About Handheld Index

Handheld Index is an independent publication covering retro emulation handhelds — devices like the Anbernic RG series, Retroid Pocket line, Miyoo Mini family, Trimui Smart Pro, and AYN Odyssey.

What we cover

Device reviews, head-to-head comparisons, firmware installation guides (muOS, OnionOS, Batocera, JELOS, ArkOS), emulator compatibility testing across retro platforms, and accessory recommendations.

Our perspective

Most English-language handheld coverage is written for US buyers. We write from Europe — which means real AliExpress shipping to the EU, Swiss and German customs reality, warranty experiences across borders, and firmware testing on hardware actually sourced through European logistics.

Editorial independence

Every review is based on hands-on testing with the device in hand. We do not accept payment from manufacturers in exchange for positive coverage. When manufacturers send review samples, it is disclosed at the top of the article.

Some outbound links are affiliate links — if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund new device purchases for review. It never influences our verdict. See our full affiliate disclosure.

The author

Fabian is an electronics hobbyist based near Zürich, Switzerland. A graduate of ETH Zürich with a background in electrical engineering, he spent several years in embedded systems testing before transitioning to independent hardware review writing.

His obsession with portable gaming started in 2008 when he modded his first Game Boy Advance. Everything changed in 2022 when he picked up an Anbernic RG351P at a tech meetup in Basel — since then, his collection has grown to 14+ devices spanning every tier from the $35 Miyoo Mini to the $600 AYN Odyssey 2.

His reviews focus on the European buyer experience: real AliExpress shipping times to the EU, Swiss and EU import duties, warranty reality across borders, and extensive firmware testing on OnionOS, muOS, Batocera, ArkOS, JELOS, and GarlicOS.

When not benchmarking handhelds, he enjoys mountain hiking in the Swiss Alps and building Raspberry Pi projects.

Contact

For tip-offs, corrections, or review sample offers: see our contact page.