?
Does it rattle or creak in use?
How does the device feel in the hand?
How is the sound?
If the device has speakers, where are they located?
Does the device have a headphone jack?
Does the device have any outstanding features?
Is the device aesthetically pleasing?
The User Experience: Digital (/ 20)
What ROMs, if any, are included with the device?
How well do the included ROMs run?
Is the included software easy to use?
The Intangibles ( / 20)
Does the device offer good value?
Does the device stand out in the market?
Is the device a “hot commodity?”
TrimUI Brick
Unboxing - 14/20
The unit I purchased included a USB-C cable, a quick start guide, warranty information, and replacement shoulder buttons (with an upward slope, as compared to the flat plane of the buttons installed on the device). The unit also came with a pre-installed screen protector and 64 GB microSD card.
User Experience: Physical - 28/40
The buttons are suitably tactile, including the face buttons, shoulder buttons, and side buttons. The device has a lot of RGB, including the two top face buttons, the power button, and the stems of the shoulder buttons. There is also a small RGB strip on the top lip of the back of the device. The device has front firing speakers, separate volume up and down buttons, a single microSD card slot, a headphone jack, and two USB-C ports (one at the bottom of the device and one between the left and right bank of trigger buttons). I had no issues with the clarity of the screen. My biggest issue with the device was its size. My thumbs started cramping after about 30 minutes with the device. My hands aren’t especially large; for reference, I wear a size “L” glove. As such, I’d definitely recommend trying this device before committing to buy to see if it works for your hands.
User Experience: Digital - 9/20
I was irritated to find that my unit included a number of indie games that are still available for sale: Balatro, Celeste, Sonic Mania, and Stardew Valley, among others. While I own copies of virtually all of these games on other platforms, if this was to become my main device, I’d delete these games without hesitation. In my mind, there is a big difference between playing games that are out-of-print or otherwise “unobtainium” (insane prices on the secondary market, not available in any digital format, not having room for an arcade cabinet, etc) and those that are still available on retail platforms like Steam. Each of the games is also in Chinese, giving me another reason to delete them because it’s not a language I speak. Plus, when I tried Celeste out of morbid curiosity, the title screen was riddled with weird graphical glitches. Yikes!
Thankfully, those weren’t the only games featured on the device. Though the device notably lacked any ROMs from Nintendo, it did include a fairly robust library of games. This included ROMs for: Master System, Genesis, Playstation 1, PSP, WonderSwan Color, Pico-8, Atari Lynx / 2600 / 7800, and multiple arcade systems. Ultimately, while I wasn’t blown away by the selection, I’m sure I could entertain myself with a stock TrimUI Brick pretty easily. What’s more, the 64 GB microSD card was easy to look into with a card reader, and I’m confident I could add more ROMs if I so desired. I could say the same for the stock operating system (OS); I wasn’t impressed by it, but it was functional and I was reasonably certain I could put something better on the device if push came to shove.
I do have a caveat for my praise of the digital experience, however. Though the list of games is reasonably diverse, there seems to have been little thought or care put into which specific games made it onto the device. Games from North America, Europe, and Japan all appear on the device, as do some ROM hacks and prototypes. It also doesn’t help that some of the games included don’t match the Brick’s hardware especially well. For example, “Ape Escape: On the Loose” for the PSP appears on the Brick despite the device not having analog sticks. There are other, less egregious examples, too, like many games missing box art or having unintelligible file names. I know companies like LitNXT (not an affiliate) sells microSD cards with these issues sorted out, but it’d be nice if these issues could be handled by the manufacturer without me having to pay extra (especially with the price of removable storage these days).
Intangibles - 18/20
I paid a hair over $86 USD for this device shipped to my door; that seems to be about the going rate for most entry-level retro emulation devices these days. The device also regularly appears in “best of” lists of retro emulation devices, including those from TechDweeb and Wulff Den. As such, while I can’t call the device the “value king,” the fact that so many reviewers recommend this product is hard to ignore. I’d go so far as to say that if this device was physically larger and didn’t include pirated software, it’d be my go-to device as well.
Final Score & Conclusion - 69/100
While the TrimUI brick is far from perfect, I can see why so many influencers point to it as a great “starter” handheld. It’s portable, it has a reasonable selection of games, and it comes in a variety of fun colors. There’s even a premium version with a metal body for those who are interested in such a thing: the TrimUI Brick Hammer. TrimUI has some of the better product names in the pocket emulation space, that’s for sure! With that being said, the device is held back by the inclusion of pirated (and janky) indies, the size (which didn’t agree with my hands), and the wonky ROM sets. Most of these issues are fixable by an end-user who’s willing to do a little tinkering (or put in extra money for a pre-made microSD card with a better OS and more sensible ROM sets), though. In all, I’d say the device is worth a look for most people.
MiniLoong Pocket 1
Unboxing - 12/20
The unit I purchased included a USB-C cable and a quick start guide (or at least a little pamphlet with the specs of the device as well as its button layout). The unit also came preinstalled with a removable plastic face plate and a 64 GB microSD card.
User Experience: Physical - 34 / 40
The face and shoulder buttons lack the tactility of the Brick and are a bit mushy in comparison. Also, the volume buttons are a bit flimsy and rattle when the device is even slightly shaken. With that said, I think the Pocket 1 trounces the Brick in virtually every other category. It has two microSD card slots instead of one. It has a micro-HDMI out if you want to connect the console to a TV or monitor. The shoulder buttons are vertical rather than horizontal, meaning that they are both more like a typical console controller and also more comfortable. While both have a headphone jack, only the Pocket 1 has an analog stick. As such, it can more readily play a wider variety of games. The included face plate is a nice touch, too (even if it is annoying that there’s nowhere to buy replacements). Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it feels far more comfortable in my hand than the Brick. That alone would have me keep the Pocket 1 over the Brick any day of the week.
User Experience: Digital - 10/20
Unfortunately, the digital experience of the Pocket 1 is much more of a mess than the Brick. First, it takes a longer to turn on and off compared to the Brick. It’s not a huge difference, but it was long enough for me to notice and those small moments add up over time. Second, while it doesn’t include pirated software, it does include lots of ROMs it either can’t run or that it runs so poorly said ROMs might as well not run at all. I hit roadblocks with ROMs from a variety of systems, but the Nintendo 64 ROMs were the worst offenders; I couldn’t get a single one to load! The Pocket 1 also had fewer pre-populated systems on offer than the Brick, including: Playstation 1, PSP, Game Gear, Genesis, Nintendo 64, Neo Geo, and some Arcade (via MAME and Capcom Play System 1-3).
As with the Brick, I found the OS inoffensive. It didn’t impress me but it was just about as usable so I won’t complain. Unlike the Brick’s openness with regards to its microSD card, however, the Pocket 1 was much more “locked down.” I consider myself at least somewhat tech-savvy, but I couldn’t find an easy way to add or remove ROMs from the device. Given how nonsensical the ROM list is, that’s a major red flag, especially for users who are new to the retro emulation hobby. It really makes this device hard to recommend unless you are either able and willing to flash it with a different OS and place your own ROM set on it OR you are willing to pay extra for a pre-populated microSD card from a reseller. (At time of writing, LitNXT does NOT offer a pre-populated card for this device; as such, you’ll need to be confident in your ability to mod the device to use it to its full potential.) Oof.
Intangibles - 12/20
I purchased this device for about $108 USD. While this device doesn’t seem to show up as often on “best of” lists as the Brick, I have seen it mentioned with regards to “best budget handhelds.” What’s more, I think its control suite (D-pad and single analog stick) is both unique and useful in the context of retro gaming; it means that the device has the potential to play a wide variety of games. Lastly, I think the Pocket 1 is (subjectively) the best looking of the four consoles in today’s round-up. There’s something “space age” about it that really tickles my fancy. Ultimately, I think there’s something to be said about having a device that you want to pick up and play!
Final Score & Conclusion - 68/100
I really wanted to love this device, and I’d still pick it over the TrimUI Brick because it fits me better ergonomically. With that said, I’m frustrated by the device’s numerous missed opportunities. I wish it were possible to pick up a replacement face plate. I wish it only included games it could actually play. I wish the microSD card wasn’t so locked down so I could add my own ROMs. I wish the USB-C port on the top of the device actually charged it. (I found out the hard way that only the bottom port charges for whatever reason; I was worried for a hot minute that my device was a dud that was unable to charge!) Ultimately, I find this device hard to recommend to those looking for an easy gateway into the retro emulation space. I’m sure it could be good, or even great, with some tinkering, though.
BATLEXP G350
Unboxing - 10/20
The unboxing experience was, in a word, barebones. The unit I purchased included a USB-C cable and instructions as well as a pre-installed 64 GB microSD card. Notably, the device did not include a screen-protector (neither in the box nor pre-installed), no warranty information, and no other extras.
User Experience: Physical - 32/40
In some ways, the G350 is like a scaled-up Brick with two additional analog sticks. It has other advantages, too, like a larger screen, an additional microSD card slot, and more comfortable trigger buttons (even if they are also horizontal like the Brick’s). It’s not all wins for the G350, though. The buttons are more mushy compared to the Brick’s, and the speaker is downward firing (meaning worse / more muffled sound). Also, while the analog sticks are a plus with regards to the games the device can play, their positioning at the bottom of the device means I didn’t find them particularly comfortable to use (especially compared to the MiniLoong). The fact that LitNXT sells a 3D-printed “game console handle” for the device is telling; clearly I’m not the only end-user who’s had trouble with regards to this device’s ergonomics. With that said, I can’t fault the device for its build quality. Even if it feels the most like a “toy” (as compared to a tech gadget) of the three devices I’ve discussed so far, frankly, it is one!
User Experience: Digital - 14/20
The G350 has the most diverse line-up of games of any of the devices I’ve discussed so far. It has: NES, SNES, Game Boy Color and Advance, Nintendo 64 (and the ROMs actually work, go figure), Nintendo DS, Wonderswan Color, Pico-8, Sega from Master System to Dreamcast, PS1, PSP, and a number of arcade options via MAME and FinalBurn Neo. In short, when it comes to games, the G350 trounces all of the other devices I’ve written about thus far. It’s not a complete victory, however; there are a number of places where the G350 falls flat.
Like the previous two devices, the ROM sets seem to be determined more by chance than by what a theoretical player might want to play or what the device is capable of playing (though that is less of an issue with the G350 given its dual analog sticks). The device’s microSD card is also locked up tight; I could not find an easy way to add or remove ROMs. Luckily, there are resellers who offer the system with pre-populated cards, but again: that’s an additional expense. I also had a few small software niggles in my time with the G350, unfortunately. The “menu” button didn’t work on every game, forcing a hard restart (though I suspect that this may be true of most devices in this price category). Also, the faux-graffiti system branding is not to my taste. Lastly, I found it odd that the Nintendo DS was featured twice in the software UI (once as NDS and once as NDS Fresh). Weird.
Intangibles - 16/20
At a price of $65 USD, this is definitely the value king of the devices I’ve played with so far. It’s also received positive coverage in the retro emulation space, which is nice to see. Really, the only reason I can’t give the G350 a higher rating is because it’s being buoyed up a lot by software - software (and ROMs) that could easily change from device to device. With all of that said, the $50 128 pre-populated microSD card from LitNXT for this device is looking awfully tempting right now. The ergonomics of the device that’s holding me back, however. Ultimately, I want a bit more hands-on time before I come to a final decision.
Final Score & Conclusion - 72/100
This is the highest reviewed handheld of the bunch so far! It’s not by a lot, though, so it’s not like I can give it an unqualified recommendation. While it has the most versatile controls of any of the handhelds, it’s not the most comfortable. While it has the most ROMs, there’s no guarantee that a another copy of the device will have the same set. While it is the least expensive, it also has the most barebones unboxing experience (and is the most “toy-like” in its feel). For some folks, I think the price point will be compelling enough to give this device a try. If you can get it from a vendor with a strong return policy, I think it’s definitely worth a go. If you don’t have the protection of a strong return policy or you can’t get the device with a pre-populated microSD card, however, I’d approach this device with at least a modicum of caution.
Which Would I Choose?
That’s a hard decision. Each of these devices has their own pros and cons, frankly, and none of them is the perfect device for me. With that being said, I think I’d have to give it to the MiniLoong Pocket 1, if only because of its form factor. The TrimUI Brick and BatleXP G350 simply don’t feel comfortable in my hands, especially for longer (multi-hour) play sessions. (If nothing else, this experience is teaching me that I tend to prefer horizontal over vertical devices). It doesn’t hurt that I also found a way to view and update the ROMs on Pocket 1, either. (I’ll be talking more about that in the “technical addendum” of this post.)
Also, you may have noticed that I didn’t talk about battery life in any of my write-ups of these devices. The reason why is simple: the battery of each device was sufficient for the play sessions I had. I never played for more than two or three hours at a time, and I was always playing at home (ie near a charger). Perhaps I’d be more concerned about battery life if I was going to take a long trip on a train or plane, but even then, portable battery banks exist. In short, I don’t see myself pushing the limits of any device’s battery any time soon, so I feel no strong inclination to write about battery life, either.
I don’t plan on stopping here, though. I have two more devices that I intend to try before I decide which device will be my personal winner: the Ayaneo Air Mini and the Anbernic RG35XXSP. Both will be interesting in their own ways, from the Air Mini being my first Android emulation device to the RG35XXSP’s clamshell / “self-protecting” design. Look for those reviews in the coming weeks!
Technical Addendum
How Did I Access ROMs on the G350 and Pocket 1?
Quick Answer: I used the “disk management” in Windows
Longer Answer:
Right-Click the Windows icon in the start bar
Select “Disk Management”
Find your microSD card in the list
Find the partition of the card that’s called “games”
Right-click said partition and open it
Ta-da! You’ve got games!
How Do I Format My microSD card if I’ve accidentally partitioned it?
Quick Answer: using the “run” command / command prompt (cmd) in Windows
Longer Answer:
Press “Win+R” to open the “run” window
Input “cmd” and press enter, then input:
Diskpart
List disk
Select disk X (where X is the SD card number)
Clean
Create partition primary
Format fs=ntfs quick
Thanks for reading!
