Welcome to the Retro Handhelds Weekly newsletter! Whether you’re a seasoned modder or just getting started with classic gaming on the go, you’re part of a passionate group that keeps the retro handheld scene vibrant and fun. Dive in for the latest reviews, guides, and community highlights.

🎮 The guts behind the glory

• Steam Controller Review Leaks Early, Pricing at $99: In a Steam Controller Early Review from TechyTalk that leaked ahead of schedule on Streamable, it appears we now know the price of Valve’s new Steam Controller, along with a look at the controller layout and operation. Considering that the controller has been delayed by Valve from an early 2025 release window, any news is exciting at this point in time.
• Froggo Turns Game Boy Color into a Watch: If you've paid attention to the world of Game Boy Color mods, it doesn't get much more interesting than the Tad Boy Color. That was, until the creator of the TBC dropped a video showing off how they turned the Game Boy Color into an actual watch.
• The ModRetro M64 Mega Update: ModRetro provided a massive update on the current "status and ship timelines for the M64. According to the company, the console, controller, and launch games will all begin shipping "at the end of July."

🕹️ Your gateway to pixel-perfect worlds

• GammaOS Next Comes to the Anbernic RG Vita Pro: It’s been a little while since the Anbernic RG Vita and RG Vita Pro were released, with the latter offering a dual-boot experience between Linux and Android. However, Anbernic doesn’t have the greatest track record with offering a reliable and optimized Android experience. Thankfully, Gamma is here to save the day, as GammaOS Next v1.3 is now available for the RG Vita Pro.
• iiSU Beta Release Preview: The iiSU developers provided a new update as to the current status of the project. It confirmed that while the first Beta release is being worked on, "another Alpha version may be dropped along the way."
• C64-Live Wants to Take Commodore 64 Multiplayer Online, No Setup Required: Browser-based emulation has been a growing corner of the retro scene for a while now, but it tends to be a solitary affair. You load up a game, you play it alone, and that’s the end of it. C64-Live, a new platform built by developer Andrew Hayes, is trying to change that equation for Commodore 64 fans specifically.

Emulation Corner

Custom Core

• GammaOS Next v1.3.0
• dArkOS v04232026
• spruceOS v4.2.0
• Quark v1.7.0 "Hadron"
• CachyOS April 2026

👾 Game of the Month: Aurora April

Game(s) of the Week

RPG of the Quarter (4/1 - 6/30)

✍ Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Write

Guide: How to Install GammaOS Next on the Anbernic RG VIta Pro | Retro Handhelds

Legendary scene developer TheGammaSqueeze is back again! This time, they’re bringing that special sprinkle of Gamma magic to the Anbernic RG Vita Pro.

Retro HandheldsNick

NYXI Hyperion 3 Controller For Switch 2 Review | Retro Handhelds

The NYXI Hyperion 3 brings TMR joysticks, crispy microswitches, and top-tier ergonomics to the Switch 2. Find out if it’s the ultimate controller upgrade.

Retro HandheldsJoe White

MSI Claw A8 Review: Pretty Great With One Major Flaw | Retro Handhelds

We review the MSI Claw A8! Featuring the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and a larger 8-inch display, we break down its gaming performance, software, and ergonomics.

Retro Handheldsandrew

Miniloong Pocket One Review | Retro Handhelds

Miniloong is new on the block, but it doesn’t feel like it. With good build quality and an old chip, how does the Miniloong and its 3566 hold up in 2026?

Retro HandheldsBan

R36 Ultra Review: Another Solid RK3326 Clone for Gamers on a Budget | Retro Handhelds

Nick reviews the R36 Ultra, the latest RK3326 clone device to hit the market. Read his review and decide if this is the budget handheld you’ve been looking for.

Retro HandheldsNick

Game Over: VTech’s Decade of Failure | Retro Handhelds

VTech twice chased hybrid “edutainment” consoles with CreatiVision and Socrates and proved one thing: they didn’t learn from the first failure.

Retro HandheldsJim Gray

📺 On the YouTubes

RH Partners

💸 Achievement Unlocked: Big Savings

🗣️ Stay Connected

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