About handheld gamey things....?

I've been having a serious sense of humour failure over mobile/smartphone games lately and have come to the conclusion that it's the touchscreen/lack of proper buttons. I've had a GameBoy Pocket before (still got it in a drawer, actually) and that was fine... but it's B&W LCD and I only ever got 2 games for it.

What's a good handheld gaming thing, these days?

1/. Is/was the GameBoy Advace SP any good? They seem quite cheap nowadays and I believe they can play all the older GB cartridges, too? I understand I want the AGS101, for the better screen?

2/. I was debating getting a 3DS as well, maybe the XL. No idea if it's all still running though - Can you still download games for it?
Is the 3DS family any better than the DS or 2DS?

I know even less about SEGA devices.... are they any good?


I have literally no idea about this stuff any more!!

Isn't the Nintendo Switch the latest "must have" mobile gaming console??

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Originally Posted by CAT-THE-FIFTH

Isn't the Nintendo Switch the latest "must have" mobile gaming console??

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Yup.... that's why I'm looking at smaller, cheaper options! ;)

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

Yup.... that's why I'm looking at smaller, cheaper options! ;)

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Playstation Vita??

There is also this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEGA-MEGA...-/182433691971

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgK8NMFLM04

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

2/. I was debating getting a 3DS as well, maybe the XL. No idea if it's all still running though - Can you still download games for it?
Is the 3DS family any better than the DS or 2DS?

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The 3DS is still very much alive, with new games coming out. That said it is getting on a bit now so how long that'll continue I don't know.
I've got a Switch and it's great, I use it vastly more as a handheld than docked but that's handheld generally around the house. It's too big to pocket, but easily thrown in a bag.

Don't discount Android as a portable gaming platform - there's a variety of Bluetooth controllers out there that hold your phone and turn it into a "proper" handheld gaming device, and there's also a few (particularly Chinese) companies that make dedicated Android gaming devices, of which JXD are probably the best known - www.jxd.hk is the corporate site, and www.jxdofficial.com is their online store.

I've bought direct from them a few years ago; iirc they originally only dispatched one of the two consoles I bought, but I had no issues contacting their customer services to resolve the problem. The hardware is as good as the price suggests ;) I got a couple of devices, one of which worked absolutely fine, and one of which is good apart from the touchscreen, which is, let's say, rather erratic in where it registers the touch. OTOH since I only use it to launch console emulators, which can easily be done with the console controls, it's not an issue for my usage.

It looks like they don't stock the old Android devices any more (Only the very expensive latest version which is > $300), but there's a number of "multi-function" consoles which look to be near identical to the one I've got, and I do wonder if they're still Android under the hood but without access to app stores etc, so they've been reskinned to "hide" the underlying OS. Anyway, they're pretty cheap and if you can wait, come with free (slow) shipping. Might be worth a shot for ~ $40....

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Originally Posted by CAT-THE-FIFTH

Playstation Vita??

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Dunno... it's a bit big, and I quite like clamshell designs that protect the screen(s).
Also, it depends to some extent what games are available for it, I suppose...

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

there's a variety of Bluetooth controllers out there that hold your phone and turn it into a "proper" handheld gaming device

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They're a bit bulky and very different from what I had in mind.
The GBA SP appeals mainly from the very pocketable form factor.

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

there's also a few (particularly Chinese) companies that make dedicated Android gaming devices, of which JXD are probably the best known

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I quite like a couple of the retro ones they do - A bit like the Gameboy Mini... will consider whether they offer much in the way of cartridge support - EZ-Flash IV, or something?

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

The hardware is as good as the price suggests ;)

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Oh.... right...... less interested, now.... :(

I did consider the emulator approach as well as some larger \'portable\' gaming devices, but TBH if I were going down that route in any big way, I might as well consider sommat like the GPD-Win 2....!

But yeah, basic idea was something small, cheap and whimsical.
Still debating whether a 3DS-XL type thing would be much use, or whether I\'ll be better off staying toward the GBA-SP side of things....

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

... Still debating whether a 3DS-XL type thing would be much use, or whether I'll be better off staying toward the GBA-SP side of things....

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I used to have a DS Lite way back in the day and it was a really enjoyable console to use. They're pretty cheap pre-owned, and take GBA cartridges as well as DS game cards, so there's a pretty wide library of titles to choose from. I'm not sure a 3DS will gain you much over a DS Lite unless there's specific 3DS games you want to play...?

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

I'm not sure a 3DS will gain you much over a DS Lite unless there's specific 3DS games you want to play...?

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Mainly just bigger screen, maybe better quality components?
I do like 3D stuff, so would probably play a fair few titles, if the 3D is any good?

I also heard you can download older GB games and play them on the DS family?

Switch is a thing of staggering beauty.

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Originally Posted by Zak33

Switch is a thing of staggering beauty.

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And also size, if not weight too... No deal.
Switch is off the cards until it fits in my pocket!

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

Mainly just bigger screen, maybe better quality components?
I do like 3D stuff, so would probably play a fair few titles, if the 3D is any good?

I also heard you can download older GB games and play them on the DS family?

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There are many different machines here you're asking about:

DS [Lite] - The original DS system. Does 3d rendering (sort of), also 2d. Low Res (256x192). Back compat with GBA carts.

3DS - The successor to the DS. Does 3d (properly), also does stereoscopic (switchable). High Res (400x240). Back compat with DS. Official emu for GBA. Note: 3DS games are NOT compatible with DS or DS Lite.

2DS - A 3DS with the stereoscopic screen replaced with a standard LCD.

"New" 3DS / 2DS - a souped up version of the 3DS with a much faster processor (runs at 804 MHz rather than 268).

Personally I would recommend a 3DS or 2DS as you don't limit yourself to only DS games and older that way. I'm not a fan of the stereoscopic and it makes some games run slower or worse quality, so I'd say the 2DS is a better bet. The "new" version is a definite improvement over the original model.

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Originally Posted by Butcher

"New" 3DS / 2DS - a souped up version of the 3DS with a much faster processor (runs at 804 MHz rather than 268).

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Yeah, I'm thinking a "New" 3DS-XL, if I go that far... Based on remarks and reviews of the TN vs IPS screens across earlier versions, I'd obviously want the best one.

But that's the conundrum - Will this be that much better? Will a GBA-SP be enough?
TBH, if I can find them cheap enough, I might even get both and see what takes me...

Got most things.

Vita - fun system but horrible interface

3DS - little too small for my liking, loads of titles

Switch - got 400 hours of xenoblade logged,. Amazing bit of kit.

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Originally Posted by Dareos

3DS - little too small for my liking, loads of titles

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The XL is definitely nicer to use in that respect.

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

... Will a GBA-SP be enough? ...

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tbh I don't really see why you'd choose a GBA-SP over a DS Lite, given the DS Lite will play all the GBA games as well as the DS ones. Plus afaict you'll pay more for a GBA SP than for a DS Lite.

Sounds a lot like the real choice is DS Lite vs 3DS-XL, based on what you're currently considering...

I've been kicking around the idea of getting an original PSP - they do emulation to a point and with a bit of MESSING ABOUT you can run pretty much any PS1 game on them. Some going on eBay refurbed for less than £20.

If you don't mind the tinkering and aren't too fussed about having a "current gen" system, might be worth a punt? Only thing putting me off is the single analog and (I think) only 2 shoulder buttons.

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

tbh I don't really see why you'd choose a GBA-SP over a DS Lite

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Why would I choose a DS over a GPD Win 2.... why would I choose that over an MSI GT83 gaming laptop.... :D

Nah, I just liked the idea of the SP's pocket size and it was intended to be a cheap test of how much I'd use portable gaming. The smaller it is, the more likely I'd take it with and use it.... plus the silver one looks like a tricorder off Star Trek!!! :embarrassed:

Once you get into the DS family, there are several different versions, so it seems a toss-up of which features would be worth it... I kinda hate the idea of a big DS Lite form-factor with such small screens.... and so begins the feature creep!

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

given the DS Lite will play all the GBA games as well as the DS ones.

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But not GB or GBC games...?

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

Plus afaict you'll pay more for a GBA SP than for a DS Lite.

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Yeah, that's the kick in the crotch, innit!!

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

Sounds a lot like the real choice is DS Lite vs 3DS-XL, based on what you're currently considering...

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I'm kinda thinking, if I want something the size of a Psion it's worth getting as many bells and whistles as possible. Of course, this is without considering any SEGA games I might enjoy, so it might be an Android platform of similar form factor would be the better option - I assume Emulators and roms is a no-no, though? It's that backwards compatability question, really.

Starting to remember why I started PC gaming instead of going console!!

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

I'm kinda thinking, if I want something the size of a Psion it's worth getting as many bells and whistles as possible. Of course, this is without considering any SEGA games I might enjoy, so it might be an Android platform of similar form factor would be the better option - I assume discussion of Emulators and roms is a no-no, though?

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That Sega Mega drive portable can load more games via an SD card.

Repeat post.

I was considering a GDP XD Plus but decided my phones hardware was actually better, and I already owned it.
So bought a 8Bitdo N30 PRO Bluetooth Gamepad
And the phone holder
And along with RetorArch android application I now have a mini console with me at all times, really couldn't be happier and for less than £40

Note you need a really old DS if you want to plug GBA cartridges into it. That's a feature no-one in our family has ever wanted to use, I would say 3DS is a minimum.

Personally I've tried:
PS Vita,
DSi
3DS-XL
Phone with Controller running version emulators
Switch

Only one I've stuck with is the Switch. I know its large but the big screen, instant on and resume (I know 3ds had this but screen was just to poor) and better quality games made it worth it for me. Its worth the size! Already put more hours into the switch than the other systems combined...

Playing Zelda or Mario: Odyessy in bed is a great feeling!

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Originally Posted by circuitmonkey

I now have a mini console with me at all times, really couldn't be happier and for less than £40

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That's exactly the sort of bulky, bulgy, tacked-together awkwardness I'm looking to avoid.
It needs to fit my pocket.

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Originally Posted by cheesemp

Its worth the size!

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It could make the tea, organise my finances, walk the dog and do all the laundry... It still won't fit my pocket. :(

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

And also size, if not weight too... No deal.
Switch is off the cards until it fits in my pocket!

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Get bigger pockets... totally worth it :D

Love my switch

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Originally Posted by Biscuit

Get bigger pockets... totally worth it :D

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Until I break the big expensive sheet of glass... Tasky breaks things like that!!
Like I said - Clamshell.

But for that kind of size, I'm back in the realms of the GPD again!

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Originally Posted by Ttaskmaster

That's exactly the sort of bulky, bulgy, tacked-together awkwardness I'm looking to avoid.
It needs to fit my pocket.

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Sounds like my problem with this sort of thing. I have space for one device in my pocket, for me to carry something else it has to be more useful than my phone to displace it. Given how much a modern phone can do, that isn't likely.

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Originally Posted by DanceswithUnix

Note you need a really old DS if you want to plug GBA cartridges into it. That's a feature no-one in our family has ever wanted to use ...

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DS Lite was the last one to carry the feature over (iirc), and I had a fair few GBA games that I played on mine (including some that I bought specifically to play on the DS), but I'll happily admit that it'd be a niche requirement nowadays.

I play a lot of GBA games on my Android console, but to repurchase them all on cartridges to stick in a DS Lite would be rather expensive (if I could even find them). It's definitely a shame that there aren't more options in the market; android + controller works really well. If you can cope with the older specs what about a second-hand Xperia Play?

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

I had a fair few GBA games that I played on mine (including some that I bought specifically to play on the DS), but I'll happily admit that it'd be a niche requirement nowadays.

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It's a potential requirement... I'm currently 'trying out' some GBA games, to see how many I'll actually play.
A lot comes down to whether I'll even enjoy enough games (on any platform) to justify buying one... hence looking to start cheap-ish.

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

I play a lot of GBA games on my Android console

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Is there.... istheristheristhere..... a clamshell-style Andy console that you'd recommend?

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Originally Posted by scaryjim

If you can cope with the older specs what about a second-hand Xperia Play?

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If it can run enough stuff and feels good in the hand, I'd not be averse.
Not many around in good nick for reasonable money, though and Andy 2.3 might preclude a lot of the software/Apps I'd otherwise need.

Given how many times someone has tried this form-factor and failed (PGS, anyone?), I'd say there is a market for combination console-smartphones... they just need to be done well enough to take off.

Well, I ended up getting both an SP and a DS Lite... at £35 for both devices, each in black, and including the chargers, 12v car adapters and a couple of games, I couldn't really argue.

Just got to figure out how to upgrade the SP's really dark AGS001 screen to an AGS101... Loads of tutorials for the GBA, but nothing really covering the SP without doing the full-on BennVenn mod!