Tag: gaming handheld

  • Budget Retro Handheld R350S with RK3326 SoC & 3.5-Inch Display

    Budget Retro Handheld R350S with RK3326 SoC & 3.5-Inch Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The R350S gaming handheld costs about $34 and lacks left and right analogue sticks, featuring only two shoulder buttons instead of four.
    2. It has a 3.5-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and can run emulators for Neo Geo and Game Boy devices, but struggles with PSP titles.
    3. The built-in 2,000 mAh battery is expected to last up to five hours, though actual battery life may vary based on usage.
    4. The device runs on a tailored Linux system with pre-installed emulators and is designed for button navigation, lacking a touchscreen.
    5. It includes one memory card slot, a second USB port, and a headphone jack.


    The R350S gaming handheld has just hit the market through direct import, and it looks quite a bit like the R36XX at first glance. However, when you take a closer look, you’ll see some key differences in the input options. Costing about $34, the R350S doesn’t include left and right analogue sticks and instead features just two shoulder buttons instead of the usual four. While some games might not need all the buttons, the absence of extra shoulder buttons can limit functionality, like mapping them to the “switch screen” feature for Nintendo DS emulation.

    Display and Performance

    This handheld is equipped with a 3.5-inch IPS screen that has a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. The manufacturer claims it can run emulators for the Neo Geo and various Game Boy devices. However, based on our tests, the RK3326 SoC inside falls short for smoothly emulating PSP titles. The built-in 2,000 mAh battery is supposed to last for up to five hours of playtime, but how long it really lasts can vary a lot depending on the platform you are emulating and the brightness of the screen.

    Operating System and Features

    Running on a tailored Linux system, the R350S comes with emulators already installed. The OS has been adjusted to work well with button navigation since there’s no touchscreen available. At the top of the device, you’ll find one memory card slot, in addition to a second USB port and a headphone jack.

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  • AYN Thor Dual-Screen Handheld Starts Shipping – Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Only

    AYN Thor Dual-Screen Handheld Starts Shipping – Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Only

    Key Takeaways

    1. AYN has begun shipping the Thor dual-screen handheld, starting with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 versions; Snapdragon 865 versions are not yet shipping.
    2. The AYN Thor comes in four variants: Thor Lite (Snapdragon 865), Thor Base, Thor Pro, and Thor Max, with different RAM and storage options.
    3. The main display is 6 inches with 1080 x 1920 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, while the secondary display is 3.92 inches with 1080 x 1240 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate.
    4. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 versions feature advanced specifications, including LPDDR5X RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and 4K60 output, whereas Snapdragon 865 versions have older tech like Wi-Fi 6.
    5. The AYN Thor is available for purchase on their website, with prices ranging from $249 to $429 based on the configuration.


    Gaming handheld maker AYN has revealed that it has started sending out the Thor dual-screen handheld to its supporters. The Thor was first introduced in August, with pre-orders opening at the month’s end.

    Shipping Details

    In a message on its official Discord channel, AYN confirmed that only the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 versions of the dual-screen Android gaming handheld are currently shipping. There is no information yet on when the Snapdragon 865 version will be dispatched. To recap, the AYN Thor comes in four different variants.

    Variants and Specifications

    There’s the Thor Lite featuring a Snapdragon 865 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB storage; the Thor Base, which has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage; the Thor Pro that shares the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip but offers 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage; and lastly, the Thor Max, boasting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage.

    The AYN Thor is equipped with a 6-inch main display that has a resolution of 1080 x 1920, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 650 nits. The secondary display measures 3.92 inches and is an OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1240, a refresh rate of 60Hz, and peak brightness of 550 nits. Both displays are OLED panels and support touch input.

    Performance Features

    The Snapdragon 865 version includes LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, while those with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 come with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. Buyers of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 versions will also benefit from Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and the ability to output at 4K60 when connected to an external display. In contrast, the Snapdragon 865 version is equipped with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and can only output at 1080p when linked to an external display.

    Both models come with a battery capacity of 6,000mAh, support for 27W fast charging, an active cooling fan, a Micro SD card slot, and an audio jack. They will ship with Android 13 pre-installed. The handheld is available in Black, White, Rainbow, and Clear Purple. A few official accessories for the device are also available, including a grip case and lanyard.

    The AYN Thor can be bought directly from AYN’s website. Prices start at $249 and go up to $429 for the top-tier configuration.

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  • R36VX Retro Gaming Handheld: Sony PSP Emulation Capabilities

    R36VX Retro Gaming Handheld: Sony PSP Emulation Capabilities

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new 3.5-inch portable gaming device from Game Console uses the reliable RK3326 chipset.
    2. It features a single joystick design inspired by the Anbernic RG40XX V, with additional buttons replacing where a second joystick might be.
    3. The R36VX has a 3,000 mAh battery and a display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
    4. Connectivity options include two USB ports and a bottom-mounted 3.5 mm audio jack.
    5. The device is priced at $45 on Amazon, including a 64 GB microSD card, with an option for a 128 GB card for a slightly higher price.


    Game Console has released a new 3.5-inch portable gaming device that utilizes the reliable RK3326 chipset from Rockchip. This time, the manufacturer has taken design cues from the Anbernic RG40XX V, notably its off-centered single joystick. Instead of leaving an empty area, Game Console opted to add Select, Start, and Function buttons where a second joystick might have been.

    Design Features

    The single joystick on the R36VX appears to be set deeper compared to the one found on the RG40XX V. Additionally, this model comes with a smaller battery, which is rated at 3,000 mAh. On the bright side, the R36VX has a display that matches the RG40XX V, featuring a 640 x 480-pixel resolution with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It also comes equipped with 1 GB of RAM, a compact single speaker, and dual sets of shoulder buttons arranged in-line.

    Connectivity and Pricing

    For connectivity, there are two USB ports located alongside a bottom-mounted 3.5 mm audio jack. As of now, the R36VX is available on various online marketplaces. At the moment, Amazon is the most affordable option, listing the device at $45 for models in black, purple, blue, or white, which also includes a 64 GB microSD card. Alternatively, buyers can choose to get the handheld with a 128 GB microSD card for just a little bit more cash.

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  • Lenovo Cancels Legion Go 2 Pre-Orders Due to High Demand

    Lenovo Cancels Legion Go 2 Pre-Orders Due to High Demand

    Key Takeaways

    1. The launch of the Lenovo Legion Go 2 has faced significant delays, with the original shipping date pushed back from September 16th to over a month later, leading to customer disappointment.
    2. Lenovo’s Reddit thread for updates has become a source of frustration, as many customers are concerned about their pre-order statuses and potential cancellations.
    3. Payment processing issues have arisen, with Lenovo hesitating to fulfill orders due to insufficient stock, resulting in cancellations for some direct orders.
    4. There are suspicions of selective order fulfillment, with customers questioning why some orders are being honored while others are not, especially those who used discount codes.
    5. Economic uncertainties and tariff concerns are affecting manufacturers, but demand remains strong for high-end gaming devices like the Legion Go 2.


    Frustration is growing over the bumpy launch of the Lenovo Legion Go 2. Some gamers were initially given a shipping date of September 16th for the gaming handheld. However, this date was pushed back by more than a month, followed by yet another disappointing announcement on its subreddit. Lenovo claims it has increased supply for approved retailers, but unfortunately, customers who ordered directly from the company may have their pre-orders cancelled.

    Update on Pre-order Confusion

    Lenovo encouraged fans to post questions about its new gaming handheld on a Reddit thread. Instead, it has turned into a platform for updates on pre-order status. On September 17th, the company expressed regret for the mix-up regarding the Legion Go 2’s release date. The lower-cost model is priced at $1,099.99, but the demand has exceeded expectations, resulting in shipping delays.

    Payment Processing Issues

    The situation worsened when Lenovo gave another update to gamers on September 19th. It stated that it was hesitant to process payments without sufficient stock available. Consequently, the company will cancel some orders made through Lenovo.com. However, retailers expecting shipments should not face similar issues. Despite promises to improve in the future, many customers are expressing their frustrations.

    Selective Order Fulfillment

    Some buyers suspect that Lenovo is selectively choosing which orders to fulfill. In some instances, customers were able to apply discount codes that lowered the price of the Legion Go 2. They argue that those willing to wait for a later release should have that option available to them.

    As noted in an article from VideoCardz.com, the pre-order troubles related to gaming handhelds are not exclusive to the Legion Go 2. Many of these issues are linked to newer devices that feature AMD Ryzen Z2 and Z2 Extreme processors. Currently, buyers can only pre-order the MSI Claw A8 in certain areas. Meanwhile, Microsoft has yet to confirm the pricing for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.

    Economic Factors at Play

    Uncertainty regarding tariffs and the current economic situation likely has manufacturers feeling cautious. Still, with the Legion Go 2, buyers appear ready to invest in high-end specs, particularly its 8.8-inch OLED screen.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket AIR Mini: Global Launch of Affordable Gaming Handheld

    Ayaneo Pocket AIR Mini: Global Launch of Affordable Gaming Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo is launching the Pocket AIR Mini gaming handheld soon, featuring a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset and a 4.2-inch 960p IPS display.
    2. The device includes a 4,500 mAh battery with 18 W wired charging, Hall effect joysticks, and Bluetooth 5.0 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.
    3. The global launch price for the Pocket AIR Mini is $69.99 as part of a limited-time offer, with the price expected to increase after the first 1,000 units sold.
    4. Future pricing for the Pocket AIR Mini will rise to $89.99, while the version with 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage will start at $79.99 and eventually reach $99.99.
    5. Ayaneo plans to begin pre-orders for the Pocket AIR Mini on its website in mid-October, avoiding crowdfunding platforms.


    Ayaneo is set to launch its newest gaming handheld, which runs on Android, soon. However, the company has revealed more information about the global release of the Pocket AIR Mini after making an official announcement yesterday. Interestingly, Anbernic has just begun selling the RG476H, which is a similar device that uses the same chipset as the recently released RG Slide (currently priced at $199 on Amazon).

    Specs and Features

    To summarize, Ayaneo has confirmed that the Pocket AIR Mini will come equipped with a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, alongside a 4.2-inch, 960p 4:3 IPS display. Furthermore, this device boasts a 4,500 mAh battery with 18 W wired charging support, along with Hall effect joysticks and triggers. On top of that, the Helio G90T enables Bluetooth 5.0 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, which Ayaneo enhances with up to 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage capacity.

    Pricing Details

    Previously, Ayaneo had mentioned that the starting price for the Pocket AIR Mini would be CNY 499 (around $70) with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. Interestingly, this price point will carry over to the global launch, but there is a catch. As shown in the image below, the Pocket AIR Mini will be available for $69.99 globally, but only as part of an unspecified ‘limited-time offer.’ If the launch in China is any indication, this price will rise to $74.99 once Ayaneo sells the first 1,000 units.

    Future Sales

    Eventually, the Pocket AIR Mini is expected to be sold for $89.99. Meanwhile, the version with 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage will initially be priced at $79.99, which will later increase to $84.99 and then $99.99. As of now, Ayaneo aims to start pre-orders on its website in mid-October, steering clear of crowdfunding platforms like the recently launched Pocket DS.

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  • Anbernic RG476H: New Retro Handheld for GameCube, PS2, Dreamcast

    Anbernic RG476H: New Retro Handheld for GameCube, PS2, Dreamcast

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anbernic RG476H has been officially launched globally, featuring a full glass front design similar to high-end Android gaming devices.
    2. It is powered by a Unisoc T820 processor, a Mali-G57 MP4 GPU, and 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, capable of running certain games at upscaled resolutions.
    3. The device includes a 4.7-inch IPS display, a 5,000 mAh battery, and features like Hall effect joysticks and a six-axis gyroscope.
    4. Pricing starts at $149.99 without a microSD card, with bundles available for $164.99 and $179.99, and there will be a price increase of $15 on September 22.
    5. The RG476H offers multiple color options, including Black, Indigo, and Retro Grey.


    Anbernic has officially launched the RG476H worldwide after a brief promotional period. This new model follows the RG477M that was released last month and features a full glass front, similar to the high-end designs of other well-known Android gaming devices like the Retroid Pocket 5, which currently sells for $259 on Amazon.

    Performance Comparisons

    The RG476H, however, isn’t as powerful as the Retroid Pocket 5 or its predecessor, the RG477M, which is evident from Anbernic’s initial pricing strategy. Still, it boasts a Unisoc T820 processor, a Mali-G57 MP4 GPU, and 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, enough to run Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 games at a 960p upscale. Additionally, it can emulate PSP titles at a 3x upscale, but the Unisoc T820 is limited to Gamecube and PlayStation 2 games at their original 480p resolution.

    Display and Features

    The RG476H showcases a 4.7-inch IPS display powered by a 5,000 mAh battery. The screen offers a 4:3 aspect ratio with a native resolution of 1,280 x 960 and can reach a brightness of 500 nits, along with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Moreover, it includes 128 GB of expandable UFS 2.2 flash storage, Hall effect joysticks, and a six-axis gyroscope, all packed into a compact body measuring 176 x 86 x 16 mm and weighing approximately 290 g.

    Pricing Options

    The Anbernic RG476H is available starting at $149.99 without a microSD card. For those interested, Anbernic also has bundles that come with 128 GB and 256 GB microSD cards, priced at $164.99 and $179.99, respectively. Customers can choose from color options including Black, Indigo, and Retro Grey for all variants. Be aware that Anbernic plans to increase the prices by $15 on September 22 at 10:00 UTC.

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  • GPD Win 5: Pricing and Launch Date for New Gaming Handheld

    GPD Win 5: Pricing and Launch Date for New Gaming Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. The GPD Win 5 features a Ryzen AI Max 385 APU, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage, launching in China at CNY 8,699 (about $1,225).
    2. Global pricing starts at around $1,448 for the base model, with a more powerful Ryzen AI Max+ 395 variant starting at $1,650.
    3. The device will be available for backing on Indiegogo starting September 25, 2025.
    4. Shipping for Indiegogo backers is expected to begin in November or December 2025.
    5. Each Win 5 unit will include an external battery, power supply, and extended power cable.


    The GPD Win 5 has been eagerly awaited. The company revealed its new gaming handheld in July, but the Win 5 was seen for the first time a month earlier, with a look similar to the Win 4. To give some background, the company updated the Win 4 last December using AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU along with some other improvements (curr. $1,458 on Amazon).

    Pricing and Specifications

    Recently, GPD announced that the Win 5 will launch in China priced at CNY 8,699 (about $1,225). This model will feature a Ryzen AI Max 385 APU, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. The company has now shared details on the global pricing and available SKUs for the Win 5, revealing that it will be much pricier outside of China.

    As depicted in the image below, the GPD Win 5 will kick off at around $1,448, retaining the same Ryzen AI Max 385 APU, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. For gamers looking for more powerful performance, GPD will offer the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 variants starting at a minimum of $1,650. Additionally, GPD’s dock, an extra external battery, and a Biwin 1517 Mini SSD will each set you back $93.

    Availability and Shipping

    The GPD Win 5 is set to be available for backing on Indiegogo starting September 25. As of now, the company aims to start shipping units to Indiegogo backers in November or December of 2025. Just to note, every Win 5 unit will come with an external battery, a power supply, and an extended power cable included.

    GPD’s gaming handheld is generating a lot of buzz, and eager gamers are looking forward to its launch!

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  • GPD Win 5 Gaming Handheld Pricing Revealed Before Launch

    GPD Win 5 Gaming Handheld Pricing Revealed Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. GPD’s Win 5 gaming handheld is priced starting at CNY 8,699 ($1,221) for the Ryzen AI Max 385 model.
    2. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 version is available in 32 GB RAM for CNY 9,999 ($1,403) and 64 GB RAM for CNY 12,999 ($1,824).
    3. Pre-orders in China will begin on September 25, 2025, with a global release on October 17, expected to be under $1,500.
    4. The Win 5 features a new design without a built-in keyboard and uses an external battery, which has received mixed reactions.
    5. The device includes a dual-fan setup and allows users to connect the external battery via cable or attach it to the back for flexibility.


    GPD has introduced the Win 5 along with its full specifications, and they have now revealed the prices for this gaming handheld in China. According to the latest updates, the model featuring the Ryzen AI Max 385 will be available for pre-order at CNY 8,699, which is about $1,221.

    Pricing Details

    For the version with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, the 32 GB RAM option will cost CNY 9,999, while the 64 GB RAM variant is priced at CNY 12,999. These amounts convert to roughly $1,403 and $1,824, respectively. However, GPD has not disclosed the pricing for the 128 GB RAM model as of now.

    Pre-Order and Release Information

    The company has announced that pre-orders for this gaming handheld will start in China on September 25, 2025. The global release is scheduled for October 17, and it is expected to be priced below $1,500 in markets outside China, providing a competitive advantage over the Asus ROG Flow Z13 2025, which has the Strix Halo and is currently sold for $2,169.99 on Amazon.

    For anyone who may have missed our earlier reports, the Win 5 features a new design compared to its previous version. Notably, it does not come with a built-in keyboard, and GPD has opted for an external battery, which has drawn some criticism from its user base.

    Performance and Flexibility

    Nonetheless, the choice for an external battery is believed to be a result of the performance-oriented hardware packed inside. The device includes a dual-fan configuration, and GPD asserts that the Strix Halo APU can operate at a TDP of 75 W.

    The Win 5 also provides substantial flexibility with its external battery pack. Users can attach it to the back of the handheld or connect it via a cable, functioning similarly to a power bank. For additional details on the device, you can refer to our earlier articles or the specifications sheet provided below.

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  • E5 Ultra: Retro Gaming Handheld with PS2 & GameCube Emulation

    E5 Ultra: Retro Gaming Handheld with PS2 & GameCube Emulation

    Key Takeaways

    1. GameMT has launched the E5 Ultra gaming handheld, which resembles the E5 Plus but includes significant upgrades.
    2. The device features the new Unisoc T620 chipset, improving performance for emulating systems like Nintendo Gamecube and PlayStation.
    3. The E5 Ultra includes an extra Hall effect joystick, 6 GB of RAM, and a 5,000 mAh battery.
    4. It runs on Android 14 and is priced between $113 and $140 on AliExpress and Banggood.
    5. The E5 Ultra is available in black, grey, and white color options.


    GameMT has launched a brand new gaming handheld after images of the gadget surfaced earlier this year. As anticipated, the device is called the E5 Ultra, which bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, the E5 Plus. However, as Retro Gaming with Deadfred points out in the video below, the E5 Ultra makes significant enhancements in several key areas.

    Upgraded Performance

    For example, GameMT has replaced the Rockchip RK3566 with the Unisoc T620. This new chipset is much more powerful, featuring two ARM Cortex-A75 CPU cores, six Cortex-A55 CPU cores, and a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. This enables the device to emulate gaming systems up to the Nintendo Gamecube and PlayStation on its 5-inch, 720p display.

    Enhanced Features

    Additionally, the E5 Ultra comes with an extra Hall effect joystick, 6 GB of RAM, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery. It also runs on Android 14 right out of the box, similar to the Kinhank K56, which is currently priced at $179.99 on Amazon. At present, you can find the GameMT E5 Ultra for sale on platforms like AliExpress and Banggood, with prices ranging from $113 to about $140, depending on the seller, not including any discount codes. As of now, the E5 Ultra is available in black, grey, and white color options.

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  • Anbernic RG476H: Portable Handheld for PS2 & Wii Games Previews

    Anbernic RG476H: Portable Handheld for PS2 & Wii Games Previews

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anbernic RG476H gaming handheld can emulate systems like Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii.
    2. It may feature either the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 or Unisoc T820 chipset, similar to other recent models.
    3. The device has a 4.7-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
    4. The display offers a peak brightness of 500 nits and a contrast ratio of 1,200:1, sourced from BOE.
    5. The RG476H will be priced globally at $174.99 and will compete with devices like the Ayaneo Pocket AIR Mini and Retroid Pocket 5.


    Anbernic has released more information about its upcoming gaming handheld following last week’s announcement. The company previously showcased the device’s design and color options in a brief video. Now, they have provided further details with a new video, which we have included below.

    Emulation Capabilities

    The video highlights several systems that the RG476H can emulate, including Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii. Historically, Anbernic tends to reuse chipsets from its recent models, such as the RG Slide, RG477M, or RG557 (currently priced at $299 on Amazon). Therefore, it is quite possible that the RG476H will include either the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 or the Unisoc T820 chipset.

    Display Features

    Additionally, Anbernic has confirmed that the RG476H will feature a 4.7-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a peak brightness of 500 nits, and a contrast ratio of 1,200:1. This custom panel, sourced from BOE, is already used in the RG477M and RG Slide. While those models target specific market segments, the RG476H will face competition from devices like the Ayaneo Pocket AIR Mini and the Retroid Pocket 5, among others. As reported by Retro Dodo, Anbernic has stated that the RG476H will be available for a global price of $174.99.

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