Explainers
Background on the concepts behind retro handheld gaming — emulation, FPGA, legality, decompilation, OS choices.
18 guides
GuideRPCS3 PS3 Trophies Explained: They Already Work, But They Will Never Sync to PSN
RPCS3 has had trophy support since 2017 and people still ask for it. Here is where to find your trophies, why they cannot reach your PSN profile, and what RPCN actually covers.
2026-08-25
GuidePS1 Recompilation Explained: PSXRecomp and What Pepsiman Proved
Static recompilation reached the PlayStation 1. PSXRecomp turns a PS1 game into a native binary or a WebAssembly build, and Pepsiman Recompiled is the proof. Here is how it works and why it matters for handhelds.
2026-08-20
GuideHow to Download Emulators Safely: Avoiding Fake Repos and Malware
Fake emulator repos and a real supply chain attack on Cemu made 2026 a bad year for careless downloads. Here is how to verify what you install.
2026-07-27
GuideN64 Recompiled Games List: Every Native Port So Far (2026)
Every N64 game with a native recompiled or decompiled PC port, what state each is in, and which handhelds run them. Plus the new browser playable recomps.
2026-07-27
GuideSteamOS vs Bazzite vs Windows: Which OS for Your Gaming Handheld?
SteamOS 3.8 opened up to third-party handhelds in June 2026. Here is an honest comparison of SteamOS, Bazzite, and Windows for emulation and PC gaming.
2026-07-27
GuideCan You Emulate Retro Games on the Steam Frame?
Valve's Steam Frame is a VR headset, but it runs SteamOS with Proton, FEX-Emu, and an Android layer. Here is what that means for playing the retro games you already own.
2026-07-20
GuideBest Emulation Frontends in 2026: ES-DE vs Daijishō vs iiSU and More
ES-DE, Daijishō, iiSU, Beacon, or the frontend built into your firmware? How to pick the right emulation frontend for your handheld in 2026.
2026-07-18
GuideCloud Gaming on Retro Handhelds: When Streaming Beats Emulating
Your Android handheld can play modern AAA games today, by streaming them. Game Pass, GeForce Now, and Moonlight on retro handhelds, and when streaming beats emulating.
2026-07-18
GuideXbox 360 Recompiled Games List: Every Native Port So Far (2026)
Every Xbox 360 game with a native recompiled PC port so far, what state each project is in, and which handhelds run them well. Updated for mid 2026.
2026-07-18
GuideIntel Arc G-Series Handhelds: The 2026 Windows Wave Explained
Intel’s Arc G-Series chips are its real push into Windows handhelds. Here is what the G3 changes for emulation and how it stacks up against AMD.
2026-06-17
GuideXbox 360 Recompilation and ReXGlue Explained (2026)
ReXGlue turns Xbox 360 games into native PC ports through static recompilation. Here is what that means, why it can beat emulation, and what it means for handhelds.
2026-06-15
GuideXbox 360 vs PS3 Emulation on Handhelds: Which Is Harder?
Xbox 360 and PS3 emulation are the two hardest mainstream targets on a handheld. Here is which one is actually harder, why, and what hardware you need for each.
2026-06-15
GuideEvercade vs an Emulation Handheld: Which Should You Buy?
Evercade sells legal cartridges with zero setup. Firmware handhelds play your own files. Here is how they compare on legality, library, and value.
2026-06-09
GuideWhat Is Evercade? A Beginner's Guide to Cartridge Retro Gaming
Evercade is a modern retro console built around real cartridges of licensed classics. Here is how it works, what makes it different, and who it is for.
2026-06-09
GuideRetro Game Decompilation and Recompilation, Explained
Decomp and recomp projects are turning classic Nintendo games into native ports. Here is what the terms mean and what changes for retro handhelds.
2026-05-11
GuideFPGA vs Emulation: What Retro Handheld Buyers Need to Know
The difference between FPGA and software emulation for retro gaming. How they work, when each matters, and which is right for your buying decision.
2026-04-11
GuideLinux vs Android Retro Handhelds: Which OS Is Right for You?
Linux vs Android retro gaming handhelds explained. Setup complexity, emulation performance, custom firmware options, and which OS fits your needs.
2026-04-11
GuideROMs, BIOSes, and Legality: The Full Breakdown
Everything you need to know about the legal landscape of ROM emulation — written clearly, without fearmongering.
2024-03-11