I bought one of the anbernic rg 351 devices 2 or 3 years ago (before I got a steam deck), and I still use it. It's a nifty device with some cool community support for firmware and ports. An iPhone doesn't have buttons or a dpad for comfortable gaming. A steam deck doesn't have the portability that these devices have. But it's not for everyone, and could be landfill for most people.

Yup. Form factors are often overlooked. I use... * a PC, * that same PC connected to a TV, * a SteamDeck, * a vertical Retro-Handheld, * and a phone ... and I play a wildly different set of games on each device. It's hard to describe why exactly, but some games just feel more "correct" when played on one device over another.

Can't you just get a controller case for your phone?

I've used 3, one that turns the phone into a switch basically, an Xbox controller with a clip adapter, and a migoo I think the brand was basically an Xbox controller with a slot. They all sucked. The switch one was too small for my hands, probably great for kids though. No software. Xbox had the best compatibility but it was heavy af and awkward to hold. Same with the migoo, but also never wanted to connect to android and when it did, most controller games failed to see it, even emulators hated it. That's why. Too many variables when you can just get a comfortable device dedicated to emulation.

So go watch or read a review from an even semi-trusted source.

Naw im good.

You could get a laptop. Doesnt mean it's easy to transport.