There’s an undeniable pleasure in a clamshell device.
One of the highlights of this profession is the opportunity to play with technology that comes in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and designs. This also holds true for gaming consoles, as we’re not limited to merely Game Boy or Switch replicas. In the past few months, several more clamshell gadgets have emerged, such as the Anbernic RG34XXSP, which seeks to capture the essence of the Game Boy Advance SP.
What makes a clamshell handheld so appealing isn’t the capabilities, but rather the simple presence of a lid. This year alone, the Miyoo Flip, Retroid Pocket 2 Flip, and Anbernic RG34XXSP have hit the market, and most of the time, you can snag a good deal. For instance, the RG34XXSP is currently priced at $85.99 on Amazon, reflecting a discount of nearly 15%.
Meanwhile, the Miyoo Flip is even more affordable, with the best price we’ve encountered dropping it to approximately $75. And if that still exceeds your budget, the Powkiddy V90S has just launched and is already listed on Amazon for about $50.
In contrast to the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, neither of these devices operates on Android. Instead, you’ll find a custom iteration of Linux from either Anbernic or Miyoo that serves as the entry point for all your games.
However, there’s an entire realm of custom firmware available, like KNULLI or muOS, that enhances the experience. Though, unless you are particularly keen on customization, the stock firmware on the RG34XXSP should suffice.
Right from the get-go, the RG34XXSP stands out as a remarkable imitation of the Game Boy Advance SP. The hinge is robust, the controls are precise, and while a tad small for some users, the 3.4-inch display remains sharp.
When it comes to controls, that’s what truly won me over with the RG34XXSP. While I thoroughly enjoyed my RG35XXSP, I gradually stopped using it since some games didn’t work well with emulated joysticks when using a D-pad.
With the RG34XXSP, that’s no longer a concern, as this handheld features dual sticks positioned below the other controls. So as long as everything is set up correctly in RetroArch, I can launch a PS1 game and dive right in.
Despite all this, you might wonder why I would even think about the RG34XXSP when I have access to more powerful hardware. For one, I mentally categorize the types of games I intend to play on different handhelds.
The RG34XXSP allows me to play nearly anything up to N64 and Dreamcast, which is where classics like Pokémon reside. My Android handhelds are where I experiment more, like attempting to get various Windows games to function via Winlator or GameHub. Meanwhile, my assortment of x86 handhelds caters to anything that isn’t supported on the others.
Another reason I’m a big fan of the RG34XXSP is that I can easily slip it into my pocket without the need for a case or screen protector. I’m not certain if it can withstand the same level of abuse as the GBA SP, but up to this point, it’s held up remarkably well.
I can quickly jump into a game when I have a few spare minutes, close the lid, and continue on my way. Then, when I open the lid again, after a moment, the game resumes exactly where I paused.
Finally, the accessibility of most retro handhelds is quite low. They tend to be affordable, available in varied form factors, and are easy to recommend to nearly anyone. Add on a solid discount, and you’ve got a gadget that can deliver hours of enjoyment for yourself or for others.
