Guide: Rewind and Fast Forward on Retro Handheld Devices

Guide: Rewind and Fast Forward on Retro Handheld Devices

In today’s quick guide we’ll show you how to enable and use the rewind and fast-forward functions on a lot of today’s best retro handheld devices. This method will work on any number of RetroArch-capable systems, such as the RG351P (or similar devices like the RGB10, OGA, RK2020), Retroid Pocket 2, and even a hacked PS Vita.

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PowKiddy A13 Custom Firmware Guide

PowKiddy A13 Custom Firmware Guide

Last updated: 16AUG2021 (see Changelog for details)

Update – Team Ruka has a new update for their firmware, which you can find here, complete with the image and instructions!

The PowKiddy A13 is an impressive little tabletop arcade device, especially after modding it with new hardware. In today’s guide I’ll show you how to install custom firmware onto the device to unlock updated emulators and a more customizable user interface.

If you haven’t bought one of these hidden gems yet, here is a link to grab one yourself.

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Guide: RetroAchievements on Retro Handheld Devices

Guide: RetroAchievements on Retro Handheld Devices

I’m starting a new series of quick tutorials for fundamental settings and features. Up first: RetroAchievements! This method can be used for any RetroArch-friendly handheld device, such as the RG351P/M, Retroid Pocket 2, RGB10, (hacked) PS Vita, and more.

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Guide: Daphne on RG351 devices

Guide: Daphne on RG351 devices

Last updated: 20JAN2021 (see Changelog for details)

Were you entranced by the incredible graphics of LaserDisc arcade games back in the early 1980s? Me too. I have a vivid memory of my brothers and I shoving quarter after quarter into Dragon’s Lair one day, only to find that the game was super hard and that we were basically throwing our money away.

Luckily, there is a LaserDisc arcade emulator available on the RG351 (and other retro handheld devices), so you can play these games without having to sacrifice precious quarters. So this guide will walk you through how to get it set up.

Special thanks to Martin Newland who sent me some helpful tips and tricks to get this guide started.

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PocketGo S30 Starter Guide

PocketGo S30 Starter Guide

Last updated: 14FEB2021 (see Changelog for details)

NOTE: Some elements of this guide are now unnecessary thanks to the new Simple30 firmware, so check that out instead. The Add-On Pack is now superseded by the Simple30 firmware.

The PocketGo S30 has its share of flaws (see my video review for more on that), but one of its best features is that it is easily customizable. So in this guide I’ll show you how to squeeze as much functionality out of your device as you can, as well as how to tweak the user interface to fit your needs.

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Guide: LZDoom for RG351 Devices

Guide: LZDoom for RG351 Devices

Last updated: 19JUN2021 (see Changelog for details)

The ArkOS operating system for the RG351P now supports LZDoom, which opens up a bunch of possibilities when it comes to DOOM mods. So let’s look at how to set up your system for maximum fun. Note that LZDoom is supported on other devices that can run ArkOS, like the RK2020 and RGB10/RGB20, although these devices have only one analog stick, so it might not be as nice of an experience.

As of June 2021, LZDoom is also available on the 351ELEC firmware, which means you can use this guide for that operating system, too. See my 351ELEC section below.

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Retroid Pocket 2 – Android 8.1 Install Guide

Retroid Pocket 2 – Android 8.1 Install Guide

Last updated: 02JAN2021 (see Changelog for details)

After months of promises, a rescinded update, and a very patient Retroid Pocket 2 community, we finally have the Android 8.1 update that has been in the works since August.

I have to say that this operating system update does wonders for the UI lag issues that were prominent in the original Android 6.0 OS, and it has breathed new life into my device. So I decided to document my upgrade experience so that you could easily follow the steps. Please note that you will need a Windows PC in order to run this update, because we will be using .exe and batch files, which won’t run on MacOS. If you are a Mac user, check out my guide on how to run a virtual Windows machine.

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Guide: Super Mario 64 Port on Retro Handhelds

Guide: Super Mario 64 Port on Retro Handhelds

Last updated: 23JUN2022 (see Changelog for details)

UPDATE: PortMaster has recently created a one-stop shop for all things related to running ports on retro handhelds. I recommend checking out their website and my most recent PortMaster guide instead of the guide below; I’m leaving this page up for posterity’s sake only. To get started, head over to their Games tab, find the game you want to run, and check out their instructions on that page. If you run into any issues, their discord server is also a great place to start.

While there isn’t a direct port of SM64 on PortMaster, I would recommend checking out Render96ex!

Great news – the method used to bring the awesome Super Mario 64 port for RG350 devices is now available for the RG351P and similar retro handheld devices. This port is unique in that it features a 60fps (frames per second) patch, making the game look and feel twice as smooth as it originally did. It’s worth checking out this port for this feature alone. Moreover, it’s available for both the 351ELEC and ArkOS firmwares, which is very handy!

This guide is relatively simple, but before we get started, a word about copyright: The game file for Super Mario 64 (or for any game, unless explicitly offered by the owner) is considered copyrighted media, just like a film or song is considered copyrighted media. While it’s never been tested in court, distributing game files over the internet is considered illegal. This guide will show you how to create your own port of SM64 using your own copy of the game, for your own personal use. Sharing the location of a copy of SM64 is not permitted on this site, nor is distributing a copy of the completed port we’re about to create. If you’re interested in reading more about the legality surrounding game emulation, check out my article here.

Note that the video below is quite dated, but the process is relatively the same. For the most current information, follow the written guides below.

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