this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2024
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If you are using a device to run multiple emulators, arguing the form factor is better than a phone in a single instance (Gameboy SP) is backwards. It's like you're conceding that a phone is better in every other way; which it absolutely is.
An iPhone 4 from 2010 has 4 times the memory and twice the processing power required by an N64 emulator, it's more than sufficient. keeping in mind your original point was the cost of a smartphone capable of running said emulators was beyond the cost of these handhelds... Which is just not true; especially when a device from 14 years ago can do it.
For the same money you can get a used smartphone from the last 10 years that runs all the games your rg35xxsp can and is also a phone. A person who has limited funds (your strawman) would be better off with a phone instead of these things.
Most phones have sufficient storage to carry all the games you need. But, when people argue the value of an SD card they talk about carrying all the games released on a console and to do that you need more than a 256gb card.
And your seemingly forgetting phones have the internet, I can just download any game I want wherever I am. Rather than storing all of them all the time just in case you might want them.
How many games do you need at one time anyways, you clearly don't want all of them because a large enough SD card to fit them is just overkill. But you aren't satisfied with 100gb or so? So, what arbitrary amount have you decided you need to justify the addition of an SD card?
Seriously, how much storage is sufficient and why? (keeping in mind you can only play one game at a time)…
And for the same cost I can get a used phone bundled with a camera, internet, console, sms, email and shit load more features. But you get a sd card, what a deal!
Pretty much everyone has a phone already that can do what this can, and your best argument for buying one of these things is the lack of an SD card. But in the same comment you also argue that a large SD card is overkill.
Lmao what? You're interpreting this way differently than what I said. I mean sure, phones today are far more powerful than the Anbernic SP, but let’s see here.
If I put the two in my pocket (because the Anbernic SP is small enough to fit in a pocket just like a phone). If I want to game with my phone using some retro game, I have to get my phone, get that external controller from a bag (because there is no way in hell a controller can fit in a pocket, and even if you can, you look like a loser doing so), then finally attach that controller. You don't see the problem here?
False equivalency fallacy. You are basically telling me that just because the iPhone theoretically has better specs means it can emulate N64 well, ignoring the emulation overhead. Not to mention I actually tried playing an N64 game on a jailbroken iPhone 4 decades ago only to find out the games are laggy.
Also, what I said is still true. Let's say that on average you can get a discounted deal for a retro handheld for 50 bucks (and some are even cheaper than that). Then let's add to that argument that it already has everything set up for you vs. a second-hand phone (assuming the iPhone 4 doesn't have a problem with N64 emulation). The average price on eBay right now is 30 bucks. Then let's pair that with an iPega controller for that phone, which is around 27 USD on Amazon. That's already 57 bucks, plus the effort of setting up and jailbreaking the goddamn thing.
So $50 vs. $57 + effort. Yep, you are clearly right here.
An iPhone 6 on eBay costs 60 bucks on average. Already way above the 50 bucks. But hey, at least this one can play N64 fine now.
Yes, because the internet is accessible everywhere.
Begging the Question. But let's entertain that. Why would I be satisfied with 100GB when I already consumed a lot with offline videos and music? Not counting that I also use it for my personal photos and videos?
I bought my gaming phone for playing mobile games. You know, where you play the games that were actually designed to be played on the phone. Some of these games even eat up 35GB so storage is gonna be an issue.
And also since I mostly play mobile games that are designed to be played in a mobile phone, I don't need to bring a controller just to play properly.
No, it's not a deal based on the math I did earlier. And good luck browsing the internet with that iPhone 4 of yours, lmfao.
And so far, you aren’t bringing any aside from pulling the hasty generalization card by saying everything can be done by a phone.
It's pretty clear here that you are not asking what you're missing with these retro handhelds' popularity.
It appears that you just came in here, already decided that retro handhelds are shit, and everything must be done via a phone. You started antagonizing everyone here and questioning their preferences (which is why you are ratioed so badly in this whole thread).
I will just say what others have said: you are not the intended audience of these devices.
Yes they are a lot more powerful and able to run more demanding emulators; They also run smoother.
There are a lot of options for turning a phone into a gaming device, you can use the controller laying around your home, which is free. Or you can purchase a device that clips to your phone like a switch controller for the cost of one of these handhelds. There is no problem carrying a controller and clip in your bag, none. Just because you are worried you might look like a loser is your problem, it's like you are trying to turn your personal fears into a selling point.
Just because the iPhone from 14 years ago has better specs!? Are you seriously arguing that people should purchase one of these handhelds because it can compete with an iPhone 4. I think you are looking at the wrong aspect of my argument, you were selling this device as a cheap alternative to an expensive modern phone. But I am pointing out that plenty of older phones sell used for cheaper and can compete with (and in many cases out perform) handheld consoles... You get that right?
Also doubt you tested a N64 emulator on an iPhone 4 decades ago since the device isn't that old. I think you just pulled that out of your ass to try and make a point lol.
Again you missed my point and assumed I am arguing someone should use an iPhone 4 over one of these things. When an iPhone 4 can compete with your handheld a cheap/used modern phone can easily exceed it. Way to cherry pick a sentence from a paragraph and ignore context.
It can be done by a phone for free... A point you fail to acknowledge over and over again. Everyone has a phone and they can all run emulators, so why would someone spend money on a device that can't even compete with their phones? An answer you have failed to provide.
It was actually the question I asked in my very first comment, and I have yet to receive a convincing argument from you (unless you count feeling awkward using a controller with your phone as a convincing point).
Asking why I should purchase one of these devices over using what I already have is a fair question, and being downvoted by fanboys who don't like being challenged on their purchases means nothing. Downvotes don't mean anything.
Apparently asking questions is not something the intended audience does.
Strawman. Carrying an external controller and clip might be feasible for some, but it adds extra steps and hassle compared to simply using a dedicated retro handheld that is always ready to use. The ease of quickly starting a game on a dedicated device cannot be matched by the multi-step setup required for phone gaming with external controllers.
Well so far you are failing with your point because I just did the math for you. Additionally, you are assuming everyone has a controller at home, which is a major flaw in your conclusion.
Even if older phones have better specs on paper, they still require additional accessories, setup, and often don't provide the same seamless, optimized experience that retro handhelds do.
These devices are designed specifically for gaming, offering convenience, ease of use, and a superior, uninterrupted experience that older phones can't match without extra hassle.
Well so far you have yet to prove that an iPhone 4 can play N64 with no frameskips. Aside from your iPhone 4 is x times more powerful trust me bro statement 🤡🤣
N64 On iPhone 4, iPad & Ipod Touch - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAjciWQ3pOQ
What did a video from a decade ago just appeared on youtube showing a laggy gameplay? I'd be damned!
Look, you're missing the point entirely and deflecting with straw man arguments. My argument isn't about specifically using an iPhone 4, but rather about the overall practicality and user experience.
Retro handhelds are designed for gaming with physical controls, optimized performance, and better battery life, making them far superior for gaming compared to juggling a phone, controller, and potential interruptions.
Your claim that a cheap used phone is automatically better ignores these crucial advantages and the hassle of setting up and configuring emulators. So let's stop cherry-picking details and face the facts: dedicated devices offer a streamlined, superior gaming experience.
Not everyone wants to juggle a phone and extra peripherals for a subpar experience. The reason people spend money on these devices is for convenience, ease of use, and a superior, uninterrupted gaming experience that their phones can't match. It's about quality, not just capability.
Something you fail to recognize from my answers and other people here's answers.
This was your original argument and now you are claiming it's turned to this.
When a device as old as an iphone 4 can draw comparisons to your handhold, a newer used phone can be bought on the cheap that can easily exceed your handhelds performance and battery life (the device in the article can die in 2 hours from a full charge! Wtf). You are just attempting to pivot away from that point by overly focusing on the Iphone 4s performance which is hilarious, no one is paying $300 bucks to get a phone that can compete with your handheld; not even $99; And if they did pay $300 they are getting a phone that will smoke your shitty little handhelds performance. Additionally I finished paper mario on my old iPhone 4 and it was fine.
When your imaginary 'poor man' has to choose between a gaming device or a phone that can do everything the gaming device can do and is also a phone. They will choose the phone every time. You have made an absolutely retarded argument trying to claim this device is the smart financial choice, its a fun luxury and that's being kind to it.
It is feasible, you're just exacerbating the issue in order to make a point. Either way you are carrying around a device that allows for gaming. But by choosing your handheld you are carrying a device that struggles to compete with the phone sitting in your pocket. You have less games, they will run worse and your screen is small and low res... But you feel awkward carrying a controller aww, better sacrifice performance to not feel like a loser 😭.
Enjoy having a limited catalogue and paying for it.
Every emulator I have ever downloaded comes pre configured and if you don't know how or don't want to adjust settings you don't have too, this is such a nothing point. Besides you are still downloading roms and having to transfer them to your device, when my phone 'streamlines' that experience by downloading the roms directly; no additional hardware required to access games.
Enjoy the hassle of not being able to update your game catalogue on the fly without resorting to using a computer or even your phone...
Because juggling a phone and a gaming device is so different to a controller that connects to your phone in some way. Additionally, I'd argue that a small screen and tiny controls that cramp my hands are far from a superior gaming experience.
Uninterrupted experience haha! You know your phone has aeroplane mode right? Once again you paid money for a phone you don't use... Bet you carry a camera around with you at all times for the same reason right? that uninterrupted photography experience can't be matched, and it has a greater ease of use and capability! Do you also carry a music player/iPod at all times for the same reason?
Feel free to reply, I am not going to read what you have to say. You pivot from your own arguments, create problems that don't exist, attempt to use your own insecurities as a selling point (people will look at me if i have a clip on-controller 😭) and you constantly ignore the fact that the average person already has a phone that can do everything this device can do and for free whilst claiming it's the cheaper option.
I am going to go play god of war or FF12 at with upscaling, bigger screen, a solid frame rate and play with the controller it was actually designed to be played with.
(Btw you are totally going to reply, you can't help yourself... dance puppet dance! 👏).