RetroGaming

Honestly depends on whether you want power or portability. If I were you I'd probably play retro games on the Miyoo Mini, and use the Steam Deck for more demanding stuff.

IMO Steam Deck is the best overall option, as it's beefy enough to run PS3 or even Switch games.

If it's too heavy, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is a decent emulation competitor with a lighter, smaller form factor.

I find myself constantly switching between them all and can’t settle down to actually play a game.

This sounds like one of those problems where buying more hardware doesn't help. Ruminating about the "best" handheld choice is an easy way to forget about playing the games themselves. I've been there. The solution is to just pick a device at random, and go outside to play it. There will be pros and cons, but if you're not even getting to the point where you can actually play the game, then the pros and cons don't matter either.

I am ashamed to say I scrolled through here looking for answers as to why you intentionally caused yourself actual paralysis. I am an idiot.

That said, I feel like you’ve covered your bases already pretty well. My go-to would be the Switch. I’ve also heard good things about the ASUS ROG Ally but that might be too bulky like the Steamdeck, not sure.

I got the Retroid Pocket 3+, I highly recommend it! I suggest using it with this frontend: https://github.com/TapiocaFox/Daijishou

I love my Anbernic handhelds. Pretty much any of them, but I draw the line at the Android ones. Might as well just get a controller for a phone at that point. The Linux ones are neat though - currently my daily driver is the 351V. Debated getting a 351P, partially because I mostly play GBA and the screen is made for that but also because I collect them.

Personally, I think the Anbernic handhelds are the sweet spot if you don’t have a Steam Deck.

man i have a retroid pocket 3+ and it's incredible - i highly recommend it. also modded 3DS is sick as well.

My advice would be to pick the GAME first, then, depending the type of the game, that decides your device. I personally own a Miyoo Mini (not the + model) and it is a very cool albeit tiny device, I can't see myself doing precision controls on it, such as street fighter. And games like Shining Force are just a little bit too small for the screen, I'm currently running Chrono Trigger and Fire Emblem on it though, which I think is perfect and "casual" enough for its size.

I find the Steam Deck the best choice for when I want to run Gamecube or N64 Emulation, owning the steam deck has allowed me to cut the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion because why pay for a subscription of N64 games when you can play them on the Steam deck? :)

Lastly, you actually have more options! EmuDeck recently came out with cloud-based save states. Your Steam Deck and Miyoo Mini + both are wifi enabled and could take advantage of that!

https://www.andrewbaker.uk/tutorial/emudeck-cloud-sync/

https://www.emudeck.com/

I keep buying them and then going back to the (modded) NEW 3DS. It helps that most of the retro games I like are Nintendo games. GBA, DS, and 3DS run native. And the Nintendo made emulators for SNES, NES, Genesis, etc run super well. Anything more demanding than 3DS I use a steam deck for the bigger screen anyway.

For handhelds, I have a Supaboy, a PSP, a PS Vita, a 3DS old, a New 3DS XL and a Switch.
Out of those, the Switch is the only one I can't play emulated games or homebrews, given I haven't modded it nor there is flashcarts for it.
And among the ones we both have, the 3DS XL models seem like the best ones. Not very heavy while still being decently sized, good resolution and color palette, buttons with good pressure, and for emulating Nintendo games, Nintendo's own devices are usually the best for their given release period.

Personaly I'm using my miyoo mini + for lite gameplay session like 32bits and under era, and I'm using my Odin lite for android, psp, n64 games.

Oh man. The pocket doesn't have SNES save states? Mine is on order but not due for ages. I've been playing on an Rg35xx in the meantime and don't know if I can go back to no save states!

I have Miyoo Mini and it's great. Community is very helpful, and OnionOS is simply awesome. But it's really small, and my hands cramp if I play a bit longer. Also, any game that requires shoulder buttons frequently is pretty much unplayable without remapping, also due to the ergonomy. I am thinking about getting a 3D printed holder for it...

Miyoo Mini Plus and Anbernic RG35XX, hands down. I love the vertical form factor and they are perfectly sized in my opinion. Playing GBA games on a Steam Deck gave me headaches because the screen was too big while too close to my eyes when I got in a comfortable position.

I mostly use my homebrewed DSi now, but I'd argue the 3DS (esp. the non-XL version, what with my tiny hands) is probably the better handheld for emulation over the DSi, on account of having beefier hardware (seriously, even SNES emulation was kinda struggling last I tried it on the DSi, though I imagine it's since improved) and a more mature and polished-feeling homebrew ecosystem. I just don't go for my 3DS usually because I currently own an XL.

I've never tried one of those emulation handhelds like the Analogue Pocket though so I don't really have a point of comparison there.

I really love my Analogue Pocket, but I (quite literally five minutes ago) just bought a Miyoo Mini Plus, for the convenience of save states everywhere.
I fear I won't be able to help you choose either, haha. I feel like it's always a "struggle" between getting the most authentic experience and just convenience, really.
The Miyoo might ultimately make it easier for you to pick up and play in short bursts, if that's what you're after.

I personally just use my phone...I picked up a PS4 controller and a bracket that holds the phone and that setup works great for my needs

I love the Anbernic 351MP. The solid metal case and form factor feel great in the hand.

I currently use a cm4 device, gpi case 2 which is very satisfying to play on but doesn't have working sleep features. Boot times long as well as safe shutdown. Wish I could realistically fix it's "sleep" function.

I really like my homebrew PS Vita for retro games. I'm sure there are better handhelds for the job, but if you have an old Vita laying around it's pretty cheap and relatively easy to jailbreak.

For the games you're trying to play maybe retroid pocket flip would be a good choice. I've had it for about a month and I love it.

I think the switch for 16 bit with some ergonomic controller joycons is my preferred one. It is still very light, has good battery life, and can pivot to playing switch games when you want. I like the miyoo+, and my rg552 but the value of a hacked switch is hard to beat.

I switch between a few systems I’ve modded. I love Pokémon Red, Gold and Crystal on my GBC with IPS screen and it’s fun seeing my 5 year old enjoying it so much. The Slate GBA SP is amazing, and with an Everdrive cart I have so many great games including the NES library. I have a New 2ds LL that’s been region changed and modded with the HShop. If I could only have one system, it would be this. It can play everything my other systems can. I still enjoy switching though.

My current handhelds:

• Miyoo Mini for NES/SNES/Gameboy and some PS1 games (no joystick)
• DSi XL for DS games
• new 3DS (non-XL) for 3DS games
• Steam Deck for emulation from N64/GCN up to Switch/Playstation 1-2-3 and modern games

Miyoo Mini / Mini+ & Steam Deck is the best combo imho, both DS are for nostalgia and ease of use with the native dual screen setup.

Otherwise, I can't vouch for any other handhelds since I don't own them but RP3+ and RG35XX seems like great options too.

I love my modded 3DS. For me, it's definitely the best decision for Gameboy games and DS games in general. I don't play SNES games much, so I'm not sure how well it'd work for you, but the Gameboy experience on 3DS (vs anything else I've tried) can't be beat imo.

PlayStation Vita is fantastic for handheld retro gaming, it has Retro Arch and can handle pretty much anything up to GBA. It also runs PS1 and PSP games almost perfectly.

Plus the slim model has Micro USB charging

I'm running RetroArch on a hacked Wii U. I got out running on a PSP and ps3 too, but that was different work. You can emulate on Android but it's not fun without an external controller.

I have an Anbernic 35xx, that I use a lot. I bought it mostly for playing Gameboy/SNES games. Form factor is pretty close to the OG Gameboy, price is low enough that I chuck it in backpacks and pockets without a worry, and it plays 16 bit game systems nearly perfectly w/GarlicOS.

The only thing I don't like is the L/R buttons. They are loose and rattle if you shake the device, and make a loud click when you use them.

I'm a fan of my Anbernic RG280V - it fits in my pocket and is really portable. Playing pokemon unbound on it right now. If you're already getting a Miyoo Mini in, try it out and see if it works. It'll probably be good - it's a popular system

I'm sure there are better options, but I always come back to my modded PSP. Having PSP, PS1, SNES, GB, GBA, and most Genesis games available is more than I'll ever need. The slim size/decent battery life means I'm always ready to grab it when taking a trip, and it doesn't hurt that I love the feel of the buttons.

I'd say Steam Deck for me. I like that it has enough power that I can emulate nearly any game I want, and it usually has a great battery life too. With that said, yeah I could see how it could be considered too bulky.

I think a modded PSP would be the best bank foe the buck.

It can emulate tons of retro classics (and of course the original PlayStation)

And the PSP catalog is full of hidden gems as well.

RG35XX

I have a DS Lite. I don't game on it much tho, but I plan on using it for casual gaming.

I just need Tetris DS and I'll be happy!

The Odroid-Go series is pretty nifty. I liked the Advance better because it came as a DIY kit, but the Super adds the second analog stick and a bigger screen. Sort of fun to be able to SSH into your handheld if you need to. I suspect it's more of a known platform in terms of custom software than your random AliExpress device.