I figure it will be a good thing to throw onto a wish list for whatever holiday is coming next. In a perfect world, it would run a Linux-based OS, be moddable, have decent ergonomics for an adult, and kinda just generally not suck. Is a hundred bucks a reasonable price point? One hundred fifty? I grew up in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras but never completely stopped gaming, so I’d be interested in emulating somewhat newer stuff too. I normally just plug in a controller and find a desktop emulator, but portable could be fun, especially if it had potential for general SBC computing.
It depends what you want to emulate. Most consoles can do PSX and below without any trouble. A lot of devices share the same chipset so that’s a big thing to look out for.
If you want to get into things like PS2 and GameCube you are going to have to pay more and likely consider Android.
A console with HDMI out and Bluetooth might be what you are looking for so you can potentially have that desktop experience you are used to.
mox@lemmy.sdf.org 4 months ago
If your budget would allow it, I think it would be tough to beat the Steam Deck.
wjrii@lemmy.world 4 months ago
I think the SteamDeck might be overkill here. Something along the Miyo or Anbernic is what I’m thinking initially, but I have no idea what in this product category is worthwhile.
rolacolaji@piefed.social 4 months ago
I had a Steam Deck and gave it to my partner because it's gigantic and unwieldy. Just a heads up for the small-handed individuals. The thumb-sticks felt like absolute garbage as well. Hilariously, the biggest thing I can say - is that while the device itself was gigantic - the screen felt relatively small. I decided in the end, to get an old Chromebook and convert it to a Linux based system for all my gaming needs. It's thin, durable, and has an extremely long battery life. I can see the screen inside and outside. It actually feels lighter than the Deck because the weight is evenly distributed through-out it's form. I am very happy with it.
I considered the Miyoo Mini+ but figured I would run into a similar issue where I realized that I was no longer a child and that a Gameboy perhaps isn't the best form factor for an aging gamer. But I think it's quite portable and it might make a solid system.
mesamunefire@lemmy.world 4 months ago
Steam Deck or the miyoo mini plot with onion is would be my picks. I have both and they both scratch an itch in a different way.