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

• Anbernic RG Rotate Specs Revealed Ahead of Official Release: After much speculation, the RG Rotate will be powered by the Unisoc T618, which is the same chip found in the recently released RG Vita. In the Official Unboxing video, Anbernic also shared the entire spec sheet, and our source tells us the handheld will go up for pre-order on May 11th, and pricing starts at $82.99.
• "Valve is receiving a ton of 'Game Consoles' these past couple weeks in their USA distribution warehouse.": Last week, we saw Valve reveal the price and release date of the Steam Controller. Now, Brad Lynch is getting our hopes up that we might soon hear these same details for either (or both) the Steam Machine and Steam Frame.
• Stop Killing Games Makes Its Case to the EU and Walks Away With a Win: The Stop Killing Games initiative had its day in front of the European Parliament on April 16, and by all accounts, it went about as well as the movement could have hoped.

🕹️ Your gateway to pixel-perfect worlds

• A New Open Source Project Can Boot Linux on Original PS5 Hardware With Full Steam Support: An open source project called ps5-linux has just dropped on GitHub, and it does exactly what it says on the tin: it turns a PlayStation 5 into a Linux gaming machine. There are caveats, but the scope of what it pulls off is genuinely impressive.
• Microsoft "K2" rumored to "slash bloat, boost performance, and make the OS seriously competitive with SteamOS": Windows 11 has been one of the most frustrating OS releases, especially for gamers. A report from Windows Central suggests that Microsoft is refocusing its efforts with a new "Windows K2" initiative. The report goes on to state that "For gaming, Microsoft views steamOS as the benchmark, and is working to optimize the platform so that SteamOS and Windows gaming performance are comparable."
• Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs: Do you remember how the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X were the first devices to feature Microsoft's Xbox mode? Since then, it's become available on more hardware, and as of April 30, it's now available for all Windows 11 PCs.

Emulation Corner

Custom Core

• GammaOS Next v1.3.1 for AYANEO Pocket Air Mini
• Arch R v2.0 RC-3
• GammaOS Next v1.3.1 for RG Vita
• Allium v1.0.0
• Quark v1.7.0

👾 Game of the Month: Mobile May

Game(s) of the Week

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

✍ Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Write

BatleXP G350 Setup Guide and Tutorial | Retro Handhelds

Upgrade your new BatleXP G350 to the best it can be with a how-to on all the available custom firmware and community fixes for the brand-new emulation handheld.

Retro HandheldsNick

Game of the Month: Portable Perfection for Mobile May | Retro Handhelds

Mobile May offers GotX participants a chance to live the portable life, with a trio of games that originated on handheld consoles.

Retro Handheldskalkeg

PortMaster Roundup: March & April 2026 | Retro Handhelds

PortMaster’s newest releases include free downloads, paid ports, and some surprisingly big names now playable on retro handhelds.

Retro HandheldsBan

Late to the Party: Anbernic RG DS | Retro Handhelds

This hobby is nothing without its dev community, and so long as you’re willing to make the effort to embrace that, then the Anbernic RG DS is a fantastic retro handheld.

Retro HandheldsNick

The Travel Board you Didn’t Know you Needed: Epomaker Luma40 | Retro Handhelds

The debate on how portable your keyboard should be may be over with the Epomaker Luma40. Aluminum, Wireless, 40%? Is this small keyboard worth the large price?

Retro HandheldsBan

AYN Odin 2 Portal Setup Guide | Retro Handhelds

This guide will walk you step-by-step on how to setup your AYN Odin 2 Portal, including installing emulators, frontends, quick tips and tricks, and much more!

Retro Handheldskalkeg

Game Over: Broderbund U-Force | Retro Handhelds

Broderbund’s ambitious U-Force NES motion controller promised hands-free play in 1989, but unreliable infrared tech and no analog-compatible games doomed it.

Retro HandheldsJim Gray

📺 On the YouTubes

RH Partners

💸 Achievement Unlocked: Big Savings

Deal Highlights:

• DSPico: $13.46 at AliExpress
• GameSir Pocket Taco: $34.08 w/ code RHH02
• Miyoo Mini Flip: $56.91 w/ code RHH5
• Miniloong Pocket 1: $66.12 w/ code USCD10
• Retroid Pocket 5: $169.73 w/ code RHH23
• AYN Thor: From $313.72 w/ code CDUS35
• DJI Osmo Pocket 4: $578.71 w/ code CDUS90
• DJI Osmo Pocket 4 (Creator Combo): $736.86 w/ code CDUS90

🗣️ Stay Connected

Want more classic gaming goodness? Join the Discord, or follow us on YouTube for live podcasts and reviews every Monday at 6pm Pacific. Your feedback, mods, and stories make this community what it is, so keep sharing!