Random Gaming Talk Thread

[MMaRsu]

[D3RANG3D]

https://division6.itch.io/aqua-ippan

[bork]

I've been getting back into the emulation thing lately:

-Got the Trimui Brick.  It's kind of like the spiritual successor to the excellent Miyoo Mini.  Looks like a smaller Analogue Pocket and has a really nice screen.  Had a problem with it, though- it bricked during a firmware update (thanks for the shitty English instructions, Trimui!) and to get it working again, I had to open it up and disconnect/reconnect the battery.  This worked...the problem is that just opening it up even once fucked up some of the screw holes and bits of plastic came out.  Threading is gone.  Have a replacement on the way but if something like this happens again, I'm done with it.

-I liked the Brick so much that I ended up getting the Trimui Smart Pro as well.  Same hardware, different form factor.  This is more like a PSP with Vita sticks.  Been using this a lot!  Besides roms, it has Portmaster support.  Been playing a lot of Apotris.

-And I also have a Retroid Pocket 5 on the way!  Didn't plan to get one, but I didn't like a present I got and they're the same price, so returned it and ordered that.

I also spent entirely too much time getting my roms library cleaned up and added a bunch of games.  Got Retroarch all figured out now. 

[Polident Hive]

Just yesterday I nearly ordered the Trim Brick. Really, because it’s on Amazon. But it’s not that much smaller than the Retroid 5 and I don’t need to juggle multiple handhelds. Probably ordering RP5 soon even if shipping takes it closer to $250.

Saw a video of RP5 running PS3 on a Linux os…not terribly. After Burner Climax looked playable. Probably not something I’m going to be trying.

[D3RANG3D]

[MMaRsu]

Happy new year original bore bro's ^_^

[bork]

Just yesterday I nearly ordered the Trim Brick. Really, because it’s on Amazon. But it’s not that much smaller than the Retroid 5 and I don’t need to juggle multiple handhelds. Probably ordering RP5 soon even if shipping takes it closer to $250.

The Brick IS that much smaller than the RP5!  Noticeably smaller.  If you want something more pocketable, definitely get it!  If you get a RP5, make sure to use DHL for shipping- it's worth the extra cost.  Mine was sent out on Monday and I got it on Friday.  People who have used the cheaper shipping option have waited weeks to get theirs with some disastrous results like screens arriving cracked.

Saw a video of RP5 running PS3 on a Linux os…not terribly. After Burner Climax looked playable. Probably not something I’m going to be trying.

Yeah, probably a pass from me as well at least for now.  Let's see how things improve.

[bork]

Got the RP5 today and some accessories.  My impressions are mainly versus the Razer Edge, which is pretty much on par with it spec-wise.  The Edge has a better CPU, but the RP5 has more RAM. 

-The RP5 feels pretty comfortable to use and somewhat pocketable, but I'd rather put it in a case.  Speaking of which, the official Retroid case is good and provides adequate protection, plus space for the USB cable and charging brick.  The official charger is 35w and is one of the slim GaN types.  It can handle rapid charging. 

-While there's no comparing the power of the RP5 versus the Trimui Smart Pro, I still like the Smart Pro a lot and I think it's also more comfortable.  I'm gonna keep using it for lower-end stuff and Portmaster.

-The screen on the RP5 is fucking gorgeous.  Nice and vibrant- what you'd expect from an OLED screen.  But I think the Razer Edge's screen is more impressive, especially since it's 144hz.  The RP5 is only 60hz, although for emulation this really doesn't matter.

-The speakers are also great and can get loud enough, but once again the Edge wins out here- it has louder speakers.

-The RP5 wins where it counts- with its controls.  They feel better and are quieter than the phone controllers I've tried with the Edge.  It's also smaller and more travel-friendly in comparison.  Plus it has a more recent version of Android, so some games that won't work on the Edge work on the RP5. 

-I need to test video-out.  The Edge can do 4K while the RP5 does 1080P.  However, I have constantly run into problems with video-out on the Edge (either it doesn't work or will work, but not charge at the same time) and I'm hoping it will be much easier with the RP5.  One thing I also like is that there's a setting to allow the screen to be off while using it on a TV.  You can't do that with the Edge and you have to download an app to make the screen black as a workaround.  Video-out has been the only real big negative about the Razer Edge, so this could be a big deal for me if the RP5 works smoothly.

Is the RP5 the best Android handheld out right now (in its price range)?  Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Yes, but only if you want really good higher-end emulation for PSP, PS2, GC, 3DS, etc.  I have yet to try Switch or Wii U so can't comment on those.  Would I recommend it over the Razer Edge?  Yes, because of the later version of Android, better controls (compared to the Kishi v2 Pro and Backbone controllers at least), and seemingly hassle-free video-out. If you just want to play 8-bit, 16-bit, and PS1, get a Miyoo Mini or Miyoo Mini Plus.  If you want that level of power but with some PSP, Saturn, N64, and Dreamcast also being playable plus Portmaster, Then I'd recommend the Trimui handhelds.

[Polident Hive]

Just yesterday I nearly ordered the Trim Brick. Really, because it’s on Amazon. But it’s not that much smaller than the Retroid 5 and I don’t need to juggle multiple handhelds. Probably ordering RP5 soon even if shipping takes it closer to $250.

The Brick IS that much smaller than the RP5!  Noticeably smaller.  If you want something more pocketable, definitely get it!  If you get a RP5, make sure to use DHL for shipping- it's worth the extra cost.  Mine was sent out on Monday and I got it on Friday.  People who have used the cheaper shipping option have waited weeks to get theirs with some disastrous results like screens arriving cracked.

Good tip.

I don’t quite understand aliexpress. The Trimui Brick is nearly half the price on Amazon and $20 cheaper than other sites. The reaction from people is: ignore the shipping window. you might get it within 89 days. if you do, it could be a broken light bulb.

May just spend extra to get it for upcoming flights. Even if I ordered the Retroid 5 on the site, it’s questionable if it’ll arrive within a week. Checking, the shipping here is the same as shipping cost around Tokyo. So I’ll take back a spare SD and card reader. Figure it out later.

[bork]

I don’t quite understand aliexpress. The Trimui Brick is nearly half the price on Amazon and $20 cheaper than other sites. The reaction from people is: ignore the shipping window. you might get it within 89 days. if you do, it could be a broken light bulb.

Never used Ali Express myself, but have seen the horror stories with proof.  People really have gotten some random garbage instead of what they ordered.

Speaking of Amazon, the replacement Brick I ordered still isn't here yet.  Meanwhile there's now Prime delivery options.  Oh well, should still be here this week.

May just spend extra to get it for upcoming flights. Even if I ordered the Retroid 5 on the site, it’s questionable if it’ll arrive within a week. Checking, the shipping here is the same as shipping cost around Tokyo. So I’ll take back a spare SD and card reader. Figure it out later.

You can check the stock on Retroid's site here: https://www.goretroid.com/pages/delivery-dashboard

Previously, people had to wait some time to get their RP5s, but they're all caught up.  Right now, everything is in stock and ready to ship- given your location, if there's DHL or similarly-faster delivery option available I'm sure you could get one in 2-4 days.

[MMaRsu]

Everything I've ordered from AliExpress has always come through without a hitch.

Most of that stuff was GBA modding stuff, screens, cases, buttons etc.

Never had a problem, once the cpu on the screen mod was broken during shipping and they just sent a new one.

[bork]

Everything I've ordered from AliExpress has always come through without a hitch.

Most of that stuff was GBA modding stuff, screens, cases, buttons etc.

Never had a problem, once the cpu on the screen mod was broken during shipping and they just sent a new one.

Seems to vary depending on the seller.

[bork]

Re: TV-out on the Retroid Pocket 5.  To be fair, I only tested it on one TV, but had issues.  It would not work with a USB-C hub that should have been just fine for it (it kept freezing up when HDMI was plugged in) and when I tried using the Asus ROG "dock" it worked, but seemingly was trying to run at 4K 30 FPS and was way too slow.  I've had this type of thing happen before on this particular TV, but on a Windows device I could just change the refresh rate.  Saw no way to change that or the resolution in the Android settings.  Can't say I'm disappointed because apart from higher-end tablets, this always seems to be more of an issue than it should be.

Will keep messing around- am wondering if the HDMI cable I was using could be the problem, but that same cable worked just fine with my Tab S9.

[Polident Hive]

How is using the analog sticks on it? That’s the only real complaint I’ve seen about the Retroid 5.

On TV out. Was surprised how well the Steam Deck (and emudeck) handled it using some ugreen dock. No issues with different resolutions or aspect ratios. No reconfiguring controls for a wireless 8bitdo controller.

Related, Lenovo announced updated handhelds. One with Steam OS. I’m in no rush on that end to upgrade. But it’s great that this is now a lasting market.

[bork]

How is using the analog sticks on it? That’s the only real complaint I’ve seen about the Retroid 5.

Seems just fine to me, but I'd love to see the Vita-style analog sticks like the Trimui Smart has on more handhelds- I think they work better for smaller portables.  A version of them with R3/L3 "buttons" and hall effect would be ideal to for something to be really pocketable.

On TV out. Was surprised how well the Steam Deck (and emudeck) handled it using some ugreen dock. No issues with different resolutions or aspect ratios. No reconfiguring controls for a wireless 8bitdo controller.

I've had zero issues with the Steam Deck and various Windows handhelds and laptops in the past.  Have only had problems with these emulation devices.  Maybe this is an area where these companies cheap out.

Related, Lenovo announced updated handhelds. One with Steam OS. I’m in no rush on that end to upgrade. But it’s great that this is now a lasting market.

I'm way, way more interested in the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which they disappointingly only showed off in prototype form and without a price or release date.

[Polident Hive]

Got the TrimUI Brick from Amazon. May return it.

For what it is, it’s great. Controls are good. Screen is good. Solid build quality. But I don’t think these vertical handhelds are for me. Went in expecting if I didn’t use the shoulder buttons, it’d be fine. Nope.

The Anbernic? Saturn style handheld is cheap and can get send in time. Considering picking that up.

Updating to avoid double post: got the Arc-S and prefer it. Not “pocketable” or compact. It’s likely as large as a Vita or Retroid. Main thing is it’s comfortable to use. Basically the 8bitdo M30 Sega style controller, widened, with a screen slapped on. Whether this is a plus depends, but it’s toy-like. Light, hollow, cheap-ish plastic. Feels like I can dump it in a bag without case and it’ll be fine.

Two downsides I’ve read about. You need a cheap USB C charger for it. Somehow decent fast USB C chargers don’t work? Limited alternative OS options. The MinUI analogue pocket clone OS looked nice. Some of these support Batocera. There’s Onion and Garlic for others. This only seems to support something called roxnix.

[bork]

Got the TrimUI Brick from Amazon. May return it.

For what it is, it’s great. Controls are good. Screen is good. Solid build quality. But I don’t think these vertical handhelds are for me. Went in expecting if I didn’t use the shoulder buttons, it’d be fine. Nope.

You might just want to swap it out for the Smart Pro instead.  Seems like that form factor may be better for you.  While the screen isn't as good IMO, it's still excellent for the price.  I  also still think that it's one of the most comfortable handhelds out there.

The Anbernic? Saturn style handheld is cheap and can get send in time. Considering picking that up.

Updating to avoid double post: got the Arc-S and prefer it. Not “pocketable” or compact. It’s likely as large as a Vita or Retroid. Main thing is it’s comfortable to use. Basically the 8bitdo M30 Sega style controller, widened, with a screen slapped on. Whether this is a plus depends, but it’s toy-like. Light, hollow, cheap-ish plastic. Feels like I can dump it in a bag without case and it’ll be fine.

I want this, but I'm waiting on it because supposedly an improved version will be released soon.  Nothing confirmed but photos of a supposed prototype "leaked" a little while ago.  The other reason I haven't picked it up is because CFW options for it aren't the best and the best one for it has seemingly had its development abandonded. 

Two downsides I’ve read about. You need a cheap USB C charger for it. Somehow decent fast USB C chargers don’t work? Limited alternative OS options. The MinUI analogue pocket clone OS looked nice. Some of these support Batocera. There’s Onion and Garlic for others. This only seems to support something called roxnix.

The charger thing is pretty typical for a lot of these handhelds.  You need to use a much lower-powered one or you could damage the battery or even cause it heat up so much that it starts melting the plastic/catches fire.  This seems to be pretty rare but I'm not taking any chances, lol.  For the Trimui stuff, people have said that chargers up to 20w work OK.  I have some slim 17w GaN chargers that I've used that have been fine. 

This is something where the Retroid Pocket 5 has a definite advantage- it has fast charging and you can use pretty much anything to charge it up with.  The official charger is 35w!   Also shoutout to the Miyoo Mini.  It also seems to be fine when charging it with anything.

[bork]

Speaking of the Trimui Brick.  The replacement I ordered a few weeks ago finally got delivered yesterday.



The seller didn't do a very good job of protecting the box and it arrived a bit banged up.     The Brick itself has some light scratches on it and there's a small dent on one side.  The buttons and dpad are also way too loose and make rattling noises.

So back it goes.  The good news is that Bricks are now available on Amazon with Prime shipping, so I have another one on the way already that's supposed to come on Wednesday.  Decided to try a different color this time, too.  Third times's the charm, I hope.

[bork]

Re: TV-out on the Retroid Pocket 5.  To be fair, I only tested it on one TV, but had issues.  It would not work with a USB-C hub that should have been just fine for it (it kept freezing up when HDMI was plugged in) and when I tried using the Asus ROG "dock" it worked, but seemingly was trying to run at 4K 30 FPS and was way too slow.  I've had this type of thing happen before on this particular TV, but on a Windows device I could just change the refresh rate.  Saw no way to change that or the resolution in the Android settings.  Can't say I'm disappointed because apart from higher-end tablets, this always seems to be more of an issue than it should be.

Will keep messing around- am wondering if the HDMI cable I was using could be the problem, but that same cable worked just fine with my Tab S9.

Messed around with this a little more over the weekend.  The issue with the RP5 and TVs is a bit widespread and seems to affect a number of 4K displays.  Whether or not it can be fixed seems to be depend on the TV settings.  I tried the RP5 on a portable monitor this time around.  Whereas with the Razer Edge I had a lot of issues getting it to work (particularly with video out and charging at the same time), the RP5 just worked with no problem.  I connected a 100w charger to power the display and then tried both using a small dock with HDMI and just connecting the RP5 directly to the monitor via USB-C.  No issues either way and was happy to see it also charging.

[Polident Hive]

Got the TrimUI Brick from Amazon. May return it.

For what it is, it’s great. Controls are good. Screen is good. Solid build quality. But I don’t think these vertical handhelds are for me. Went in expecting if I didn’t use the shoulder buttons, it’d be fine. Nope.

You might just want to swap it out for the Smart Pro instead.  Seems like that form factor may be better for you.  While the screen isn't as good IMO, it's still excellent for the price.  I  also still think that it's one of the most comfortable handhelds out there.

Would’ve gone with the Smart Pro if it shipped in time. But I’m quite happy with this purchase. I’d only change having six large buttons. That’s my issue with all sega style controllers where I end up remapping it. Big A/B/C mapped to Y/B/A, X/Z are both X for button combos.

Rocknix seems good. Glad I could drag my old Batocera data over and all the scraping, images, and even favorites lists were compatible. Every system you’d want play without analog sticks run well.

Also funny how the TrimUI and this came with SD cards full of roms and pirates portmaster games. The Trimui must’ve been used or they just use the same image for all units. Retroarch showed Nintendo roms in the play history tab that were deleted. It’s a mess of different naming and formats. Wiped all of it and put my own sets on there. Couldn’t find a spare 128GB card so I’m using their random shenzen one.

[bork]

Replacement Brick #2 (Brick #3 overall lolz) came early.  I like it, but I think I prefer black over the white colorway.  Its imperfections/seams are a lot more noticeable.  So have another black one coming in a couple of days- if that one arrives and is OK, I'll keep it and return the white one.  Otherwise, white it is.  Yes, I know this is but it's fun fucking around with this stuff.

Also funny how the TrimUI and this came with SD cards full of roms and pirates portmaster games. The Trimui must’ve been used or they just use the same image for all units. Retroarch showed Nintendo roms in the play history tab that were deleted. It’s a mess of different naming and formats. Wiped all of it and put my own sets on there. Couldn’t find a spare 128GB card so I’m using their random shenzen one.

When you get a chance, get a quality micro SD card.  The cheap shitty ones that come with these things tend to fail pretty quickly.

One bonus thing that's nice about buying and returning these devices to Amazon?  Grabbing all the roms off the cards they come with.     This new Brick had some games on it I didn't have, so adding them to the set.  I also found a pretty nice torrent on archive.org that has rom sets properly named.  No more numbers and shit.

[Coax]

Russian roadside convenience shop simulator

[bork]

Re: TV-out on the Retroid Pocket 5.  To be fair, I only tested it on one TV, but had issues.  It would not work with a USB-C hub that should have been just fine for it (it kept freezing up when HDMI was plugged in) and when I tried using the Asus ROG "dock" it worked, but seemingly was trying to run at 4K 30 FPS and was way too slow.  I've had this type of thing happen before on this particular TV, but on a Windows device I could just change the refresh rate.  Saw no way to change that or the resolution in the Android settings.  Can't say I'm disappointed because apart from higher-end tablets, this always seems to be more of an issue than it should be.

Will keep messing around- am wondering if the HDMI cable I was using could be the problem, but that same cable worked just fine with my Tab S9.

Messed around with this a little more over the weekend.  The issue with the RP5 and TVs is a bit widespread and seems to affect a number of 4K displays.  Whether or not it can be fixed seems to be depend on the TV settings.  I tried the RP5 on a portable monitor this time around.  Whereas with the Razer Edge I had a lot of issues getting it to work (particularly with video out and charging at the same time), the RP5 just worked with no problem.  I connected a 100w charger to power the display and then tried both using a small dock with HDMI and just connecting the RP5 directly to the monitor via USB-C.  No issues either way and was happy to see it also charging.

They released an update that fixes several issues, including video-out problems and it freezing up with some hubs/docks connected

[Polident Hive]

[bork]

Got the elusive Miyoo Flip.  It wasn't supposed to ship until the end of next month, but it showed up yesterday.

A couple of things on this device:

-I like the Flip more than the Anbernic RGSP35XX.  A lot more TBH.  The dpad and buttons are much, much better.  The shoulder buttons are better too IMO.  Nothing rattles either which is nice.
-It's smaller than the 35XX, but the screens are the same size.
-It has dual analog sticks (with L3 and R3).  The placement isn't the best, but I still like having them.
-The stock OS is OK, but it clearly needs some good custom OS action to make it better.  I'm sure this is coming later.
-It has HDMI out which I think is a first for a Miyoo device.
-It of course plays all the usual 8 and 16-bit stuff perfectly.  Beyond that, PS1 is no problem.  Saturn games don't run at full speed and I found most of the ones I tried unplayable.  Dreamcast seemed pretty good!  No word on Nintendo because the card it came with didn't have anything and I'd need to copy some stuff over first.  Why haven't I done this?  See below. 

And the verdict is?

spoiler (click to show/hide)

[close]

Why am I sending it back?  The main thing is the build quality, specifically the hinge.  Despite not having any button rattle, the Flip feels pretty cheaply made and the hinge.  IS.  AWFUL.  HOLY.  SHIT.  WTF LOL.  It doesn't open smoothly and makes very jarring loud CLICKS when it locks into place (three different angles).  When you close it, it's also incredibly loud and squeaky.  It just feels like it's going to crack at any minute.

The other reason this is going back is that Miyoo has already announced an improved Flip v2 which is supposedly coming out next month.    It will fix the hinge among other things.  So there's zero reason to keep this thing.  This announcement from Miyoo already has some of the YT crowd pretty pissed since they all blew $80 that they aren't getting back.  I only got this because it popped up on Amazon so I knew there would be no-hassle returns.

But I don't know if I'm going to get this again or not.  I'm pretty satisfied with the other handhelds I recently picked up and I'm not hurting for devices to mess around with.  I would easily recommend the Trimui Brick over the Miyoo Flip anyway- it's got a much, much better screen than pretty much all of the small pocketable handhelds do and the controls are also better IMO.  But the Flip ain't bad.  They just need to get their shit together with the build quality and hopefully the v2 will do just that.

[Polident Hive]

About retro handhelds and the games included, the overpriced ModRetro Chromatic Game Boy Color includes a new version of Tetris. It’s floating around out there. Actually a really good version of Tetris. Considering every device can play GBC no problem, it’s a great standard option if you want to play Tetris.

[bork]

About retro handhelds and the games included, the overpriced ModRetro Chromatic Game Boy Color includes a new version of Tetris. It’s floating around out there. Actually a really good version of Tetris. Considering every device can play GBC no problem, it’s a great standard option if you want to play Tetris.

Yeah; I want to say I got it from the Internet Archive.  Wasn't hard to find.  It's cool, but I'd rather play Apotris instead.





It's available for free on a number of platforms so it runs on pretty much everything.  There's also a web version IIRC.  You can customize the backgrounds, brick types, grid, etc.  The music is also nice.  Tetris Chromatic's music is not that great.