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.

‼️Retroid Pocket Nova

• 8GB/128GB
  • Black/16 Bit/GC: $229
  • Ice Blue, Crystal, Watermelon, and Clear Purple: $234

• 12GB/128GB
  • Black/16 Bit/GC: $269
  • Ice Blue, Crystal, Watermelon, and Clear Purple: $274

🎮 The guts behind the glory

• Did The Retroid Pocket Flip 3 Just Get Officially Confirmed?: Even with the Pocket Nova on the way, the hype train for a potential Retroid Pocket Flip 3 is already building. When asked on social media about "progress on the dual-screen device," Retroid's account responded with "Second half of the year."
• MagicX Discontinues Mini Zero 28 and Gauges Interest in the MagicX Mini40: MagicX announced it is officially discontinuing the Mini Zero 28, while also “introducing” the MagicX Mini40. The company's goal is to provide a "spiritual successor to the Z28,” while pivoting from Android to Linux, complete with a port of dArkOS.
• AYANEO’s Surprise ‘Product Sharing Session’ Could’ve Been an Email: On Friday, we awoke to a surprise, as AYANEO’s CEO was back on another YouTube livestream. Technically, there weren’t any new products announced, as much of the session was basically just to talk about devices that are (or were) already available. This included the Pocket Micro 2, which has been the subject of some rather heated debates.

🕹️ Your gateway to pixel-perfect worlds

• Sony Closing PS3 and PS Vita Online Storefronts This Year, U.S. to Follow in 2027: Sony decided to kick off the Summer of 2026 with two rather disappointing announcements. The first of which was that physical game discs will be gone by 2028, with the latter being the closure of the PS3 and PS Vita digital stores.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies Android Port: There's a new port available for our retro handhelds, and it comes courtesy of Producdevity. They've managed to get the Android version of Call of Duty Black Ops: Zombies working via PortMaster, and it's now available for you to try out.
• DK64: Recompiled Announcement (DK64 PC Port!): Yet another Nintendo 64 darling is being ported to the PC. DK64: Recompiled will soon be released for Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering widescreen support and "high framerates."

Emulation Corner

Custom Core

👾 Game of the Month: Just One July

Game(s) of the Week

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

✍ Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Write

PULSE Puts Android Handheld Performance Controls at Your Fingertips | Retro Handhelds

PULSE gives select AYN and Retroid handhelds AutoTDP, live performance controls, custom profiles, RGB indicators, and a new Quick Access bar.

Retro Handheldsandrew

Interview: Castle Away, Gotta Storm ’Em All | Retro Handhelds

Read our exclusive interview with the developers of Castle Away. Discover how they blend roguelite, autobattler, and castle-building mechanics into one unique game.

Retro HandheldsJim Gray

8 Games to Grow Your Backlog – July 2026 | Retro Handhelds

From modern 3D platformers to addictive deck-builders, here are 8 amazing indie games you need to add to your handheld gaming backlog this summer.

Retro HandheldsBan

Leveling Up My Cabinet: AceMagic W1 Review (Virtual Pinball Edition) | Retro Handhelds

Nick takes a look at the Warlord W1 Mini PC from AceMagic to see if it’s up for flipping some virtual pinball (which is tougher than you might guess).

Retro HandheldsNick

Epomaker Glyph Review: The Modern Typewriter | Retro Handhelds

Epomaker is back with another retro renewal in their Glyph keyboard. With a lot of features and a strange look, is this board worth the high cost?

Retro HandheldsBan

PortMaster Roundup: June 2026 | Retro Handhelds

This month’s PortMaster offerings include a trendy new indie darling, a couple glow-ups of existing PortMaster games, and puzzles galore.

Retro HandheldsJim Gray

Game of the Month: Stand Alone with Just One July | Retro Handhelds

Just One July has the GOTX crew exploring video games with single-entry experiences, with a trio of games that have no spin-offs, remakes, prequels, or sequels.

Retro Handheldskalkeg

AYANEO Pocket Vert Review: Premium Meets Portable, With a Dash of Disappointment | Retro Handhelds

The Pocket Vert is a premium handheld from AYANEO, but does it deserve a spot in your collection? Let’s dive in and learn more about this stylish device.

Retro Handheldskalkeg

AYANEO Pocket Vert Setup Guide | Retro Handhelds

This guide will walk you step-by-step on how to set up your AYANEO Pocket Vert, including installing emulators, frontends, quick tips and tricks, and much more!

Retro Handheldskalkeg

📺 On the YouTubes

RH Partners

💸 Achievement Unlocked: Big Savings

The AliExpress Summer Sale kicked off on June 1 at 3 AM EST, bringing with it a bunch of new discount codes and ways to save big. We've listed the RH-specific codes below, but you can head over to Handheld.Deals to grab even more!

Deal Highlights

• DSPico: $11.27 at AliExpress
• Anbernic RG Rotate: $85.45 w/ code RHH10
• Anbernic RG DS: $92.11 w/ code RHH10
• Miyoo Mini Flip: $43.34 w/ code RHH5
• AYN Thor: From $330.50 w/ code RHH35
• MagicX Mini Zero 28 V2: $37.96 w/ code RHH5
• Retroid Pocket 5: $162.92 w/ code 29RHHSS
• AYN Odin 3: From $333.55 w/ code RHH55
• Anbernic RG476H: $146.09 w/ code RHH20
• GAMEMT PSK5000: $86.26 w/ code RHH10

🗣️ 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!