Back in my middle and high school days, my friends always had the high-end gear: the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo (SNES), TurboDuo, and the Neo Geo.
At my house, we had the trusty 8-bit NES. It was a powerful machine in its own right, but I couldn’t help but feel envious of my friends.
I remember the visual shock of seeing the protagonist transform into a wolf in Altered Beast on the TurboGrafx-16. I was floored by the fact that you could play Fatal Fury 2 and Art of Fighting 2 right in your living room with the Neo Geo. I gasped in awe at the intensity of Goku’s special moves in Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden on the SNES. And the flashy animations on the TurboDuo? They blew my mind—I couldn’t tell if I was watching an anime or playing a game. It was pure chaos in the best way possible.
I used to save up my allowance to buy gaming magazines, playing the games in my imagination just by staring at the screenshots. Sadly, all those magazines I collected vanished somewhere along the way—lost while I was away for military service. But they remain precious memories to me.
I remember making a vow to myself while playing Art of Fighting 2 at the arcade. “Just wait! When I grow up and make my own money, I’m going to buy every single 16-bit console and arcade game out there.” That was my wish.
Time flew by like an arrow. We shifted from the analog age to the digital era. I went from a student to a middle-aged man. I’ve built a family, I’m raising kids, and I’m busy living in the present. But sometimes, the nostalgia hits, and memories of those games suddenly come rushing back.
And then, I remembered that old wish.
Wait… realized that my wish actually did come true! Haha.
Whether it’s during my commute or lying in bed after tucking the kids in, this handheld retro game console in my hands is exactly what I wished for.
Inside this tiny portable device lives every console my friends had and all those games I wanted. I can pull it out and play whenever I want! My dream really became reality.
I guess I should thank my younger self for making that wish.
The commute home after a long, grinding day at work.
Unless you’re lucky enough to live right next to a subway station, most of us have to transfer from the train to a bus to get home.
Technically, I could walk the 20 to 30 minutes from the station to my house. But let’s be real—after surviving the daily grind, my energy bar is completely empty. So, I have no choice but to rely on the bus to save my legs.
However, these buses are notorious for their unpredictable schedules depending on traffic.
The interval is supposed to be 15 minutes, but when things go wrong, that gap can stretch to 30 or even 40 minutes.
Usually, I’d be fuming, but with zero stamina left, I just stand there and wait, resigned to my fate.
seeing “Next Bus: 28 Minutes” on the display board would normally make my blood boil.
But for a middle-aged retro gamer, the situation is completely reversed.
The moment I pull my retro handheld out of my bag and click the power button…
Right there, the bus stop transforms into my childhood bedroom. I’m instantly on a trip down memory lane.
This isn’t just a game console; it’s a time machine.
28 minutes until arrival? That’s plenty of time.
I can clear a few stages in Super Mario or play a quick match of Winning Eleven. Before I know it, the time has flown by.
For those 28 minutes, I’m back to being a kid.
As long as I have my retro console, even the waiting becomes part of the fun.
Retro gaming! For us middle-aged gamers, it’s not just a hobby—it’s our daily vitamin and therapy.
Standing in the “subway from hell” on my way to work, wearing my backpack on my front to make space, I naturally reach into my bag and pull out my retro handheld console.
That commute, which takes over an hour, turns into precious healing time—a chance to bring out those childhood vibes, the tactile feel of the buttons, and memories from back in the day.
The moment I step into the office and say “Good morning,” that retro vibe instantly shuts down. I have to tuck the game away deep in my heart for now.
For now, the console goes into charging mode.
The commute home is another ride on the subway from hell, squeezing in some retro gaming where I can. But the moment I arrive home, the “Infinite Loop Quest” begins.
Dishes. Recycling. Taking out the food waste. Bathing the kids. Playing with them. Putting them to bed.
Once this endless loop of quests is finally over, my own personal “Side Quest” awaits.
Finally… is it my time? The wife and kids are asleep. I turn on the PlayStation to start my quest, but then…
⚠️ System Update Required
The popup floats mercilessly on the screen. “Update 12%… 43%… 67%…”
As I stare at the progress bar, my eyelids get heavier and heavier.
My mind is already halfway to dreamland. Eventually, I fall asleep… and when I open my eyes, it’s time to head to work again.
This is the cold, hard reality for retro gamers in their 30s and 40s.
But still, to all the middle-aged retro gamers out there—hang in there! We’ve got this!
Usually, people choose retro game consoles based on price and performance specs. While that works for the younger crowd, for a family man balancing work and childcare, the criteria change completely. It’s not about the fastest processor—it’s about how much “Dad Time” you actually have.
Here are my recommendations for the best handhelds tailored to your specific stage of parenting.
1. The “New Dad” Stage (Toddler / 1-2 Years Old)Recommendation: Anbernic RG35XX SP
If you are a dad in your early 30s with a toddler, the RG35XX SP is your best friend.
Let’s be honest—you can’t just sit on the couch and game openly anymore. You need something for those short, stealthy sessions while the baby is finally napping. This device is compact, foldable, and perfect for sneaking in quick gaming breaks without getting caught. It’s the compact economy car of handhelds—small, efficient, and gets the job done.
Think of this as the reliable sedan (like a Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra) of the handheld world—a perfect balance of design, performance, and price. You’ve finally graduated from all-day diaper duty, but you aren’t completely free yet. This device fits that “in-between” phase perfectly, offering a great experience for the pockets of free time you’re starting to get back.
At this point, you need the Retroid Pocket 5. It offers stable performance, much like a solid mid-size sedan (think Sonata or Camry).
Parenting is getting a little easier, and you’re starting to see glimpses of “me time” again. This console is perfect for blowing off steam and enjoying some PlayStation 2 games comfortably. It’s a reliable daily driver that won’t let you down.
4. The “Middle/High School” Stage (Early 40s)Recommendation: RG477M
Time flew by so fast you can barely remember the sleepless nights, right? Consider this device a reward for your survival.
The RG477M feels like a premium full-size sedan—think Hyundai Grandeur (Azera) or a Lexus. It has a luxurious metal build and a heavy, quality feel. It plays PS2 games at 3x resolution without breaking a sweat, and that 4.7-inch 4:3 screen is absolutely optimized for retro gaming. You’ve earned this upgrade.
5. The “Veteran Dad” Stage (Late 40s)Recommendation: AYN Odin 2
Now we are talking about high performance. The Odin 2 is the Genesis G80 of handhelds—pure luxury and power.
It handles high-end games with plenty of headroom. If you want a zero-compromise experience that reflects your status as a veteran dad, this is the one.
6. The Ultimate SetupRecommendation: AYN Odin 2 Portal
If the Odin 2 is a luxury sedan, the Odin 2 Portal is the high-end luxury SUV (like the GV80).
By this age, you’ve become immune to your wife’s side-eye. She’s used to your hobbies now. You’ve earned the right to sprawl out on the living room sofa, comfortable and unbothered, enjoying your games on a top-tier device.
So, which stage of fatherhood are you in, and which console fits your life right now?
Today, let’s talk about the Retroid Pocket 5, currently available from Retroid.
This is an Android-based gaming handheld. Usually, when you game on a standard smartphone, heat buildup leads to thermal throttling, causing frame rate drops and lag. However, the Retroid Pocket 5 features an active cooling fan on the back. Even when things heat up, the fan keeps the device cool, meaning you’ll experience almost zero throttling.
It’s an Android device truly optimized for gaming, running on Android 13 out of the box.
Connectivity: Looking at the bottom, there’s a slot for a Micro SD card. It supports both a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C audio, so you have plenty of options for sound.
Controls: The L2 and R2 triggers are analog, allowing for precise pressure control—a huge plus for racing games.
However, since the analog stick is positioned quite close to the D-pad, there is a little bit of thumb interference when playing action games, though it’s not a dealbreaker.
Cooling & Ergonomics: You can actually see the fan through the back panel. It stays quiet most of the time, but once you fire up heavy 3D games, the smart fan kicks in to dissipate the heat.
The grips are ergonomically designed and feel decent in the hand, though I wouldn’t say they are the most comfortable I’ve ever used.
Specs & Weight: Weighing in at 282g (under the 300g mark), it has the perfect heft for portability.
The processor is a Snapdragon 865—the same chip found in the Samsung Galaxy S20. This means it can handle PS2 games at 2x resolution without breaking a sweat.
Performance Test: Nightshade (Kunoichi) First up is the PS2 classic, Nightshade (known as Kunoichi in Asia). This title stuttered a bit on the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, but on the Pocket 5, it runs flawlessly at 2x resolution. I set the graphics backend to Vulkan for this one.
Performance Test: Onimusha 2Onimusha 2 also runs great at 2x resolution. However, a quick tip: if you use OpenGL, the character models might turn invisible. Make sure to select Vulkan to fix this glitch.
Performance Test: Soulcalibur IISoulcalibur II had some minor stuttering on the RP4 Pro at 2x resolution, but here on the Pocket 5? It’s buttery smooth.
Performance Test: Soulcalibur IIISoulcalibur III also runs perfectly at 2x resolution.
Performance Test: Tekken 5Tekken 5 handles 2x resolution with no issues.
Performance Test: Virtua Fighter 4Virtua Fighter 4 is solid at 2x resolution.
Performance Test: WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the PainWWE Here Comes the Pain also runs great at 2x resolution.
Screen, Battery & Verdict: Needless to say, PSP games run effortlessly—even God of War runs well at 4x resolution.
The bezels are thin, and since it’s an OLED panel, the true blacks are incredible. When playing 4:3 content, the letterboxing blends perfectly with the bezels, creating the illusion that you’re playing on a native 4:3 device.
Since it’s Android, you can install Netflix and YouTube. You can also listen to music via Bluetooth headphones while gaming. It’s the size of a standard phone, making it the perfect companion for your subway or bus commute.
Important Charging Warning: Unlike budget retro handhelds where high-voltage chargers can fry the motherboard, the Retroid Pocket 5 actually requires a charger that supports 9V or higher (PD charging) for fast and stable charging. If you try to use an old 5.1V charger, you risk overheating the charger itself.
Battery Life: The efficiency is impressive. I played Super Robot Wars Impact (PS2) for about an hour and a half, and it only drained about 10% battery. Also, while the RP4 Pro used to get warm, the RP5 stays incredibly cool. I really love this aspect of the device.
Conclusion: All things considered, the Retroid Pocket 5 is the best retro handheld I’ve played so far. The only downside? The price. It’s a bit steep (over $200 USD).
I’m already looking forward to Retroid’s next product. Please, Retroid, give us a 4-inch+ device with a native 4:3 screen next time!
Note on Setup: Keep in mind that Android handhelds don’t come with emulators pre-installed. There is a stock launcher, but I barely use it.
For gamers in their 40s and beyond, here’s a title that lets you finally beat that impossible childhood game — thanks to the magic of forced save/load tricks!
It’s The Revenge of SHINOBI, a legendary 1989 Sega title that helped define the 16-bit Mega Drive era. Known in Korea as Super Shinobi, this classic ninja adventure is a true symbol of Sega’s golden age.
Basic Controls:
A Button: Ninja Magic B Button: Attack or Throw Shuriken C Button: Jump Press Start, then use the D-pad to select your ninja spell.
Jump → Jump again: Double Jump Attack at the peak of a double jump: Multi Shuriken Throw (only works if you have enough shuriken).
Ninja Magic:
Flame Technique – Summons a blazing dragon that fills the screen, burning all enemies.
Thunder Technique – Your body becomes surrounded by lightning, making you temporarily invincible. But take a few hits, and it wears off.
Clone Technique – Boosts your jump height slightly. Honestly, I rarely use it. Seems cool, but not essential for boss fights.
Suicide Technique – Sacrifice one life to damage nearby enemies. You’ll revive instantly with full health and one magic use restored. Extremely useful for boss battles if you have extra lives!
Now, let’s begin the game.
Middle-aged gamers have their pride — full 90 shuriken stock, difficulty set to NORMAL. Hold that pride high! “Normal mode” is our badge of honor.
Round 1 begins. Wait, why are we fighting again? Are we saving the world… or did someone kidnap our girlfriend?
Oops, pressed the wrong button? Yep — you just wasted your ninja magic on a random grunt. Better restart.
A rock bridge? Step close and it starts moving — the arrow appears, and you go the opposite way.
Enemies swarm in waves, but we’ve got plenty of shuriken left. Fire away!
Here comes a boss in cool armor — I love that color scheme!
When he swings his sword from the wall, hit him midair with multi-shuriken. Perfect timing!
That armor’s gorgeous — changing colors like it’s AI-controlled. Man, I want one!
Round 2: The waterfall stage.
This is where most players hit their first wall. Don’t worry — the mighty save/load trick will carry you through.
The waterfall is beautiful… but fall off, and you’ll lose a precious life.
Ugh, those falling logs! You’ll need perfect double-jump timing to land safely. Trust your rhythm — if you can leave your office exactly at 6:00:00 PM, you’ve got this.
Make it across the logs, and you’ll see the exit.
Now the city stage begins. A nun turns into a ninja, and a guy straight out of a Jackie Chan movie attacks with flying kicks!
It’s total chaos — take them down one by one, calmly and precisely. If they won’t listen, well… shuriken and sword it is.
Stop attacking me already! It hurts!
I’m exhausted… time to chill at the club.
Yep, it’s a club — but the boss shows up using Clone Magic!
Take down his clones first, one by one.
Then unleash your Flame Magic to burn off your stress!
On to Round 3. The difficulty spikes here.
Looks like an airfield. Japanese soldiers fire guns, toss grenades, and use flamethrowers. Time to rely on our best friends: save and load.
Boarding an airship now.
Why does that door keep opening? The maintenance crew’s clearly slacking. They need a 3 AM wake-up drill!
Exit ahead — wait for the door to close before passing. Your life is precious!
Boss time: a machine boss. Aim for the glowing vacuum-tube parts. Almost smashed my console, but held back — hardware is sacred!
Round 4: The Waste Disposal Plant.
Look at those neatly parked vehicles — way better than our lazy mechanics. You guys deserve a bonus!
Boss fight — wait, is that… Schwarzenegger?! No way… is this Terminator?
Yep. It’s definitely the Terminator.
Round 5: The Skyscraper Stage.
Fight your way through the building’s enemies…
Then head out to the city streets. Wait — is that nun back again?
She’s no nun — she’s a kunoichi, a female ninja!
Enough already — stop attacking!
Time to make a run for the exit!
Another machine-type boss. Electric shocks, gas attacks, the works.
Hit the red button-like core. It’s all about rhythm — jump to dodge the electricity, and time your shuriken toss perfectly.
Round 6 begins.
Looks like Chinatown — fittingly, the BGM is called “China Town.” I still love listening to it. The composer Yuzo Koshiro also did Streets of Rage!
That enemy blocks all shuriken. Dodge his attack, then strike up close.
Avoid the woman if you can — she takes multiple hits to go down.
I get it, you want to protect her. But survival first — retreat if needed!
Wait, are you her boyfriend? Sorry, man. My girlfriend’s kidnapped — I’ve got my own rescue mission!
Didn’t move aside? Fine, have some shuriken! Exit’s up ahead.
Now you’re fighting on top of a speeding train. Seriously? Yeah, definitely a kidnapped-girlfriend plot.
Still, the wind feels great up here!
Wait… Spider-Man?! Earlier we had Terminator — now this? Guess licensing wasn’t a big deal back then!
Spider-Man transforms into a bat. I thought you were supposed to be a spider! Anyway, hit and dodge, one strike at a time. Finally defeated the bat!
Round 7 — almost there, stay strong!
At the docks, precision jumping is key. Enemies always wait near landing spots, so throw shuriken preemptively.
Board the ship.
Wander through until you find the boss room.
################################## Whoa… a giant dinosaur?! We’ve had Terminator, Spider-Man… and now Godzilla?
Dodge its fire breath and tail swipes — aim only for the head. You can do this!
Final Stage: Round 8. Are we rescuing our girlfriend or saving the world? Maybe both.
Epic waves crash in the background — true 16-bit power on display!
That cannon fire is infuriating.
Now entering the enemy base — ZEED Headquarters.
Careful — one wrong door and you’ll loop endlessly like a maze.
Each door has a kanji number. Door #4 on-screen is your target — pick wrong, and you’ll go in circles.
In the underground, crouch through tunnels to grab lots of power-ups. You’ll need to max out before the final boss. Activate Thunder Magic to stay powered up before entering.
Finally, the final boss chamber.
See the woman in the background? That’s your girlfriend.
Rocks start falling — it’s a timed battle! Hit the boss only when his wig attack exposes him.
You defeated him… but your girlfriend got crushed by the falling rocks.
Our hero is devastated.
Ah… I couldn’t save her.
He stares silently into the distance.
A falling star crosses the sky — he remembers her. The game ends in a sad ending.
But wait! We’ve got the power of save/load magic.
Reload before the final fight — make sure you’re fully powered up.
When he attacks with the wig, counter immediately with a powered shuriken. Dodge with double jumps, maintain your power, and you’ll win in time.
This time, you save her — before the rocks fall!
She escapes the prison and runs toward you.
The lovers reunite in an embrace.
They hold each other close, comforting one another.
Now, they gaze at the horizon together — a true happy ending.
My hands and eyes are exhausted… but my heart is full. Time to rest, shed a tear, and move on to the next retro adventure.
Have fun, and enjoy your retro gaming life!
✅ Retro Joy Lab – Your daily dose of nostalgic energy! by Super Asurada 77
Meet the RG34XXSP, a retro handheld console in a clamshell (foldable) design with a 3.4-inch screen — absolutely perfect for portable gaming on the go.
You can toss it casually into your bag without worry and still enjoy your favorite classics anywhere.
The build quality is excellent — and it even lets you have fun with stickers and color customization. Yes, I tried decorating mine with some stickers too!
It weighs only 180 grams, which makes it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around.
The D-pad and ABXY buttons are fairly quiet — not silent, but quiet enough. In a library, you might hear a faint click, but in a noisy environment like the subway, it’s barely noticeable.
Note: The RG35XXSP doesn’t have an analog stick, but the RG34XXSPdoes. So keep that in mind!
If you’ve used any of the Anbernic OS devices before, the interface here will feel instantly familiar.
You can decorate your game list with cover images, but unfortunately, video previews aren’t supported.
You can adjust the screen angle like this — but honestly, it’s a bit awkward while gaming.
The TF1 slot holds the microSD card that contains the operating system.
You can store your games on the same card, or insert a separate game card into TF2, but I recommend using TF1 for both OS and games.
If you load from TF2, the system will always ask “TF1 or TF2?” every time you browse games — it gets annoying fast.
You can adjust the volume using the dedicated side buttons.
Here are the shoulder buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2) — they’re not loud, which is nice.
Charging is simple: just plug a USB Type-C cable into the USB/OTG port.
You’ll find the power and reset buttons here. If you press and hold the power button while the clamshell is closed, it’ll turn on automatically.
If you ever find it powered on inside your bag, it probably got triggered by pressure on that power button.
The TF2/EXT slot is where you can insert another SD card for extra games.
The LED indicators show charge status:
Bottom LED lights up during charging
Red = low battery
Orange = mid charge
Off = fully charged
Top LED shows battery level while in use
Green = good
Red = low battery warning
The headphone jack is located on the bottom. It doesn’t get in the way while gaming.
Performance-wise, it handles PS1 and below flawlessly.
PSP games also work — especially 2D titles like Super Robot Wars, which run quite smoothly.
Performance is on par with other Anbernic RG35XX series devices.
After about an hour of play, the console gets slightly warm — nothing to worry about.
The stock Anbernic OS includes a music player app. You can load MP3s and listen even with the clamshell closed.
However, be careful — if the shoulder buttons get pressed while it’s in your pocket, it might skip, pause, or restart your track.
Also, there’s no resume function — once you exit the app, it won’t remember where you left off.
You can also play old encoded video files — the OS includes a built-in video player. Even with the lid closed, playback continues.
Both 3-pole and 4-pole headphones work perfectly — sound output is clean and strong.
When charging, always use a 5V 1.5A or 5V 2A charger with a KS certification mark (or equivalent safety approval).
⚠️ Important Safety Tips:
Do NOT use 9V fast chargers or mixed 5V/9V adapters — they may damage the board.
Avoid 5V 1A chargers as well; they can overheat.
Always turn off the device before charging.
Never leave it charging unattended while you sleep.
You never know what might happen — safety first!
Final Thoughts
If you’re a beginner looking for a clamshell-style retro handheld mainly for PS1-era or older games, the RG34XXSP is a great starting point.
It’s compact, durable, and easy to carry — a perfect travel companion for quick retro gaming sessions.
I personally use it all the time for on-the-go gaming.
Enjoy your retro gaming life! 🎮 — Super Asurada 77
Retroid has released both the Retroid Pocket 5 and its smaller sibling, the Pocket 5 Mini. However, many users complained about the smaller screen size.
Then, quite suddenly, Retroid dropped the V2 version — and it’s now officially available on their website. I managed to get my hands on one and gave it a proper test.
One of the biggest strengths of the Pocket 5 Mini is its light weight.
The regular Pocket 5 weighs about 282 g, but the Mini tips the scale at only 233 g — incredibly light. Among all handhelds in the 200-gram class, this one easily leads in performance.
It uses the same Snapdragon 865 chipset as the Pocket 5 — the very same chip found in the Galaxy S20 Plus.
Unlike smartphones that can throttle performance due to heat (since they lack a fan), the Pocket 5 Mini includes active cooling, keeping frame drops under control even during demanding games.
Performance: Even at 3× internal resolution, PS2 games run smoothly without lag.
Kunoichi — a game that usually stutters on many handhelds — runs beautifully on this device.
Onimusha 2 also plays effortlessly.
Tekken 5 runs perfectly fine too.
Even Super Robot Wars Impact performs like a charm.
However…
When you open the map view, things get tough for us 40- or 50-something gamers with aging eyes.
It’s really hard to tell the units apart! On the 2D tactical map, you can only distinguish red and blue units — but identifying the individual mechs is nearly impossible, even with the upgraded 3.9-inch display.
On PSP, the screen appears slightly cropped at the top and bottom — so everything looks smaller.
If you adjust the display scaling in the PSP emulator, it becomes much more comfortable to watch.
At 1:1 aspect ratio, it feels crisp and clear —
But returning to the original ratio makes it tiny again. Oh, my eyes… if only I could get my youth back!
Nintendo DS requires some tweaking too — the left and right edges may get cut off depending on the layout.
Still, NDS games run extremely well.
If the Pocket 5 Mini V2 handles Tekken 5 smoothly, then Tekken 3 (PS1) is absolute perfection. Even when you crank up all the graphical enhancements in the core settings, it doesn’t break a sweat.
Famicom (NES) originally had an 8:7 pixel aspect ratio, but on CRT TVs it was stretched to 4:3. With the emulator set to 8:7, you get a much more natural and satisfying view.
Super Famicom (SNES) uses a similar ratio — set it to 8:7 and it looks fantastic on the V2 screen. This is one of the biggest visual advantages of the new version.
Game Boy titles, with their nearly 1:1 aspect ratio, look perfect on the V2 display.
Neo Geo Pocket games also match beautifully with this screen.
And Game Boy Color runs wonderfully as well. You can enjoy most portable console titles in their original aspect ratios, almost identical to the feel of real hardware.
Surprisingly, even Game Boy Advance titles look good — though you’ll notice thin letterbox bars on top and bottom, the image fits the V2 display naturally.
I also compared PS2 gameplay between the Pocket 5 and Pocket 5 Mini V2. The difference? Practically none in performance. However, those tiny map screens will definitely test your eyesight!
When it comes to Super Famicom games, the V2’s native 8:7 ratio really shines. Despite the smaller screen, it doesn’t feel cramped compared to the Pocket 5.
Same goes for Famicom titles.
NDS games are surprisingly enjoyable too.
Interestingly, GBA graphics even appear sharper on the Mini V2 — whereas on the Pocket 5 you can clearly see the pixel grid.
When it comes to Game Boy, the Pocket 5 Mini V2 wins hands down.
If you enjoy long sessions — say, a full hour of Super Robot Wars — you’ll appreciate the comfort and lightness.
For comparison: playing the same game on the Odin 2 while lying down can make your wrist ache after an hour. The Mini V2, however, feels feather-light.
Verdict
If you value portability and want to enjoy classic consoles like the Famicom and Super Famicom in their authentic screen ratios, the Retroid Pocket 5 Mini V2 is highly recommended.
It’s also a great choice for those who want smooth PS2 performance in a compact form.
However, if your eyesight isn’t what it used to be, you might be happier sticking with the Pocket 5 instead — the larger display makes a real difference.
A Few Notes
Bluetooth audio can disconnect occasionally in the subway — more often than on the Pocket 5 — but it only happens in weak-signal areas.
Charging: Supports fast charging. Don’t use a 5 V 1 A charger — it may overload and overheat. Always use 5 V 2 A or 9 V chargers for safety.
Enjoy your retro gaming life! 🎮 — Super Asurada 77
In the early 1990s, few games defined the golden era of the Sega Mega Drive quite like this one — a legendary belt-scrolling action classic.
Relive the epic battles of Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis — from magic-wielding heroes to Death Adder’s final showdown
It’s Golden Axe, developed by Sega. Known to many as “The Golden Axe”, this game’s title might be a bit misleading — since the main hero wields a sword, not an axe. So… is the dwarf the real protagonist here?
Basic Controls
A Button: Magic Attack B Button: Standard Attack C Button: Jump D-Pad (double-tap forward): Run Run + B: Running Attack Jump + B: Jump Attack B + C: Heavy Attack
If you’re a fellow middle-aged retro gamer like me, always maximize your LIFE bar to 5. Enemies can gang up on you and melt your HP in seconds — so always go in fully loaded.
And of course, seasoned veterans like us never pick Beginner Mode. Our pride won’t allow it. Choose ARCADE.
Selecting THE DUEL puts you into a one-on-one battle against a series of enemies — a fun challenge if you’re confident in your skills.
Each character’s magic has its own elemental theme:
The male warrior wields explosive-type magic. His ultimate attack is a volcanic eruption.
The female warrior commands fire magic. Her final spell is a devastating dragon flame.
The axe-wielding dwarf channels lightning. His top-tier magic unleashes multi-strike thunderbolts.
Death Adder — no, not Darth Vader — invades the royal castle and captures the king and princess.
And of course, the ever-popular trope continues: off we go to rescue the princess!
Oops… accidentally triggered a magic attack instead of a normal strike. Using your precious magic on two small minions? Painful mistake.
Ah yes — the thieving gnomes. Attack them to collect magic potion jars, essential for powering up your spells.
Wait a minute… isn’t that the same creature from Altered Beast? Yep. It’s the exact same sprite.
The boss of Stage 1 is the Bad Brothers duo. Seeing such a massive boss character moving around was truly mind-blowing at the time.
Coming from 8-bit systems with tiny sprites, this was 16-bit power on full display.
A well-timed volcanic blast takes care of them nicely.
Ah, here come the generous gnomes again with more items. Don’t forget to stock up!
OUR SWORN ENEMY DEATH ADDER IS IN HIS CASTLE. WE’LL TAKE A SHORTCUT THROUGH THE TURTLE VILLAGE.
Stage 2: Turtle Village Use your dash attacks to knock enemies off the cliffs — it’s the fastest way to clear them.
The villagers scream and flee as chaos unfolds.
Purple-clad warriors swoop in riding dragons. Knock them off their mounts and claim the beasts for yourself — mounted attacks are powerful, so take advantage!
The bosses here are the Green Sisters.
Don’t be fooled by their looks — they’re deadly!
After defeating them, thieving dwarves return — but this time green ones appear, dropping meat to restore your health. Delicious!
THE VILLAGE WAS ON THE BACK OF A GIANT TURTLE.
THE TURTLE TAKES US SOUTH, ACROSS THE SEA.
The background suddenly resembles a turtle shell…
Oh — there’s its face!
One shoulder tackle from this brute will send you flying.
Stage 3 Boss: A towering knight wielding a gigantic sword. Getting hit hurts.
Unleash your volcanic magic once again to finish the stage.
After the battle, the thieving gnomes arrive once more with health and magic refills. Much appreciated.
WE HAVE GONE IN CLOSE VICINITY OF THE CASTLE. BUT THE WAY IS PACKED BY ENEMY LINES. WE MUST DARE THE “FIEND’S PATH” TO REACH THE CASTLE.
Hmm… why do all the enemies look like palette-swapped versions of previous ones?
Ah — skeletal enemies appear! At least there’s some variety now.
The black knights and skeletons can overwhelm you quickly. They’re the bosses of Stage 4. Use shoulder tackles and stay mobile to survive.
After a hard-fought day, the gnomes return once more with much-needed recovery items. Hang in there!
THE “FIEND’S PATH” WAS A GREAT GREAT EAGLE. WE ARE TAKEN ACROSS THE SKIES TO THE CASTLE. NOW THE FINAL BATTLE BEGINS.
A giant eagle face looms in the background. Knock skeletons off the cliffs for an easier fight.
For its time, the 16-bit pixel art looked absolutely stunning — and even today, it’s a true masterpiece of spritework.
“Stop attacking me, lady in red! I’m dying here!”
Wait… aren’t you the boss from Stage 3? Oh… you’re just red now. Enough with the color swaps already!
The gnomes, sensing the final battle, shower you with resources like never before.
“So you’re the boss, huh? Well, first things first — take this!”
Wait, is that the same giant from before… now with a helmet and axe? Didn’t I say no more costume changes?
Fine then — volcanic eruption to the face! …Wait, he’s still alive?
The boss uses lightning magic. Jump to dodge it and use shoulder tackles for a quick takedown.
At last, the king and princess are freed.
The king — or maybe your future father-in-law — winces in pain. 😅
“TAKE MY UTMOST GRATITUDE FOR OUT RESCUE.” says the princess.
“I THANK YOU AND YOUR COURAGE. FOR IT HAD RID OF DEATH ADDER AND HIDEOUT PLOT” she continues.
But… but why ‘however’ now?
“BUT I HAVE A FEELING THAT HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN TAKING ORDERS.”
“COME TO THINK OF IT, NOT A FEW TIMES DID HE DISAPPEAR INTO THAT DOOR!”
Why are you telling me this now?! That’s scope creep, princess! The project brief said “defeat Death Adder.” Anything beyond that requires a change order!
“WILL YOU NOT GO INTO BATTLE FOR ME, ONCE AGAIN?”
Fine. This one’s on the house. 💸
“Yes, my lady!”
The hero walks through the door — like a salaryman heading back to the office for unexpected overtime after dinner.
Tip: Knock enemies off the cliff on the left side for an easier fight.
Ah, so you’re the real boss!
Wait — you use magic too?
What’s this? Lightning magic?!
And now dragon fire?! Yep — one hit from that and you lose a life instantly.
Ignore the skeletons — they don’t die. Focus on the final boss. Attack relentlessly before he can cast his spells. Dodge and shoulder tackle repeatedly. Yes, save-state abuse may be required. 😅
“THANK YOU GALLANT ONE! NOW THE PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE,”
“TO BUILD,TO PROSPER IN PEACE. MAY YOU BE TITLED, THE GRAND MASTER”
Just a title? Really?
“GUARDIANS OF THE KINGDOM! NOW PREPARE FOR A FEAST! GRAND FEAST!”
“TO PRAISE YOUR ACT OF BRAVERY AND DEEDS OF COURAGE.”
Praise is nice… but how about something more tangible?
“FINALLY, YOU HAVE DEFEATED ALL OF THE EVIL CLAN. THE LAND SHALL REVIVE IN PEACE AND THE PEOPLE WILL TALK OF YOUR DEEDS AS A LEGEND IN THE YEARS TO COME.”
All I’m saying is… a reward would be nice.
The game ends by showing information about all the characters you met.
Letters fly across the screen…
Soldiers toss them skyward…
##################################
…forming the staff credits.
GAME OVER!
Thanks for reading this long journey. Enjoy your retro gaming adventures!
