The Steam Deck launched on February 25, and the conversation around its performance, price, and stock has been lively. In contrast, the current world situation has limited many Russian gamers from eagerly awaiting Gabe Newell and a coveted box in hand. A similar silhouette, yet a radically different core, the Nintendo Switch, also faces price increases and limited access to the eShop. With that in mind, this piece turns to AliExpress to explore affordable, Steam Deck–style portable devices as alternatives. Therefore, eight Chinese handhelds that can be ordered are examined here.
Disclaimer: The devices listed below cannot fully replace a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch with every capability. At their core, they are emulators of older consoles housed in compact enclosures.
PocketGo V2
First on the list is thePocketGo V2, a compact console with a 2.4 inch screen. The kit includes colored buttons, a 32 GB microSD card, a USB cable, and a card reader. A strap-like grip sits along the top edges. There is no announced touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or TV connection. A notable advantage is the battery life that holds a charge well. Supported emulators include Game Boy, Game Boy Color, GBA, NES, SNES, SMS, SMD, Neo-Geo, and simple PS One titles. Prices range from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles depending on the listing.
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PocketGo X12
Data Frog X12 is a well-known portable set-top box that resembles a compact handheld. In reviews, it is noted for fitting comfortably in the hands. The package includes headphones, a USB cable, an AV cable, and an 8 GB microSD card. The display is 5.1 inches, with a small control shift on each side at the top. There is no touchscreen, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but it can be connected to a TV. Emulators cover Game Boy (Advance and Color), SMD, Neo-Geo, NES, SNES, and some arcade cabinets. The current market price is typically between 4,000 and 8,000 rubles.
Miyoo Mini
Miyoo Mini is a tiny vertical handheld offered in white and gray. The kit includes a USB Type-C cable, a 32 GB microSD card, and a card reader. Its screen measures 2.8 inches with soft, comfortable buttons. The device features rear-positioned shifts, a removable back panel revealing the battery, and it lacks TV connectivity, a gamepad, a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Emulators cover Neo-Geo, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, GBA, SMD, SGG, SMS, NGP, PC Engine, SNES, and PS One. It handles 2D arcade games well, though some 3D titles may require tuning. The typical price sits around 7,000 rubles, with occasional cheaper finds.
toy
PlayGo is a high-quality analogue of the former PocketGo, which is no longer widely available on AliExpress. The kit includes interchangeable colored buttons, a USB Type-C cable, a card reader, and a 16 GB microSD card. The screen is 3.5 inches, with side-by-side offset controls on the top. A rare feature is a second microSD card slot. However, it lacks a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, TV output, and gamepad support. Emulators span MAME, NES, Game Boy, GBA, SMD, SMS, SGG, N64, SNES, and PS1. While the device can emulate many titles, 3D titles may show occasional lag. The price hovers around 7–8 thousand rubles.
Need a price check? Ask the seller.
Powkiddy A19
Powkiddy A19 presents as a vertical handheld in soft, pleasing tones. It includes a USB cable and a 32 GB microSD card and runs on Android. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and TV output are available, and the 3.5 inch screen lacks a touchscreen. A gamepad can be connected for more comfortable play when services are scarce. Emulators listed include PSP (with caveats), PS One, N64, NES, SNES, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, SMD, DreamCast, MAME, and CPS. Prices range from 9,000 to 12,000 rubles depending on the seller, with the second revision highlighted as the best option due to a fixed directional cross.
Powkiddy RGB 10
Powkiddy RGB 10 is a compact horizontal handheld offered in several colors. The kit includes stick covers, a USB Type-C cable, and a memory card (32, 64, or 128 GB, selected at order). The control stick and a single joystick sit along the top, and the layout can be adjusted in software. The 3.5 inch screen doesn’t support TV output, and there is no touchscreen, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Emulators cover Arcade, Nintendo 64, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, SNES, Neo Geo, NGP, DreamCast, SMD, PS One, and PSP. While game performance is solid for many titles, some 3D games, especially PSP titles, experience slowdowns. Prices vary from 9,000 to 15,000 rubles depending on memory size.
Anbernic RG351P
Anbernic RG351P stands as one of the best value Chinese set-top boxes in its price range. The kit includes a USB Type-C cable, a USB-C to USB adapter, and a 64 GB microSD card. The 3.5 inch display sits in a plastic shell, with two small top-side shifts. Notable features include haptic feedback, while Wi-Fi is only marginally present and the device lacks a dedicated gamepad, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen for TV play. Emulators cover Arcade, MAME, Nintendo DS, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, SNES, Nintendo 64, SMS, SGG, SMD, PS One, Neo-Geo, NGP, DreamCast, and PSP, with the latter two occasionally presenting issues. Current price around 13,000 rubles.
Powkiddy X18S
The Powkiddy X18S closes this list as a powerful, feature-rich handheld. It is a 5.5 inch clamshell device that comes with a USB Type-C cable but no microSD card. It runs Android 11 and supports Google Play titles such as Genshin Impact. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen are present, and TV output is supported. Emulators include NES, SMD, SNES, DreamCast, GBA, Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64, NDS, PS One, and PSP. There are also 3DS, PS2, GameCube, and Wii emulators, though some games run poorly or fail to start. The price starts around 21,000 rubles.
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Citation: VG Times