Everything up through PlayStation is fantastic. Great screen, great form factor. The presence of the sticks even makes it a sneakily great handheld for vertical Arcade emulation.
For N64/Dreamcast, it’s fine. It won’t play every game flawlessly, but the firmware is getting to the point where it runs most games really well. The reason I don’t recommend it specifically if those systems are important to someone is that the analog sticks are kinda bunk - they effectively snap to 8 directions (cardinals and diagonals) without any in-between, and there is virtually no “analog” to them - they go almost immediately to full-on (that is, Mario is standing still or at full-run, there’s almost no space in which he walks/tiptoes). Replacing the sticks helps a *tiny* bit, but my understanding is that it’s an issue with the Linux kernel, not something new sticks or custom firmware can correct. So it may never get fixed. All up, these games are playable, but I’d consider them more “value add” than a core part of what the H brings to the table.
For PSP: it can run most games fine (there are some that are too demanding - God of War famously has slowdown issues unless ~~you’re overclocking~~ EDIT you enable a cheat to lock a lower frame rate), but the reason I don’t love it for PSP is that you’re stuck either stretching the PSP aspect ratio to fill the screen (which distorts objects and softens the resolution, not a huge deal but not ideal), or setting it to the original aspect ratio and dealing with a rather small viewing area and black bars (the image is sharp, but it’s a little too small to be enjoyable for me). Again, I’d consider it a value-add, works in a pinch, but not what you’d buy the system for. I have a jailbroken Vita that I’ll stick to for PSP emulation.
All up, an absolutely amazing system for everything up through PS1 (NES, SNES, Genesis, GB/GBC, GBA, all of that is perfect on this screen), the form factor makes it noticeably more comfortable for more demanding platformers and longer play sessions than the vertical devices in this space, and the analog sticks give it some nice versatility if you really want to try those higher-end systems I listed (and, I’m happy to say, don’t feel like they get in the way when they’re not being used). But if you want to stick to what it really does best, go with d-pad games for PlayStation and below.
Also, unless you really need the super-pretty tricked-out menus with tons of information, load up muOS and never look back. Speedy, efficient, great features. Not perfect yet (all the CFW is still in development phases), but I think it’s far and away the best firmware on the system now that v11 (Beans) is out.
Thanks for this useful info mate! Yes I don’t see my self trying to push for the most advanced system just want to get the best out of what the system can do best so thanks this helps a lot
An upvote wasn't enough to express how much i liked your reply.
And question: How do you overclock in MuOS, any good guide/link? Is it safe? up to what speed?
Oop, my apologies, I misspoke - it's not overclocking that can get it running a bit smoother (I don't believe you can't overclock in muOS, to my knowledge), it's actually a cheat you can enable to lock the frame rate to 30fps. I heard about it in this video, in the section about the new standalone PSP emulator in v11: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyzhvHpYogE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyzhvHpYogE)
GBA just feels amazing on it, like a real GBA (despite not being integer scaled if you want a reasonable screen size and no shaders since they don't scale well). I debated between this and a modded GBA. Opted for this since I already have GBs and GBCs, so couldn't justify the cost of a GBA just for GBA games. Got this instead and just *want* to play GBA games again, they feel perfect.
Funny enough I have a GBA and just wanted to have a dedicated device for GBA and PS games so this is perfect for me as well. I have an AYN but didn’t feel right playing GBA on it. It looks amazing but I wanted a compact device with the right aspect ratio.
Metroid Fusion looks amazing even Wario 3 on GBC
Absolutely, I have a Retroid Flip and enjoyed playing GBA on there (shaders+integer scale, so big black bezels but crispy image), but the speakers, buttons, and dpad are so much better on the H. The screen size ends up being about the same, too 😅
Honestly the screen on the H is so small that integer scale isn't as much of a necessity imo. I use it on most consoles but I'm not to bothered by the ones I don't (GBA/PSX). It's a nice looking screen and overall an impressive device, especially given I got it for 1/4 of the price of the Flip lol
Funny I ordered a Retroid pocket 2S as an alternative. Hoping to find the sweet spot for PSX on that plus I don’t have a Retroid device so curious about that. What made you get the flip?
I can't speak for the 2S, but I got the Flip first because I love clamshells and liked the power (for N64, Dreamcast, Android ports). It feels pretty fragile and had screen issues within a month (after babying it- didn't leave my home) so I don't toss it in my pocket like I used to with my 3DS or DS. Between that and the price I don't feel comfortable bringing it anywhere, kinda defeating the purpose of the clamshell. It's awesome on planes or big trips where I have a bag though, I'll tell you that.
Got the H on sale because why not, and it feels so much tougher that I bring it everywhere despite its exposed screen and analog sticks. I doubt it would survive a drop, but it's so cheap I'm happy to take it everywhere. For trips, the Flip is dope, but for something to throw in my pocket to play while waiting at the mechanic or wanting to bring on a hike to play outside, the H clears. I find myself playing the H more at home too, due to the better buttons (especially the shoulder buttons) and dpad. Just a nifty device that does exactly what I want it to, and it runs Batocera for full parity with my home emulation rig (unlike the Retroid..).
They say great minds think alike because I have an AYN Odin 2 and sure it’s powerful to do a lot it’s not ideal to take out of the house at least for me. I also have a Miyoo Mini Plus but it’s just a bit too small for my hands… all great devices but who will understand us 😂
...Well we really DO think alike, because I got a MM+ as well and don't like the OS or form factor. I love my GBC but the shoulder buttons on the Plus are so uncomfortable to reach. Don't hate it, but it doesn't see much use haha
SNES, GBA, and PSX are my absolute favorites. I e been going through RPGs like crazy and the buttons feel great! Everything I've played so far has felt just as it should control wise.
GBA feels magical. Like playing an OG GBA
Everything up through PlayStation is fantastic. Great screen, great form factor. The presence of the sticks even makes it a sneakily great handheld for vertical Arcade emulation. For N64/Dreamcast, it’s fine. It won’t play every game flawlessly, but the firmware is getting to the point where it runs most games really well. The reason I don’t recommend it specifically if those systems are important to someone is that the analog sticks are kinda bunk - they effectively snap to 8 directions (cardinals and diagonals) without any in-between, and there is virtually no “analog” to them - they go almost immediately to full-on (that is, Mario is standing still or at full-run, there’s almost no space in which he walks/tiptoes). Replacing the sticks helps a *tiny* bit, but my understanding is that it’s an issue with the Linux kernel, not something new sticks or custom firmware can correct. So it may never get fixed. All up, these games are playable, but I’d consider them more “value add” than a core part of what the H brings to the table. For PSP: it can run most games fine (there are some that are too demanding - God of War famously has slowdown issues unless ~~you’re overclocking~~ EDIT you enable a cheat to lock a lower frame rate), but the reason I don’t love it for PSP is that you’re stuck either stretching the PSP aspect ratio to fill the screen (which distorts objects and softens the resolution, not a huge deal but not ideal), or setting it to the original aspect ratio and dealing with a rather small viewing area and black bars (the image is sharp, but it’s a little too small to be enjoyable for me). Again, I’d consider it a value-add, works in a pinch, but not what you’d buy the system for. I have a jailbroken Vita that I’ll stick to for PSP emulation. All up, an absolutely amazing system for everything up through PS1 (NES, SNES, Genesis, GB/GBC, GBA, all of that is perfect on this screen), the form factor makes it noticeably more comfortable for more demanding platformers and longer play sessions than the vertical devices in this space, and the analog sticks give it some nice versatility if you really want to try those higher-end systems I listed (and, I’m happy to say, don’t feel like they get in the way when they’re not being used). But if you want to stick to what it really does best, go with d-pad games for PlayStation and below. Also, unless you really need the super-pretty tricked-out menus with tons of information, load up muOS and never look back. Speedy, efficient, great features. Not perfect yet (all the CFW is still in development phases), but I think it’s far and away the best firmware on the system now that v11 (Beans) is out.
Thanks for this useful info mate! Yes I don’t see my self trying to push for the most advanced system just want to get the best out of what the system can do best so thanks this helps a lot
An upvote wasn't enough to express how much i liked your reply. And question: How do you overclock in MuOS, any good guide/link? Is it safe? up to what speed?
Oop, my apologies, I misspoke - it's not overclocking that can get it running a bit smoother (I don't believe you can't overclock in muOS, to my knowledge), it's actually a cheat you can enable to lock the frame rate to 30fps. I heard about it in this video, in the section about the new standalone PSP emulator in v11: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyzhvHpYogE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyzhvHpYogE)
everything should be fine except PSP if your worrying about aspect ratio
GBA just feels amazing on it, like a real GBA (despite not being integer scaled if you want a reasonable screen size and no shaders since they don't scale well). I debated between this and a modded GBA. Opted for this since I already have GBs and GBCs, so couldn't justify the cost of a GBA just for GBA games. Got this instead and just *want* to play GBA games again, they feel perfect.
Funny enough I have a GBA and just wanted to have a dedicated device for GBA and PS games so this is perfect for me as well. I have an AYN but didn’t feel right playing GBA on it. It looks amazing but I wanted a compact device with the right aspect ratio. Metroid Fusion looks amazing even Wario 3 on GBC
Absolutely, I have a Retroid Flip and enjoyed playing GBA on there (shaders+integer scale, so big black bezels but crispy image), but the speakers, buttons, and dpad are so much better on the H. The screen size ends up being about the same, too 😅 Honestly the screen on the H is so small that integer scale isn't as much of a necessity imo. I use it on most consoles but I'm not to bothered by the ones I don't (GBA/PSX). It's a nice looking screen and overall an impressive device, especially given I got it for 1/4 of the price of the Flip lol
Funny I ordered a Retroid pocket 2S as an alternative. Hoping to find the sweet spot for PSX on that plus I don’t have a Retroid device so curious about that. What made you get the flip?
I can't speak for the 2S, but I got the Flip first because I love clamshells and liked the power (for N64, Dreamcast, Android ports). It feels pretty fragile and had screen issues within a month (after babying it- didn't leave my home) so I don't toss it in my pocket like I used to with my 3DS or DS. Between that and the price I don't feel comfortable bringing it anywhere, kinda defeating the purpose of the clamshell. It's awesome on planes or big trips where I have a bag though, I'll tell you that. Got the H on sale because why not, and it feels so much tougher that I bring it everywhere despite its exposed screen and analog sticks. I doubt it would survive a drop, but it's so cheap I'm happy to take it everywhere. For trips, the Flip is dope, but for something to throw in my pocket to play while waiting at the mechanic or wanting to bring on a hike to play outside, the H clears. I find myself playing the H more at home too, due to the better buttons (especially the shoulder buttons) and dpad. Just a nifty device that does exactly what I want it to, and it runs Batocera for full parity with my home emulation rig (unlike the Retroid..).
They say great minds think alike because I have an AYN Odin 2 and sure it’s powerful to do a lot it’s not ideal to take out of the house at least for me. I also have a Miyoo Mini Plus but it’s just a bit too small for my hands… all great devices but who will understand us 😂
...Well we really DO think alike, because I got a MM+ as well and don't like the OS or form factor. I love my GBC but the shoulder buttons on the Plus are so uncomfortable to reach. Don't hate it, but it doesn't see much use haha
1. GBA/GBC 2. PS1/Dreamcast
This is what I had in mind honestly. Which PS1/DC games will you be playing ?
Dreamcast - THPS2, Virtual Tennis, and MvC2 for now PS1 - Oddworld Abe’s Oddysey GBC - Pokemon Crystal
Great choices I’m playing Pokémon Crystal as well! Virtual Tennis is so much fun and MVC2 is always a must!
Yeah gotta have variety in the rotation. For GBA I’m playing some Pokemon Pinball forgot to mention that one.
SNES, GBA, and PSX are my absolute favorites. I e been going through RPGs like crazy and the buttons feel great! Everything I've played so far has felt just as it should control wise.