I’m planning to make a handheld emulator as a gift for a friend. They’re specifically interested in playing N64 games, but I’d like something that can handle older Game Boy games and maybe even GameCube. Should I buy a pre-made device, root a phone or tablet, or go for something like a Raspberry Pi or a mini PC? I’m familiar with rooting phones, building computers, and homebrew, but I’ve never dedicated a device just for this. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I’ve dabbled quite a bit with emulation setups, especially for retro consoles, and for your situation, I’d definitely suggest starting with a Raspberry Pi 4. It’s surprisingly capable when it comes to N64 and older titles, and paired with RetroPie, it offers a clean, organized interface.
You can even find custom handheld cases designed specifically for it-turning it into a true DIY handheld emulator. It’s super customizable, relatively affordable, and there’s a huge community behind it, so getting help or new ideas is easy.
Totally agree with Priyanka on the Raspberry Pi being a strong base. I’ve been into building mini systems for years, and if you’re looking for a step up in terms of polish and performance, you might want to check out the GPD Win 3.
It’s basically a full Windows PC in a handheld form, and it runs even GameCube games smoothly-so you’re covered well beyond the N64 era. It’s definitely more expensive than a Pi, but for a gift, the premium feel and power might be worth it. Plus, you still get a versatile handheld emulator that can double as a mini laptop in a pinch.
Yep, been tinkering with these kinds of devices for a while, and honestly, if your priority is ease-of-use and portability-especially since it’s a gift-I’d consider an Android-based handheld emulator like the Anbernic RG405M or even the Retroid Pocket 4.
These come pre-assembled, often pre-configured, and look and feel like retro handhelds. Emulation performance is solid up to GameCube in many cases, and setup is minimal. Plus, with Android, your friend can install other apps, stream games, or even pair a Bluetooth controller if needed. It’s a plug-and-play experience that still keeps things flexible.