For a handheld with such a boring name, it has sure created some drama. If you’ve not seen the Super Retro Handheld yet, it’s a portrait mode device oriented towards arcade emulation. If you’ve ever seen those amazing Pandora’s Box arcade units on AliExpress before then you’ll recognise the UI on the Super Retro Handheld as well. It’s not clear but the Super Retro Handheld is possibly being made by the same team as those making the Pandora’s Box.
The Super Retro Handheld runs on a heavily modified version of Android, with a custom launcher designed originally for browsing and launching arcade games – but capable of supporting many other systems too. This model sports 6 face buttons, a strange looking circular d-pad and an analog stick, as well as Home, Start and Select buttons. There aren’t any shoulder buttons on this device as its primary use is for arcade games.
The unit has a 3.5″ 640×480 display and is powered by the MediaTek MT6580A, apparently with 512MB of RAM. It will run on Android 7 or above when it’s released, and it’s said that the unit will be widely available on or around December 20th.
There are 2 English speaking YouTubers with videos of this thing released, Taki Udon and ETA PRIME. This is where the drama starts! Although these devices were technically available to the public, the site seems to be some kind of cash grab from a drop shipper. The units on this site are they heavily marked up in price and nowhere close to being retail units. They’re Engineering Samples and as such have many bugs and other issues yet to be ironed out, but ETA PRIME provided links to buy the device apparently knowing all of this.
According to Taki, some of the problems to be fixed include:
- HDMI output artifacts and bodged audio
- Battery meter configuration causing premature shutdown
- Device won’t wake from sleep or screen lock sometimes
- Shutdown often not working
- Loud switches in the d-pad
- “Bubbles” on the screen where the LCD is pressing against the lens
In ETA PRIME’s video you can see the issue with the LCD bubbles, but it’s possible that he missed it whilst filming.
Whatever the truth is, be aware that there is said to be another round of Engineering Samples available on wecanLLC before the final retail units are available. It’s also possible that the circular d-pad will be replaced for a standard one before the retail units hit the shelves too. If you’re interested in getting one of these, the retail units will be available on AliExpress and possibly Amazon too in good time – hold out for that.
Drama aside, this device does look interesting. It’s a shame that the lack of shoulder buttons preclude it from comfortably emulating certain consoles, but for a portable arcade emulator with a decent UI it looks as though it’ll fulfil its purpose well. Assuming the current issues are fixed prior to release of course.