Gaming Devices

Gaming Devices

I like video games. I am also a parent of two young children. Gaming time is fleeting. I have mothballed my gaming PC and have not had a console for years.

My gaming happens in the between time for just a couple minutes here and there, or potentially after everyone is in bed.

Gaming for me is 85% actually playing the game and 15% configuring settings or getting something to run on something else aka a devices “tinkerability”

I was thinking about the dichotomy of devices I own and their purposes for while, and then this post appeared.

I like the categories laid out

• couch device
• rucksack device
• pocket device

So, here is a list of my current devices and my notes.

Steam Deck

The Couch Device

My Setup

LCD 64 gb with a 512 GB SD card

Features

• Suspend a game with a press of a button (huge for parents)
• Plays most games in my Steam library
• Big physical form factor
• Battery life varies greatly based on game

Tinkerability

• It is a full Linux computer with a desktop mode, the sky is the limit!
• Can emulate other consoles, including the Switch
• Can run Epic, GOG, and other game stores as well as Steam
• Upgrade SSD

Favorite Games

• XCOM 2
• Divinity Original Sin 2
• Yakuza 0
• Vampire Survivor
• Balatro

3DS

The Rucksack Device

My Setup

Refurbished New 2DS XL with various SD cards and a R4 SDHC for DS games

Features

• 2 screens (whoa!) but the 2DS version has no 3D
• Able to play 3DS and DS games
• Custom Firmware
• I missed this generation completely, so almost all new games
• Unique charger (which makes it a pain to travel with at times)
• Clamshell design
  • note: when playing a game from the DS cart, it does not suspend the game

Tinkerability

• Retroarch can play some games, but struggles with certain GBA games
• VC Injecting available to play other games “natively”
• So much custom firmware (CFW) and custom app store supported by community
• Hardware: would love to swap a USB C for the battery, however the devices are only getting more expensive

Games

• DS
  • Dragon Quest 5
  • Final Fantasy IV
  • Chrono Trigger
  • Pokemon Heartgold
• 3DS
  • Fire Emblem Awakening

Anbernic RG35XX Plus

The Pocket Device

My Setup

RG35XX Plus with two micro SD cards and stock OS

Features

• Plays games up to and including some Dreamcast and PSP games
• Retroarch
• Came preloaded with 1000s of games (which is very suspicious)
• Decent form factor, back buttons are bit “clicky”, long play sessions can be tough
• Does not have a proper “suspend” by default, but can be paused

Tinkerability

• Lots of OS to try out with tons of features
• Would like to set up syncthing to moves save files around
• PortMaster can play Stardew Valley and other Steam games

Games

• Final Fantasy VI
• Donkey Kong Country 2
• Metroid Fusion
• Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
• Advance Wars 2