When you are traveling you have too much to be focused on than what you are doing to entertain yourself. That is why it is a great idea to plan something for entertainment ahead of time. You don't want to worry about chargers, or trying to scramble to use the crappy wifi. Just having a plan from the start.

When I used to travel I would use my phone for emulation, using the Razer Kishi or an Xbox controller. However it drained your battery, clogged up your app list, and took up precious storage.

Realizing the better option was to have a full on dedicated device to this, leaving the phone battery for travel related items, that's what really made a difference.

I initially got the Retroid Pocket 4pro, and that was a game changer. Built in controls, small frame/body, and enough power for most retro consoles. However not all, and the low resolution did bug me.

Over time I have been trading a LOT on marketplace, actually gave up the 4pro for a trade. Ended up getting a BatleXP cheaper handheld in that trade (along with a couple other things). Eventually in other trades I got a lenovo legion go, retroid pocket classic, and even a retroid pocket 5 (an upgrade to what I had before).

I'm going to be talking about my two handhelds I mostly use now.

What comes with me on a trip?

Now this depends on how long I'm staying, how big my bag is, and how much I want to carry. It was difficult lugging around my bag all over the NABshow expo halls, with my Legion go inside. Thus for this next trip I'm probably leaving it home, and going for my Retroid pocket 5.

If I'm doing a carry on and personal item then maybe I'll bring something bigger. However the problem is that I like to be mobile when I'm going places, so one bag travel makes a big difference. 🧳 Travel EDC OneBag

In that mindset I can't waste a bunch of space, or weight, on something like the Legion Go. Even if I enjoy playing it.

Why I use the Legion Go (Steam OS)

Once I put bazzite, now steam os, on that handheld it has been a night and day change. Windows really held it back, and I find that my enjoyment of gaming has increased. I can even just leave it on sleep mode, and come back to it a while later. Its still not the greatest battery life, but its enough for a day trip with a supplement charge.

I can play most of any game I throw at it, besides anti-cheat games, which I don't really play a lot of anyways.

Even my retro gaming is enhanced with that great screen, and more powerful hardware.

Why I use the Retroid Pocket 5

It certainly bridges that gap between pc gaming and retro gaming than handhelds did before. The fact that I can play the PC version of Octopath Traveler, or Fallout 3, on this android device is crazy to me still.

Now there are decomps and recomps of Zelda or Pokemon, even Harvest Moon. That I can now play on PC, OR they also got ported to Android. There are even dual screen versions that are for devices like the AYN Thor.

This device is a lot more compact, even with the case, so its more likely to go with me on a trip.

What about my other items like the BatleXP or the RayNeo Air3s Pro?

The XP is a neat little device, and if I was really trying to maximize weight, then I might try and go for that. Its also cheap enough that I don't have to worry about it breaking as much. I keep my stuff safe, but I mean anything could happen when you are out somewhere.

It works up to about ps1 era games, maybe slightly beyond, so it could work in a pinch.

The other device that I will plan on bringing with me are the XR glasses. The ones I got aren't that fancy, but they do add a bit of immersion when playing games. Blocking out more of the outside world, such as when you are on a plane.

They make my trip so much more enjoyable!

Even if I forget to play, or I get too motion sick on the plane, the fact that they're there. When I was going to NAB I got stuck in the back of the airport due to a tornado, and I was able to pull out my handheld.

I am actually really excited now that I have the pocket 5 as it is more compatible with a lot of games and emulators. More than the 4pro was, despite not being much more powerful. It is simply the chip in it is more openly worked on.

Being able to finally play a bit of NX games, PC games, and playing the others with a higher fidelity screen. It really makes me grateful to have gotten it.