RG Slide - The Coolest Retro Handheld I Don't Like Using
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Date: 2025-06-28
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Comments and reviews: 20
Biaanca5036
I miss actual, purpose-made, dedicated handheld games. Low resolution spritework, huge readable handpainted GUI menus, console dashboards, all of it.
It's no fun playing games that are obviously meant for a PC cause all the glaring GUI issues just feel wrong to me. I do love that yours has a 4: 3 screen instead of some random ultrawide panel though, that's cute!
But yeah. I'm poor, so my current 'portable' is the random WindowsXP laptop I have here. For all the nasty things people say about 20 year old laptop hardware it still maxes out PS1 games with performance to spare with its single-core pentium and the battery life is quite decent I love PS1 games a lot.
Recently, I even discovered the amazing logitech F710 exists and is still made brand-new - so now I have _CONTROLLER VIBRATION_ working on winME and winXP.
For no reason at all, having friggin controller vibration under win9x/ME just makes me laugh. like. as if it were a forbidden art or something xD
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I miss actual, purpose-made, dedicated handheld games. Low resolution spritework, huge readable handpainted GUI menus, console dashboards, all of it.
It's no fun playing games that are obviously meant for a PC cause all the glaring GUI issues just feel wrong to me. I do love that yours has a 4: 3 screen instead of some random ultrawide panel though, that's cute!
But yeah. I'm poor, so my current 'portable' is the random WindowsXP laptop I have here. For all the nasty things people say about 20 year old laptop hardware it still maxes out PS1 games with performance to spare with its single-core pentium and the battery life is quite decent I love PS1 games a lot.
Recently, I even discovered the amazing logitech F710 exists and is still made brand-new - so now I have _CONTROLLER VIBRATION_ working on winME and winXP.
For no reason at all, having friggin controller vibration under win9x/ME just makes me laugh. like. as if it were a forbidden art or something xD
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djdoo
I had a SAGEM dumb phone back in 2008 I guess, It was so damn satisfying to answer the call by sliding the screen upwards, it gave me a very hightech feeling of the era and the device itself looked really neat was small and very practical. One day the ribbon flex cable cut and screen stopped working rendering it useless I was really sad. But it was pretty old and deprecated by then and I replaced it anyway with something newer the line provider company had for offer discount with contract signing.
About the device you presented here I really don't like the full white color and find the key layout weird as you mentioned, also the price is really high for our poor salaries here in Greece, and seems to me more like a beta product that has a long way to go to develop properly. Cheers!
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I had a SAGEM dumb phone back in 2008 I guess, It was so damn satisfying to answer the call by sliding the screen upwards, it gave me a very hightech feeling of the era and the device itself looked really neat was small and very practical. One day the ribbon flex cable cut and screen stopped working rendering it useless I was really sad. But it was pretty old and deprecated by then and I replaced it anyway with something newer the line provider company had for offer discount with contract signing.
About the device you presented here I really don't like the full white color and find the key layout weird as you mentioned, also the price is really high for our poor salaries here in Greece, and seems to me more like a beta product that has a long way to go to develop properly. Cheers!
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StevoBortzLevel99
Finding a comfortable retro handheld has been such a joy of a journey over the past two years, seeing just the sheer mass of variety in designs, capabilities, and gimmicks. Until the tariffs hit, it was an extremely reasonably priced tinkerer's hobby, especially during the pandemic and as an alternative to things like the Pi, which suffered from huge demand price increases.
Say what you will about the amount of ewaste these things generate (there's always the compulsion to look for just one more, it's a pretty exciting time for a retro gamer, and I really appreciate Clint reviewing a device I was initially interested in.
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Finding a comfortable retro handheld has been such a joy of a journey over the past two years, seeing just the sheer mass of variety in designs, capabilities, and gimmicks. Until the tariffs hit, it was an extremely reasonably priced tinkerer's hobby, especially during the pandemic and as an alternative to things like the Pi, which suffered from huge demand price increases.
Say what you will about the amount of ewaste these things generate (there's always the compulsion to look for just one more, it's a pretty exciting time for a retro gamer, and I really appreciate Clint reviewing a device I was initially interested in.
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anon_y_mousse
Sliding mechanisms are cool, but I'd still prefer a flip mechanism. My mom had one of those phones that slid up and she used it to text, a lot. However, what I'd love to see in a handheld is a form factor like a regular controller, but that collapses down into a pocketable size with the screen flipping from a back hinge. I've been working on a design, but I can't seem to find the right mechanism to collapse it. Maybe I should figure out how slider mechanisms actually work, because it might work well for the grips and the shoulder covers when pocketing.
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Sliding mechanisms are cool, but I'd still prefer a flip mechanism. My mom had one of those phones that slid up and she used it to text, a lot. However, what I'd love to see in a handheld is a form factor like a regular controller, but that collapses down into a pocketable size with the screen flipping from a back hinge. I've been working on a design, but I can't seem to find the right mechanism to collapse it. Maybe I should figure out how slider mechanisms actually work, because it might work well for the grips and the shoulder covers when pocketing.
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NimhLabs
I wonder if there will be any 3d printed grips that come out for this device Or 3d prints to improve issues with the shoulder buttons So far. not seeing much for mods with a quick search. buuuuuut. that might a bit premature
Do kind of want to grab it and run TrinketOS on it
I will note that the lack of NFC support on the device means that I cannot do stuff with my virtual pets using it. Would not mind a device like this that can interact with the various virtual pets out there that require an Android or Apple iOS device to fully function
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I wonder if there will be any 3d printed grips that come out for this device Or 3d prints to improve issues with the shoulder buttons So far. not seeing much for mods with a quick search. buuuuuut. that might a bit premature
Do kind of want to grab it and run TrinketOS on it
I will note that the lack of NFC support on the device means that I cannot do stuff with my virtual pets using it. Would not mind a device like this that can interact with the various virtual pets out there that require an Android or Apple iOS device to fully function
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MrMega200
What this needs is the triggers and the plastic grips of the RG Cube XX model, perhaps slightly bigger grips. I had that neat see through model you showed before and I had to return it because my arthritis and carpel tunnel was super mad at me at any length of time that I used or gamed with it despite absolutely loving the purple see through Nintendo look of it. Proper ergonomics makes a massive difference for me no matter the form factor as my hands cramp up without it. The Slide looks great but for those reasons I wouldn't buy it.
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What this needs is the triggers and the plastic grips of the RG Cube XX model, perhaps slightly bigger grips. I had that neat see through model you showed before and I had to return it because my arthritis and carpel tunnel was super mad at me at any length of time that I used or gamed with it despite absolutely loving the purple see through Nintendo look of it. Proper ergonomics makes a massive difference for me no matter the form factor as my hands cramp up without it. The Slide looks great but for those reasons I wouldn't buy it.
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aschtheconjurer
I wasn't interested in handheld gaming devices for the longest time, because I had my cellphone which can handle any retro platform I'd play on the go, with a Bluetooth controller.
But then I found out about Anbernic, hesitantly bought one of their cheaper models (CubeXX) to see what they're like, and I definitely got my money's worth.
Definitely do wanna look into their bigger beefier models in the future, though, mostly for the comfort factor Clint mentioned (I'm 6ft4 with giant hands.
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I wasn't interested in handheld gaming devices for the longest time, because I had my cellphone which can handle any retro platform I'd play on the go, with a Bluetooth controller.
But then I found out about Anbernic, hesitantly bought one of their cheaper models (CubeXX) to see what they're like, and I definitely got my money's worth.
Definitely do wanna look into their bigger beefier models in the future, though, mostly for the comfort factor Clint mentioned (I'm 6ft4 with giant hands.
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JediMB
Glad to hear Sony's patent has lapsed and see sliding screen gaming devices finally becoming a thing again.
I'd absolutely love something like this with full phone functionality to replace my current smartphone with in a few years. Without bloat like AI stuff. _(Though having a screen-reader/translation button that just uses regular software would be nice. Heck, just something that helps with kanji pronunciation without having to manually reference a dictionary would be cool for Japanese games)_
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Glad to hear Sony's patent has lapsed and see sliding screen gaming devices finally becoming a thing again.
I'd absolutely love something like this with full phone functionality to replace my current smartphone with in a few years. Without bloat like AI stuff. _(Though having a screen-reader/translation button that just uses regular software would be nice. Heck, just something that helps with kanji pronunciation without having to manually reference a dictionary would be cool for Japanese games)_
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DarKnightKilla13
I still have both my Sidekick iD (which did the spinny-roo to open the screen, and my Motorola Sidekick. Same color, purple as you showed. Those Sidekicks sucked, lol, Motorola tried so hard, got so far, and it definitely didn't matter. The iD was cool though, first smartphone beyond the Sidekick 3 and had actual webservice. Also, Sidekick were known for their texting and compatibilities with hearing aids. so many Deaf and Hard of Hearing had them. I should know, my Mom is an Interpreter.
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I still have both my Sidekick iD (which did the spinny-roo to open the screen, and my Motorola Sidekick. Same color, purple as you showed. Those Sidekicks sucked, lol, Motorola tried so hard, got so far, and it definitely didn't matter. The iD was cool though, first smartphone beyond the Sidekick 3 and had actual webservice. Also, Sidekick were known for their texting and compatibilities with hearing aids. so many Deaf and Hard of Hearing had them. I should know, my Mom is an Interpreter.
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RandomBoy-d7i
I will never understand the idea of sliding thingies. The 3DS layout is a million time better, the screen is protected without the need of accessory whatsoever. I don't get why would you do a complicated sliding system that most probably will scratch your device and collect gunk while leaving the screen expose to scratches. The Switch losing the protective cover provided by the 3DS controllers and second screen was a terrible downgrade, and adding a sliding component seems even worse.
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I will never understand the idea of sliding thingies. The 3DS layout is a million time better, the screen is protected without the need of accessory whatsoever. I don't get why would you do a complicated sliding system that most probably will scratch your device and collect gunk while leaving the screen expose to scratches. The Switch losing the protective cover provided by the 3DS controllers and second screen was a terrible downgrade, and adding a sliding component seems even worse.
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JasonLihani
I really love the idea of emulation handhelds but I have a hacked Switch and PsVita and they do emulation so well, in addition to their own first party games, that I've never really considered them. Like, Burnout Legends runs perfectly on the Switch and the Vita but then can also switch over to BOTW or Persona or whatever. And both cost the same/less in town at a used game shop. Plus the Vita has amazing android ports like GTASA or Dead Space which run at full speed.
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I really love the idea of emulation handhelds but I have a hacked Switch and PsVita and they do emulation so well, in addition to their own first party games, that I've never really considered them. Like, Burnout Legends runs perfectly on the Switch and the Vita but then can also switch over to BOTW or Persona or whatever. And both cost the same/less in town at a used game shop. Plus the Vita has amazing android ports like GTASA or Dead Space which run at full speed.
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lazygamereviews
Beginning of last year, I started my handheld emulator journey with an anbernic rg505. Loved the device but upgraded to an Odin2 pro mini. I went with the Odin mini because of the Ps2 vita-like form factor. Now, I really want a handheld in the game boy advance sp form factor but I keep seeing videos about the slide. Will have to wait for either but my wants to kill me over this new hobby of mine. Hopefully, they will have a slide 2 out before I look to buy.
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Beginning of last year, I started my handheld emulator journey with an anbernic rg505. Loved the device but upgraded to an Odin2 pro mini. I went with the Odin mini because of the Ps2 vita-like form factor. Now, I really want a handheld in the game boy advance sp form factor but I keep seeing videos about the slide. Will have to wait for either but my wants to kill me over this new hobby of mine. Hopefully, they will have a slide 2 out before I look to buy.
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MistahJigglah
I'll be surprised if we dont start to see tactile controls and input/output becoming more common again. There are many things a flat panel/voice recognition just don't do well, or can't do at all, and there are an increasing number of people, especially younger people, who would rather not even have a dedicated pc/laptop if possible.
Those two Venn circles overlap into a ripe market for well designed tactile controls.
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I'll be surprised if we dont start to see tactile controls and input/output becoming more common again. There are many things a flat panel/voice recognition just don't do well, or can't do at all, and there are an increasing number of people, especially younger people, who would rather not even have a dedicated pc/laptop if possible.
Those two Venn circles overlap into a ripe market for well designed tactile controls.
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lazygamereviews
I find it commendable when a reviewer isn't afraid to mention things they don't like about a product that has been given to them by the company that made it. I would be terrified personally, like of course I'd want to be 100 percent honest, but I mean, the fact that a company gave me the product would make me feel like a dick for saying bad things about it, even though it's obviously not dickish behavior.
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I find it commendable when a reviewer isn't afraid to mention things they don't like about a product that has been given to them by the company that made it. I would be terrified personally, like of course I'd want to be 100 percent honest, but I mean, the fact that a company gave me the product would make me feel like a dick for saying bad things about it, even though it's obviously not dickish behavior.
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crillekrosss
BUG! for Saturn, holy crap. Remember playing the PC version on my first windows 95 PC back in 1997 something, did something weird with the resolution ingame so that my Windows got stuck in a super low res and my mom got mad at me so we had to turn it in to a local computer guy just to change it back to 800x600. :D Great game tho, played it a little myself on retroarch a few months back. Great video!
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BUG! for Saturn, holy crap. Remember playing the PC version on my first windows 95 PC back in 1997 something, did something weird with the resolution ingame so that my Windows got stuck in a super low res and my mom got mad at me so we had to turn it in to a local computer guy just to change it back to 800x600. :D Great game tho, played it a little myself on retroarch a few months back. Great video!
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maleiaty
The biggest problem is that the entire need for the slide up design, is purely practical. So that the device could still be used as a phone when not gaming. So without that need, it's a lot of what's the point I do get that it likely fits in the hands for many people. I know that I really want something like this, but, I only care to have it also as a phone, and not just a gaming device.
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The biggest problem is that the entire need for the slide up design, is purely practical. So that the device could still be used as a phone when not gaming. So without that need, it's a lot of what's the point I do get that it likely fits in the hands for many people. I know that I really want something like this, but, I only care to have it also as a phone, and not just a gaming device.
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SuperFriendBFG
I miss my Xperia Play. That phone deserved a 2nd iteration to iron out the kinks. It was always a somewhat awkward form factor to hold for extended periods, and it's unfortunate that it never got the chance to evolve much either. Holding the device wasn't all that great in the end, but it was sure as hell better than any other hybrid Smartphone / Gaming device at the time.
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I miss my Xperia Play. That phone deserved a 2nd iteration to iron out the kinks. It was always a somewhat awkward form factor to hold for extended periods, and it's unfortunate that it never got the chance to evolve much either. Holding the device wasn't all that great in the end, but it was sure as hell better than any other hybrid Smartphone / Gaming device at the time.
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Jnes01
So close and yet so far summarizes most of these Chinese handhelds. There is a strong belief in the fan base that these devices have deliberate flaws that keep you buying more of them. Then the next iteration fixes some flaws but adds others. Replacement batteries are also not available is most cases so the device must be shipped back to the company, which is very costly.
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So close and yet so far summarizes most of these Chinese handhelds. There is a strong belief in the fan base that these devices have deliberate flaws that keep you buying more of them. Then the next iteration fixes some flaws but adds others. Replacement batteries are also not available is most cases so the device must be shipped back to the company, which is very costly.
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thecrazedside
man i wish those phones with those slide out controls didnt go away, trying to play gta or any of these games on a touch screen phone is awful. i remember being excited by the idea of playing these games on a phone and now that i can, its just meh, an awful experience. only games that i can say i actually enjoy playing on a phone is racing with those tilt controls
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man i wish those phones with those slide out controls didnt go away, trying to play gta or any of these games on a touch screen phone is awful. i remember being excited by the idea of playing these games on a phone and now that i can, its just meh, an awful experience. only games that i can say i actually enjoy playing on a phone is racing with those tilt controls
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snoogabean
I feel like the extra size defeata the purpose of the slide.
Honestly I miss when portable gaming systems were. you know. portable and actually fit in your pocket.
Systems like the Switch or the Steam deck I can only lug around if I have a backpack with me. At that point I can't be bothered.
Definitely would have preferred a PSP go size for this.
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I feel like the extra size defeata the purpose of the slide.
Honestly I miss when portable gaming systems were. you know. portable and actually fit in your pocket.
Systems like the Switch or the Steam deck I can only lug around if I have a backpack with me. At that point I can't be bothered.
Definitely would have preferred a PSP go size for this.
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