Anbernic RG556 & RG Cube Setup Guide

Anbernic RG556 & RG Cube Setup Guide

Last updated: 24JUN2024 (see Changelog for details)

The Anbernic RG556 and RG Cube handhelds are great in many ways: they are super comfortable, and can emulate up to PS2 and GameCube for the most part. However, getting it set up can be a little daunting if you’re unfamiliar with Android-based handhelds, so this guide will help you get up and running.

Anbernic RG556: AliExpress // Anbernic.com // GoGameGeek
Anbernic RG Cube: AliExpress // Anbernic.com // GoGameGeek

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PowKiddy RGB30 Starter Guide

PowKiddy RGB30 Starter Guide

Last updated: 31MAR2024 (see Changelog for details)

The PowKiddy RGB30 has quickly become one of my favorite budget handhelds. It has a wonderful 720p screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio, which makes it perfectly suited for emulating a variety of retro systems. It’s also comfortable and affordable — only $90 retail with free shipping!

This guide will help you get set up with the device, from the very basics to some of my favorite advanced settings.

Buy one here:
PowKiddy website (use code “retrogamecorps” for 5% off your order)
AliExpress (frequently has sales/coupons)
Amazon (more expensive but faster shipping and easy returns)

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JELOS x86 (PC) Guide

JELOS x86 (PC) Guide

Last updated: 02OCT2023 (see Changelog for details)

JELOS (Just Enough Linux OS) is a custom operating system that is generally associated with lower-end hardware, but they also have an x86 (PC) build that works on any number of PCs, including handhelds. In this guide I’ll walk you through the steps of getting set up, and some of the nuances of this setup.

Our example device for this guide is the Loki Zero.

Buy a Loki Zero

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PowKiddy X55 Starter Guide

PowKiddy X55 Starter Guide

Last updated: 31MAR2024 (see Changelog for details)

The PowKiddy X55 is a surprisingly good handheld, at an affordable price. It features a beautiful 5.5″ 720p display, decent performance up through N64, Saturn, and Dreamcast, and has official custom Linux firmware that makes the device run like a dream. It’s in a magical category where it gets many things right and doesn’t have any dealbreakers.

This guide will help you get set up with the device, from the very basics to some of my favorite advanced settings.

Buy one here:
Official PowKiddy store (use code “retrogamecorps” for 5% off your order)
AliExpress listing

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Transform Any PC into a Retro Gaming Console (Batocera Guide)

Transform Any PC into a Retro Gaming Console (Batocera Guide)

Chances are, you might have an older PC lying around the house. It’s not quite worth the effort to sell on your local marketplace, and nobody in the house wants it, either. How about we turn it into a retro gaming console instead?

In this guide I’ll show you how to install Batocera, a Linux-based custom operating system that will give your PC a console-like experience. Additionally, in this guide I’ll show you how to install PC games to play alongside your favorite retro classics.

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Retro Gaming on a Mac

Retro Gaming on a Mac

Last updated: 06APR2023 (see Changelog for details)

Macs have always been considered terrible for gaming, but recent advances in Apple silicon chips have paved the way for some spectacular retro game emulation. In this guide we’re going to focus on the cheapest Mac available, which is the lowest-spec Mac Mini (which retails at $599). I’ll walk you through the setup process and do game testing for all your favorite systems: classic retro content like GBA, NES, and SNES, all the way to more powerful systems like Dreamcast, N64, Saturn, PS1, PSP, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Switch, PS2, PS3, and more.

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ArkOS Starter Guide

ArkOS Starter Guide

Last updated: 18JUL2024 (see Changelog for details)

ArkOS is a custom operating system that is available for many retro handheld devices. It features optimized performance, a simple user interface, online updates, and a very stable experience thanks to years of development work.

This guide will help you get set up with ArkOS, to improve your handheld device in just about every way. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy.

If you would like to support the developer and their work, please consider leaving them a donation for their time and effort over the years.

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Widescreen SNES Guide

Widescreen SNES Guide

Last updated: 22FEB2023 (see Changelog for details)

In this guide I’ll show you how to set up widescreen for many beloved SNES games. Not every game will work with this setup, but many do, including some of my personal favorites.

To enable widescreen, you must use the BSNES standalone emulator or the BSNES HD Beta core within RetroArch. For this guide we will focus on the BSNES HD Beta RetroArch core.

You will need a somewhat powerful machine to run the BSNES RetroArch core. For retro handhelds, I recommend something like the Retroid Pocket 3+ at the very least, but the AYN Odin or Logitech Cloud will work even better.

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