Author Topic: Please recommend me an android device.  (Read 1474 times)

Illiterate Scholar (OP)

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Please recommend me an android device.
« on: June 07, 2016, 09:48:36 am »
Right now, I have a tablet to play emulators, but it just doesn't feel right with the touch screen instead of buttons. Also, Megaman X on a touchscreen is almost unplayable. Only works for RPGs.

I don't want a controller attachment since my tablet is 7" and adding more crap just makes it less portable. I'm looking for something not too big, maybe 3-5 inch screen. Good emulation for 16 bit consoles. I don't care for N64 or PSX. A decent D-pad would be great. I also want a decent battery life. Maybe 6-8 hours.

I did some research here and the best devices are either dead or support dying, or it's crap. Anyone got any good recommendations? I don't know if it matters, but I live in China right now. This sounds good, but you can't trust Chinese shops/online stores. Otherwise, I'd just close my eyes and buy something.
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Berryal

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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #1 on: June 07, 2016, 03:04:36 pm »
The Nvidia Shield is always a great bet, though maybe hard to get a hold of, being sort of a dying breed, or if you want something a little smaller then a GPD XD might be right for you.

I think once you go below 5" you usually start to compromise on other things. Generally speaking, you can't go wrong with either of those devices. Personally I would recommend the Shield Portable.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

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Illiterate Scholar (OP)

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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #2 on: June 07, 2016, 03:58:52 pm »
I forgot to mention nothing too expensive. The Shield is a little too expensive for me.
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AVahne

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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2016, 04:06:25 pm »
I don't have one, but it seems the best one nowadays is the GPD XD. It's the most affordable one in its class and has the best bang for buck in terms of Android handheld (aside from the Shield when it was still $200).
I personally like playing in my Xperia Play every now and then and you can generally find factory refurbished units from China for about $65. I wish I had waited instead of buying a relatively poor condition one from eBay for $150 3 years ago....
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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #4 on: June 07, 2016, 04:12:48 pm »
Honestly, if you want something that's 5'' and can play only up to 16bit consoles, I'd recommend you buy an old or cheap Android phone and attaching a flat controller to it.

The GPD XD is a powerhouse, and has a really strong battery - but since it's not quite enough for perfect PSP emulation, and almost any $130 phone nowadays can handle DS emulation and has a comparable price, it's pretty hard justifying a purchase.

tl;dr - get a smartphone and a controller. Not only you get the game console you want, you also get a phone.
Possible cheap combo:
http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_306294.html
http://gametel.se/
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indstr

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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2016, 01:01:40 am »
I can HIGHLY recommend the GPD XD.

If you get it and you don't like the D-Pad, which is a fairly common complaint, then you can always do this mod:

http://boards.dingoonity.org/gpd-devices/gpd-xd-the-search-for-d-pad-perfection-(tm)/

Good luck!
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PGS: Let the trainwreck continue to unfold.

Illiterate Scholar (OP)

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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2016, 07:27:07 am »
Quote from: Made in China on June 07, 2016, 04:12:48 pm
Honestly, if you want something that's 5'' and can play only up to 16bit consoles, I'd recommend you buy an old or cheap Android phone and attaching a flat controller to it.

Do these work well? I already have a pretty decent phone. The 5 inch thing isn't a must have, but if controllers work well for existing phones, then I will look in to it.

Quote
I can HIGHLY recommend the GPD XD.

If you get it and you don't like the D-Pad, which is a fairly common complaint, then you can always do this mod:

http://boards.dingoonity.org/gpd-devices/gpd-xd-the-search-for-d-pad-perfection-(tm)/

Good luck!

Also interesting. Thanks for the recommendations!
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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2016, 10:08:54 am »
Bluetooth controllers work really well with Android. Even those that don't have a native API have some sort of a hack to let them be used - such as the DualShock 3 controller. Most of these controllers can last through 10 hours of gaming, and can be charged through your phone (assuming its battery outlasts it) through a USB OTG cable.

The main reasons why I recommended the Gametel are:
1. It's flat, meaning it can fit in your pocket without any hindrance.
2. It can clip onto your phone, unlike some controllers (FC30 Pro for example).
3. It has a good d-pad, meaning it fits exactly what you want - 16 bit games and before.
4. It's cheap.

You might be able to find something better with analogs, or rumble, or maybe even a tiny keyboard. It's down to personal preference and willingness to pay $10-$20 more.
Example: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4MU1VB2683
« Last Edit: June 08, 2016, 10:17:11 am by Made in China »
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Illiterate Scholar (OP)

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Re: Please recommend me an android device.
« Reply #8 on: June 09, 2016, 03:26:52 am »
That does look pretty good. I've considered my phone's battery life, and I think I'll go with my original plan to get a separate device. For me, the most important part of a phone is to make calls. You know how fast battery drains with games and bluetooth on.
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