Look, my life is a bit of a circus. I literally live in two different cities, about 350 miles apart, in two different countries. Every single week, I’m packing up my car and hitting the road. So, when it comes to gaming, I can’t be messing around. I need gear that’s ready to go, no matter where I am. And since my girlfriend is also a huge gamer, these aren’t just my toys—they’re our arsenal.
You might have heard about the “trifecta,” that perfect trio of devices everyone was talking about last year. My situation calls for a superfecta, a four-device squad that gives me the power to play pretty much anything, anywhere.
Here’s the lineup of my ultimate travel companions.
The King of My Pockets: TrimUI Brick
This little guy, the TrimUI Brick, is my absolute secret weapon. It’s tiny, maybe $50 to $70, but it packs a serious punch. It looks like a classic Game Boy, but it can play everything from your favorite retro stuff to PlayStation 1, N64, and even a little Dreamcast. Seriously.
It’s my go-to because it’s so small and feels so good in your hands. The back is metal, and the whole thing feels way more expensive than it is. While they just came out with an all-metal version, I’m sticking with this one—it’s perfect as is. You can even swap out the buttons and load custom software if you’re a tinkerer. It’s got Wi-Fi, supports achievements, and just works right out of the box.
If you’re looking for something similar, I’d also recommend the Anbernic RG35XXSP with its cool clamshell design, the Miyoo Mini +, or if you want to get a little fancier, the Retroid Pocket Classic with its beautiful OLED screen. They’re all awesome in their own way.
My Emulation Workhorse: Retroid Pocket 5
This is the one that changed the game for me. The Retroid Pocket 5 has a Snapdragon 865 processor, which is a beast for emulation. This thing can handle PlayStation 2 and GameCube games with upscaling, not to mention some Wii U, 3DS, and even a bit of Switch emulation.
It has a huge, gorgeous 5.5-inch 1080p OLED screen, and the best part? It has video out. I can connect it to a TV and use Bluetooth controllers, turning it into a full-on console wherever I am. It’s built like a tank and has become my primary device for all things emulation, even taking over from my Steam Deck. It’s the one I can’t leave home without.
The PC in My Backpack: Steam Deck
Oh, the Steam Deck! I got the base 64GB model when it first came out, and it’s been incredible. Having my entire PC game library in a handheld is just wild. It’s so comfortable to hold, and my girlfriend and I have put hundreds of hours into it. We’re on a quest to get four stars on every level of Overcooked, which is a pain, but we’re having a blast.
I used to do all my emulation on this, and it’s amazing how much you can do with it. I’ve got a huge collection of ROMs on an SD card, and I’m even upgrading the internal storage soon. It’s just so versatile.
For That Nintendo Fix: Nintendo Switch 2
Last but not least, I have my Nintendo Switch 2. I just bought it, and while I’m not playing it 24/7, I had to get it. My girlfriend is a huge Nintendo fan, so having access to all our favorite first-party games is a must. We play everything from Mario Kart to Donkey Kong Bonanza (which is amazing, by the way) on this thing. I can’t imagine traveling without a Switch. It just feels wrong.
I’m looking forward to when Metroid Prime 4, Kirby Air Riders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment come out later this year. Those are three games I’ll be buying and playing the second they’re available. I’ve even got a bunch of protective cases for it, so it’s ready for anything.
A Nod to the Classics: My Custom Game Boy
I also have to give a shout-out to my favorite piece of classic hardware. While it stays at home, my custom Game Boy Color is something else. I’ve modded it with an OLED screen and a bunch of other modern parts, and playing original Game Boy games on it feels unreal. The screen is so vibrant, and it still feels like the original hardware. I actually build and sell these on my website, shop.tynology.com. If you’re into that retro nostalgia with a modern twist, check them out—I even throw in a free case and some stickers with every order.
So yeah, four handhelds might sound like a lot, but when you’re always on the move and want to be ready for any gaming opportunity, it’s a necessity. What about you? How many handhelds do you travel with? Hit me up on X or Bluesky @tynology or @tynologygaming!
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