r/SBCGaming • u/hermitpaintss • 10h ago

Recommend a Device Recommend a device

I want a dedicated handheld where the physical design is part of the full gaming experience.
For example, the dual screens of Donkey Kong Game & Watch, or the left and right buttons on Ball and Vermin, which are functional parts of the gameplay itself.

The device’s form and controls are designed specifically around that one game, rather than being a generic handheld running software.
Ideally,
I want something pocketable, with excellent battery life and one or two simple, endlessly replayable action games that I can pick up and play instantly.

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2

u/toasted_barley 10h ago

Besides the Playdate, check out the Tetris MicroCard by Arduboy or Nintendo's 2020/2021 Super Mario Bros. and Zelda color Game & Watch reissues. The MicroCard is a solid aluminum credit-card-sized handheld dedicated exclusively to a single game of Tetris that boots in under a second, and the Mario and Zelda Game & Watch units include full remakes of Ball and Vermin with instant wake and crazy long battery life.

1

u/hermitpaintss 10h ago

Where can I get arduboy tetris microcard

1

u/toasted_barley 9h ago

The original licensed Tetris MicroCard was a limited batch so it mostly pops up secondhand on eBay now (or under Super Impulse's "Micro Arcade" Tetris card, which uses the same hardware design), but arduboy.com has the newer Arduboy FX in stock right now. A really cool trick with the Arduboy FX is that whatever game you last picked stays flashed in the main microcontroller chip, so every time you flick the power switch on, it boots straight into that single game in under a second without showing a menu unless you hold the down button.

4

u/Slightly-Blasted 10h ago

Bro described the playdate with pinpoint precision

That is the closest you’ll get.

1

u/Scarydotexe 10h ago

I think anything that can emulate 3DS or DS is what you are looking for. Now the good thing for you is that 2026 has been the year of the Dual screens and you are spoiled for choice. Sadly, I can’t comment on what’s good and not as I’m a mainly GBA player but thought I’d offer that suggestion.

1

u/atiradeonfrs62 10h ago

RG DS Plus, with Gamma OS

1

u/bharikeemat 10h ago

Budget? Retroid duo seems perfect