Retro Handheld News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
In today's SBC gaming news, the Miyoo A30 has a huge comeback and is surging in popularity.
Meanwhile, Anbernic releases another handheld, the RG40XXH. It's honestly a decent choice if you want a larger screen for 4:3 home consoles. Less pocketable, but easier on the eyes.
Time will tell who will win between Miyoo's strategy of taking time to make few handhelds compared to Anbernic's strategy of releasing a new handheld every month.
And more!
Thanks for listening!
News Sources: https://pastebin.com/B9T3A4su
Blog: https://duckyobrien.com/
Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/5U_MA4FF48E
Retro Handheld News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
Today's episode covers how to get better PSP performance on the Trimui Smart Pro.
The first thing to do is to check what version your system firmware is at. If it's before 1.0.4 it would be a good idea to update.
14:51 - Setting up PPSSPP 25:18 - PPSSPP Tweaks
We do this by flashing the latest system image to update the handheld as well as copying the latest files for the microSD card.
You can find the firmware and microSD cards on the Trimui Smart Pro github pages linked below.
►Trimui SP Firmware: https://github.com/trimui/firmware_smartpro/releases ►Trimui SP SD Files: https://github.com/trimui/assets_smartpro/releases
You can initiate a firmware update by holding the Vol- button and then pressing the power button. A green bar should show up and at this point you can let go of the Vol- button.
After the installation is finished, you can copy over the PSP folder from CrossMix or copy everything over. Some users like copying only the emulators and apps they want over so I would recommend doing that.
You can find CrossMix on the github linked below.
►CrossMix: https://github.com/cizia64/CrossMix-OS/releases
As for settings, you can turn on all the speed hacks and performance settings. If you see a graphical glitch, turn off "Skip buffer effects" and turn on frame skip instead. You can also try Vulkan. If it's still not enough, using OpenGL or Vulkan performance mode may help. Just be warned the handheld gets very hot while using the high performance mode.
Thank you for listening!
Video guide (updating Trimui Smart Pro and installing CrossMix): https://youtu.be/6TXFvHeNjP8
Video guide (PPSSPP tweaks): https://youtu.be/chn7y0_8p8I
Written guide: https://duckyobrien.com/2024/06/28/how-to-get-better-psp-performance-on-the-trimui-smart-pro/
Retro Handheld News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
In today's SBC gaming news, we have a lot of Anbernic related news.
One big update is that the RG 556 and RG Cube bootloaders have been unlocked, meaning Gamma OS will be available for these handhelds in the future.
In the meantime, the analog stick snapping has been fixed thanks to TheGammaSqueeze.
Having just released the Cube, in typical Anbernic fashion they announce yet another H700 based handheld, the RG40XX. The main thing of note is that it has a 4" 4:3 aspect ratio screen, making it an ideal handheld for those wanting to play retro home consoles on a larger screen.
And finally, we see a slew of Pokemon themes that look fantastic! Perfect timing for all the Pokemaniacs out there, especially with the release of two custom roms.
And more!
Thanks for listening!
News Sources: https://pastebin.com/9pwFQ3Nb
Blog: https://duckyobrien.com/
Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/u6X79vtHNGY
Retro Handheld News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
Today's episode covers how to upgrade the stock OS for the RG35XX series of handhelds to stockmod (cbepx-me) using a phone. This includes the RG35XX 2024, Plus, H, SP, and even the 28XX.
It's pretty simple! You just need to download the Update Package for Stock mod for your specific handheld version using the github: https://github.com/cbepx-me/RG35xx-P-RG35xx-H-Modification/releases
Do note here that the stock microSD cards are highly susceptible to corruption and this upgrade process may corrupt your card. If the card becomes corrupted your handheld will be unusable. If you are unwilling to take this risk, I would recommend not doing this process.
I inserted my microSD card into my phone using my microSD card slot but you can also use a microSD to USB adapter if your phone has OTG support.
I then used the SanDisk Memory Zone app to access the ROMs partition on the microSD card, deleted the two largest Dreamcast games to make some space, and copied the extracted Update Package to the Roms directory on the card.
After this, you can insert the card back into the TF1 slot on the handheld, boot it up, and go to RA Game, the Apps folder, and start up the upgrade app. This process will take around 10 minutes or so total.
After updating, you should have RetroArch 1.18 and the gpSP core needed to trade GBA Pokemon wirelessly! Just remember to set the GBA Link Connectivity to GBA Wireless Adapter before connecting via netplay.
Thank you for listening!
Wesley10Pro's Guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/RG35XX/comments/1d7uk07/this_is_how_i_update_my_ambernic_without_a_pc/
Video guide: https://youtu.be/arHKfgMCBCc
Written guide: https://duckyobrien.com/2024/06/19/update-the-rg35xxh-2024-plus-sp-28xx-stock-os-to-latest-stockmod-using-your-phone-android/
Retro Handheld News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
Sorry for the late release! I procrastinated too much this time around lol.
In today's SBC gaming news, Powkiddy has not one, not two, but three new handhelds slated for release!
One is the Powkiddy V10. It looks like the Anbernic 280V but has a 3:2 aspect ratio screen, which is perfect for Game Boy Advance Games. It'll supposedly have a RK3326, which is an older SoC but it'll be good enough for GBA.
There is a horizontal handheld as well but no details. If it has the same 3:2 aspect ratio screen, this may be very well an ideal GBA machine.
The last Powkiddy handheld is a horizontal one with a Helio G99. Looks like they're aiming for a handheld with a bit more power.
We also have video footage of the Small Universe x Sugar Cube console. It's the handheld that had the rotating screen. I gotta be honest, I thought it was never going to come out but it looks like it actually might. The video had a prototype with an all metal body and a commenter mentioned that it'd have a SD 888 SoC which would make the price very expensive. Not sure if it'll have a market with that high of a price (I'm guessing around $300).
And while the screen still feels gimmicky, seeing it in action makes it seem not completely pointless.
The handhelds never stop coming out I guess.
And more!
Thanks for listening!
News Sources: https://pastebin.com/J8iVGupq
Blog: https://duckyobrien.com/
Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/2y5HmSGz1xw
Retro Handheld News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
Today's episode covers how to trade Pokemon wirelessly for the Game Boy Advance games on the RG35XXH. This guide should work for the RG35XX Plus and the SP as well. The RG35XX 2024 version doesn't have WiFi so it won't work on that handheld.
All we need is an OS that has RetroArch 1.18 and a recent build of the gpSP core. We'll be using muOS for this guide but the latest version of stockmod by cbepx-me also has RetroArch 1.18.
You download the muOS image from here: https://muos.dev/release/plush
And then flash the image using rufus: https://rufus.ie/
If you don't want to flash your card, you can use the upgrade package from stockmod: https://github.com/cbepx-me/RG35xx-P-RG35xx-H-Modification/releases
After installing, make sure you are using the gpSP core. On stockmod you need to set it by pressing Y on the Pokemon game and selecting the core manually. On muOS gpSP should be the default core.
Once in game, bring up the RetroArch menu (Menu+X on muOS, Menu on stockmod) and go to Core Options and set Link Cable Connectivity to GBA Wireless Adapter. After that, one person needs to host, and the other can join using Netplay.
You can find out your IP address in RetroArch under Main Menu, Information, and then Network Information.
Thank you for listening!
Video guide: https://youtu.be/sfwRzS3X_uo
Written guide: https://duckyobrien.com/2024/05/29/how-to-trade-pokemon-wirelessly-for-game-boy-advance-on-the-rg35xxh/
Notes go here
In today's SBC gaming news, we see some issues with the RG35XXSP. One user posted an image of their SP battery exploding.
Another user posted their battery expanding as well. Using a 5v 1.5A charging brick with a USB A to USB C cable is recommended unless you can measure the voltage coming out of the charger to confirm safe operation. Other people use their computer's USB port to charge as well.
It's the price for the devices being cheap. They don't go through a QA and QC process.
We also have some unfortunate news of the Gameforce Ace not shipping. It's turned into a scam essentially with people not getting their units. The few that did receive units have handhelds with too many problems.
There's definitely a tradeoff for buying these devices as low prices from companies that cut corners. The tradeoff is that consumers need to do their own research as well as be ready to make some repairs themselves. The handhelds aren't designed properly and the reliability can be a hit or a miss, along with some being straight up scams.
On the whole however, they're amazing devices for the price for anyone willing to put in some work. They're definitely not ready for mass consumption for the general crowd however.
And more!
Thanks for listening!
Stick Hole Plugs: https://www.printables.com/model/825678-rgb30-analog-plugs https://makerworld.com/en/models/403629
Blog: https://duckyobrien.com/
Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/pHjT7WWzEPE
Retro Handheld News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
Today's episode covers how use a toolchain to compile an app for a linux based operating system for these retro handhelds. I honestly don't know what I'm doing, so don't use this as a guide but more of a documentation of the steps I took to get a working binary file.
It's quite difficult to go over all the steps using audio only so referring to the linked video and/or written versions may help.
Hopefully it'll be enough to get you guys started.
Two handy reddit posts from user Ordinary_Tension5730:
https://www.reddit.com/r/PowKiddy/comments/1cwnezf/tiny_llm_on_v90_miyoo_cfw/ https://www.reddit.com/r/PowKiddy/comments/1d604ia/whispercpp_on_powkiddy_v90_and_comparison_of/
Thank you for listening!
Video guide: https://youtu.be/V3w0dX_bivc
Written guide: https://duckyobrien.com/2024/05/28/how-to-build-apps-using-a-toolchain-for-retrohandhelds/
Video Game News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
In today's SBC gaming news, we have more details about the AYN Odin2 Mini and the AYANEO Pocket Micro and DMG.
The Odin2 Mini features the same chipset as the Odin 2 so it'll pack a lot of power in a more portable format. It also looks like the Vita which may scratch that itch for nostalgia.
The AYANEO Pocket Micro features the Helio G99 chipset, which is pretty darn powerful. It also has a 3:2 aspect ratio screen which is a bonus for Game Boy Advance games. Expect pricing to be high however. The preorder price will probably be close to $200 and the retail price above $300.
The AYANEO Pocket DMG features the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chipset which is the same one in the Pocket S. This is a really powerful SoC capable of PS2 and GameCube emulation. However, there's only one analog stick and two shoulder buttons. This is a baffling decision as it's powerful enough for later home consoles but lacks the proper controller inputs. Pricing will also be high for this as well. The preorder price will probably be close to $400 and the retail price above $500.
It's a shame because AYANEO comes close enough but misses the mark. To make things worse, it'll be too expensive for most people who wanted a Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance replacement.
And more!
Thanks for listening!
Blog: https://duckyobrien.com/
Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/FAatqvbXo6w
Video Game News, Reviews, and Guides (and sometimes random things)
Today's episode covers how to play RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 games on the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini Plus. We'll be using the EasyRPG core for RetroArch. Theoretically speaking any handheld running RetroArch should be able to do this as long as the EasyRPG core is compiled for that operating system.
Zipping the games into .zip files provide for a much more convenient launching experience so I'd recommend using a program like 7-Zip to repackage them.
Not all games will run well. For example, Theia the Crimson Eclipse will lag pretty hard during battle sequences.
MOTHER: Cognitive Dissonance (a fan Earthbound game) seemed to provide a much smoother experience.
If you want to try the games out yourself:
►Theia – The Crimson Eclipse: https://gamejolt.com/games/theia/426665 ►MOTHER: Cognitive Dissonance: http://cogdis.tazmily.com/
Thank you for listening!
Video guide: https://youtu.be/3EIboIHoBlU
Written guide: https://duckyobrien.com/2024/05/19/how-to-play-rpg-maker-games-on-the-miyoo-mini-plus/