System Emulation

A step-by-step routine for backing up your game saves and save states before flashing new firmware — locate them, copy them off the card, flash, restore, and verify nothing was lost.

A clear system for organizing your ROM library and BIOS files on any retro handheld — folder structures by firmware, BIOS placement, and how to keep saves, states, and box art tidy.

RPCS3 had a major 2026 breakthrough — but can a handheld actually run PS3 games yet? Here's the honest state of PS3 emulation on portable hardware, which devices can do it, and what to expect.

PS4 emulation went from a tech demo to genuinely impressive in 2026 — but can a handheld run shadPS4? Here's the honest state of PS4 emulation on portable hardware and what to realistically expect.

Three Switch emulators dominate the Android handheld scene in 2026. Eden, Kenji NX, and Citron each have strengths. Here is how to pick the right one for your device and your library.

ROCKNIX is the first custom firmware to bring native Steam and Proton to Android handhelds. Here's how to install it on the Retroid Pocket 6, AYN Thor, AYANEO Pocket DMG, or any other supported Snapdragon device — and what to actually expect from Steam on ARM.

The best retro handhelds for PSP games at every budget. We test PPSSPP performance across 12 devices to find the ones that deliver upscaled, full-speed PSP emulation.

How to organize, back up, and transfer save states across devices and firmwares. Covers RetroArch, standalone emulators, and cloud sync strategies.

The best retro handhelds for Nintendo 3DS emulation in 2026. Which devices run Citra and Lime3DS well, what specs you need, and how 3DS differs from DS emulation.

The best retro handhelds for GameCube emulation in 2026. Which devices run Dolphin well, what specs you need, and how to get the best performance from your personal game library.

A guide to legally backing up game cartridges you own using devices like the GB Operator, Epilogue, and Open Source Cart Reader. Create personal ROM backups for use on your retro handheld.

The definitive guide to dual-screen and single-screen handhelds that actually do Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation justice. Tested and ranked.

Which portable devices can actually handle Wii games through Dolphin? We test the top contenders and rank them for performance, controls, and value.

A practical guide to GameCube and Wii emulation on Android retro handhelds — which devices can handle it, which games run well, and how to optimize Dolphin.

How to get the best N64 emulation performance on budget and mid-range retro handhelds. Core selection, per-game settings, and performance tweaks for every popular title.

How to get the best PSP emulation on retro handhelds using PPSSPP — resolution scaling, frameskip settings, and a compatibility list for popular titles across budget and mid-range devices.

The best handhelds for PS2 emulation in 2026 — which devices can actually run God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, and your PS2 library at full speed.

AetherSX2 vs NetherSX2 — which PS2 emulator should you use on your handheld in 2024?

Make your retro games look stunning on any handheld with CRT, LCD Grid, and pixel-art shader presets.