Retro Joy Lab 레트로 즐거움의 활력소

[태그:] NDS emulator

  • Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Review – The Perfect Commute Companion for Retro Gamers

    Hi everyone, this is Super Asurada 77.

    During my daily commute, I often play retro games on the Trimui Smart Pro.
    However, connecting wired earphones every time became inconvenient, so I decided to pick up the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for its excellent Bluetooth audio support.

    Design & Build Quality

    Unlike the Retroid Pocket 3+, the Pocket 4 Pro uses a different texture — it’s slightly rough to the touch instead of glossy smooth.
    While this helps grip a little, long gaming sessions can still feel uncomfortable without an additional grip accessory.

    Multimedia & Connectivity

    The device supports Wi-Fi streaming, so you can watch Netflix or YouTube on the go.
    However, since most subway Wi-Fi networks are unstable, expect occasional buffering or interruptions.
    Keep in mind that this model does not support SIM cards, so you’ll need Wi-Fi access for all online services.

    Everyday Use

    When walking through transfer stations, I sometimes listen to music through Alsong while carrying the device.
    Of course, please don’t walk while playing games or staring at the screen — safety first!

    Bluetooth Audio Experience

    Bluetooth earphone performance was excellent — almost no latency or dropouts.
    The Trimui Smart Pro also supports Bluetooth, but with noticeable lag and frequent disconnections.
    In contrast, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro delivers a stable, smooth experience — perfect for wireless gaming during commutes.

    Size & Weight

    Here’s a comparison: the device above is the Odin 2, which looks massive next to the Pocket 4 Pro.
    After playing on the smaller Pocket 4 Pro, switching to the Odin 2 feels like entering a wide open space.

    The Odin 2 is larger and heavier — weighing 426 g, while the Pocket 4 Pro weighs 274 g.
    It’s heavier than compact handhelds under 200 g, but still light enough for extended use without much fatigue.

    Buttons & Ports

    The top edge houses the power and volume buttons.
    The L2/R2 triggers are analog type, offering smoother control.

    At the bottom, you’ll find the USB-C charging port and 3.5 mm headphone jack.
    Always use a fast charger — a 5 V 1 A or 1.5 A charger can overheat or even fail, so stick with proper high-output chargers.

    Gaming Performance

    The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro handles most emulators impressively.
    With the exception of some PlayStation 2 titles, it runs NDS, PSP, and all older systems flawlessly.

    PS2 Emulator Test

    I used Vulkan renderer at 2× resolution.

    • Dead or Alive 2: runs perfectly smooth at 2×.
    • Super Robot Wars Impact: smoother than on Odin Lite — menus and battle screens stay responsive even at 2×.
    • Tekken 5: flawless at 2×.
    • Winning Eleven 7 International: no slowdown at 2×.
    • Onimusha 2: solid 2× performance.
    • Dynasty Warriors 4: plays great at 2×.
    • Virtua Fighter 4: stable at 2×.

    Temperature & Heat

    At the start of PS2 emulation, internal temperature measured 38.5 °C (after some prior testing).

    After over 30 minutes of Virtua Fighter 4 at 2× resolution, it rose to 46 °C, which feels warm but not uncomfortable to the touch.

    Tougher Titles

    • Soul Calibur 3: struggles even at 1× on Vulkan; switching to OpenGL helps a little, but slowdown remains.
    • Soul Calibur 2: lags at 1× on Vulkan, yet runs smoothly at 2× when switched to OpenGL.
    • Kunoichi: stutters even at 1×, regardless of renderer.

    For comparison, even the Odin Lite struggles with these titles, while the Odin 2 handles them effortlessly at 3× resolution — truly a powerhouse.

    Overall Impressions

    For commuters seeking a portable console that supports Bluetooth earphones and offers solid emulation up to PS2 level, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a fantastic choice.
    You can occasionally stream Netflix or YouTube and even listen to music on the same device — all in one compact package.

    However, the 4.7-inch display might feel small for users with aging eyes, and some PS2 games still show frame drops.
    The D-pad is placed above the analog stick, which is great for retro gaming but awkward for those who prefer analog control.
    Grip comfort is limited out of the box, but can be improved with an aftermarket grip (at the cost of added weight).

    Final Thoughts

    I initially considered using the Retroid Pocket 2S for commuting, but its 3.5-inch screen and lower PS2 performance made it unsuitable.
    Upgrading to the Pocket 4 Pro has been the perfect solution — compact, capable, and comfortable for daily subway gaming.

    So if you happen to spot a tall middle-aged guy playing retro games on a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro during rush hour —
    that might just be me.

    Original article in Korean: [link]

  • Trimui Smart Pro Review – Big Screen Retro Handheld Under $80

    By Super Asurada 77 | Retro Joy Lab

    Hello everyone, this is Super Asurada 77.

    Let me introduce the Trimui Smart Pro,
    a 4.96-inch horizontal retro handheld priced under ₩100,000 (≈ $70–80 USD).

    It’s a great alternative for anyone who finds 3.5-inch screens too small —
    but keep in mind, that extra size comes with extra weight.

    At over 200 grams, this handheld feels noticeably heavier during long sessions —
    you’ll start to feel it in your wrists after a while.

    According to my digital scale, it weighs 259 grams,
    likely due to its large-capacity battery.

    Build quality is solid — even a bit premium-looking.
    The D-pad placement at the top is perfect for retro titles,
    and the button feel is responsive and pleasant.

    However, the analog sticks are basic — functional, but nothing special.
    There’s no R3/L3 support, but that’s fine since most retro games don’t use them anyway.

    The stereo speakers sound surprisingly good for this price range.

    It runs on the manufacturer’s own custom OS.

    The interface is simple and intuitive —
    press the menu button to return to the game list,
    browse through system folders, and launch games quickly.

    However, you can’t select emulator cores per game,
    which is a bit disappointing.

    Also, while USB-C earphones technically work,
    I wouldn’t recommend them — the experience is inconsistent.

    One major flaw:
    Even if you lower the BGM or system volume,
    the speaker still plays loud audio.

    The hardware volume buttons don’t properly control the sound level —
    so it’s better to just use 3.5mm earphones.

    Thankfully, both 3-pole and 4-pole earphones work fine —
    even those with microphones produce clean stereo output.

    It runs NDS games beautifully.

    Unlike the RG35XX H, which lacks 3D rendering options,
    the Trimui Smart Pro displays NDS visuals as intended.

    If you enable “3D High Resolution = Yes”,
    you’ll get sharper graphics —
    though on weaker devices, that can cause lag.

    The Trimui Smart Pro (and RK2023) handle this without slowdown,
    thanks to slightly stronger CPUs.

    By default, High-Resolution 3D is set to Yes,
    so you’ll enjoy crisp, detailed visuals right out of the box.

    For PSP games, use the PPSSPP emulator —
    it’s much smoother and faster than the stock PSP app,
    which loads and saves painfully slow.

    Ridge Racer on PSP can reach 60 FPS
    after tweaking a few options (disabling visual effects).

    The only tradeoff: when boosting,
    the screen effect that normally gives a “speed of light” feel
    becomes less intense — but gameplay stays fluid.

    Super Robot Wars A Portable runs great at 2× resolution —
    a real treat for tactical RPG fans.

    Some Dreamcast games have minor graphical glitches depending on the core used…

    …but gameplay remains smooth and enjoyable overall.

    Inside the “Fukey Setting” menu:

    Enable CPU Performance Mode
    for a small speed boost.

    After enabling it, slide the FN switch to the right while gaming —
    you’ll notice slightly better performance.
    Just be warned: the device gets warm after long sessions.

    For charging, use a 5V 2A charger.
    The manual doesn’t clearly specify this,
    but based on testing, it’s the safest option.

    ⚠️ Do not use 9V, 12V, or hybrid 5V/9V fast chargers —
    they can permanently damage the board.

    Final Verdict

    If you can handle the 259g weight,
    the 4.96-inch screen offers a bright, comfortable view
    and handles PS1 and NDS titles effortlessly.

    PSP games are playable with some settings tweaks,
    though the console does get warm during long sessions.

    For gamers seeking a large-screen handheld under $80,
    the Trimui Smart Pro is a fantastic value —
    as long as you don’t mind a bit of heft.

    Enjoy your retro gaming life!
    🎮 — Super Asurada 77

    Original article in Korean: [link]

  • R36S Retro Handheld Review – The Ultimate Budget Gaming Device

    By Super Asurada 77 | Retro Joy Lab

    Hello everyone, this is Super Asurada 77.

    Let me introduce the R36S, a budget-friendly handheld console that’s earned a reputation for being one of the best value retro gaming devices out there.

    The box and manual don’t show any manufacturer name — not even a logo, except for a small “GAME CONSOLE” mark on the device.
    A mystery brand, but that’s part of its charm.

    It weighs just 191 grams, about the same as a typical smartphone — light and easy to hold.
    For comparison, the XU10 weighs around 200 grams.

    Don’t expect premium build quality though — this is a budget device through and through.

    The plastic below the screen looks like it still has a protective film stuck under it — not the best finish.

    The D-pad and ABXY buttons have high resistance, which can make long sessions tiring.

    That said, newer batches of the R36S have improved D-pads,
    and Street Fighter II inputs like Hadouken and Shoryuken now come out smoothly.

    It has only one mono speaker, and honestly, the sound quality is poor.
    But at under ₩40,000 (≈ $30 USD), just having a speaker is a small miracle.

    The R1, R2, L1, and L2 buttons make loud clicking noises —
    so if you play on public transport, be prepared for a few annoyed glances.

    The DC port is actually a USB-C charging port.

    A few safety tips:

    • Always charge with a 5V 1.5A or 5V 2A charger with proper certification (KC or UL).
    • Do NOT use 9V fast chargers or 5V/9V mixed chargers — the board may burn out.
    • Avoid 5V 1A chargers — they can overheat or even catch fire.
    • Turn off the console before charging, and never charge overnight.

    If you ignore these rules, your console might end up smoking and fried.

    If you use a 4-pole earphone (with a mic), one side of the audio may not work.
    Use a 3-pole non-mic earphone instead — that solves the issue.

    The screen is very bright and sharp, almost too bright —
    staring at it for too long can cause eye strain,
    and the LED backlight can be harsh in dark rooms.

    Performance-wise, it handles PS1 and below perfectly fine.
    Dreamcast games technically run, but with heavy stuttering.
    NDS games show noticeable frame drops.

    The device’s short width also makes it less comfortable to grip for long sessions.

    The controls and OS layout are typical of Linux-based retro handhelds —
    nothing fancy, but familiar.

    So why do I still call it the best budget handheld?

    Because for under $30–35,
    you can comfortably play arcade, 8-bit, 16-bit, and even PS1 games
    while lying on your bed or couch.

    Pros

    • Super cheap price
    • Bright and clear display
    • Great for short sessions of PS1 and earlier titles

    Cons

    • Stiff D-pad and buttons cause finger fatigue
    • Overly bright display can hurt the eyes
    • Narrow horizontal body makes it uncomfortable for long play
    • Poor mono speaker quality
    • Loud shoulder button clicks

    If you’re considering a vertical-style handheld,
    I’d suggest adding just ₩10,000 (~$7 USD) more and getting the XU10,
    which feels sturdier and more comfortable overall.

    Still, for pure affordability, the R36S remains unbeatable.

    Enjoy your retro gaming life!
    🎮 — Super Asurada 77

    Original article in Korean: [link]

  • RG40XX H Review – A Bigger, Better 4:3 Retro Handheld

    By Super Asurada 77 | Retro Joy Lab

    Hello everyone, this is Super Asurada 77.

    The Anbernic RG40XX H is the latest evolution of the RG35XX H,
    upgrading from a 3.5-inch screen to a 4-inch display with a true 4:3 aspect ratio.
    It’s designed for retro gamers who love that CRT-era feel with a bit more screen real estate.

    As always, the packaging is classic Anbernic — clean and familiar.

    Hmm… this time, there’s no protective film included in the box.

    The 4-inch 4:3 screen looks fantastic — bright, crisp, and easy on the eyes.

    At first, you might think,
    “Half an inch bigger? That’s nothing!”
    But once you play, the difference is surprisingly noticeable.

    When compared side-by-side with the RG35XX H,
    they may look similar in photos,
    but in real life the visual comfort is night and day.

    Your eyes will thank you! 👀

    At just 201 grams, it’s lightweight and comfortable even for long play sessions.

    For RPG lovers, this handheld is perfect —
    the 4:3 screen feels natural,
    and your wrists won’t get tired after hours of gameplay.

    The small green indicator light at the top isn’t distracting when playing in the dark.

    When I first pressed the power button,
    I couldn’t even tell if it registered —
    it’s that subtle.

    Once you get used to it, it’s fine,
    but people with larger hands might find it slightly awkward to press.

    The analog stick is placed very close to the D-pad,
    so occasionally you’ll feel some interference when using the D-pad —
    especially during platformers like Super Mario.

    It’s a minor annoyance, but noticeable.

    The user interface is identical to the RG35XX H.
    If you’ve used any of the previous models, you’ll feel right at home.

    GBA games automatically adjust to a 3:2 aspect ratio,
    and the system adds bezel borders for you,
    so there’s no need for manual tweaking.

    In terms of performance, I recommend playing PS1 and below.

    Some Dreamcast titles are playable,
    but you’ll experience lag in demanding games like Dead or Alive 2.

    For Super Famicom (SNES) titles like Yoshi’s Island:
    if you stretch the image to full screen, you’ll notice frame drops.
    However, if you play with a 1:1 aspect ratio and bezel on,
    it runs smoothly.

    For NDS games:
    turn off High Resolution Mode and set Frame Skip to 0
    for the best results.

    For example, New Super Mario Bros. runs fine —
    even with High Res enabled, only the map screen slows slightly,
    while in-game performance remains smooth.

    PSP games are mixed:
    3D titles like Ridge Racer will stutter,
    but 2D games such as Super Robot Wars A Portable
    run well even at 2× resolution.

    For charging, use a 5V 1.5A or 5V 2A charger
    with proper safety certification (KS or UL).

    ⚠️ Important Safety Notes:

    • Do NOT use 9V or hybrid 5V/9V fast chargers — it can fry the board.
    • Avoid 5V 1A chargers — they can overheat.
    • Always turn off the device before charging.
    • Don’t fall asleep with the charger plugged in.
      You never know what might happen — safety first!

    If you want a lightweight, 4-inch 4:3 handheld
    that’s perfect for PS1 and older retro games,
    the RG40XX H is an excellent choice.

    Clear visuals, comfortable ergonomics, and great nostalgia value —
    it’s a solid upgrade from the RG35XX H.

    Enjoy your retro gaming life!
    🎮 — Super Asurada 77

    Original article in Korean: [link]