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 Drops Full RG 55G1 Specs: Alongside their official unboxing showing off two really good colors, and a third that’s just meh, we got the full range of specs for the RG 55G1, and it’s almost like some people have been calling it for a few months now. 
• Disc to Digital: How Xbox is Hedging Against the End of Physical Media: Microsoft has finally made it official: as of August 31, Xbox Insiders can begin converting physical game discs into digital entitlements, a feature that transforms a dusty library of plastic cases into a collection of cloud-accessible licenses.
• ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 Preorders Open With OLED, New Cooling, and a $1,299 Price: Pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally X20 are now open, starting at $1,299 for just the handheld. Meanwhile, the entire bundle, which includes the ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses and more, is priced at $2,499.

🕹️ Your gateway to pixel-perfect worlds

• GameNative Drops V1.2 Release, and as Usual There’s a Lot to it: The latest GameNative update (v1.2) has a lot of awesome updates in it to help improve the usability for anyone that wants to try x86 emulation on Android. This time around, there are a few updates for their XR build, a few fixes that’ll improve certain games, and just a few more slice of life updates that’ll make the app just a better overall experience.
• DiscWright Lets You Burn GOG Offline Installers to Physical Discs: This might be one of the coolest things we've seen, especially considering the recent controversy about whether you actually own the games you buy. I guess it's time to start investing in CDs again.
• openFPGA-CartTools is a new tool that "identifies and dumps Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges over the Analogue Pocket's own connector."

Emulation Corner

Custom Core

👾 Game of the Month: Adaptation August

Game(s) of the Week

RPG of the Quarter (7/1 - 9/30)

✍ Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Write

Anbernic RG 55G1 Impressions: End of Summer Surplus? | Retro Handhelds

The RG 55G1 is a good device that strikes me as the most “end of summer” release ever. A great upscaled PSP/Dreamcast/N64 machine with a screen that deserves better than the SoC’s native PS2 output.

Retro HandheldsNick

The State of 3:2 Retro Handhelds in 2026 | Retro Handhelds

It seems 3:2 has been the aspect ratio of choice this year for handhelds. With a ton of options, you certainly have to ask yourself. What are you looking for?

Retro HandheldsBan

Honoring Optimus: My Favorite Ways to Play Transformers | Retro Handhelds

In the spirit of honoring the man who scarred my childhood with his performance as a giant transforming robot, here are the Transformers games Nick’s enjoyed.

Retro HandheldsNick

KONKR Pocket Advance First Impressions: Modern Tech in a Familiar Shell | Retro Handhelds

We take a look at the KONKR Pocket Advance, a new device from AYANEO’s budget brand that blends modern tech with a charming, retro vibe.

Retro Handheldskalkeg

Anbernic RG SP Setup Guide | Retro Handhelds

Our Anbernic RG SP setup guide covers everything from turning off button sounds and adding ROMs to installing custom firmware and choosing accessories.

Retro Handheldsandrew

GameSir G7 Pro 8K Aimlabs Edition Review: A Mouthful Name With a Top Tier Experience | Retro Handhelds

The Gamesir G7 Pro 8K Aimlabs Edition, is a step up from their standard G7 Pro line, but have new features and a sick colorway. But is it worth it?

Retro HandheldsBan

Racing Retrospectives: Forza Horizon 4 | Retro Handhelds

It may not be the newest, or the best to many, but to Ban this is where we reached the Horizon. How’s it hold up? And is it worth giving a try?

Retro HandheldsBan

Drawers Full of Gold: Are Today’s Handhelds Tomorrow’s Collectibles? | Retro Handhelds

I sold my retro collection after watching speculators ruin that hobby. But I’m keeping my retro handhelds — because in a world with fewer options to own games, these are the systems where we form our bonds.

Retro HandheldsNick

📺 On the YouTubes

RH Partners

💸 Achievement Unlocked: Big Savings

We're just a few days away from another AliExpress sale cropping up, so be sure to check over at handheld.deals for all of the discount codes once the sale is live. In the meantime, we've rounded up a few deals that might pique your interest.

Deal Highlights

• LITNXT Summer Sale: 15% off w/ code SUMMER15
• KONKR Pocket Advance at AKNES
  • 3GB/32GB: $98.10 (Save 10%)
  • 4GB/64GB: $116.10 (Save 10%)
• Miyoo Mini Flip: $69.99 (Save $10) at Amazon
• AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini (Arcade Home, 2GB/32GB): $139.99 (Save $20) at Amazon
• Miyoo Mini Plus: $71.99 (Save $8) at Amazon
• LEGO Retro Gaming Console: $15.99 (20% off) at Amazon
• Lenovo Legion Go 65W 12800 Power Bank: $63.99 (Save 20%) at Amazon
• ASUS ROG Tessen: $83.95 (Save 35%) at Amazon
• Lexar 512GB Play PRO Micro SD Express Card: $109.99 (Save $40) at Amazon
• WD_Black SN770M 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe: $199.99 (Save 40%) at Amazon

🗣️ Stay Connected

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