2GB to 512MB: Why Retro Handheld RAM Keeps Shrinking
Anbernic quietly cut the RG34XXSP's RAM from 2GB to 512MB in four months, and it's not the only retro handheld maker cutting corners as a global DRAM shortage hits budget hardware.
Anbernic quietly cut the RG34XXSP's RAM from 2GB to 512MB in four months, and it's not the only retro handheld maker cutting corners as a global DRAM shortage hits budget hardware.
Seven retro handhelds from $44 to $339, each the right pick for a specific use case. From the pocketable Miyoo Mini Plus to the Retroid Pocket 6's PS2 and GameCube capability.
The Anbernic RG40XXV costs $67.99 and has a 4-inch screen. The Miyoo Flip V2 is $89.99 and folds shut like a Game Boy Advance SP. Both play PS1 and N64 without breaking a sweat. The only real question is which form factor fits your life.
The Retroid Pocket 6 costs $229 and weighs 320g. The AYN Odin 3 starts at $339 and weighs 390g. Both run AMOLED panels at 120Hz, and both handle PS2 and GameCube. Here is what that $110 difference actually buys you in 2026.
Nintendo Switch 2 has sold nearly 20 million units in its first year. Steam Deck OLED costs $789 and runs 19,000 games on SteamOS. Two very different handhelds, one very common question: which one should you actually buy?