Phone / device for emulation?

Posted 16th Jan 2022

So looking into getting something dedicated to emulation to take on the go in backpacks and the like. Just trying to get something as good as possible for my money with a limit of £300. Wanting to be able to play everything Dreamcast and below at a minimum. Preferably running a fair few Gamecube bits, PS2, 3DS on the higher end. So probably a Snapdragon 860/865 at least.

Originally I was looking at the GPD Win 2 but heard awful stuff about the reliability of it with it overheating and just all around bad at times, although it's pretty powerful. Can get one for £300 and is quite tempting as I love the form factor of it.

Then someone mentioned using a phone and controller. I have a Razer Kishi and can grab a Poco F3 for £300. which seems like the best I can get for the price?

Equally though if I can spend less then of course I'd like to. So what's the best deal I can get to run Gamecube and PS2 for emulation? Phone or a dedicated handheld. I will say things like the Steamdeck just seem too big for me. Thanks all

12 Comments

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aLV426
16th Jan 2022
The Onexplayer Mini is smaller and more capable than the Steamdeck, but you'll not get it on your budget. The best bang for buck solution is a bluetooth controller & your existing smart phone. Xbox controllers can be had for under £60 and most of the emulators are available on the Play store.
MrGinger2612 Author
16th Jan 2022
aLV42616/01/2022 02:39
The Onexplayer Mini is smaller and more capable than the Steamdeck, but …The Onexplayer Mini is smaller and more capable than the Steamdeck, but you'll not get it on your budget. The best bang for buck solution is a bluetooth controller & your existing smart phone. Xbox controllers can be had for under £60 and most of the emulators are available on the Play store.

Onexplayer is still a bit too big too carry, plus yeah the price at the moment.

I have a Razer Kishi so no need to buy a controller. Thing is I don't want to use my current phone just due to it draining the battery even more I'd rather have something dedicated to emulation so I don't have to worry about the battery. (edited)
tcf
16th Jan 2022
A hacked Wii does PS1, n64, SNES, GameCube etc.
MrGinger2612 Author
16th Jan 2022
tcf16/01/2022 08:10
A hacked Wii does PS1, n64, SNES, GameCube etc.

Sorry should clarify but something portable.
Franky_Johnson
28th Jul 2022
Again I suggest the Raspberry pi 4 for playing mostly any type of game and some PS2 games as well,
ROM will load no probs with the option
Of using windows 11 installed on the little thing works kinda cool
slimy31
16th Jan 2022
Personally I would go for phone and controller, you won't get much better for similar money. Dedicated devices may have a better form factor but their processors are often far behind most current phones.

The only spanner in those works is the 3DS side of things, I think there is a 3DS emulator for Android but the form factor is unique to the 3DS. If you want to play 3DS I would suggest a real one, or at least a 2DS.

And on that subject, have you considered having a selection of devices? Do you really need a full range of game consoles for every trip? I have a phone setup, a PS Vita and a 2DS. They all have their strengths, they can all play a core range of arcade and retro games, but then they have their own specific talents on top. The 2DS game range is amazing, and you only get the best out of them with the proper device. Same with the Vita, it might not have been popular but it's got some classics that are well worth your time.
MrGinger2612 Author
16th Jan 2022
slimy3116/01/2022 08:32
Personally I would go for phone and controller, you won't get much better …Personally I would go for phone and controller, you won't get much better for similar money. Dedicated devices may have a better form factor but their processors are often far behind most current phones. The only spanner in those works is the 3DS side of things, I think there is a 3DS emulator for Android but the form factor is unique to the 3DS. If you want to play 3DS I would suggest a real one, or at least a 2DS.And on that subject, have you considered having a selection of devices? Do you really need a full range of game consoles for every trip? I have a phone setup, a PS Vita and a 2DS. They all have their strengths, they can all play a core range of arcade and retro games, but then they have their own specific talents on top. The 2DS game range is amazing, and you only get the best out of them with the proper device. Same with the Vita, it might not have been popular but it's got some classics that are well worth your time.

I do have a few devices already like a Vita and 3DS, but for just general travel I want one to kind of cover all my bases on the fly.

I agree on the form factor, carrying a controller and phone will be annoying unless I get a case that can hold both. But yeah equally the performance for price of the phone seems to be much better. It's half deciding on one now. Poco is seeming solid just I'm a little late for the sales haha
J_B
16th Jan 2022
Might be worth looking at the Anbernic RG552 too.
RadiantDuck
16th Jan 2022
To be honest I use a Xiaomi mi max 3 to emulate 3ds, ds, Gameboy, psp, and this similar and it works quite well, and that is a Snapdragon 636. I think any phone with a big screen and a Snapdragon 855 or more would handle most with ease. Poco X3 pro would work well for cheap, or Poco f3 for a bit more grunt and an amoled for some extra cash. (edited)
Abc_defg100
17th Jan 2022
GPD win 2 user here.

I don't use it much any more, but it's a great device, you'll have some maintenance (ribbon cable replace, eventually a battery). Don't feel great about the purchase for full original price but for 300 I'd snap up a second one probably, personally!

I did send one back under warranty (amazon seller so... markup) because the cable went. Probs could have fixed it myself and expect to next time.

Noisier/heavier than ARM obv, but a very powerful device.
STRICKIBHOY
20th Jan 2022
Poco X3 pro, I'm sure that has Snapdragon 888?
I'm using the mi9t pro with the flydigi wee 2t. It's runs most things very well. With GameCube games you'll need a certain dolphin emulator. Athersx2 runs really really well and is comparable to dolphin and runs some games much better than dolphin, like Simpsons hit and run for example.

Edit, the Poco is 860, but that runs just as good as 888 when it comes to emulation. (edited)