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Are there any sub-$200 handhelds out there that smoothly run Game Cube games? (lemmy.world)
submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by lemmy_acct_id_8647@lemmy.world to c/retrogaming@lemmy.world
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I’ve been REALLY wanting to play LoZ: Wind Waker again and I keep seeing mixed things about hardware capabilities. Can anyone recommend a handheld under $200 that can smoothly handle Game Cube games? I know there are more expensive ones but I really can’t afford them. I mean. I can’t afford a $200 one, but I might be able to rationalize it to myself.

Edit: I was going to go ahead and pick up the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro after so many recommendations for it. Then I saw the Retroid Pocket 5. Well, let’s just say my poor decision making skills will make not having money future me’s problem, but she’ll also have a Retroid Pocket 5 to comfort her lol. Thanks for the input friends!

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[-] usualsuspect191@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 months ago

You can just use your phone and a Bluetooth controller. You might even already own both so it's basically free

[-] caseyweederman@lemmy.ca 0 points 4 months ago

I dunno if my phone could run GameCube games

[-] usualsuspect191@lemmy.ca 2 points 4 months ago

It's probably only the newer flagship phones that can do it, but that's quite a few people.

I personally only emulate up to PSX and have no issues with my older phone.

[-] Console_Modder@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 months ago

I'm not too familiar with emulation handhelds, but I think finding one that is $200 and can run GameCube games is a pretty big ask... I think your best bet would be a used Steam Deck. Looks like the older models can go for around $300 on eBay and some of the ones I saw had a 1TB upgrade already unstalled

[-] Oka@sopuli.xyz 0 points 4 months ago

+1 for steam deck

[-] Thwompthwomp@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

Steam deck is insane for emulation. I ran wind walker at higher res and full screen and it was great. The best part is the instant sleep button to just pause things down at any point.

Op wants a steam deck.

[-] lemmy_acct_id_8647@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

OP desperately wants a Steam Deck. OP is also poor AF

[-] Noodle07@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

A used Wii U ? Lol

[-] hexagonwin@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 4 months ago

used android phones are pretty powerful, you may need to adjust graphics quality but it wouldn't be so noticeable on such small screen imo.

this post was submitted on 16 Dec 2025
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