Tips from China: Luxury gaming consoles with OLED display cheaper than Switch. The community loves them!

Remember how as kids you longed for a PSP or Nintendo DS? Today, you can get a handheld that can do both, plus add PlayStation 2, GameCube, and many other consoles. In today’s Tips from China, we’ll show you four Android gaming handhelds that cost less than the Nintendo Switch itself, but surpass it in many aspects.

Why an Android handheld instead of a Switch?

Before we dive into specific models, let’s clarify why you should consider an Android handheld instead of a traditional console, such as the Nintendo Switch. The Switch (first-generation OLED) costs around 7-8 thousand CZK, with games costing 1,500 CZK each. In contrast, Android handhelds start at three thousand, you can play your own classics (if you own the originals), and one device can handle the catalog of dozens of different consoles.

Of course, the Switch has its advantages – exclusive Nintendo titles, seamless operation, and warranty service. But if you crave nostalgia and versatility, read on.

ANBERNIC RG505 – the gateway to the world of emulation for 2,853 CZK

Let’s start with the cheapest option. The ANBERNIC RG505 for 2,853 CZK is like the older brother of the original PlayStation Vita, but with much more power. The 4.95-inch OLED display comes directly from Vita’s stock, so PSP games run in perfect resolution without blurring.

At its heart is the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. That doesn’t sound like a rocket, but it’s enough for smooth gaming up to Dreamcast and PSP. PlayStation 2 and GameCube? Some games will run, but expect compromises in the form of reduced details or occasional stutters.

What the RG505 excels at is its 5000mAh battery with up to 8 hours of endurance. Hall effect joysticks mean you don’t have to worry about drift, and Android 12 opens the door to Google Play and all streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, although I personally would prefer at least Android 13 for potentially longer support.

Price: 2,853 CZK

MangMi Air X – surprise of the year for 3,070 CZK

You probably haven’t heard of the MangMi Air X, but this dark horse is worth paying attention to. For just 3,070 CZK, you get a 5.5-inch IPS display with Full HD resolution, which provides a sharper image than many competitors.

The surprise is the Snapdragon 662, which, while not the newest, outperforms more expensive MediaTek chipsets in emulation. Reviewers report flawless performance of 3DS games at native resolution, PSP titles run even at 3× resolution, and Nintendo 64 is described as “certified” – a feat only achieved by the Retroid Pocket 2S in this price category.

Battery life? Up to 6 hours of gaming, which isn’t a record, but still sufficient. The only criticism is slow charging – a full battery takes 100 minutes, which is a bit of a shame in 2025.

Price: 3,070 CZK

Retroid Pocket 5 – the community’s darling for 5,694 CZK

Let’s jump to the big leagues. The Retroid Pocket 5 is currently the most sought-after Android handheld on the market, and it’s not hard to see why. The Snapdragon 865 (the same as in top phones from 2020) ensures smooth performance for PS2, GameCube, and even some Switch games.

Reviews agree: “The best gaming handheld you can buy.” The OLED display is gorgeous, the 5000mAh battery lasts all day, and active cooling ensures stable performance even during demanding games. One owner writes: “Even PSP and GameCube emulate without issues. I’m also testing some Switch games, and it’s acceptable.”

Bonus? You can install Linux (ROCKNIX) on it and gain access to Xbox emulation via Xemu or hundreds of ported PC games via PortMaster. Available in four colors, including a nostalgic purple GameCube-style with a yellow joystick.

Price: 5,694 CZK

ANBERNIC RG557 – big display, bigger disappointment for 5,803 CZK

On paper, the ANBERNIC RG557 looks amazing – a 5.48-inch AMOLED display with 1920×1080 resolution, Android 14, and a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor that outperforms the Snapdragon 865 in benchmarks.

But the reality is different. MediaTek chipsets have chronic emulation issues – in tests, Super Mario Sunshine ran at half the speed compared to the weaker Retroid Pocket 5. Reddit is full of disappointed users: “Double the performance on paper, half the speed in practice.”

Another problem? The miniature analog sticks on such a large device look ridiculous. One reviewer summed it up: “I wanted it, now I don’t.” For a similar price, you’d better go for the Retroid.

However, if you primarily want to play Android titles that are better optimized for Dimensity, it’s a solid choice.

Price: 5,803 CZK

What to watch out for when choosing

The biggest trap lies in the processor type. Snapdragon = seamless emulation, MediaTek = lottery. Even if MediaTek has higher performance on paper, it often lags in real games due to missing drivers for Mali GPU.

The second thing is initial setup. Don’t expect to turn on the device and start playing immediately. You’ll need to download emulators, configure controls… Expect a few hours of work before everything functions as it should. Fortunately, the internet is full of useful guides.

And a final piece of advice – Hall effect joysticks are a must. Classic potentiometers, like those in the Nintendo Switch, will eventually start to drift. Hall sensors last for years without issues.

Do you have experience with Android handhelds?