Coolest Electronic Gadget Owned: Top Picks

The coolest electronic gadget you can own right now is a portable retro handheld game console that plays thousands of classic games, because it combines nostalgia with modern convenience in a pocket-sized device. You load it with ROM files of old Nintendo, Sega, and arcade titles, and it outputs crisp pixel art on a bright IPS screen with responsive controls. This article explains what makes these devices so appealing, how they work, what to look for when buying one, and answers common questions about legality and performance.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average running pace and speed from a finish time and distance. The formula for pace is:

pace (min/km) = finish time (min) / distance (km)

And for speed:

speed (km/h) = distance (km) / (finish time (min) / 60)

Where finish time is in minutes, distance is in kilometers, pace is in minutes per kilometer, and speed is in kilometers per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

Pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km

Speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows an average pace of 5.00 min/km and an average speed of 12.00 km/h.

Why These Devices Are So Cool

Retro handhelds have exploded in popularity because they offer a huge library of games in a device that fits in your pocket. Unlike original consoles that require a TV and wired controllers, these gadgets have a built-in screen, battery, and controls. They also support save states, which let you pause any game and resume later—something the original hardware couldn’t do. For many people, the cool factor comes from the sheer variety: you can play a Game Boy title, a SNES classic, and a PlayStation game all on the same device.

How They Work

These handhelds are essentially small computers running an emulator—software that mimics the hardware of old consoles. The device’s CPU runs the emulator, which interprets the original game ROM (a digital copy of the cartridge) and sends video and audio to the screen and speakers. Most devices run on Linux or Android, and you load ROMs from a microSD card. The controls are mapped to physical buttons, and many models include analog sticks for 3D-era games. The screen is usually an IPS LCD with high brightness and good viewing angles, which makes pixel art look sharp.

How to Choose the Right One

When picking a retro handheld, consider these factors:

• Screen size and resolution – larger screens are better for text-heavy RPGs, but smaller ones are more portable.
• Supported consoles – some devices only handle 8-bit and 16-bit systems, while others can emulate PlayStation and Nintendo 64.
• Battery life – most last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the screen brightness and game.
• Build quality – check for comfortable buttons and a sturdy shell.
• Price – budget models start around $50, while premium ones cost over $200.

If you only want Game Boy and NES games, a cheap device is fine. If you want to play PlayStation 1 or PSP games, you need a more powerful model with at least 2GB of RAM.

Common Problems and Fixes

One frequent issue is that the device doesn’t recognize the microSD card—usually because it’s formatted as exFAT instead of FAT32. Reformat the card to FAT32 using a computer. Another problem is that games run too fast or too slow; this is often due to incorrect emulator settings. Go into the emulator’s options and adjust the frame skip or clock speed. If the device freezes, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown. Also, many devices come with a cheap charger; use a standard 5V/1A charger to avoid battery damage.

Comparisons: Budget vs. Premium

Budget handhelds (around $50–$80) usually have a 3-inch screen, a plastic body, and can handle up to 16-bit consoles. They are great for casual play but may have mushy buttons and poor speakers. Mid-range devices ($100–$150) offer larger screens, better ergonomics, and can emulate PlayStation and some Nintendo 64 games. Premium models ($200+) have metal bodies, high-resolution screens, and can run PSP and Dreamcast games smoothly. The choice depends on your budget and which game libraries you care about.

Costs and Where to Buy

Prices vary widely: a basic Anbernic RG35XX costs around $60, while a high-end AYN Odin 2 can exceed $300. You can buy them from online marketplaces like AliExpress, Amazon, or the manufacturer’s official store. Import taxes may apply depending on your country. Be wary of extremely cheap knockoffs that have poor screens and unreliable buttons. Also, factor in the cost of a good microSD card (around $15) and a card reader if your computer doesn’t have one.

Safety and Legality

Downloading ROMs for games you don’t own is legally questionable in most countries. The safest approach is to rip ROMs from cartridges you already own, using a device like a GB Operator. However, many enthusiasts download ROMs for abandonware—games no longer sold—but this is still technically copyright infringement. On the hardware side, these devices use lithium-ion batteries, so avoid leaving them in hot cars or charging with high-wattage chargers. Also, be careful with cheap chargers that may not have proper voltage regulation.

Alternatives to Retro Handhelds

If you don’t want a dedicated handheld, you can use a smartphone with a Bluetooth controller and an emulator app like RetroArch. This works well but has no physical buttons unless you buy a clip-on controller. Another option is the Nintendo Switch Online service, which offers a curated selection of NES, SNES, and N64 games legally. Or you can build a Raspberry Pi retro gaming console that plugs into your TV, which is a fun DIY project but not portable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are retro handhelds legal? The devices themselves are legal, but downloading ROMs of copyrighted games without owning the original is not. To stay legal, only use ROMs you have ripped from your own cartridges.

Can I play multiplayer games on these? Some devices support local multiplayer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but it’s limited. Most retro games were designed for single-player, so it’s not a major feature.

How long does the battery last? Typically 4 to 8 hours, depending on the screen brightness, volume, and the game’s complexity. Turn down brightness to extend battery life.

What is the best budget model? The Anbernic RG35XX is a popular choice at around $60, offering a 3.5-inch IPS screen and support for up to PlayStation 1 games.

Can I connect it to a TV? Many models have a mini HDMI port, so you can plug it into a TV for a bigger screen. Some also support Bluetooth controllers.

Do I need to install custom firmware? Most devices come with a usable operating system, but custom firmware like GarlicOS or ArkOS can improve the interface and add features like better save management.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2