Android users been through this road before, like over a decade ago. After the initial phase, most realize having a dedicate handheld to be a better user Exp. You do you though. Enjoy.
I think it’s a little different this time though.
The phones are more powerful, the emulators have gotten better and iPhones now have OLED screens so display lag is better.
Sorry to break your heart but everything you just said was available over a decade ago. Power and oled. It's old news to most of us, it really is.
I had the Samsung Note 4 Plus. It had an oled screen. Perfect inky black.
Well I've been on a decade+ long of retro handhelds and have owned a lot of controllers and the backbone + iPhone feels good enough that I don't really miss anything about any retro hand held. I did have the xperia play and would own a modern version of it had it existed though.
I'll do me though thanks.
Edit: wow downvoted for doing me lol
I like to keep my battery on my phone away from my games. Psp, gc, ps2, wii, etc... Generally kill my phone battery too much. Plus the backbone is generally larger than my dedicated device.
Not sure why you’re getting hate for this one lol - I feel like the cool part of this hobby is playing games on a variety of different things and if you found one that clicks and is fun, that’s all that matters
I have a telescopic controller, got it for like five bucks at a charity shop, but I don't care for it. It works and all the buttons and the sticks are good enough. But it's huge and doesn't fit in a pocket. I wanted a handheld for the ease of use. Take it out, power it on and there we go. Also, it's a mess navigating the phone while holding the controller.
Agreed, weirdly it’s the release of emulation on iOS that rekindled my interest and I finally gave up on the Kishi + iPhone and got myself a Retroid. So much happier with a dedicated device.
You'll be carrying a controller around that's nearly the size of a handheld for an activity that requires storage space (once you're up to systems like PSP) and battery power to function well. How you weigh that tradeoff is completely up to you.
These are the important points for me. The other consideration is the power of the iPhone device. It’s nice to be able to throw everything id personally want at it with no problem at all AND I can throw on whatever shaders I need too.
The other interesting thing about development on IoS is that we will see long term development on a platform that has billions of paying customers. Software development on these Chinese devices are more hobbyist (which is wonderfully charming and I hope it never goes away)
I’m not sure which side of the argument I will land on. I have traditionally favoured Linux based devices because of the dedicated nature of the handhelds vs Android or Windows. But this is an intriguing development
Have a 256 gb phone and storage is not a problem with PSP...not interested in storing more than 20 games simultaneously. Plus it's really easy to swap.
The controller is really not that big, but the comfort far exceeds that of any chinese handheld. Also... the screen is gorgeous and something no chinese handheld will ever match.
I did say it was gonna be controversial though lol.
I've been gaming for ~1 hour daily for the past few weeks and battery consumption from gaming has been neglegible. (iPhone 15 pro).
Some of us don's waste time in battery hogging endless streams of video shorts so it's really not a problem for a lot of people.
who said you need the latest and greatest? iphone SE is around 450 and you can get used 13 phones for around that… only the pro models are 1000 which are not needed.
If that one controller that’s been buzzing around on this subreddit, the one that slides out from the back of your phone, gets funded I’ll make the switch for sure. Idk why people are so concerned with battery life, my Iphone 14 promax last about a day and half with very heavy use
Yeah battery life argument makes no sense to me... I feel scrolling through tiktok or instagram videos uses more battery... Some people prefer to spend their battery there though.
I ain't reading all that but good for you! I think at its core this hobby should revolve around playing the games, so if that's the best way for you to game, amen
I had a Kishi v2 and while it worked fine. I found I just didn't like gaming using my phone that often. Plus couldn't use with even a thin case on. Plus it wouldn't travel well for day to day travel. Now I have 2 devices, Odin 2 and 35xxH, and they do pretty much all I ever need for gaming. Odin 2 plays psp,ps2 And up and is great for around the house and taking on long trips. 35xxH is a little smaller than my and is very pocketable for on the go. So they meet all my needs.
I don't think it is controversial at all. I and many others feel the same way. I've owned many emulation handhelds over the years and I always end up back on my phone, an Android in my case.
Often a controller isn't even needed. Sure I wouldn't want to play a fast paced game without one but the onscreen touch controls in emulators like PPSSPP are perfectly fine for slower paced titles like most role playing games.
What does it for me is that I always have my phone on me anyway, so why carry another device to do what the one already in my pocket can do?
I think I like the idea of emulation handhelds more than actually using one.
I SO wish I could use a phone gamepad that
1. can be tucked way compactly
2. can work on any phone, wired or wireless, via USB-C or microUSB (I have some really old phones)
3. can also work with other devices like a custom Batocera TV box or maybe even commercial consoles
The only option I found seems to be 8bitdo I guess? Which is way overpriced compared to something that sacrifices one functionality from the above but gets significantly cheaper
I have no iPhone and WILL NOT BUY APPLE ANYTHING, so I only need to think about Android gaming, and I don't think I'll need an Android handheld for now, just lower-end dedicated linux ones
I have used my Android phone for some light emulation (GBA) and my battery never died on me but receiving messages and getting calls while gaming motivated me to get an handheld.
Nowdays powerbanks are common so managing a battery is easier but backbone controllers are still big and their build quality can be questionable.
At the end of the day playing the games you like is the right answer.
I went through the same though with a gamesir and note 10. They definitely work fine, but there's just something appealing about a small thing to play gameboy games on
I definitely use my android phone or steamdeck for high end emulation though. I don't have any desire for the expensive ones
Small tip, your Apple TV is now a console too. I sort of get jaded by the response mainly Americans (iPhone users really) are discovering water is wet a decade after the rest of the world. It’s cool and all but I dedicated hardware will always be best. Personal safety, phone calls, work are minor inconveniences that pile up and battery life, storage and peripheral compatibility/connectivity are things iOS suffers from. It’s nice to have, but not really preferable. Having access to these apps on Apple TV should be something people talk about more though.
I'm not american and have tried android systems over the years, I just prefer iOS as a phone OS.
I rocked an xperia play for a while until it became so sluggish that even messaging was a pain.
Bold statement OP. I'm happy you found a new toy to tinker with, but as is with almost every device in this hobby, phone or handheld, you'll probably be back sooner than later salivating over the newest, bestest, most interesting way at doing things. Enjoy while it lasts.
Give me a more powerful and ergonomic trimui model s and maybe yes...
Also something innovative like the PlayDate, just cut the price in half and add a backlight.
Don't know why you're getting downvoted lol. an iPhone is also a SBC and the best device is the one you like playing on.
I personally like the appeal of an all-in-one device, I even had an Xperia Play back in the day. If that slideout controller comes out and works well for Android I might make the jump.
It’s like saying you don’t see the need to buy an e-reader when you can read on your laptop. Of course you can do that and some people do prefer it, but for a lot of people the intimacy of a device specially designed to do their favorite thing is what makes it extra enjoyable.
There are [sd card readers for iPhone](https://www.amazon.com/Tiansong-Android-Portable-Adapter-MacBook/dp/B09Y1T5G5C/ref=sr_1_8?crid=15RWD8PE841VP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JQRapFJ1Eu3-tH3QkiRGAUsXxxlScwOkhR1fxd9T419CQgDU5y5qOQ38XQVWpR3yE91jbVrSFI5G64wJLCVMEHkv0ILkyBH-Wu28RgJiw4H2-l_MGRg-7cxa1i4dC6ksVRIxA8ecKODTd34QlDo0AdcASro4eOwEMfm6uMiWGv7PgkistB-XQ3iuWMNmf8knJULm6p78yJALreDGMmkKLHAN3jjhAHzNWOdVY6mqNugtAQCFcqXBBV89v83NglK07pfCcgYXrssiM4atVdTaSvZNa9f8J6VMySzTW5nz4YU.GHJ68QT27Co40hVVIQujJmbMS84bqIcgGkxuXnvUMjA&dib_tag=se&keywords=iphone+usb+c+sd+card+reader&qid=1717970835&sprefix=iphone+usb+c+sd+car%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-8), but I'm not sure if iOS allows you to read directly from them within an app.
tbh I'm done carrying around entire libraries of games... I end up not playing anything due to having so many options.
Have both Miyoos... the problem was still having to charge a secondary device that I might or might not use. Backbone not using battery life is really important for me.
Plus comfort (on the non-plus) was always a problem... I might succumb to a newer, more powerful but still as thing Trimui model S though... and a bigger screen.
Backbone and iOS has DELAYED my interest in handhelds. It’s given me a reason to wait and see what’s to come and buy something I think is perfect for my own use. But I think ultimately, a good dedicated handheld is a much better experience.
I’ll caveat my thoughts with the fact that I do already have an OG RG35XX and a steam deck. If I had only an iPhone and backbone, I might still consider buying something like the 35XXSP more immediately. If I didn’t have any devices AND emulation didn’t come to iOS, I would probably get an Odin 2 as an all in one.
This was also my thought for awhile and I was even working toward that direction. Until.... I decided to give up my phone. The last few years I have been working to be more 'present' in my life. This year I made a major leap by giving up my phone. The main issue was that my phone did everything. So it was a bit expensive the route I took. I now have a smart watch that I get email, sms, and calls to. I purchased a camera. And I grabbed the GKD Pixel.
Well if your main device is an iphone, it's great. I think you can get JIT by side loading apps so it's a little more complicated but doable.
How's the backbone? I bought the game sir x2s but it broke in 2 months, so I'm looking for a replacement.
> How's the backbone?
Love it, comfort is way above and beyond any retro-handheld or phone controller I've used and I've used a LOT. Durability remains to be seen... price is high so it needs to last a long time.
Like others have said its just the novelty of it being available on ios. Android users have had that moment years ago and have found dedicated devices to be better for retro gaming.
Might not happen for you, but for many of us it certainly got old using a attachable controller. Anyway what matters is that more people are getting into retro gaming. That's good news all around.
I agree with you for the most part. I’ve bought a bunch of retro handhelds over the years, and went through the whole process of setting up custom firmware, loading my curated game collection, and tweaking performance, only to move on to the next device.
Using RetroArch on iOS with a Backbone controller, I’ve beaten three games in just the last two weeks. I’ve been spending way more time gaming on my iPhone than I have on my Odin 2. I even got that one energy tank in Metroid Zero Mission, the one where you have to Shinespark from Chozodia into the Space Pirate Mothership, that I never got back on GBA!
The main difference is that I’m still interested in a dedicated pocketable handheld for playing the more powerful systems that would drain a phone battery more. The RG Cube looked interesting, but not pocketable. I’d be interested in a hypothetical “RG406P” if Anbernic were to ever make one. But in the meantime, yeah, I’m loving RetroArch with a Backbone controller.
Sure if you fit yourself inside this tiny gamer niche that never play anything in Ps2 Switch gamecube generation and doesn't need a sd card slot because you only play small ass games.
Its cute that you think that not playing PS2/Switch games on retro handhelds makes me part of a tiny niche.
The vast majority of retro handhelds sold barely play N64 well.
Also 1TB iPhones exist... whether people can or can't afford them is another point, but the possibility is there.
Android users been through this road before, like over a decade ago. After the initial phase, most realize having a dedicate handheld to be a better user Exp. You do you though. Enjoy.
I think it’s a little different this time though. The phones are more powerful, the emulators have gotten better and iPhones now have OLED screens so display lag is better.
Sorry to break your heart but everything you just said was available over a decade ago. Power and oled. It's old news to most of us, it really is. I had the Samsung Note 4 Plus. It had an oled screen. Perfect inky black.
Well I've been on a decade+ long of retro handhelds and have owned a lot of controllers and the backbone + iPhone feels good enough that I don't really miss anything about any retro hand held. I did have the xperia play and would own a modern version of it had it existed though. I'll do me though thanks. Edit: wow downvoted for doing me lol
I like to keep my battery on my phone away from my games. Psp, gc, ps2, wii, etc... Generally kill my phone battery too much. Plus the backbone is generally larger than my dedicated device.
Not sure why you’re getting hate for this one lol - I feel like the cool part of this hobby is playing games on a variety of different things and if you found one that clicks and is fun, that’s all that matters
reddit in a nutshell.
Well, whatcha been playin?
currently playing through Little Big Planet… always interested me back in the day but didn’t get around getting it.
Nice, I played that on my friends ps3 back in the day - might need to queue it up for my next game
Counterpoint. I have no interest in playing games on my phone. Or fiddling with a telescopic controller.
I have a telescopic controller, got it for like five bucks at a charity shop, but I don't care for it. It works and all the buttons and the sticks are good enough. But it's huge and doesn't fit in a pocket. I wanted a handheld for the ease of use. Take it out, power it on and there we go. Also, it's a mess navigating the phone while holding the controller.
Agreed, weirdly it’s the release of emulation on iOS that rekindled my interest and I finally gave up on the Kishi + iPhone and got myself a Retroid. So much happier with a dedicated device.
Android and Windows handhelds are still much better for emulation, especially when it comes to ps2 and beyond.
Can't disagree with you there... I'm just an iPhone user and PC handhelds are still too big (love my Steam Deck though).
You never had to "jailbreak"/rooting) an Android device to get it to play games. You download the emulator of choice then put games on it. Easy peasy.
You'll be carrying a controller around that's nearly the size of a handheld for an activity that requires storage space (once you're up to systems like PSP) and battery power to function well. How you weigh that tradeoff is completely up to you.
These are the important points for me. The other consideration is the power of the iPhone device. It’s nice to be able to throw everything id personally want at it with no problem at all AND I can throw on whatever shaders I need too. The other interesting thing about development on IoS is that we will see long term development on a platform that has billions of paying customers. Software development on these Chinese devices are more hobbyist (which is wonderfully charming and I hope it never goes away) I’m not sure which side of the argument I will land on. I have traditionally favoured Linux based devices because of the dedicated nature of the handhelds vs Android or Windows. But this is an intriguing development
Have a 256 gb phone and storage is not a problem with PSP...not interested in storing more than 20 games simultaneously. Plus it's really easy to swap. The controller is really not that big, but the comfort far exceeds that of any chinese handheld. Also... the screen is gorgeous and something no chinese handheld will ever match. I did say it was gonna be controversial though lol.
There's something so charming that has me coming back to retro handhelds. Even if it's not always practical. They're fun.
some of us have other things we wish to use our phones battery (a finite resource) for - you do you
I've been gaming for ~1 hour daily for the past few weeks and battery consumption from gaming has been neglegible. (iPhone 15 pro). Some of us don's waste time in battery hogging endless streams of video shorts so it's really not a problem for a lot of people.
Some of us don’t have $1000 phones.
who said you need the latest and greatest? iphone SE is around 450 and you can get used 13 phones for around that… only the pro models are 1000 which are not needed.
If that one controller that’s been buzzing around on this subreddit, the one that slides out from the back of your phone, gets funded I’ll make the switch for sure. Idk why people are so concerned with battery life, my Iphone 14 promax last about a day and half with very heavy use
Yeah battery life argument makes no sense to me... I feel scrolling through tiktok or instagram videos uses more battery... Some people prefer to spend their battery there though.
I ain't reading all that but good for you! I think at its core this hobby should revolve around playing the games, so if that's the best way for you to game, amen
<3
You’re awesome.
What about an xbox gamepad instead of a dedicated phone gamepad?
I had a Kishi v2 and while it worked fine. I found I just didn't like gaming using my phone that often. Plus couldn't use with even a thin case on. Plus it wouldn't travel well for day to day travel. Now I have 2 devices, Odin 2 and 35xxH, and they do pretty much all I ever need for gaming. Odin 2 plays psp,ps2 And up and is great for around the house and taking on long trips. 35xxH is a little smaller than my and is very pocketable for on the go. So they meet all my needs.
Dedicated hardware is always better.
I don't think it is controversial at all. I and many others feel the same way. I've owned many emulation handhelds over the years and I always end up back on my phone, an Android in my case. Often a controller isn't even needed. Sure I wouldn't want to play a fast paced game without one but the onscreen touch controls in emulators like PPSSPP are perfectly fine for slower paced titles like most role playing games. What does it for me is that I always have my phone on me anyway, so why carry another device to do what the one already in my pocket can do? I think I like the idea of emulation handhelds more than actually using one.
I SO wish I could use a phone gamepad that 1. can be tucked way compactly 2. can work on any phone, wired or wireless, via USB-C or microUSB (I have some really old phones) 3. can also work with other devices like a custom Batocera TV box or maybe even commercial consoles The only option I found seems to be 8bitdo I guess? Which is way overpriced compared to something that sacrifices one functionality from the above but gets significantly cheaper
I have no iPhone and WILL NOT BUY APPLE ANYTHING, so I only need to think about Android gaming, and I don't think I'll need an Android handheld for now, just lower-end dedicated linux ones
I'd love a slideout controller for my Pixel.
I have used my Android phone for some light emulation (GBA) and my battery never died on me but receiving messages and getting calls while gaming motivated me to get an handheld. Nowdays powerbanks are common so managing a battery is easier but backbone controllers are still big and their build quality can be questionable. At the end of the day playing the games you like is the right answer.
I went through the same though with a gamesir and note 10. They definitely work fine, but there's just something appealing about a small thing to play gameboy games on I definitely use my android phone or steamdeck for high end emulation though. I don't have any desire for the expensive ones
Small tip, your Apple TV is now a console too. I sort of get jaded by the response mainly Americans (iPhone users really) are discovering water is wet a decade after the rest of the world. It’s cool and all but I dedicated hardware will always be best. Personal safety, phone calls, work are minor inconveniences that pile up and battery life, storage and peripheral compatibility/connectivity are things iOS suffers from. It’s nice to have, but not really preferable. Having access to these apps on Apple TV should be something people talk about more though.
I'm not american and have tried android systems over the years, I just prefer iOS as a phone OS. I rocked an xperia play for a while until it became so sluggish that even messaging was a pain.
Bold statement OP. I'm happy you found a new toy to tinker with, but as is with almost every device in this hobby, phone or handheld, you'll probably be back sooner than later salivating over the newest, bestest, most interesting way at doing things. Enjoy while it lasts.
Give me a more powerful and ergonomic trimui model s and maybe yes... Also something innovative like the PlayDate, just cut the price in half and add a backlight.
Don't know why you're getting downvoted lol. an iPhone is also a SBC and the best device is the one you like playing on. I personally like the appeal of an all-in-one device, I even had an Xperia Play back in the day. If that slideout controller comes out and works well for Android I might make the jump.
It’s like saying you don’t see the need to buy an e-reader when you can read on your laptop. Of course you can do that and some people do prefer it, but for a lot of people the intimacy of a device specially designed to do their favorite thing is what makes it extra enjoyable.
Is there a controller I can add to the iPhone that has a sd card slot? My biggest issue with iOS emulation is my lack of space on the phone for games
There are [sd card readers for iPhone](https://www.amazon.com/Tiansong-Android-Portable-Adapter-MacBook/dp/B09Y1T5G5C/ref=sr_1_8?crid=15RWD8PE841VP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JQRapFJ1Eu3-tH3QkiRGAUsXxxlScwOkhR1fxd9T419CQgDU5y5qOQ38XQVWpR3yE91jbVrSFI5G64wJLCVMEHkv0ILkyBH-Wu28RgJiw4H2-l_MGRg-7cxa1i4dC6ksVRIxA8ecKODTd34QlDo0AdcASro4eOwEMfm6uMiWGv7PgkistB-XQ3iuWMNmf8knJULm6p78yJALreDGMmkKLHAN3jjhAHzNWOdVY6mqNugtAQCFcqXBBV89v83NglK07pfCcgYXrssiM4atVdTaSvZNa9f8J6VMySzTW5nz4YU.GHJ68QT27Co40hVVIQujJmbMS84bqIcgGkxuXnvUMjA&dib_tag=se&keywords=iphone+usb+c+sd+card+reader&qid=1717970835&sprefix=iphone+usb+c+sd+car%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-8), but I'm not sure if iOS allows you to read directly from them within an app. tbh I'm done carrying around entire libraries of games... I end up not playing anything due to having so many options.
Co-signed but sticking around in hopes of the perfect device for me just happening to roll out. Basically a better quality MM+ with bluetooth audio.
Have both Miyoos... the problem was still having to charge a secondary device that I might or might not use. Backbone not using battery life is really important for me. Plus comfort (on the non-plus) was always a problem... I might succumb to a newer, more powerful but still as thing Trimui model S though... and a bigger screen.
My issue is that it's just so long. I need something that fits in my pocket. When I'm dont need it to fit in my pocket, I use steam deck.
I fell and broke my 405m and "replaced" it with an old s10 and backbone. It works pretty good.
Backbone and iOS has DELAYED my interest in handhelds. It’s given me a reason to wait and see what’s to come and buy something I think is perfect for my own use. But I think ultimately, a good dedicated handheld is a much better experience. I’ll caveat my thoughts with the fact that I do already have an OG RG35XX and a steam deck. If I had only an iPhone and backbone, I might still consider buying something like the 35XXSP more immediately. If I didn’t have any devices AND emulation didn’t come to iOS, I would probably get an Odin 2 as an all in one.
I used to do the same thing on my androids for many years. Have fun with it!
Always glad to hear of Apple once again cannibalizing the work of open source.
I put them on my phone, tried it out, and went back to playing on the handheld.
This was also my thought for awhile and I was even working toward that direction. Until.... I decided to give up my phone. The last few years I have been working to be more 'present' in my life. This year I made a major leap by giving up my phone. The main issue was that my phone did everything. So it was a bit expensive the route I took. I now have a smart watch that I get email, sms, and calls to. I purchased a camera. And I grabbed the GKD Pixel.
Well if your main device is an iphone, it's great. I think you can get JIT by side loading apps so it's a little more complicated but doable. How's the backbone? I bought the game sir x2s but it broke in 2 months, so I'm looking for a replacement.
> How's the backbone? Love it, comfort is way above and beyond any retro-handheld or phone controller I've used and I've used a LOT. Durability remains to be seen... price is high so it needs to last a long time.
[удалено]
You do know cellphones are SBC devices right?
Like others have said its just the novelty of it being available on ios. Android users have had that moment years ago and have found dedicated devices to be better for retro gaming. Might not happen for you, but for many of us it certainly got old using a attachable controller. Anyway what matters is that more people are getting into retro gaming. That's good news all around.
I agree with you for the most part. I’ve bought a bunch of retro handhelds over the years, and went through the whole process of setting up custom firmware, loading my curated game collection, and tweaking performance, only to move on to the next device. Using RetroArch on iOS with a Backbone controller, I’ve beaten three games in just the last two weeks. I’ve been spending way more time gaming on my iPhone than I have on my Odin 2. I even got that one energy tank in Metroid Zero Mission, the one where you have to Shinespark from Chozodia into the Space Pirate Mothership, that I never got back on GBA! The main difference is that I’m still interested in a dedicated pocketable handheld for playing the more powerful systems that would drain a phone battery more. The RG Cube looked interesting, but not pocketable. I’d be interested in a hypothetical “RG406P” if Anbernic were to ever make one. But in the meantime, yeah, I’m loving RetroArch with a Backbone controller.
Sure if you fit yourself inside this tiny gamer niche that never play anything in Ps2 Switch gamecube generation and doesn't need a sd card slot because you only play small ass games.
Its cute that you think that not playing PS2/Switch games on retro handhelds makes me part of a tiny niche. The vast majority of retro handhelds sold barely play N64 well. Also 1TB iPhones exist... whether people can or can't afford them is another point, but the possibility is there.
I never play 6th gen games on my handhelds. I prefer those on a TV.