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Cheap retro portable?

  • 14-12-2017 01:43PM
    #1
    Kaia Deep Bullfighter
    Posts: 8,317 ✭✭✭ Kaia Deep Bullfighter


    Is there a cheap way of playing simple classics such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man etc on the move? Had a look on eBay and Amazon and can't believe there's something basic for these games that would appeal to casual gamers.

    I know you can emulate them on a phone but I was looking for something simple. Like a stocking filler. I wanted to get a pressie for my brother who only has patience for those type of games and is mainly a technophobe. The closest I came to was a Atari Flashback Portable by AtGames but I'm a bit meh after looking up videos of it (and it's a bit expensive for what it is imo).


Comments

  • #2
    CiDeRmAn
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 34,811 CMod ✭✭✭✭CiDeRmAn


    The options are ports to existing consoles or emulating the original arcade code.
    The former means buying a DS or a GBA and buying one of the many compilations out there.
    The latter might be best on a PSP with custom firmware installed, this will play a vast array of emulators some of which will play the games you mention arcade perfect.
    It's pretty easy to set up too.
    CEX have the PSP, around the €50 mark Link

    A quick google will provide you with all the instructions you need to install permanent CFW and load the needed programs and "files" to play the games he wants.


  • #3
    frasr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 225 ✭✭frasr


    Another cheaper option might be along the lines of this:
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5-Inch-Game-Handheld-LCD-Screen-Video-Game-Console-Built-in-416-Retro-Games-Console/32807549398.html

    There are several more similar ones on aliexpress, this one just caught my eye, ebay should have similar. A bit of looking should find some android consoles (above one is not) & on doing a quick search, a lot of cheap ones that said they were android weren't...

    For build quality, 2 year warranty, ability to add custom firmware & not waiting a month for delivery the PSP from CEX is prob a better option, but the link is 1/2 the cost & 0 setup time (if your not any bit tech minded) the above may swing in your favor


  • #4
    frasr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 225 ✭✭frasr


    Just thinking another option could be emulation on your phone & use something like
    https://www.gearbest.com/game-controllers/pp_774489.html
    or
    https://www.lightinthebox.com/rechargeable-wireless-gamepad-telescopic-bluetooth-game-controller-for-4-6-to-10-6-inch-iphone-ipad-android-phone_p5192612.html?
    or even
    https://www.gearbest.com/game-controllers/pp_622065.html

    loads of options available, relatively recent list of what's recommended
    https://www.androidauthority.com/best-bluetooth-gaming-controllers-403184/
    budget again comes into play, I had thought before about getting the 8BITDO but ended up figuring (corretly) I wouldn't have time to use it


  • #5
    Kaia Deep Bullfighter
    Posts: 8,317 ✭✭✭ Kaia Deep Bullfighter


    I actually ordered one of these last night. Handheld GBA emulator basically. I checked and there's GBA versions of Pac Man & Space Invaders. All I need is a small micro sd to put them on. Probably won't get here before Christmas but it looks like it should do the job.


  • #6
    Atavan-Halen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,183 ✭✭✭✭Atavan-Halen


    Honestly get yourself a psp/psp go depending on what’s cheapest (usually
    Can be had for around €50 Or less) and load it up with emulators and some roms. You’ll also have access to the psp library which is pretty decent.


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  • #7
    Ste-
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,751 ✭✭✭Ste-


    Deleted User wrote: »
    I actually ordered one of these last night. Handheld GBA emulator basically. I checked and there's GBA versions of Pac Man & Space Invaders. All I need is a small micro sd to put them on. Probably won't get here before Christmas but it looks like it should do the job.

    I don't see any L+R buttons on that ?


  • #8
    Kaia Deep Bullfighter
    Posts: 8,317 ✭✭✭ Kaia Deep Bullfighter


    At the back.


  • #9
    megaten
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,914 ✭✭✭megaten


    Deleted User wrote: »
    I actually ordered one of these last night. Handheld GBA emulator basically. I checked and there's GBA versions of Pac Man & Space Invaders. All I need is a small micro sd to put them on. Probably won't get here before Christmas but it looks like it should do the job.

    I was reading the emulation is pretty poor on these on another forum. It apparently uses the same chip as those old dingoo handhelds.


  • #10
    Kaia Deep Bullfighter
    Posts: 8,317 ✭✭✭ Kaia Deep Bullfighter


    Yeah it has the same Ingenic processor as the old Dingoo I had years ago. Also seems to have the same UI and SNES/GBA emulation was always patchy on the Dingoo. I do have a PSP but feel it's overkill for what I want. I'm hoping the Retro Mini will still be able to handle Pac-Man and Space Invaders. I kind of just bought it for the novelty factor too. Also picked up a PAP KIII Plus because according to the folks on dingoonity it's hackable and can run Dingux. Again I'm not expecting much except something to tinker with. :)


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