Latest news with #emulation
Android Authority
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
Retroid just announced a dual-screen device, but not the one you expect
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority TL;DR Retroid just announced a Dual Screen add-on for its popular retro gaming handhelds. This can make emulation for Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Wii U games more immersive. The company has not announced pricing or availability yet. Retro gaming handheld maker Retroid spent most of this week teasing a dual-screen device, which was finally revealed this morning. Rather than a new device to its growing lineup, it's an accessory that can attach to some of its most popular handhelds. The aptly named Dual Screen add-on has a large screen with a clip on the bottom. When attached to a gaming handheld, it creates a clamshell form factor similar to the LG V60 or Microsoft Surface Duo. Retroid hasn't shared much beyond the picture above, but a representative confirmed on Discord that it's an OLED panel. It's compatible with several of Retroid's flagship handhelds, including the Retroid Pocket 5, Pocket Mini, and Pocket 4 Pro. However, it's not compatible with either of the most recent releases, the Pocket Flip 2 or Classic. That's not too surprising, given the form factors of those devices. Adding a second screen looks a little goofy, but it makes emulation for Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Wii U games more immersive. Popular DS and 3DS emulators already support gameplay on two screens, although Wii U support is still lacking. A second screen is a game-changer for Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation. This is far from the first device of its kind. The aforementioned LG V60 had an optional second screen, but the ROG TwinView Dock accessories for the first three ROG Phones were very similar, with a platform and clamp to hold the phone. A YouTuber named DNA Mobile Gaming also recently ran an Indiegogo campaign for the DNA Duo, another similar device with a very high price tag. Retroid has yet to announce pricing or availability for the Dual Screen add-on, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
Forget PS3, you can already emulate these PS4 games
TL;DR Sony PlayStation 4 emulator ShadPS4 has updated its compatibility list after update 0.9.0. It's still early in development, but a few dozen games are listed as playable, and more get in-game. Playable games include Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2, and more. 2025 has been an excellent year for emulation, with everything from the Nintendo Switch to the Sony PlayStation 3 making huge strides. The latest system added to the list is the Sony PlayStation 4, and after a new update the groundbreaking ShadPS4 emulator is now capable of playing more games than ever. The latest testing comes after update 0.9.0, which launched a few weeks ago. The patch notes are very technical, but the end result is improvements in both compatibility and performance. The ShadPS4 team specifically points to games like Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2, Lords of the Fallen, The Witch and the Hundred Knight 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan, and Odin Sphere Leifthrasir as playable after the latest patch. Others, such as Nier Automata and Catherine Fullbody, have improved but still fall short of being fully playable. Dozens of PS4 games can now be emulated on Windows for the first time. On Windows, the ShadPS4 compatibility page now lists 33 games as playable, with 81 more launching into the game. Linux and MacOS list 21 and five playable games, respectively. As of writing, there is still no Android build in the works, unlike RPCS3, which got a (semi) official port earlier this year. Granted, the emulator is still very early in development, so you'll need to temper your expectations. Just because games are playable doesn't mean they don't have graphical glitches or crashing. It's not all that unlike Nintendo Switch emulation, which requires significant testing and tweaking to work, and even then, it may crash at any point. Regardless, it's remarkable progress for a system as new and powerful as the PS4. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
No English release? These fan-translated games are worth emulating
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Emulation is one of my biggest obsessions, whether I want to revisit a classic or check out a game I missed at the time. It's also a fantastic way to experience games that never received an official English translation. Hundreds of retro games have been restricted to Japan over the last few decades. That meant you had to use an online translation guide or Google Lens to actually play it — a finicky experience at best. The good news is that fans have translated many retro games over the years and created language patches for them. Here are a few notable fan-translated games you should play, including a few we've personally emulated. Mother 3 Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Fans have been clamoring for an English version of Mother 3 ever since Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance RPG way back in 2006. The game is a follow-up to the popular Super Nintendo title Earthbound, which was, in turn, a sequel to the Japanese-only title Mother. Enthusiasts decided to translate the game into English and released the patch in 2008, just two years after the game's release. Needless to say, Game Boy Advance emulation is a piece of cake for pretty much any Android phone or TV box released in the last decade. So I definitely think it's worth emulating this game if you're an RPG fan or enjoyed Earthbound and Undertale. Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Role-playing games (RPGs) have historically received the short end of the stick as far as translations go. Colleague Nick Fernandez is a fan of the tactical RPG sub-genre, and many of these titles missed out on English releases too. However, a fan-translated patch allowed Nick to play Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden for the PS1. It's also worth noting that there are well over a dozen Japan-only entries in this mecha-themed RPG, but Nick adds that this is the only fan-translated game in the series that he's played so far. Either way, this franchise is worth considering if you're into mecha anime. Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere Hadlee Simons / Android Authority I'm a massive Ace Combat fan, dating back to obsessively playing Ace Combat 3 for the PS1 at a family member's house as a child. So imagine my surprise when I later found out that the version of Ace Combat 3 I played was a very different game compared to the Japanese original. The Japanese original spanned two discs, had plenty of animated cutscenes, and featured a fairly deep plot with multiple endings. Meanwhile, the game that I experienced back in 2000 landed on a single disc and had virtually none of these cut scenes, a different plot, and far fewer missions. A real shame. I jumped at the chance to buy the Japanese version of Ace Combat 3 when a friend told me it arrived at his game store several years ago. Thankfully, the fan-translated English patch allows me to play this on a modded console. But I've just been happy to play it via an emulator on my Steam Deck, enjoying the ability to actually understand the cutscenes and dialog. Policenauts Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Metal Gear Solid blew my mind when I first played it in 2000, a couple of years after its release. So I was very intrigued when I found out that director Hideo Kojima had released Policenauts years earlier. The title didn't leave Japan, but fans released a translation over a decade after its 1994 release. The game takes an 'interactive cinema' approach with a point-and-click interface and follows a group of elite police officers turned astronauts. I'm not usually a fan of these types of games, but it's still worth a shot if you're a fan of Kojima's approach to video games. In saying so, I found that the game's generally slow pace made it a more enjoyable experience on a phone touchscreen. Policenauts launched on the Sega Saturn and PlayStation, and the English patch is available for both versions. The Saturn might be a finicky console to emulate, but this version of the game features lightgun support and a few other extras. Tear Ring Saga Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The Fire Emblem games are among the most popular titles on Nintendo's consoles. But did you know that the creator of the series left developer Intelligent Systems and made a spiritual successor on the PlayStation? Tear Ring Saga was only released in Japan, but it received an English translation patch back in 2016. Nick says he's only played the translated game for a few hours, but added that it was 'excellent' so far. The fact that it's a PS1 title means you should be able to play this on your old budget Android phone. It's worth noting that a sequel, Tear Ring Saga: Berwick Saga, was released for the PlayStation 2. Thankfully, this game also received a fan translation patch if you finished the original title and want more. Honorable mentions There are plenty more Japan-only games that received fan translations over the years. Check out a few honorable mentions below. King's Field: Before From Software made Demon's Souls, Dark Souls, and Elden Ring, the company released the King's Field titles. These first-person dungeon-crawling games didn't get great reviews at first, but they've developed a cult following all the way back to this PS1 original. Before From Software made Demon's Souls, Dark Souls, and Elden Ring, the company released the King's Field titles. These first-person dungeon-crawling games didn't get great reviews at first, but they've developed a cult following all the way back to this PS1 original. Monster Hunter: Several games in the Monster Hunter series, such as Monster Hunter 2 and Monster Hunter Freedom, were Japan-only affairs. So they're worth seeking out if you can't get enough of this creature-slaying franchise. Several games in the Monster Hunter series, such as Monster Hunter 2 and Monster Hunter Freedom, were Japan-only affairs. So they're worth seeking out if you can't get enough of this creature-slaying franchise. Namco x Capcom: Ever wanted to play a grid-based RPG featuring characters from Street Fighter, Tekken, Final Fight, and more? Well, you can if you want to, as this PS2 game also received a fan translation. Ever wanted to play a grid-based RPG featuring characters from Street Fighter, Tekken, Final Fight, and more? Well, you can if you want to, as this PS2 game also received a fan translation. Marvelous: Mohitotsu no Takarajima: Eiji Aonuma helmed the recent Legend of Zelda games, but one of his first games was a Japan-only affair. Marvelous, an adventure title for the SNES inspired by The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past, eventually received a fan translation in the mid-2010s.
Gizmodo
16-05-2025
- Gizmodo
This Retro Handheld Takes the Best Game Boy Ever and Adds Dual Joysticks
The heyday of the Game Boy peaked with the ultra-portable Game Boy Advance SP. That 'special' clamshell handheld design is once again returning with the dirt-cheap Anbernic RG34XXSP. It should be available to some degree in the U.S. despite tariffs, though now I can only imagine what would make the perfect Game Boy emulator. The RG34XXSP may be a contender, but we're so close to having the perfect device my pockets are opening in anticipation. These retro handhelds are built for emulation. That means they're running custom software made to recreate a console's hardware in software form. Small devices like the RG34XXSP are better for handheld emulation, from Game Boy through Sega Game Gear, though they're also good enough to run some, but not all Nintendo 64 or Dreamcast titles. What helps in that regard is the device's twin recessed thumbsticks found below the D-pad and face buttons. The device is shipping starting on May 16. If you buy it from Anbernic's website and ship it from the U.S. warehouse, you can get it for $60, not including shipping cost. After five days, that becomes $67. Last month, Anbernic said it would stop shipping directly to U.S. customers from China, though it will still offer sales from its U.S. warehouse. The RG34XXSP will be available in the U.S. in all four color options—with the best two being a classic GameCube purple and a banana yellow—though you can only get it with the base 64GB storage option. That storage normally comes stocked with pre-loaded emulation software and some games, though it will support an additional microSD card, which you should be able to find for relatively cheap. Anbernic is one of the most prolific retro handheld makers around, so you may be thinking you've already seen the RG34XXSP before. That's because Anbernic already makes the $65 RG35XXSP, a similar clamshell based on the rock-solid RG35XX. The new device is based on the RG34XX, and it comes with 2GB of RAM compared to 1GB on the older model. The RG34XX supports an H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, the same as the older model. It's enough to play practically all Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games along with most Nintendo DS, though you'll struggle to get the dual display to fit on the miniscule 3.4-inch, 720 x 480 IPS display. The RG34XXSP is immediately appealing for its price, but it's not perfect. The 3:2 screen aspect ratio is good for Game Boy, but it will make later games played on a 4:3 screen, like most consoles, seem squashed. As noted by Russ Crandall at Retro Game Corps, that's less of a problem on the 3.5-inch RG35XXSP display, but that device doesn't include joysticks. At the very least, the RG34XXSP is slightly slimmer at 2.5cm (just under an inch) compared to the 2.7cm RG35XXSP. That's closer to the Game Boy Advance SP's 0.95 inches. For the sake of pocketability, every millimeter matters. This handheld isn't perfect for everything, and as we get further and further away from the golden age of handheld gaming that ended with the demise of the Nintendo 3DS eShop, we're still waiting for that 'perfect' handheld. The clamshell design offers the most portable option, and handheld maker Miyoo tried its hand at its own SP-inspired device this year with the Miyoo Flip. Users on Reddit have shared numerous anecdotes about the hinge on the device failing. The company released an updated version that was supposed to address the defects, but as Crandall noted in a recent video, the hinge on those units may also fail after enough times slapping it closed. The issue may be isolated to the dark gray model, but we'll need to wait many months more to see if more issues crop up. Until somebody decides to make an Analogue Pocket-style SP model that supports both FPGA emulation for playing cartridges alongside emulators, I'll just keep waiting on the perfect retro handheld.
Android Authority
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is so close to being my ultimate Android gaming handheld
Retroid Pocket Flip 2 The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is an exceptionally versatile device, with just enough performance for PS2, GameCube, and Dreamcast emulation. It's not the most comfortable to use, but the compact clamshell design nails the retro vibe. There are three home consoles that truly define my adolescence: The Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2, and Nintendo GameCube. They were released in a few short years from 1998 to 2001, and to me, they represent the tipping point from retro to modern gaming. Anything after that feels like I should just be playing on a PC. But there is one handheld that managed to recapture that magic: the Nintendo DS. Not only did it have its own amazing catalog of games, I could still play my favorite Game Boy Advance titles in a clamshell form factor thanks to the bottom slot, building on what the GBA SP had started a few years earlier. In 2025, the stars have aligned to bring everything I like into a single device: the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Sure, it doesn't have two screens like the Nintendo DS, but it has everything else on paper. After testing the device for a few weeks, I think it's the new Android handheld to beat, despite some very minor flaws. Building on the past Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Before I get too far, it's worth mentioning that we've already seen just about every element of the Pocket Flip 2 in the Pocket 5. It has the same Snapdragon 865 processor, the same AMOLED screen, and the same Retroid software experience. Considering the Pocket 5 is widely considered one of the best retro gaming handhelds on Android, that's a good thing. The novelty here is the clamshell form factor. When the box arrived after a lengthy, frustrating delay, I was surprised by its diminutive size. It has a shockingly small footprint for a device with a 5.5-inch screen, taking up roughly the same amount of space as my Google Pixel 9 when sitting on my desk. Granted, it's more than twice as thick. The outside of the device is pretty minimal, with a somewhat divisive circle pattern on the lid. The front edge has a USB-C charging port, a headphone jack, a microSD card slot, and even a lanyard hole in the bottom corner. The back of the device only has an air intake for the fan, which outputs via a vent in the bottom, and the triggers. Opening the clamshell is a little more difficult than it needs to be, with a tiny chamfer that doesn't do much to provide any grip. You will need both hands to open it, but it also won't accidentally open in your bag. The screen only locks into a single 150-degree position, although it does open to nearly 180 degrees. Still, the hinge feels sturdy, and the screen doesn't flop around. I suspect it will hold up much better over time than the first iteration, which was plagued by broken hinges. It also makes a very satisfying thwomp when you shut the lid, which also puts the device to sleep. It's much more satisfying than pressing a power button. The Retroid Pocket Flip 2's display is absolutely gorgeous, with colors that pop and perfect blacks. The HD AMOLED display is absolutely gorgeous, with colors that pop and perfect blacks. It looks very premium, and the fact that it's placed above the controls (rather than between them) means the black bars on older consoles really didn't bother me. Sure, it's not perfect, but with a nice overlay it's surprisingly immersive. There are also a few tricks you can use to make better use of the 16:9 ratio on retro consoles. For example, you can use the bsnes HD beta RetroArch core to extend Super Nintendo games to the edge of the display. It works out of the box for games like Link to the Past and Super Mario Kart, but others like Super Mario World require a simple ROM hack. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority As for the controls, I found them a little cramped. I'm glad Retroid upgraded the sliders from the first model to inset Hall effect sticks, but they're small and placed very high on the device. I have medium-sized hands, but playing first-person shooters that require both sticks and the triggers was pretty uncomfortable. I wish the sticks were just a little closer to the middle of the device, or the triggers were larger so they sat where my finger naturally rests. It's my only major complaint about the device, and unless you have very large hands, it's more than manageable. The D-pad and buttons, however, feel excellent. Again, they're on the small side, but they're nice and clicky. There's definitely a big empty space in the middle of the device (where the second screen goes on a Nintendo DS), and I think there's a small missed opportunity to add a few extra buttons. These could be mapped to hotkeys for emulators to add functionality. As it is, it looks a little bare. The controls are cramped and difficult to use for first-person shooters. The speakers are also tucked away under the controls, and they get crazy loud. The sound quality is good, but I can't imagine a situation where I'd ever push these past 20% volume. They're pointed directly at your face, and you'll never cover them with your palms. Even with the fans at full blast, it's overkill. I picked up the GameCube-inspired colorway, but all four colorways look great. There are also two SoCs to choose from: The Snapdragon 865 and the Dimensity 1100. The Dimensity 1100 version is slightly cheaper, but performance and compatibility are much, much better on the Snapdragon 865. I wouldn't bother with the Dimensity 1100 version. Goldilocks performance Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Focusing on the Snapdragon 865 version, I found it to have just the right amount of power to play the systems I love. Obviously it can play all the old stuff on the lowest power profile, providing incredible gameplay time on the sizeable 5,000mAh battery. You can expect well over 10 hours of battery life on those systems. The extra power comes in handy for things like shaders and filters, which help make games look just how I remember them from my childhood. There's a lot to play around with in emulators like RetroArch, and tinkering can be rewarding for those with the patience. But for me, the sweet spot for Android gaming handhelds is the PS2, GameCube, and Dreamcast era. And there, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 doesn't disappoint. I saw stellar performance in all three, with upscaling and widescreen hacks for supported games. Generally, any game in the PS2 library should run at 2x upscaling on NetherSX2 Classic without slowdowns; likewise for Dreamcast games on Flycast and GameCube games on Dolphin. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority If you really want to push things, it's possible to emulate up to the Nintendo Switch, but I would not recommend buying this device for it. I've had very mixed success with Yuzu forks like Citron, but there are a lot of caveats. Many games are prone to freezing, graphical glitches, or even shutting down your device. Plus, the only legitimate way to get ROMS involves modding an existing Switch. The bottom line is that if you want to play Switch games, you should probably buy a Switch. However, there are plenty of other ways to tinker with the Pocket Flip 2 that don't run afoul of the gaming's most litigious company. The Flip 2 is the bare minimum I would recommend to try lightweight Windows emulation via Winlator, and there are plenty of drivers to optimize performance. You can also install Linux via ROCKNIX or Batocera, unlocking additional Xbox (Xemu) and PS3 (RPCS3) emulators. The Pocket Flip 2 is an extremely versatile device. Of course, you can also play Android games. There are plenty of controller-compatible games to choose from, and even demanding games like Genshin Impact played just fine on high settings in my testing. Retroid also includes a tool to map controls on the screen for games that aren't compatible. That said, the Snapdragon 865 is starting to feel long in the tooth. It launched way back in 2019, and it's the same SoC found in the Samsung Galaxy S20. It offers solid performance today, but I doubt it will continue to hold its own for more than a few years. Verdict: Is the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 worth it? Nick Fernandez / Android Authority I think the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is one of the most versatile gaming handhelds you can get, covering all of the consoles that I love while still being nice and compact. The clamshell form factor also means it's much less prone to breaking in a bag, and you can skip screen protectors altogether. For many people, I suspect this can be the ultimate handheld for all their emulation needs. It's not the most comfortable to use or the most powerful, but at $230, it's an incredible value. Sure, you can get the Retroid Pocket 5 for $10 less, but it won't look or feel as cool as the Pocket Flip 2. I suspect the Flip 2 can be the endgame handheld for many people. In terms of competition, there isn't any with this form factor. There are some Game Boy Advance SP clones like the revamped Anbernic RG 34XXSP, but they tend to be more budget-oriented Linux devices. More powerful devices like the AYN Odin 2 line or AYANEO Pocket EVO will run you hundreds of dollars more, and you'll still have to give up the clamshell factor. What's more, Retroid has announced that it will cover tariffs for buyers in the US. You'll need to pay a little more for shipping, but at the very least, you won't have any nasty surprises. For me, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 has more than earned its spot among the best Android retro gaming handhelds. It's a safe choice for anyone who feels nostalgic for clamshell devices, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as your first, third, or even tenth gaming handheld. Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Beautiful display • Solid emulation performance • Nostalgic clamshell design MSRP: $229.00 A nostalgic clamshell gaming handheld. The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is an exceptionally versatile device, with just enough performance for PS2, GameCube, and Dreamcast emulation. See price at Manufacturer site Positives Beautiful display Beautiful display Solid emulation performance Solid emulation performance Nostalgic clamshell design Nostalgic clamshell design Excellent battery life Cons Cramped controls Cramped controls Dated Snapdragon 865 SoC
