This budget open-source handheld features 1:1 display for classic gaming

As another affordable entry in the retro handheld market, the RF40H certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel. In fact, it shares many similarities with other devices in this space and doesn’t introduce any major improvements. One thing that does set it apart, however, is its 4-inch display with a 720 × 720 resolution, resulting in a 1:1 aspect ratio. Whether this square screen is practical naturally depends on the games being played. Older consoles typically output in a 4:3 aspect ratio. If a game's native aspect ratio doesn't match the display, users will have to accept either a stretched image or black bars. What is clear, though, is that a 1:1 format helps maximize usable screen real estate and reduces empty space on the sides.

Equipped with an RK3326 SoC and 1 GB of RAM, the RF40H strictly offers enough performance for emulation up to PSP and Dreamcast. Even then, games from these two platforms aren’t guaranteed to run smoothly on the device. According to the product page, over 15,000 games come preinstalled on the 4 GB of eMMC storage – most of which are almost certainly problematic from a legal standpoint. Wi-Fi is supported, allowing for multiplayer sessions between two systems. The retro handheld also includes dual joysticks, a vibration motor, and RGB lighting. The RF40H is currently available via direct import for around $54 / €47. Although shipping is free, potential buyers should factor in any taxes and duties, as well as anticipate longer delivery times.