Choose a handheld

If you were after the more powerful (and expensive) x86-based handhelds, click here.

If you're after a more general introduction to handhelds, I strongly recommend giving https://retrogamecorps.com/ or https://www.rghandhelds.com/ a visit. Do note those websites focus more on handhelds in general, not Batocera, so the software included there is not supported here. This wiki page focuses solely on Batocera's compatible handhelds.

Console generations are referenced a lot throughout this. In no particular order:

There's more but that's the gist. In terms of power required to run, consider handhelds to be a generation and a half behind consoles.

See AYN board details

The Ayn Odin Base/Pro is a Snapdragon-powered Android-based gaming handheld. Explicitly not the Odin Lite, as that uses a different CPU which is incompatible with Batocera.

Pro-specific features indicated after the slash.

• Snapdragon SD845 Quad-core Kyro Silver at 1.8 GHz/Gold at 2.8 GHz
• Ardeno 630 at 787 MHz
• 5.98“ 1920×1080 16:9 IPS touch display
• 4/8 GB RAM
• Stacked shoulder buttons/analog triggers
• Two clickable sticks
• Two additional back function keys
• Dedicated hotkey
• 64/128 GB internal storage
• SD card slot
• USB C port
• HDMI port
• Stereo speakers
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on bottom)
• Volume rocker
• Rumble

A collection of devices using the Rockchip RK3568 in various form-factors.

Supported devices:

• Anbernic RG-Arc-D
• Anbernic RG-Arc-S
• Anbernic RG353M
• Anbernic RG353P
• Anbernic RG353PS
• Anbernic RG353V
• Anbernic RG353VS
• Anbernic RG503

Devices running Android on the internal EMMC storage will no longer be supported with Batocera v42 or later.

The installed bootloader is not compatible with later Linux Kernels.

Therefore you will need to wipe the Android partition to boot into Batocera.

Instructions

WARNING - This will remove Android completely from your device.

• Install ADB on your computer if you don't already have it. See this guide: https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
• Power off the device and ensure the all sdcards are ejected
• Hold down power and volume down to get into Android recovery
• Connect the device to your computer via USB using the “DC” port on the device.
• Switch ADB into root mode using `adb root`. Note: You may get a timeout error here, continue on anyway.
• If you would like a backup of your Android partition, run `adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0 android.img`
• Then, get to an ADB shell with the `adb shell` command.
• Wipe the internal EMMC Android partition using: `dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/mmcblk0 bs=4M`
• This will take a few minutes and when it is done you will get an “out of space” message. This is normal.
• Exit the ADB shell using `exit`
• Insert your Batocera SD card, and run `adb reboot` to reboot the device.
• You should now be booting Batocera using the new standard bootloader.

Note: Support also includes Powkiddy branded devices using the same image:

• Powkiddy RGB10MAX3
• Powkiddy RGB30
• Powkiddy RK2023

A premium (for ARM at least) handheld using the next gen RK3399 ARM CPU. Is capable of running both Android and Linux operating systems, using an active fan to keep the system cool (this can be disconnected if you prefer silence ). It features high-quality build materials and is around the same form-factor as the Odroid Go Super.

• 5.36” 1920×1152 5:3 IPS display
• Internal Wi-Fi
• Two clickable sticks
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• One additional function key (on bottom)
• 64GB internal eMMC storage
• Two SD card slots
• Two USB C ports
• HDMI port
• Stereo speakers
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• Volume rocker
• Rumble

Identical to the RockPro64, as that's what it is essentially.

Although no official build supports this device yet, an unofficial build is available at this Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/PiBoy/comments/ncepzh/batocera_proof_of_concept/

The uploader has been maintaining this image for a while year so far as of writing.

The culmination of the RG351P and RG351M, using a superior 640×480 screen. Has an operating system with EmulationStation installed by default so moving to Batocera's EmulationStation should feel familiar. Praised for its superb build quality.

Neo Geo Pocket-inspired form-factor. Has some minor build quality issues (non-OCA screen, wobbly face buttons) but those issues can largely be ignored. Supported since v32. Plastic shell; comes in tan, green or orange.

• 1.5GHz RK3326 CPU
• 3.45“ 640×480 IPS display
• Internal Wi-Fi
• Two non-clickable sticks
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• Backlit buttons (optional)
• Two additional function hotkeys (can be used for L3/R3 or volume)
• One SD card slot
• One USB C port
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• Stereo speakers
• No volume buttons (can be scripted to function buttons)
• Rumble

The 4:3 aspect screen lends itself to the systems it does well. Performs nearly identically to the Odroid Go Advance. It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS.

The upgraded version of the Powkiddy RGB10, featuring the same CPU. Build quality is great. Comes in black, orange or black-with-white-buttons.

A later model with a new shell (noticeably higher build quality) and refined buttons (notably stacked shoulder buttons instead of aligned ones) was released, called the RGB10 Max 2.

• 1.5GHz RK3326 CPU
• 5” 854×480 IPS display
• Internal Wi-Fi
• Wi-Fi on/off switch
• Two clickable sticks
• Aligned (stacked on Max 2) L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• Two additional function keys
• One SD card slot
• Two USB C ports
• Mono speaker (despite there being grills for two)
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• Volume rocker

3x integer scale for GBA games uses the entire height of the screen. Despite switching to a 16:9 screen, performance is the same as the RGB10 non-Max. Most systems you run will be 4:3, you can use “core-provided” aspect ratio to use black borders. It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS. Here's a demonstration video by Sonic Love Emulation.

Not to be confused with the RG351P/M, which use an entirely different form factor. The long-awaited upgrade to the original RG300, uses the Game Boy-inspired shell with the internals of the RG351P. Slightly larger than a Game Boy Color. Has an operating system with EmulationStation installed by default so moving to Batocera's EmulationStation should feel familiar. Praised for its superb build quality. Plastic shell; comes in translucent grey, white or with a wood grain pattern.

• 1.5GHz RK3326 CPU
• 3.5“ 640×480 IPS display
• Internal WiFi
• One clickable stick
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• One additional function button (can be used for Hotkey)
• Two SD card slots
• Two USB C ports
• Mono speaker
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on bottom)
• Volume rocker

Its 4:3 aspect ratio display lends itself well to 2x upscaling PS1 games. Performs nearly identically to the Odroid Go Advance. It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS.

Not to be confused with the RG350P/RG350M, as it uses different architecture internally. Has an operating system with EmulationStation installed by default so moving to Batocera's EmulationStation should feel familiar. Praised for its superb build quality. The P (plastic) version comes in three colors, whereas the M (metal) version comes in silver or metallic red.

• 1.3-1.5GHz RK3326 CPU
• 3.5” 480×320 IPS display
• Internal WiFi (M model only)
• Two clickable sticks
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• A single SD card slot
• Two USB C ports
• Stereo speakers
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• Volume wheel
• Rumble

Its 3:2 aspect ratio screen perfectly upscales GBA at 2x integer resolution, but other systems may have black borders, shrinking the screen size a little. Performs nearly identically to the Odroid Go Advance. It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS.

A larger revision of the Odroid Go Advance, still using the same CPU at the same clock. Around the same size as the Switch Lite. There are still some minor build quality issues, but they can be largely ignored. Plastic shell; comes in translucent or grey.

• 1.3GHz RK3326 CPU
• 5“ 854×480 IPS display
• No internal Wi-Fi
• Two non-clickable sticks
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• Four additional function buttons (can be used for L3/R3 and Hotkey)
• One SD card slot
• A USB C port and a full-sized (!) USB 2.0 port
• Mono speaker
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• Volume rocker

Despite switching to a 16:9 screen ratio and adding a right stick, the device still performs nearly identically to the Odroid Go Advance. It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS. Here's a demonstration video by LOE TECH.

Basically a more polished version of the Odroid Go Advance/RK2020. Build quality is great. The metal shell comes in metallic black. The plastic shell comes in black, grey or yellow.

• 1.5GHz RK3326 CPU
• 3.5” 480×320 IPS display
• No internal Wi-Fi
• One non-clickable stick
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• Two additional function keys (can be used for L3 and Hotkey)
• One SD card slot
• A USB C port and a full-sized (!) USB 2.0 port
• Mono speaker
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• No dedicated volume keys (can be added via scripting)

Performs nearly identically to the Odroid Go Advance. It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS. Here's a demonstration video by Sonic Love Emulation.

Basically a pre-assembled version of the Odroid Go Advance. Some would say a “clone”. First production units had a battery issue, but this was resolved in later manufacturing runs. Build quality is kind of crummy (visible seams, no passive heatsink) but is slightly better than that of the Odroid Go Advance. The plastic shell comes in translucent indigo or translucent black. The metal shell comes in black.

• 1.3GHz RK3326 CPU
• 480×320 IPS display
• No internal Wi-Fi
• One non-clickable stick
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital)
• One SD card slot
• A USB C port and a full-sized (!) USB 2.0 port
• Mono speaker
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• No volume buttons

Performs identically to the Odroid Go Advance. It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS.

A do-it-yourself assembly case for the Odroid Go Advance board. Not to be confused with the Odroid Go, which uses a much weaker board and a Game Boy inspired form-factor. The original had a translucent case that could be easily dyed, the later v2 revision only came in black (and thus is referred to as the “Black” edition). The build quality of the original is kind of crummy (visible seams, no passive heatsink), but was improved with Black edition. The easiest handheld to physically modify due to compatibility with other button sets/ease of dyeing.

• 1.3GHz RK3326 CPU
• 480×320 TFT display
• Internal Wi-Fi (Black edition only)
• One non-clickable stick
• Aligned L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons (digital) (L2/R2 added in Black edition only)
• Four additional function buttons (can be used for L3/R3 and Hotkey)
• One SD card slot
• One USB C port (v1 has barrel jack) and a full-sized (!) USB 2.0 port
• Mono speaker
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on top)
• No volume buttons (can be scripted to function buttons)

Some people find the constantly flashing LEDs to be very intrusive. Here's how to turn them off:

This command will turn the blue LED to MicroSD card access:

echo mmc0 > /sys/bus/platform/drivers/leds-gpio/gpio_leds/leds/blue:heartbeat/trigger

and following one will turn it off completely:

echo none > /sys/bus/platform/drivers/leds-gpio/gpio_leds/leds/blue:heartbeat/trigger

To execute this code automatically at each startups, just put it on a text file and save it as /userdata/system/custom.sh

Credit to neko on the forums for this tip.

It is capable of 5th gen and below well, though N64 has issues with specific games. Has very limited PSP support, some 2D games run well but 3D games are hit-or-miss. Dreamcast is “playable”, but sub 40FPS. Most current handhelds use the same chipset at this board and thus has very similar performance to it.

This case is essentially a Raspberry Pi Zero inside of a Game Boy-inspired case, and its performance is identical to the Raspberry Pi Zero. The first handheld supported officially by Batocera! Keep in mind that you will need to either buy one with a Pi Zero already installed or provide the Pi Zero yourself (without soldered pins)! May also be compatible with the CM3+ mod, but that has yet to be implemented/tested. Build quality is exceptional. The plastic shell comes in grey.

You can install the script to be able to use its power button by following the instructions on this page.

• 1GHz ARM CPU
• 2.8“ 320×240 IPS display
• Internal Wi-Fi (Pi Zero W only)
• Stealthy L and R buttons
• A single SD card slot
• Two micro-USB ports
• Mono speaker
• 3.5mm headphone jack (on bottom)
• Volume wheel
• 3xAA battery powered

Performance is identical to the Raspberry Pi Zero, ie. it can do up to 4th gen consoles at full speed (with the help of some lesser-than-accurate emulators). 5th gen consoles is a stretch but possible with optimization of settings. Unfortunately it's missing some buttons/sticks for all later the systems it can run, but that can be worked around on a per-game basis or it might not matter at all if you only intend on playing 5th gen portable handheld games and below.

This is one of the most capable ARM-based handhelds, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC.

• 2.8GHz SD865 CPU
• Adreno 650 GPU
• RAM RPMini: 6GB LPDDR4 - Pocket 5: 8GB LPDDR4
• AMOLED Screen RPMini: 4:3 1280×960 (3.7 inches) - Pocket5: 16:9 1920×1080 (5.5 inches)
• Internal Wi-Fi 6 and BT 5.1
• 3D hall sticks
• Analog L2/R2
• Dynamic active cooling (qcom-fan Batocera tool)

On the Retroid Pocket Mini, keep the [VOL +] button pressed at boot time, the Retroid device will get you to a Uboot screen. Within the Uboot menu, click the [VOL -] button to go to the second item, and press [POWER] next to the volume buttons to select.

On the Retroid Pocket 5, keeping [VOL +] or [VOL -] pressed from a cold boot might not work, but in that case, it usually works after a reboot (from the Android menu).

The first boot will take some time, with the screen staying black, while the partition is resized to your SDCard (how long it takes will depend on the size and access speed of your SDCard).

How to automatically boot into Batocera / skip Android?

• Boot Android
• Hold down the power button (on-screen buttons appear)
• Tap Restart on the screen
• Hold [VOL -] button while it reboots (this opens the 'Loader' menu)
• Use [VOL +/-] to go to 'Switch Boot mode'
• Tap the power button ('BOOT MODE' now says 'Loader' instead of 'Android')
• Use [VOL +/-] to go to 'Start'
• Tap the power button to reboot.

Now the Retroid Pocket will always boot from the SDcard. If you want to go back to Android, you need to restart Batocera while holding down the [VOL -] button and change 'Switch Boot mode' back to Android.

You can emulate up to 6th gen consoles. The screen of the RPMini with its 4:3 aspect ratio is particularly comfortable for older systems.