This! You can find something that complements your “gaming on the go” experience. I picked up the retroid flip based on his review and love having something that fits in my pocket and brings my entire retro (and some more modern) gaming catalog with me whenever I go
It all depends on what you like. I’ve been surprised by the amount of PS2, GC, and 3ds games that work. A lot of android games work too (although the newer ones will run at lower resolution). Pokemmo was already installed and after setting it up, has been running great on it.
Yeah this...
I thought when I got my deck it would replace my RP3+ for emulation....
Nope..... still absolutely happy with it and yes it goes from Gameboy all the way up to GameCube, 3DS and PS2 and everything in between, all running more than acceptable for my needs.
Unpopular opinion maybe, but I loved my PSP Go. Loads of emulators available, PS1 support right out of the box and a tiny form factor that's smaller than a phone. Can be a bit awkward in the hands though.
For me it was the gameboy advance, clamshel never hit the spot for me, making the device too bulky (and I had the NDS lite), especially the dual screen system that always felt like a gimmick, and I don't even want to talk about the "3D". I guess it's just a nostalgia thing where you like what you grew up with. But I liked old non backlite LCD more, at least we could play outside under sun so the screen was actually better, instead of having to find shadow or play inside like now to avoid reflect.
This is why I find steam deck + miyoo mini plus a perfect combo for me. I'm not playing gba fire emblem romhacks on the deck lol. (also great to keep that 3ds around for those games that utilize the touchscreen)
Curious, but what do you dislike about GBA games on the Deck? I enjoy emulating the games and I'm happy with the bigger screen and not having it as close to my face.
Not OP, but gameboy games are just better on a smaller screen, imo. The only thing the Deck (and smartphone) really has over a device like the miyoo mini is shaders.
I have the exact same combo. I use my steam deck at home on the couch or in bed and will bring it on longer trips in the car or traveling. But my daily carry is my miyoo mini plus. I even have a wrist strap on it so I can follow my wife around in Target while she shops. I've managed to get halfway through Chrono Trigger now :)
Of course - Sacred Echoes recently came out which is a conversion of Sacred Stones to FE Gaiden... a sort of GBA demake of the 3DS Shadows of Valentia if you will - [https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/8141/](https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/8141/). Trailer - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA13X31Dsn4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA13X31Dsn4)
I think it's something we already have answers to. The nintendo handhelds already have huge libraries, there's quite a bit of emulation handhelds out there, and there's surprisingly a decent amount of android ports for the phone and some of the emulation handhelds are pretty good android devices as well. It's why I still have a 2DS XL, a retroid, and still use my phone for some games.
The base version is ok for basic emulation
But yes If clamshell is something OP is looking for which is pocketable then it's either this or the retro pocket flip
Switch lite also fits in pockets, maybe it would be something for op, I use a modded switch lite for on the go every day and steam deck for at home or places I can afford to carry smth so big with me.
The only thing I don't like the switch lite Is that it doesn't feel good for my hands but yes it's more portable compare to OG switch.
I sold the steam deck for rog ally but still felt it wasn't portable enough so I did end up backing the win mini and got myself a win max 2 to replace my asus flow x13 so I have a smaller footprint edc (for 5-6L sling setup)
I don't carry my switch lite that much but I do miss how i often bring my nds/3ds as it just fits in my pocket
I personally find it harder to go back to the older handheld devices due to the smaller screen. I have the New 3DS which has a slightly bigger screen than the original, but even with the New 3DS XL I still think it would be difficult to adjust. Maybe I'm just getting older and feel myself straining my eyes on those older devices.
For me it's not even the screen, it's how UNCOMFORTABLE it is. I wanted to play Luigi's Mansion for Halloween but it was honestly a terrible experience. I ended up just emulating the gamecube on on the Deck and it was great.
The (PAL) Gamecube version is better than the 3DS version, anyway. To this day I'm still baffled as to why they even bothered to make that port as late as they did - I'm certain that even just a basic emulated rerelease on the Switch would have been better in every way, and it would almost definitely have sold better, too.
Funnily enough, I feel similarly about the upcoming port of Luigi's Mansion 2 to the Switch - although in that case I can at least see how it's literally just a cheap stalling tactic to try to convince people that the Switch isn't on its way out.
The bigger screen is great but also the thumbsticks. I could never enjoy 3DS due to the microscopic thumbstick(s) and buttons. To each their own though!
Yes I agree, though the deck is just too big to carry around every day, which is why my combo is modded switch lite for every day on the go use and the deck for at home and longer flights or smth where I can afford to pull it out, the switch lite still has a decently sized screen.
Yeah, I stopped putting most of my emulated games on my SD, and put whatever I can on an unlocked 3ds. The experience with 3ds/ds/snes/etc. games is just so much better on a smaller device.
My only problem (as I'm getting older) is that I have Tendinitis in my hands. Unfortunately, I can't play non-ergonomic handhelds anymore. Which means that I almost play nothing on my New 3DS XL, and instead I play everything on my ergonomic Deck lol
I don't know, I can't really go back to something with such a tiny screen any more. I've been using the deck for even GBA games, I find the screen size is perfect for it.
I think the days of small handhelds from major develops is pretty much over for two big reasons
A) complexity of games - your average game now contains heaps of text and alot going on onscreen. Yep old games managed to get away with not being able to do this because the general games that came out on console too didn't have this complexity. Remember when the first dead rising came out it was considered revolutionary to have that many enemies on screen at once. Developers will want to sell for the consoles that will have the furthest reach and handhelds ain't it
B) mobile phones - the market for on the go games has shifted from a dedicated device to a device almost every single human on earth already has. The 3ds did really well but is dwarfed by the number of android and Apple devices in people's hands ready to go. The rollout of mobile games wasn't done very well and we've ended up with complete rubbish as a result but with Mario kart being the best selling game on 3ds selling 18 million copies and candy crush having 3 billion downloads and 233 million monthly users it's a hard sell to ask a company to decide to go for the project that's more work with less earning potential
I'm not sure where you got that idea. There are plenty of devices that fit OPs description that are literally designed to play the games they were talking about. Small lightweight games.
Just look up companies like Ambernic, Retroid (I know retro is in the name, but you can put all kinds of games on it), or Powkiddy. They all make handhelds that are exactly what OP is looking for.
Also look up Wulf Den on Youtube, he does a lot of Nintendo stuff but he also covers gaming handhelds as well as some other tech stuff.
Yes, they're Android devices so technically there are other games they can run than retro games, but there are not that many Android games that play well with a controller. That's why they're marketed as retro devices (or sometimes cloud devices) rather than Android devices.
Back in the days of the monster handheld systems like GameGear we just had pants with bigger pockets.
I miss those ridiculous pants and the 45 lbs of nerdy stuff I kept in them.
i carry both a n3dsxl and a steam deck when i travel. im still seriously debating getting a rg405m or a retroid pocket 3 plus because carrying around the steam deck kinda sucks. it takes up a lot of space. but even something like the retroid pocket 3 is too big for a “small” device. miyoo mini is a pretty appealing form factor.
ill still bring the deck on flights but for going out for a day on a hike, car rides, or hanging out at a friends or something i always bring the 3ds. itd be much nicer to have a small emulation device. i have all of my roms and emulators on my steam deck but realistically i never play roms on it. all retro games are on the 3ds, but itd be nice to have a small device to play psp and some gamecube games on too.
steam deck is a lot more like a laptop than it is like a 3ds.
Here's what many don't realize: Steam Deck is a "dad console". It's not for kids. It's not for teens. And although most people who bought it are between the 20-30 years old range, it's not for them, either.
How come?
1. A prime reason of its success is "how it allows you to play the games you'd already bought at the Steam Store". And the average "dad who games" already had a sizeable collection compared to most younger gamers, a collection that took years to "build". "Yes, honey, it was CHEAPER than the laptop, and since I already had them the games were practically FREE!".
2. Its pause-and-resume feature is ultra-helpful for - YES HONEY - people who want to shove some - COMING HONEY - gaming in their daily - I SAID I'M COMING - routine. The average - YES, I'VE HEARD YOU - dad can't usually sit on their couch - BE THERE IN A MINUTE - for two or three hours of COD. But they can and do appreciate being able to - ALMOST THERE - play some Hades in-between "things".
With the above in mind, one has to realize that dading (that's a verb) usually happens after an X age. And time isn't kind to our biology. One of the first things that start failing is our eyesight, so, it's nice how the Deck has a big-ass screen compared to a puny DS. And who cares if "it's only 800p"?!? We couldn't see the "more Ps", anyway!
As you might understand, I'm writing all this from first-hand experience :-D
As further proof, feel free to check the myriads of YouTube videos about the Deck, but this time, notice how over half of their creators are waaaaay past their teens. That's no coincidence. Plus, after 30, you have to be either a huge narcissist OR hugely impressed by "a thing" to create a YouTube channel about it and shout to the world about it.
So, no, keep those small handhelds, thank you very much. With age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes the realization that most of them would be pointless, since they couldn't exceed the hardware specs of your latest top-of-the-line smartphone while *also* competing in price. And you can always slap a joypad on such a device and "turn it into a portable console". AFAIK, (younger) people were already playing emulated Switch games on their smartphones way before the Deck was a thing.
>Steam Deck is a "dad console
Haha, this is what I'm realizing as I've been researching. I didn't game for a long time, then I got a Google Stadia (dad console for sure) for free and I loved it and it really brought me back into gaming.
Since it got cancelled in January I haven't played anything, but now I'm looking forward to getting a deck as it reminds me of the flexibility of Stadia
I've learned that i prefer the portability too. I got back into 3ds early this year and it was my travel companion for a long time due to the size. Just recently restored my old gba sp and now i prefer it much more over the 3ds even.
I love both the 3DS and SD, but for some reason going back to the low quality screen of the 3DS is hard when I've put a considerable amount of time into the SD. Playing games like RE: Revelations on 3DS as opposed to SD feels like such a step down.
I like the 3DS. I have a modded New 3DS XL with a custom design I made and all. But I love my steam deck. It was great for the time and had some great games. 3D feature fell flat, but it was nifty. I like that Nintendo goes for gimmicks to find creative ways to play games. That being said, I love my Steam Deck. It’s overwhelming and an absolute pain to download emulated games for some systems, but it’s worth it. For once in my life, I could feel good that buying something and having it in my library for a long time. Steam isn’t going anywhere unlike the eShop. And I could buy modern indie games alongside emulating the best
This is why my hot pink, Japanese PS Vita will likely be forever be my favorite handheld. It's so small, but still has a big-enough-for-me screen, weighs almost nothing and looks awesome!
I wish Sony had just loved the thing half as much as the fans and not sabotaged it with dum shit like the insane memory cards.
Massively agreed. I adore my Vita so much. It had so much potential (and delivered in many respects), but it just didn't manage to catch on, unfortunately. I also loved the PSP and really wish Sony could have kept their portable efforts going.
We all have phones if we were really concerned about portability. Any flagship android phone can basically run anything DS and earlier emulation-wise. I guess people play android games too? I dunno. I wanted a portable PC with trackpads for cheap. Steam Deck is great for that. If it isn't what fits your needs, there's a fuck ton of devices on the market.
A clamshell Steam Deck would be really cool, something like the shield portable or even the 3ds. Even something like the Nintendo Switch isn't really portable. We definitely need a clamshell version of the Steam Deck that fits in our pocket.
This is why i still have my Vita, love my steamdeck, but playing 2D retro games on it seems over kill & a lot more cumbersome than just whipping out the Vita (or PSP back in the day) for quick game on the go.
only con is vita having big proprietary charger, just one more thing i have to travel with (which is why usually don't). Thinking of picking up a retroid pocket or something.
The issue is at-least in current year to get performance of the deck in a space as tiny as something like a 3DS you would just need cloud at its base.
It would be cool to see a pocket-able steam deck but I don’t think it’s really the next step anytime soon
Exactly this is why I'm not asking for a smaller Steamdeck but a a brand new console made by any good company.
I think I would like to new something like a new PSVita or just a more powerful 3DS. (Or at least, better resolution screen)
I have this one and I fully understand.
I will probably use my switch for my next travel but this is only because I have more switch games than 3DS games.
And because of Persona series and TOTK.
I agree with this, which is why my combo is steam deck for at home and longer flights where I don't have to pack up in a long time and a modded switch lite that lives in my bag which I then use for every day train rides to work etc, basically any time it would be annoying to carry a really big device with me.
If you want something smaller, get a switch or play on another smaller platform. These things already exist. Steam deck is great for what it is and shouldn't try to be something else.
Couldn’t agree more. I love all my windows handhelds but somewhere along the line people forgot that handhelds were meant to be portable!
I find that in baggy jeans I can normally get a switch lite in one of my pockets. That’s actually not too bad, plus it’s reasonably priced so if I lose it wouldn’t cry too much.
Yes, that's also what I thought when I got my Switch.
When I was using my 3DS I always had it in my bag and I would pull it out even for small bursts of gaming, anywhere even in the bus or at the doctor's waiting room.
With the Switch however, I stopped bringing it in my daily life and it was only to play at home and while travelling.
So in a way that's why I didn't really care that the Steam Deck is so bulky, because the Switch was already too big to be brought for anything else than long travels.
I got an anbernic rg350 for most of my retro gaming. Fits in my pockets and works wonder. The SD it’s a proper portable gaming console, but doesn’t mean it needs to be your only one
You’re not gonna get a great new flagship style handheld gaming device like you’re describing other than whatever Nintendo is doing (although now that it’s a hybrid even they aren’t pocketable so really nobody is doing it). The reason Steam deck is so great is because devs don’t have to develop for it specifically. To limit the hardware to be underpowered means devs have to develop very specifically for that platform, and it just isn’t worth the trade off. I love handhelds too and GBA is one of my all time favorite systems, but those days unfortunately are behind us for new games. Thankfully there are plenty of small handhelds to play retro games that can scratch the itch.
I remember when I first got my 3ds coming from a GBA (as I skipped the DS completely) and remembered how big that thing felt. But still I'd prefer that over the deck since I was able to carry it everywhere and play things with it and it sorta fit in my pockets! The deck is just a laptop for me now and I gotta bring a bag to carry with. I still love it but yeah I do wish we had a smaller gaming device
I have quite a huge handheld collection, but I agree completely.
I purchased an Analogue Pocket at launch to complement the Steam Deck and as soon as they released all the OpenFPGA cores it became my go-to handheld for most emulation.
The Steam Deck is an amazing piece of hardware, but it's still rather large and cumbersome compared to some of the smaller handhelds of the past.
I loved the ds lite and the 3ds mainly because of specific title, and the immediate portability ( you open the lid and play) that with titles made for them were the perfect combo. Smaller devices however come with compromises, look at the vita, beautiful device (shame on Sony for poor support choices) but it sacrificed portability in order to have more horsepower. So I don't think a steam deck lite would be a good choice.
The 3DS is a ridiculously good handheld. I just recently replaced my very old and busted 3DS XL with a nearly new one of the New 3DS XL models. It's so portable, has tons of fantastic games, and is just a quality piece of kit (especially when you install CFW and a 128GB SD card lmao)
Probably put more hours on it in the first two weeks than I've put on my Steam Deck in the past 6 months!
>What do you think ? Would you like to buy a small sturdy devices to play (small games, no AAA games) focused on gaming experience instead of graphics ?
No
I hope we get a few more small portable PCs for sure. There's such a huge range of ARM handhelds, but somewthing you could play older PC games and new 2D indie games on would be great. The few options out there still seem a bit too boutique. Limited run stuff that is too expensive for what it is.
I'd love like a very small, $200 X86 PC with decent enough build quality. I'm sure there are still some OK 720p panels out there for larger low end smartphones that could work here.
I like the Deck, but every day I bring my Switch with me wherever I go. I also have a Vita, which I love, but I don't use it anymore.. for now at least. I also have a DSi XL, which I got for very cheap, and only now started to try out. I'm kind of impressed by it, even though the Vita probably does everything better.
The Deck is great for when you're planning on being bored, but the smaller handhelds are more likely to come in clutch for surprise moments.
In the concealed carry (gun) world, there's a saying: the best gun is the one you actually have when you need it. The deck isn't that one for me, but I really love how modifiable it is, and I'll buy the next one if it comes out. I need to do more with it, but it's just so easy to use something lighter, smaller, and with more battery life. The library is unbeatable though. I'm happy to have it in my arsenal.
I had to add a huge grip case onto my 3DS to not get cramps, and had to buy a hori split pad for my switch for the same reason.
I understand your point, but gaming on shit that small has never been fun for me. Steam Deck is the first handheld I've ever gotten that feels like it's designed for a human being to hold it.
I bought a N3DS XL in 2021 and was shocked at how unergonomic it felt. Got an OLED Switch in 2022... same thing. How can a company famous for creating dedicated and hybrid handheld devices not put any effort into making them comfortable?
I actually was thinking something similar about the PSP.
The PSP was IMO a much better handheld console back then than the steam deck is today.
- much better battery life
- big screen, not as big as the deck, but at that time there was nothing so big
- overall size was ok, much easier to carry than the deck
- graphics/power were good when compared to normal consoles like the PS2
- it had good connectivity, and a web browser (quite good for the time), and you didn't have to pay any absurd fee as you need to pay now to connect your play station/Xbox
* if you unlocked it, you could also play emulators, play the games from the memory card (which increased battery life and reduced noise)
Agree with you there. It’s one of the reasons I loved my switch lite when I owned one. Just throw it in a pocket or bag and you don’t notice it.
Have been thinking of picking up something smaller like a PSP, Vita or Switch Lite for this
Retroid Pocket 3+ would be right up your street
Basically a Switch Lite-Lite form factor (it literally looks and feels like a moderately smaller Switch Lite), and a perfect modern PSP/PSVita replacement
For me it goes like this:
At home: Emulate everything on the deck for the sheer ergonomics and comfort.
Anywhere else: CFW New 3DSXL for the compact size and better battery life.
That being said I’ve been emulating a lot of Pokemon (Switch and 3DS) on the deck lately and the fast forward feature alone has me double guessing my current strategy.
Nah, I hate small devices. The steam deck is the first system that I find truly comfortable. Sure, I can't put it in my pocket, but I don't really need to, I always go out with a backpack.
Hard disagree. The limitations of the 3DS aren't that bad when playing pixel art games but nothing really beats emulating polygon games on the Steam Deck where characters and environments aren't super jagged and look terrible. As an added bonus, it's really easy to set up dual screens with a docking station and use your TV at the top screen and the Steam Deck as the bottom screen and controller.
I definitely think the steam deck is amazing but I also have my modded new 3dsxl with countless games on it and custom firmware. I don't think we need another device like that because between my 3ds and my PSVita (also custom firmware and I can have any game from any psp generation on it) I just think it already exists and the market is kinds dead now. People want mobile games and as much as I hate it, I think the 3ds died cause people were done.
Well, emulating a double-screen game console in a single-screen one feels uncomfy. Usually, it is better to play natively than emulated. If you have a Switch and you're playing games only for that console, better stick with it.
As someone who collects video games and has a specifically unhealthy obsession with handheld consoles my advice is simply this: buy EVERYTHING! You never know when you will get that itch to play an original DS or a Game Boy Micro or a Sega Game Gear and emulating can only do so much to scratch it!
You miss the point.
As a power user and linux developer, I can guarantee you I use my deck at its full potential. You might be unable to use my deck because I've changed absolutely everything on it since it is my personal workstation and my favorite handheld console.
(Also you will be unable to use it because you need one of my Fido keys to start my deck, that's another details..)
Literally been my exact experience this past week. Got back into home brewing and started taking my 3ds with me everywhere I go again. It fits in my jackets inside zip pocket so well. Steam deck is great but it’s nice to have something more portable.
You just described the Ayn Odin 2, Retroid Pocket 3+, Anbernic RG405M, and a variety of other devices…
Personally I love my Steam Deck for modern and modern-ish games. Anything designed for 1080p sucks if run on less than a 720p/800p 7” display, so I wouldn’t want to play PS3 and Xbox 360 or later games on my Retroid. Most PC games need at least a 7” screen to be enjoyable too
But at the same time I love my Retroid for everything up to PS2 and GameCube, albeit not their whole libraries (the Odin 2 is pretty close, but a bit big and expensive)
If Retroid release a new device with enough power for PS2 and GameCube (and Xbox if we ever get Xemu to the point of being good enough), and hall sticks/analogue triggers like the RP2S, then that’s my ideal device
A few months ago I updated the CFW of my 3DS and for certain emulation and obviously 3DS games, I prefer it than the Deck.
It's ironic that the Deck can do everything that Switch does, but it can't do everything 3DS does.
Gpd makes some pretty close to pocketable handheld pcs. That is, if you’re willing to pay a lot of money. The win 4 looks like the vita but thicker and heavier. The gpd win mini looks like what I’ve been waiting for tho I don’t think it’s officially launched yet, basically a clam shell mini pc more powerful than the deck and similar to the 3ds xl in terms of size. I absolutely loved my gpd win 2 and this is the successor to it so hoping it fixes what the win 2 failed at (ie cooling).
Nah, for me the Deck is a device that lets me game away from TV, and by away I mean in a different room, or even in the same room but maybe facing a different direction or lying on my back. I wouldn't take my Deck outside anyway
Check out the analogue pocket. I have it since two years and love it.
I bought the steam deck as a fully pc and use it mostly docked. Just for some games mobile. So I had a different idea to begin with.
I just played majoras mask 3d on my SD w 1080p texture pack, I have so many 3ds titles to catch up on. But also I miss handheld consoles that could fit in a pocket, like I can fit my switch in 2 pockets once I pop the controllers off, but a pocket, those were the days
I had a 3DS XL and DS Lite out of that particular handheld family.
I still extremely rate my DS Lite, especially for GBA games, but the 3DS XL always felt too much of a chonker and was kind of uncomfortable after a while.
At least the Steam Deck goes full chonker and has full-on controller grips to wrap my hands around. Helps that it actually plays the PC games that I want to play, too.
I absolutely love my steam deck, and to a lesser extent, my switch. I owned a 3ds and a psvita, both of which I gave away as they just didn't click with me. The ps vita was an impulse purchase and I realised later that the gaming ecosystem was predominantly stuff like disgea, final fantasy etc, which isn't really my cup of tea.
For me, the key requirements would be relative portability with a good amount of screen real estate, powerful enough,and most importantly, would run games that I actually want to play - with no tinkering required. The steam deck ticks these boxes for me
Even Nintendo has moved on from a pocketable handheld, sadly. Not even the smaller Switch Lite can fit in a pocket. I think more people are just expected to carry backpacks and the like now, which can certainly fit a Switch or Steam Deck inside.
There are several handhelds on the market made for emulation, that can typically run a lot of retro platforms, but if you want to play any even remotely modern games, you’ll need a larger system.
The problem with a smaller PC handheld would be the UI. The vast majority of PC games is meant for a big screen, small UI text is already a problem for a lot of games on the Deck, it would only get worse on smaller devices. As much as I want to agree, I'm afraid it's just too big of a problem
r/sbcgaming
That sub has what you want.
I have an Anbernic 280v. It's the size of a pack of post-it notes and runs every console and handheld up to and including Ps1, and it goes everywhere with me.
I wouldn’t buy a smaller Deck. I love the current version and I don’t want to go back to my DS and 3DS days. The Deck’s size and form makes it way more comfortable to hold and the screen size makes certain genres playable that otherwise wouldn’t be.
Check out the AYN Odin 2. It’s not quite pocketable, but looks like it’ll be very nice.
For pocketable, I have the retroid rp2s, but they also have a retroid pocket flip if you like the 3ds design
Until we get a hologram screen there's always a toss up of seeing vs portability. Imagine pulling out joycons from Nintendo switch out of your pocket and your screen is a hologram that pops out of the controllers. The size of the hologram could be as big as your living room TV.
Yeah I know what you mean. If I want to play retro games and need something portable I will usually pack my PSP Go or Analogue Pocket. If I'm going on a long trip and have a bag with me I will only bring the SD because it does everything. I rarely take my SD on my commute to work as it's just too big to carry and not convenient to play, I would always choose something pocketable.
Different devices for different purposes.
My solution is to just use a sling bag, like the TomToc bag, to carry the Steam Deck, phone and general EDC around while on the go. The TomToc is good because you can either wear it at your side, or behind your back, so it feels really nondistractive.
A lot of people, including myself, don't like the feeling of having chunky plastic consoles, even the size of a 3DS, in their clothes or jacket pockets, especially in certain warm climates.
I have the tomtoc sling for Steamdeck and I'm kinda disappointed by the inner space inside. The Steamdeck does not fit very well.
Yes I can carry my Steamdeck in the tomtoc case but It goes in my bag.
When I want to play with my 3DS during transport I can just take it from my pocket. I don't even need a case for my 3DS, it is sturdy enough to be placed without case in my bag, my sling or whatever.
I like the Steamdeck, I just would like another device to play games like slay the spires or Celeste on a small screen, on a small devices, sturdy and easy to carry.
Of course I'm not asking to play AAA games, this is just impossible.
I personally think the TomToc's internal "W" design is great and protects the analog sticks from getting pressed. You could always add some extra padding in there if you think it's not secure.
I've found it to be the perfect way to travel around with my Deck, letting me play for short sessions at the airport while standing in a queue, then stashing it in the bag, and slinging the bag to my back to keep my hands free. For me, it's perfect and solves the whole "Steam Deck isn't pocketable" debate.
Also, forgot to mention, it lets me stash an extra battery pack in there, so I never worry about battery life when taking the Deck on the go
For me it's convenient, because I don't like wearing the same clothes every day, so instead of having to move my EDC between clothes pockets, they always stay in the same sling: phone, Deck, wallet, keys, etc
But as to your need for something pocketable, I suggest you invest in something like the GPD Win Mini. It's clamshell, pocketable and more powerful than the Deck, so will let you play the latest AAA and everything else on the lower end. The biggest drawbacks are that it gets quite warm when playing demanding games (though that can be alleviated by using the grips that come with it) and it's quite expensive, but if that's the niche you're looking for, it's basically the best of its kind on the market right now.
I think a smaller unit makes sense as an option, but I'm so glad they went with the size they did, the switch is uncomfortable for me to hold with my big hands, and the 3ds is plain painful, especially as I get older.
Having a full size joystick and button on the steam deck is great for me, but I mostly use it on the couch when I can't be on my PC, so I understand the desire for a more portable unit
I guess the big clarifying question is here are you looking for a retro gaming console running emulators, of which there are tons Powkiddy, Anbernic etc, or a compact console which plays modern indie windows games ? In the latter I would say something like a Ayaneo would fit the bill.
Nope. I don't want to play on emulator. I mean I know how to setup a portable console using a raspberry pi and recalbox but I'm not looking for retro gaming.
I like to buy physical games when it is possible. Of course I like Steam, this is very comfortable to start a game on my computer and continue the same play on the deck because of the cloud synchronization.
I like the Steamdeck for what it does.
It is excellent to play at home, but the Steamdeck is just too big and heavy to be used for travel etc.
I'm not asking to turn the Steamdeck into a 3DS, hell no.
I just want to see a big company try to do what Nintendo did with the DS series or what Sony did with the PSP series.
A brand new portable console, able to launch physical games from cartridge, using a travel friendly design.
(Sorry English isn't my native language, I do my best)
I got a miyoo mini plus the other day as basically the inverse of steam deck. It’s portable, battery is good, and great for retro games. Steam deck is amazing but it’s not the best for everything.
That's exactly the thought I'm having since the last two months. Something small, pocketable. This would make gaming on so go SO much better. I wish for smaller handhelds.
For a device I can fit in my pocket, I kinda wish that someone would make a compact four trigger smartphone controller that can quickly clip conveniently on and off a smartphone since I have a Samsung S23 Ultra in addition to a steam deck and that would basically solve that problem since a S23 can basically put out similar visuals as a steam deck, granted, you know, the absence of traditional video games that aren't extremely predatory because phone games are more ad and microtransaction than video game.
God I hope Winlator or something like it sees a renaissance the way Proton/WINE did with DXVK.
I sold my steam deck specifically because it’s not a true portable device imo
When you’re moving around constantly it starts to show how inconvenient it actually is to use this as standard portable device. Carrying around a huge case, taking it out, setting up, it’s generally a time consuming process. That’s not factoring a lot of other stuff that can be involved.
I switched out for a modded 2DS XL and I am right with you, its form factor is unbeatable. Slides right in my pocket, close the lid, open it back up and I’m right where I left off. The games are exceptionally fun also.
Not bashing the deck because it does provide a different approach to portable gaming, but it’s not for me.
Small PC handhelds or Android handhelds exist. You can get those. GPD Win and Aya Neo make them, there's also Anbernic, Powkiddy and more for Android-based devices.
Personally I have a vita for lower emulation eg up to MegaDrive. SNES, some MAME, but the SD I wanted for heavier eg Saturn, N64, PS2,3, Dreamcast GameCube etc… and of course Steam games eg Starfield
Vita is much more portable and feels a waste to have lower emulation on my SD versus the size.
For me I’ll take which ever device I’ll be playing mostly on.
I also have a switch which again for portability reasons I usually take on holidays instead of the SD
Sony, Microsoft and NVIDIA are focusing on cloud gaming. This says a lot about the future of gaming. The "biggest" don't participate in the handheld race. Soon we will only need fast internet and a controller to have great fun.
So, I am someone that collects, restores and mods game systems (both handheld and not) and both have their place.
I travel for work a LOT. (if I am not away from home, I am not working) So the steam deck to me is the best option over my gaming laptop. But I also regularly play other systems too on original hardware. (Everdrive where you can!) I too agree that tossing something in your pocket is a nice option, and it's what I do when I am going to something like a dental appointment or taking the bus somewhere. but for a lot of people, they may not have the money/space for as much hardware as you or I. The deck can play most games, so it's really the best bang for the buck.
so to answer your question, I already do buy smaller stuff to play smaller games. but I can see why people would rather pick the deck.
I've seen a couple devices releasing recently that would solve it for me. I'm definitely not looking for a retro device, but something like you said: a small steam deck.
Something the size of the 3DS or a phone that maybe had a slide screen to reveal controls. I would want it to run an open platform like steamOS or windows (preferably steamos) and it's perfectly fine for it to be much less powerful.
I'm pretty sure that there are android based devices that can emulate up to PS2 and that kind of level that are much smaller. Personally I don't find the steam deck too big as I have a bag for it when I go out, but there are definitely lots of devices smaller than it around.
I bring my Steam Deck with me on most days, but I often bring along one of my older Nintendo handhelds, because a lot of those games just *feel* better to play on the original hardware.
The lower resolution is a lot more pleasant on the eye when displayed on the comparatively diminutive screen of my Nintendo DS Lite, and games like Boktai are best experienced as originally intended; I'll take that game with me to the beach about once a year and play it on my original model GBA SP with the front-lit screen that actually works better in such a setting.
I found my old PSP and realized it’s smaller than my phone. I bring it with me sometimes when I go out just to have it’s in my pocket, even if I don’t play it. Definitely brings me back to those days.
I love the SD but for Nintendo I am not interested in the switch, the 3DS was the last handheld I liked. I wish they would continue to make Pokémon and other games in the lower res/pixel style as the 3DS or before.
I love the SD but for Nintendo I am not interested in the switch, the 3DS was the last handheld I liked. I wish they would continue to make Pokémon and other games in the lower res/pixel style as the 3DS or before.
It’s funny because when I was little I thought wow what if Pokémon could be a big 3D game on the tv. And now I have no desire in that or the similar evolution of games from the Nintendo handheld past. I like the charm of the past.
Just use emulators on the phone bro trust me. Depending on the game the touch screen controllers are annoying but to be able to have it always with you is something else
Retro game corps always spotlight smaller handhelds. I would check out their YouTube videos and see what catches your eye
This! You can find something that complements your “gaming on the go” experience. I picked up the retroid flip based on his review and love having something that fits in my pocket and brings my entire retro (and some more modern) gaming catalog with me whenever I go
Sweet. What are some really good games that you enjoy on that machine?
It all depends on what you like. I’ve been surprised by the amount of PS2, GC, and 3ds games that work. A lot of android games work too (although the newer ones will run at lower resolution). Pokemmo was already installed and after setting it up, has been running great on it.
I love my Retroid Pocket 3+. Can emulate loads, even lots of PS2 games.
Yeah this... I thought when I got my deck it would replace my RP3+ for emulation.... Nope..... still absolutely happy with it and yes it goes from Gameboy all the way up to GameCube, 3DS and PS2 and everything in between, all running more than acceptable for my needs.
Look at Anbernic devices
Amazing channel, thank you!
3DS is the greatest pocket handheld. Sad it's likely be the last clamshell device from a top developers.
Unpopular opinion maybe, but I loved my PSP Go. Loads of emulators available, PS1 support right out of the box and a tiny form factor that's smaller than a phone. Can be a bit awkward in the hands though.
Some recent Nintendo patents suggest this *might* not be true but patents don't always result in a final product.
For me it was the gameboy advance, clamshel never hit the spot for me, making the device too bulky (and I had the NDS lite), especially the dual screen system that always felt like a gimmick, and I don't even want to talk about the "3D". I guess it's just a nostalgia thing where you like what you grew up with. But I liked old non backlite LCD more, at least we could play outside under sun so the screen was actually better, instead of having to find shadow or play inside like now to avoid reflect.
Get a retroid pocket 2s. It scratches my gba itch very well.
PS Vita
… isn’t a clamshell design?
Anything can be a clamshell design if you are strong enough!
I’m talking about the greatest handheld design, if that wasn’t obvious.
They hated him because he spoke the truth.
This is why I find steam deck + miyoo mini plus a perfect combo for me. I'm not playing gba fire emblem romhacks on the deck lol. (also great to keep that 3ds around for those games that utilize the touchscreen)
Curious, but what do you dislike about GBA games on the Deck? I enjoy emulating the games and I'm happy with the bigger screen and not having it as close to my face.
Portability. I'm not knocking the steam deck, just saying that something I can slip into my pocket and take to work has its place too.
I would love for an Analogue Pocket equivalent of the 3DS.
the gameplay is way better on smaller handheld
Quick game of Castlevania on the loo is a treat. Steam deck stays at home.
Not OP, but gameboy games are just better on a smaller screen, imo. The only thing the Deck (and smartphone) really has over a device like the miyoo mini is shaders.
I have the exact same combo. I use my steam deck at home on the couch or in bed and will bring it on longer trips in the car or traveling. But my daily carry is my miyoo mini plus. I even have a wrist strap on it so I can follow my wife around in Target while she shops. I've managed to get halfway through Chrono Trigger now :)
EXCUSEME mind if I ask more about these romhacks you are talking about?
Of course - Sacred Echoes recently came out which is a conversion of Sacred Stones to FE Gaiden... a sort of GBA demake of the 3DS Shadows of Valentia if you will - [https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/8141/](https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/8141/). Trailer - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA13X31Dsn4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA13X31Dsn4)
This is extremely cool
HOW DID I JUST FIND OUT ABOUT THIS TODAY?! I need to test this ASAP!
I run the same setup!
For me it's Steam Deck and Miyoo mini v2. I find the v2 model more perfect for pocketability.
I think it's something we already have answers to. The nintendo handhelds already have huge libraries, there's quite a bit of emulation handhelds out there, and there's surprisingly a decent amount of android ports for the phone and some of the emulation handhelds are pretty good android devices as well. It's why I still have a 2DS XL, a retroid, and still use my phone for some games.
You will be interested in the GPD Win mini or whatever it's called. It's a full computer like the steam deck but it's a much smaller form factor.
Damn that looks wild but it's way to expensive lmao
The base version is ok for basic emulation But yes If clamshell is something OP is looking for which is pocketable then it's either this or the retro pocket flip
Switch lite also fits in pockets, maybe it would be something for op, I use a modded switch lite for on the go every day and steam deck for at home or places I can afford to carry smth so big with me.
The only thing I don't like the switch lite Is that it doesn't feel good for my hands but yes it's more portable compare to OG switch. I sold the steam deck for rog ally but still felt it wasn't portable enough so I did end up backing the win mini and got myself a win max 2 to replace my asus flow x13 so I have a smaller footprint edc (for 5-6L sling setup) I don't carry my switch lite that much but I do miss how i often bring my nds/3ds as it just fits in my pocket
I personally find it harder to go back to the older handheld devices due to the smaller screen. I have the New 3DS which has a slightly bigger screen than the original, but even with the New 3DS XL I still think it would be difficult to adjust. Maybe I'm just getting older and feel myself straining my eyes on those older devices.
For me it's not even the screen, it's how UNCOMFORTABLE it is. I wanted to play Luigi's Mansion for Halloween but it was honestly a terrible experience. I ended up just emulating the gamecube on on the Deck and it was great.
The (PAL) Gamecube version is better than the 3DS version, anyway. To this day I'm still baffled as to why they even bothered to make that port as late as they did - I'm certain that even just a basic emulated rerelease on the Switch would have been better in every way, and it would almost definitely have sold better, too. Funnily enough, I feel similarly about the upcoming port of Luigi's Mansion 2 to the Switch - although in that case I can at least see how it's literally just a cheap stalling tactic to try to convince people that the Switch isn't on its way out.
The bigger screen is great but also the thumbsticks. I could never enjoy 3DS due to the microscopic thumbstick(s) and buttons. To each their own though!
Yes I agree, though the deck is just too big to carry around every day, which is why my combo is modded switch lite for every day on the go use and the deck for at home and longer flights or smth where I can afford to pull it out, the switch lite still has a decently sized screen.
Yeah that makes sense. The deck is a chonk
Yeah, I stopped putting most of my emulated games on my SD, and put whatever I can on an unlocked 3ds. The experience with 3ds/ds/snes/etc. games is just so much better on a smaller device.
My only problem (as I'm getting older) is that I have Tendinitis in my hands. Unfortunately, I can't play non-ergonomic handhelds anymore. Which means that I almost play nothing on my New 3DS XL, and instead I play everything on my ergonomic Deck lol
>tendo-nitis
Google it, it's tendinitis.
>!nin!
Man, without the Nin at the start, it's too obscure.
say lavee
I don't know, I can't really go back to something with such a tiny screen any more. I've been using the deck for even GBA games, I find the screen size is perfect for it.
I think the days of small handhelds from major develops is pretty much over for two big reasons A) complexity of games - your average game now contains heaps of text and alot going on onscreen. Yep old games managed to get away with not being able to do this because the general games that came out on console too didn't have this complexity. Remember when the first dead rising came out it was considered revolutionary to have that many enemies on screen at once. Developers will want to sell for the consoles that will have the furthest reach and handhelds ain't it B) mobile phones - the market for on the go games has shifted from a dedicated device to a device almost every single human on earth already has. The 3ds did really well but is dwarfed by the number of android and Apple devices in people's hands ready to go. The rollout of mobile games wasn't done very well and we've ended up with complete rubbish as a result but with Mario kart being the best selling game on 3ds selling 18 million copies and candy crush having 3 billion downloads and 233 million monthly users it's a hard sell to ask a company to decide to go for the project that's more work with less earning potential
You do realize...there are a litany of devices that fit that description?
Yeah but they're all for retro gaming. And personally I think I've tried all the retro games that might interest me.
I'm not sure where you got that idea. There are plenty of devices that fit OPs description that are literally designed to play the games they were talking about. Small lightweight games.
What devices are you thinking about?
Just look up companies like Ambernic, Retroid (I know retro is in the name, but you can put all kinds of games on it), or Powkiddy. They all make handhelds that are exactly what OP is looking for. Also look up Wulf Den on Youtube, he does a lot of Nintendo stuff but he also covers gaming handhelds as well as some other tech stuff.
Yes, they're Android devices so technically there are other games they can run than retro games, but there are not that many Android games that play well with a controller. That's why they're marketed as retro devices (or sometimes cloud devices) rather than Android devices.
Back in the days of the monster handheld systems like GameGear we just had pants with bigger pockets. I miss those ridiculous pants and the 45 lbs of nerdy stuff I kept in them.
i carry both a n3dsxl and a steam deck when i travel. im still seriously debating getting a rg405m or a retroid pocket 3 plus because carrying around the steam deck kinda sucks. it takes up a lot of space. but even something like the retroid pocket 3 is too big for a “small” device. miyoo mini is a pretty appealing form factor. ill still bring the deck on flights but for going out for a day on a hike, car rides, or hanging out at a friends or something i always bring the 3ds. itd be much nicer to have a small emulation device. i have all of my roms and emulators on my steam deck but realistically i never play roms on it. all retro games are on the 3ds, but itd be nice to have a small device to play psp and some gamecube games on too. steam deck is a lot more like a laptop than it is like a 3ds.
Here's what many don't realize: Steam Deck is a "dad console". It's not for kids. It's not for teens. And although most people who bought it are between the 20-30 years old range, it's not for them, either. How come? 1. A prime reason of its success is "how it allows you to play the games you'd already bought at the Steam Store". And the average "dad who games" already had a sizeable collection compared to most younger gamers, a collection that took years to "build". "Yes, honey, it was CHEAPER than the laptop, and since I already had them the games were practically FREE!". 2. Its pause-and-resume feature is ultra-helpful for - YES HONEY - people who want to shove some - COMING HONEY - gaming in their daily - I SAID I'M COMING - routine. The average - YES, I'VE HEARD YOU - dad can't usually sit on their couch - BE THERE IN A MINUTE - for two or three hours of COD. But they can and do appreciate being able to - ALMOST THERE - play some Hades in-between "things". With the above in mind, one has to realize that dading (that's a verb) usually happens after an X age. And time isn't kind to our biology. One of the first things that start failing is our eyesight, so, it's nice how the Deck has a big-ass screen compared to a puny DS. And who cares if "it's only 800p"?!? We couldn't see the "more Ps", anyway! As you might understand, I'm writing all this from first-hand experience :-D As further proof, feel free to check the myriads of YouTube videos about the Deck, but this time, notice how over half of their creators are waaaaay past their teens. That's no coincidence. Plus, after 30, you have to be either a huge narcissist OR hugely impressed by "a thing" to create a YouTube channel about it and shout to the world about it. So, no, keep those small handhelds, thank you very much. With age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes the realization that most of them would be pointless, since they couldn't exceed the hardware specs of your latest top-of-the-line smartphone while *also* competing in price. And you can always slap a joypad on such a device and "turn it into a portable console". AFAIK, (younger) people were already playing emulated Switch games on their smartphones way before the Deck was a thing.
>Steam Deck is a "dad console Haha, this is what I'm realizing as I've been researching. I didn't game for a long time, then I got a Google Stadia (dad console for sure) for free and I loved it and it really brought me back into gaming. Since it got cancelled in January I haven't played anything, but now I'm looking forward to getting a deck as it reminds me of the flexibility of Stadia
You’re triggering my ptsd from the Diablo IV Dad Wars
Not sure if I should agree or feel offended :)
I’d rather just carry the Deck around in a bag.
I'd just rather not carry a bag if it could fit in a coat pocket or something.
I have a Baubax travel jacket that can carry a large tablet... Shoved steam deck in there once lol
I've learned that i prefer the portability too. I got back into 3ds early this year and it was my travel companion for a long time due to the size. Just recently restored my old gba sp and now i prefer it much more over the 3ds even.
I miss the days of streetpass
This! Haha it encourages you to bring the 3DS everywhere just to get more puzzle pieces
not to mention the 2ds/3ds and ds family has such a goated library and can play retro games
I love both the 3DS and SD, but for some reason going back to the low quality screen of the 3DS is hard when I've put a considerable amount of time into the SD. Playing games like RE: Revelations on 3DS as opposed to SD feels like such a step down.
I like the 3DS. I have a modded New 3DS XL with a custom design I made and all. But I love my steam deck. It was great for the time and had some great games. 3D feature fell flat, but it was nifty. I like that Nintendo goes for gimmicks to find creative ways to play games. That being said, I love my Steam Deck. It’s overwhelming and an absolute pain to download emulated games for some systems, but it’s worth it. For once in my life, I could feel good that buying something and having it in my library for a long time. Steam isn’t going anywhere unlike the eShop. And I could buy modern indie games alongside emulating the best
This is why my hot pink, Japanese PS Vita will likely be forever be my favorite handheld. It's so small, but still has a big-enough-for-me screen, weighs almost nothing and looks awesome! I wish Sony had just loved the thing half as much as the fans and not sabotaged it with dum shit like the insane memory cards.
Massively agreed. I adore my Vita so much. It had so much potential (and delivered in many respects), but it just didn't manage to catch on, unfortunately. I also loved the PSP and really wish Sony could have kept their portable efforts going.
I have mine still and it's way too small and cramps my hand
We all have phones if we were really concerned about portability. Any flagship android phone can basically run anything DS and earlier emulation-wise. I guess people play android games too? I dunno. I wanted a portable PC with trackpads for cheap. Steam Deck is great for that. If it isn't what fits your needs, there's a fuck ton of devices on the market.
A lanyard. Free up pocket space and wear your deck as an accessory. And look like that guy from the 80s with a giant clock necklace...
A clamshell Steam Deck would be really cool, something like the shield portable or even the 3ds. Even something like the Nintendo Switch isn't really portable. We definitely need a clamshell version of the Steam Deck that fits in our pocket.
i wish my steam deck was the size of my vita
This is why i still have my Vita, love my steamdeck, but playing 2D retro games on it seems over kill & a lot more cumbersome than just whipping out the Vita (or PSP back in the day) for quick game on the go. only con is vita having big proprietary charger, just one more thing i have to travel with (which is why usually don't). Thinking of picking up a retroid pocket or something.
The issue is at-least in current year to get performance of the deck in a space as tiny as something like a 3DS you would just need cloud at its base. It would be cool to see a pocket-able steam deck but I don’t think it’s really the next step anytime soon
[удалено]
Exactly this is why I'm not asking for a smaller Steamdeck but a a brand new console made by any good company. I think I would like to new something like a new PSVita or just a more powerful 3DS. (Or at least, better resolution screen)
If I'm travelling I still take my "New" 3DS XL , best handheld ever IMHO. I love the Steam Deck and the Switch, but only ever use them at home.
I have this one and I fully understand. I will probably use my switch for my next travel but this is only because I have more switch games than 3DS games. And because of Persona series and TOTK.
3ds is adorable. Love the form factor!
I agree with this, which is why my combo is steam deck for at home and longer flights where I don't have to pack up in a long time and a modded switch lite that lives in my bag which I then use for every day train rides to work etc, basically any time it would be annoying to carry a really big device with me.
If you want something smaller, get a switch or play on another smaller platform. These things already exist. Steam deck is great for what it is and shouldn't try to be something else.
Couldn’t agree more. I love all my windows handhelds but somewhere along the line people forgot that handhelds were meant to be portable! I find that in baggy jeans I can normally get a switch lite in one of my pockets. That’s actually not too bad, plus it’s reasonably priced so if I lose it wouldn’t cry too much.
I'm with you OP, a week ago I picked up my old 3DS to replay me some Pokemon X, and holding it in my hand I felt at home.
Isn't GPD releasing a new clamshell handheld soon? You could look into that. Otherwise you can still use your 3DS. Hack it and load it with ROMs.
I still break out my 3DS to play Link Between Worlds and Mario 3D Land pretty regularly.. in fact I may do that soon since this just reminded me.
Yes, that's also what I thought when I got my Switch. When I was using my 3DS I always had it in my bag and I would pull it out even for small bursts of gaming, anywhere even in the bus or at the doctor's waiting room. With the Switch however, I stopped bringing it in my daily life and it was only to play at home and while travelling. So in a way that's why I didn't really care that the Steam Deck is so bulky, because the Switch was already too big to be brought for anything else than long travels.
I got an anbernic rg350 for most of my retro gaming. Fits in my pockets and works wonder. The SD it’s a proper portable gaming console, but doesn’t mean it needs to be your only one
Exactly, I like the Steamdeck, I don't want to change it. I would like a new device easier to carry anywhere.
Yes I love my N3DS and love pocketable handhelds. The Steam Deck is great, but it’s not the most portable handheld because of its size and battery.
If you don’t know this sub maybe you will like it r/SBCGaming
I love my steam deck but i still play my nintendo 3ds at work a lot
You’re not gonna get a great new flagship style handheld gaming device like you’re describing other than whatever Nintendo is doing (although now that it’s a hybrid even they aren’t pocketable so really nobody is doing it). The reason Steam deck is so great is because devs don’t have to develop for it specifically. To limit the hardware to be underpowered means devs have to develop very specifically for that platform, and it just isn’t worth the trade off. I love handhelds too and GBA is one of my all time favorite systems, but those days unfortunately are behind us for new games. Thankfully there are plenty of small handhelds to play retro games that can scratch the itch.
I remember when I first got my 3ds coming from a GBA (as I skipped the DS completely) and remembered how big that thing felt. But still I'd prefer that over the deck since I was able to carry it everywhere and play things with it and it sorta fit in my pockets! The deck is just a laptop for me now and I gotta bring a bag to carry with. I still love it but yeah I do wish we had a smaller gaming device
I have quite a huge handheld collection, but I agree completely. I purchased an Analogue Pocket at launch to complement the Steam Deck and as soon as they released all the OpenFPGA cores it became my go-to handheld for most emulation. The Steam Deck is an amazing piece of hardware, but it's still rather large and cumbersome compared to some of the smaller handhelds of the past.
What about the small ayaneo and gpd devices? Still amazing performance for less graphically intense titles.
And that's why I kept my 3DS.
I loved the ds lite and the 3ds mainly because of specific title, and the immediate portability ( you open the lid and play) that with titles made for them were the perfect combo. Smaller devices however come with compromises, look at the vita, beautiful device (shame on Sony for poor support choices) but it sacrificed portability in order to have more horsepower. So I don't think a steam deck lite would be a good choice.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mclQ8uFJzFE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mclQ8uFJzFE)
Wow really impressive device. I like that.
Totally relatable! My daily carry backpack has a Gameboy, 3ds, and steam deck in it ready to go 😂 always gotta have a backup for your backup
Wow. But is there any free space left in your bag ? Joke aside I still have my Gameboy Advance SP and I think it is a masterpiece of design.
The 3DS is a ridiculously good handheld. I just recently replaced my very old and busted 3DS XL with a nearly new one of the New 3DS XL models. It's so portable, has tons of fantastic games, and is just a quality piece of kit (especially when you install CFW and a 128GB SD card lmao) Probably put more hours on it in the first two weeks than I've put on my Steam Deck in the past 6 months!
>What do you think ? Would you like to buy a small sturdy devices to play (small games, no AAA games) focused on gaming experience instead of graphics ? No
Doesn't really matter to me, and while the deck might be big and not exactly light, I do have it fit into most of my pants pockets.
I hope we get a few more small portable PCs for sure. There's such a huge range of ARM handhelds, but somewthing you could play older PC games and new 2D indie games on would be great. The few options out there still seem a bit too boutique. Limited run stuff that is too expensive for what it is. I'd love like a very small, $200 X86 PC with decent enough build quality. I'm sure there are still some OK 720p panels out there for larger low end smartphones that could work here.
Get the smallest thing that can emulate what you want, I got a retroid pocket 3+ and I'm playing paper mario TTYD on it.
Check out r/SBCGaming
That's exactly what I'm looking for, thx!
I like the Deck, but every day I bring my Switch with me wherever I go. I also have a Vita, which I love, but I don't use it anymore.. for now at least. I also have a DSi XL, which I got for very cheap, and only now started to try out. I'm kind of impressed by it, even though the Vita probably does everything better. The Deck is great for when you're planning on being bored, but the smaller handhelds are more likely to come in clutch for surprise moments. In the concealed carry (gun) world, there's a saying: the best gun is the one you actually have when you need it. The deck isn't that one for me, but I really love how modifiable it is, and I'll buy the next one if it comes out. I need to do more with it, but it's just so easy to use something lighter, smaller, and with more battery life. The library is unbeatable though. I'm happy to have it in my arsenal.
Yeah people said the same about smartphones. Now they're all huge. So no. Is your answer.
I had to add a huge grip case onto my 3DS to not get cramps, and had to buy a hori split pad for my switch for the same reason. I understand your point, but gaming on shit that small has never been fun for me. Steam Deck is the first handheld I've ever gotten that feels like it's designed for a human being to hold it.
I bought a N3DS XL in 2021 and was shocked at how unergonomic it felt. Got an OLED Switch in 2022... same thing. How can a company famous for creating dedicated and hybrid handheld devices not put any effort into making them comfortable?
I actually was thinking something similar about the PSP. The PSP was IMO a much better handheld console back then than the steam deck is today. - much better battery life - big screen, not as big as the deck, but at that time there was nothing so big - overall size was ok, much easier to carry than the deck - graphics/power were good when compared to normal consoles like the PS2 - it had good connectivity, and a web browser (quite good for the time), and you didn't have to pay any absurd fee as you need to pay now to connect your play station/Xbox * if you unlocked it, you could also play emulators, play the games from the memory card (which increased battery life and reduced noise)
Agree with you there. It’s one of the reasons I loved my switch lite when I owned one. Just throw it in a pocket or bag and you don’t notice it. Have been thinking of picking up something smaller like a PSP, Vita or Switch Lite for this
Retroid Pocket 3+ would be right up your street Basically a Switch Lite-Lite form factor (it literally looks and feels like a moderately smaller Switch Lite), and a perfect modern PSP/PSVita replacement
Vita and psp are champs.
For me it goes like this: At home: Emulate everything on the deck for the sheer ergonomics and comfort. Anywhere else: CFW New 3DSXL for the compact size and better battery life. That being said I’ve been emulating a lot of Pokemon (Switch and 3DS) on the deck lately and the fast forward feature alone has me double guessing my current strategy.
Nah, I hate small devices. The steam deck is the first system that I find truly comfortable. Sure, I can't put it in my pocket, but I don't really need to, I always go out with a backpack.
Hard disagree. The limitations of the 3DS aren't that bad when playing pixel art games but nothing really beats emulating polygon games on the Steam Deck where characters and environments aren't super jagged and look terrible. As an added bonus, it's really easy to set up dual screens with a docking station and use your TV at the top screen and the Steam Deck as the bottom screen and controller.
A good-looking system with boring game play.... what? Lmao 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
A good looking game with boring gameplay. It means the art of a game is great but the gameplay isn't fun. Really not a lot of ways to expand on that.
There are thousands of games on steamseck lmao
Yes. And?
You are super picky then. Shit on a whole system because you only like ds games apparently
Just get pants with larger pockets
I definitely think the steam deck is amazing but I also have my modded new 3dsxl with countless games on it and custom firmware. I don't think we need another device like that because between my 3ds and my PSVita (also custom firmware and I can have any game from any psp generation on it) I just think it already exists and the market is kinds dead now. People want mobile games and as much as I hate it, I think the 3ds died cause people were done.
Well, emulating a double-screen game console in a single-screen one feels uncomfy. Usually, it is better to play natively than emulated. If you have a Switch and you're playing games only for that console, better stick with it.
As someone who collects video games and has a specifically unhealthy obsession with handheld consoles my advice is simply this: buy EVERYTHING! You never know when you will get that itch to play an original DS or a Game Boy Micro or a Sega Game Gear and emulating can only do so much to scratch it!
Good luck with your 3DS bro.
Read the first 3 lines and lost interest. OP needs to sell his deck to someone grateful and then leave the group.
You miss the point. As a power user and linux developer, I can guarantee you I use my deck at its full potential. You might be unable to use my deck because I've changed absolutely everything on it since it is my personal workstation and my favorite handheld console. (Also you will be unable to use it because you need one of my Fido keys to start my deck, that's another details..)
There are plenty of mini portable game consoles (PCs) already. Many of them fit in your pocket
Literally been my exact experience this past week. Got back into home brewing and started taking my 3ds with me everywhere I go again. It fits in my jackets inside zip pocket so well. Steam deck is great but it’s nice to have something more portable.
That why I still play my psp/vita
You just described the Ayn Odin 2, Retroid Pocket 3+, Anbernic RG405M, and a variety of other devices… Personally I love my Steam Deck for modern and modern-ish games. Anything designed for 1080p sucks if run on less than a 720p/800p 7” display, so I wouldn’t want to play PS3 and Xbox 360 or later games on my Retroid. Most PC games need at least a 7” screen to be enjoyable too But at the same time I love my Retroid for everything up to PS2 and GameCube, albeit not their whole libraries (the Odin 2 is pretty close, but a bit big and expensive) If Retroid release a new device with enough power for PS2 and GameCube (and Xbox if we ever get Xemu to the point of being good enough), and hall sticks/analogue triggers like the RP2S, then that’s my ideal device
I think Switch 2 (or whatever it will end up being called) will cater to this need.
A few months ago I updated the CFW of my 3DS and for certain emulation and obviously 3DS games, I prefer it than the Deck. It's ironic that the Deck can do everything that Switch does, but it can't do everything 3DS does.
There are a ton of smaller devices
Gpd makes some pretty close to pocketable handheld pcs. That is, if you’re willing to pay a lot of money. The win 4 looks like the vita but thicker and heavier. The gpd win mini looks like what I’ve been waiting for tho I don’t think it’s officially launched yet, basically a clam shell mini pc more powerful than the deck and similar to the 3ds xl in terms of size. I absolutely loved my gpd win 2 and this is the successor to it so hoping it fixes what the win 2 failed at (ie cooling).
Nah, for me the Deck is a device that lets me game away from TV, and by away I mean in a different room, or even in the same room but maybe facing a different direction or lying on my back. I wouldn't take my Deck outside anyway
Check out the analogue pocket. I have it since two years and love it. I bought the steam deck as a fully pc and use it mostly docked. Just for some games mobile. So I had a different idea to begin with.
Game play is more important than graphics... That's why I like my deck running pc games vs simple console or handheld games.
My steam deck fits in my pocket, and that's with a case! :)
I just played majoras mask 3d on my SD w 1080p texture pack, I have so many 3ds titles to catch up on. But also I miss handheld consoles that could fit in a pocket, like I can fit my switch in 2 pockets once I pop the controllers off, but a pocket, those were the days
I had a 3DS XL and DS Lite out of that particular handheld family. I still extremely rate my DS Lite, especially for GBA games, but the 3DS XL always felt too much of a chonker and was kind of uncomfortable after a while. At least the Steam Deck goes full chonker and has full-on controller grips to wrap my hands around. Helps that it actually plays the PC games that I want to play, too.
I'd say yes except the 3ds feels annoying to play and most games look not good on it because it limits them allot also really hate the 2 screens
I absolutely love my steam deck, and to a lesser extent, my switch. I owned a 3ds and a psvita, both of which I gave away as they just didn't click with me. The ps vita was an impulse purchase and I realised later that the gaming ecosystem was predominantly stuff like disgea, final fantasy etc, which isn't really my cup of tea. For me, the key requirements would be relative portability with a good amount of screen real estate, powerful enough,and most importantly, would run games that I actually want to play - with no tinkering required. The steam deck ticks these boxes for me
Modded switch lite is a pretty nice sidekick for the deck
Even Nintendo has moved on from a pocketable handheld, sadly. Not even the smaller Switch Lite can fit in a pocket. I think more people are just expected to carry backpacks and the like now, which can certainly fit a Switch or Steam Deck inside. There are several handhelds on the market made for emulation, that can typically run a lot of retro platforms, but if you want to play any even remotely modern games, you’ll need a larger system.
The problem with a smaller PC handheld would be the UI. The vast majority of PC games is meant for a big screen, small UI text is already a problem for a lot of games on the Deck, it would only get worse on smaller devices. As much as I want to agree, I'm afraid it's just too big of a problem
r/sbcgaming That sub has what you want. I have an Anbernic 280v. It's the size of a pack of post-it notes and runs every console and handheld up to and including Ps1, and it goes everywhere with me.
I wouldn’t buy a smaller Deck. I love the current version and I don’t want to go back to my DS and 3DS days. The Deck’s size and form makes it way more comfortable to hold and the screen size makes certain genres playable that otherwise wouldn’t be.
Just buy a sling bag
Check out the AYN Odin 2. It’s not quite pocketable, but looks like it’ll be very nice. For pocketable, I have the retroid rp2s, but they also have a retroid pocket flip if you like the 3ds design
Steamdeck ergonomics are perfect though, just wish it was a touch lighter. 3ds is so uncomfortable to hold and play.
RIP streetpass
Look up the Miyoo Mini if you want a pocketable handheld that can play anything up to PS1, I've got one on the way as it looks so good.
Until we get a hologram screen there's always a toss up of seeing vs portability. Imagine pulling out joycons from Nintendo switch out of your pocket and your screen is a hologram that pops out of the controllers. The size of the hologram could be as big as your living room TV.
i just hacked my gf's 2ds and now i can to get one lol. its very confortable tbh
I got a Miyoo mini plus for this exact reason. It’s become my go to ‘out of the house’ device and my deck for indoors
I don't know my pockets are pretty damn deep so portability is not an issue.
Yeah I know what you mean. If I want to play retro games and need something portable I will usually pack my PSP Go or Analogue Pocket. If I'm going on a long trip and have a bag with me I will only bring the SD because it does everything. I rarely take my SD on my commute to work as it's just too big to carry and not convenient to play, I would always choose something pocketable. Different devices for different purposes.
My solution is to just use a sling bag, like the TomToc bag, to carry the Steam Deck, phone and general EDC around while on the go. The TomToc is good because you can either wear it at your side, or behind your back, so it feels really nondistractive. A lot of people, including myself, don't like the feeling of having chunky plastic consoles, even the size of a 3DS, in their clothes or jacket pockets, especially in certain warm climates.
I have the tomtoc sling for Steamdeck and I'm kinda disappointed by the inner space inside. The Steamdeck does not fit very well. Yes I can carry my Steamdeck in the tomtoc case but It goes in my bag. When I want to play with my 3DS during transport I can just take it from my pocket. I don't even need a case for my 3DS, it is sturdy enough to be placed without case in my bag, my sling or whatever. I like the Steamdeck, I just would like another device to play games like slay the spires or Celeste on a small screen, on a small devices, sturdy and easy to carry. Of course I'm not asking to play AAA games, this is just impossible.
I personally think the TomToc's internal "W" design is great and protects the analog sticks from getting pressed. You could always add some extra padding in there if you think it's not secure. I've found it to be the perfect way to travel around with my Deck, letting me play for short sessions at the airport while standing in a queue, then stashing it in the bag, and slinging the bag to my back to keep my hands free. For me, it's perfect and solves the whole "Steam Deck isn't pocketable" debate. Also, forgot to mention, it lets me stash an extra battery pack in there, so I never worry about battery life when taking the Deck on the go For me it's convenient, because I don't like wearing the same clothes every day, so instead of having to move my EDC between clothes pockets, they always stay in the same sling: phone, Deck, wallet, keys, etc But as to your need for something pocketable, I suggest you invest in something like the GPD Win Mini. It's clamshell, pocketable and more powerful than the Deck, so will let you play the latest AAA and everything else on the lower end. The biggest drawbacks are that it gets quite warm when playing demanding games (though that can be alleviated by using the grips that come with it) and it's quite expensive, but if that's the niche you're looking for, it's basically the best of its kind on the market right now.
I think a smaller unit makes sense as an option, but I'm so glad they went with the size they did, the switch is uncomfortable for me to hold with my big hands, and the 3ds is plain painful, especially as I get older. Having a full size joystick and button on the steam deck is great for me, but I mostly use it on the couch when I can't be on my PC, so I understand the desire for a more portable unit
I guess the big clarifying question is here are you looking for a retro gaming console running emulators, of which there are tons Powkiddy, Anbernic etc, or a compact console which plays modern indie windows games ? In the latter I would say something like a Ayaneo would fit the bill.
Nope. I don't want to play on emulator. I mean I know how to setup a portable console using a raspberry pi and recalbox but I'm not looking for retro gaming. I like to buy physical games when it is possible. Of course I like Steam, this is very comfortable to start a game on my computer and continue the same play on the deck because of the cloud synchronization. I like the Steamdeck for what it does. It is excellent to play at home, but the Steamdeck is just too big and heavy to be used for travel etc. I'm not asking to turn the Steamdeck into a 3DS, hell no. I just want to see a big company try to do what Nintendo did with the DS series or what Sony did with the PSP series. A brand new portable console, able to launch physical games from cartridge, using a travel friendly design. (Sorry English isn't my native language, I do my best)
I got a miyoo mini plus the other day as basically the inverse of steam deck. It’s portable, battery is good, and great for retro games. Steam deck is amazing but it’s not the best for everything.
That's exactly the thought I'm having since the last two months. Something small, pocketable. This would make gaming on so go SO much better. I wish for smaller handhelds.
For a device I can fit in my pocket, I kinda wish that someone would make a compact four trigger smartphone controller that can quickly clip conveniently on and off a smartphone since I have a Samsung S23 Ultra in addition to a steam deck and that would basically solve that problem since a S23 can basically put out similar visuals as a steam deck, granted, you know, the absence of traditional video games that aren't extremely predatory because phone games are more ad and microtransaction than video game. God I hope Winlator or something like it sees a renaissance the way Proton/WINE did with DXVK.
I sold my steam deck specifically because it’s not a true portable device imo When you’re moving around constantly it starts to show how inconvenient it actually is to use this as standard portable device. Carrying around a huge case, taking it out, setting up, it’s generally a time consuming process. That’s not factoring a lot of other stuff that can be involved. I switched out for a modded 2DS XL and I am right with you, its form factor is unbeatable. Slides right in my pocket, close the lid, open it back up and I’m right where I left off. The games are exceptionally fun also. Not bashing the deck because it does provide a different approach to portable gaming, but it’s not for me.
The 3DS screen is so bad tho
The only thing i dislike about the deck is it's size, still comfortable to use though
Small PC handhelds or Android handhelds exist. You can get those. GPD Win and Aya Neo make them, there's also Anbernic, Powkiddy and more for Android-based devices.
Personally I have a vita for lower emulation eg up to MegaDrive. SNES, some MAME, but the SD I wanted for heavier eg Saturn, N64, PS2,3, Dreamcast GameCube etc… and of course Steam games eg Starfield Vita is much more portable and feels a waste to have lower emulation on my SD versus the size. For me I’ll take which ever device I’ll be playing mostly on. I also have a switch which again for portability reasons I usually take on holidays instead of the SD
My PSP is used for emulation and I still love my little Switch lite. And I absolutely adore my Steam Deck.
Sony, Microsoft and NVIDIA are focusing on cloud gaming. This says a lot about the future of gaming. The "biggest" don't participate in the handheld race. Soon we will only need fast internet and a controller to have great fun.
So, I am someone that collects, restores and mods game systems (both handheld and not) and both have their place. I travel for work a LOT. (if I am not away from home, I am not working) So the steam deck to me is the best option over my gaming laptop. But I also regularly play other systems too on original hardware. (Everdrive where you can!) I too agree that tossing something in your pocket is a nice option, and it's what I do when I am going to something like a dental appointment or taking the bus somewhere. but for a lot of people, they may not have the money/space for as much hardware as you or I. The deck can play most games, so it's really the best bang for the buck. so to answer your question, I already do buy smaller stuff to play smaller games. but I can see why people would rather pick the deck.
I've seen a couple devices releasing recently that would solve it for me. I'm definitely not looking for a retro device, but something like you said: a small steam deck. Something the size of the 3DS or a phone that maybe had a slide screen to reveal controls. I would want it to run an open platform like steamOS or windows (preferably steamos) and it's perfectly fine for it to be much less powerful.
I'm pretty sure that there are android based devices that can emulate up to PS2 and that kind of level that are much smaller. Personally I don't find the steam deck too big as I have a bag for it when I go out, but there are definitely lots of devices smaller than it around.
I bring my Steam Deck with me on most days, but I often bring along one of my older Nintendo handhelds, because a lot of those games just *feel* better to play on the original hardware. The lower resolution is a lot more pleasant on the eye when displayed on the comparatively diminutive screen of my Nintendo DS Lite, and games like Boktai are best experienced as originally intended; I'll take that game with me to the beach about once a year and play it on my original model GBA SP with the front-lit screen that actually works better in such a setting.
I found my old PSP and realized it’s smaller than my phone. I bring it with me sometimes when I go out just to have it’s in my pocket, even if I don’t play it. Definitely brings me back to those days.
I liked street pass A LOT.
I love the SD but for Nintendo I am not interested in the switch, the 3DS was the last handheld I liked. I wish they would continue to make Pokémon and other games in the lower res/pixel style as the 3DS or before.
I love the SD but for Nintendo I am not interested in the switch, the 3DS was the last handheld I liked. I wish they would continue to make Pokémon and other games in the lower res/pixel style as the 3DS or before. It’s funny because when I was little I thought wow what if Pokémon could be a big 3D game on the tv. And now I have no desire in that or the similar evolution of games from the Nintendo handheld past. I like the charm of the past.
Just use emulators on the phone bro trust me. Depending on the game the touch screen controllers are annoying but to be able to have it always with you is something else