Latest news with #NickFernandez
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
These retro SEGA games are now free on Android until they disappear forever
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority TL;DR Nine retro SEGA games ported to mobile are now free without ads, but will lose support soon. You can still download them, and they will likely remain in your account forever. Free games include Crazy Taxi Classic, Shining Force Classics, Streets of Rage 2 Classic, and more. SEGA has a long history of supporting its retro titles, with many ported directly to Android and iOS as part of the SEGA Forever program. However, the company will soon pull support for nearly its entire remaining catalog of mobile ports, including classic Sonic, Crazy Taxi, and Shining Force games. There's no telling how long they will remain on the Google Play Store, but the good news is that they've all been made free. Previously, most were paid titles costing roughly $2, or were playable for free with IAP to remove ads. The announcement came not via any official channels, but rather via an in-game popup in the affected titles. It reads: 'Support for this game will be discontinued, but you can continue playing offline! If you'd like to learn more about great SEGA games to play, please click the link below.' The link leads to the SEGA homepage. This message implies that the game will still be playable after it's removed from the Play Store, provided you have claimed it on your account. This was the case for previous SEGA Forever titles that were pulled a few years ago, which included games like Phantasy Star Classics and Vectorman Classic. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before the rest of these games lost support. The SEGA Forever program was discontinued in late 2023, and the last port was added to Android way back in 2019. While the ports didn't always live up to emulation, they did have full controller support, with many getting tens of millions of downloads. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
First PS3 emulator hits the Play Store, goes open-source (kind of)
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority TL;DR PS3 emulator aPS3e is now available on the Google Play Store. From the mysterious Chinese developer aenu, it's based on the RPCS3 source code. The project now proclaims to be open-source, but may not be meeting requirements. It's been a few months since the first PS3 emulator launched on Android, and what a busy few months it's been. The sudden appearance (and disappearance) of aPS3e brought forth a renewed interest in PS3 emulation on Android, with one of the original RPCS3 devs now working on a port. Now, aPS3e is available on the Play Store, and it seems to be taking steps toward becoming more legit. To recap, aPS3e is a PS3 emulator on Android based on the RPCS3 source code. Coming from an unknown Chinese developer called aenu, it mashes together code from RPCS3, Vita3K, and Termux to create a working Android port. Our early testing in February showed that it still has a long ways to go, with only a handful of games managing to launch. Once the initial excitement died down, it became clear that the developer was playing fast and loose with open-source licences. Essentially, they made aPS3e entirely closed-source, despite using code from a number of open-source projects. The official GitHub was closed without warning a few days after launching. Furthermore, the developer began asking for donations to continue development. Once the $2000 donation goal was reached, the source code would be released. The developer claimed they weren't familiar with how licensing works, but it still rubbed many emulation fans the wrong way. After a sketchy start, the aPS3e dev is attempting to go legit. Skipping ahead a few months, aPS3e now proclaims to be open-source, and it's back on GitHub. However, it seems the developer hasn't taken all the necessary steps toward becoming open-source. The code is available on GitHub, but there's no license page, nor any mention of the license in the Readme page. Without a stated license, it may still cause problems for the developer. GitHub's licensing page reads that 'without a license, the default copyright laws apply, meaning that you retain all rights to your source code and no one may reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from your work. If you're creating an open source project, we strongly encourage you to include an open source license.' Nevertheless, aPS3e is now officially available on the Google Play Store for free without ads. There is a paid version that costs $5, but it's the same app and the money is essentially a donation to support the developer. Before you download, be aware that it's still early in development, and you will need a very powerful phone to run any games at all. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
08-06-2025
- Android Authority
If I had to choose just one retro gaming handheld, this is the one I'd pick
AYANEO Pocket ACE The AYANEO Pocket ACE offers excellent emulation performance in an incredibly small package. If you want a small device to play your entire collection, this is the one to buy. When AYANEO first announced the Pocket ACE earlier this year, I was pretty lukewarm about it. It was billed as a 'retro' focused handheld, but much like the Pocket DMG, it had specs to compete with the heavyweights. Everything was at odds: the 3:2 screen is between retro and modern consoles, the design was D-pad-centric but had two small sticks, and the massive 6,000mAh battery is nearly as big as the Steam Deck OLED. Aside from the Retro Power colorway I tested, nothing about this screamed 'retro.' After testing the device, I have to admit that AYANEO was right. This is the perfect retro gaming console, but it's also so much more. This thing could replace every other retro gaming handheld in my collection, and I wouldn't even be upset. Struggles of the middle child Nick Fernandez / Android Authority To understand my initial confusion, you have to compare the AYANEO Pocket ACE to the rest of the company's devices. On the larger side, you have the 6.2-inch Pocket S and the 7-inch Pocket EVO. The EVO in particular is one of the most capable handhelds I've ever used, and it can comfortably play any system that's currently possible to emulate. On the smaller side, you have the AYANEO Pocket MICRO and MICRO Classic. These 3:2 handhelds are designed for GBA games, with perfect 4x integer scaling in a GBA Micro-like form factor. They can play other systems, but the design and chipset have more limitations than the rest of AYANEO's lineup. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Compared to those two devices, the Pocket ACE is undoubtedly the middle child (as you can see above). Despite that, it can still do everything those devices can. It has the same aspect ratio as the Pocket MICRO for GBA goodness, and the same chipset as the Pocket S and EVO for cutting-edge emulation. The Pocket ACE is the best of AYANEO's Android handhelds in one package. Most importantly, it isn't a series of bad compromises but rather a mishmash of the best that those devices have to offer. It feels like AYANEO learned from those devices to create something entirely new. Starting with the design, it's compact but premium, with some of the best controls I've tested in a device this size. The D-pad is a highlight, as are the surprisingly quiet buttons and Hall Effect analog triggers. Even the two small sticks are surprisingly decent. Sure, they're not as comfortable as the incredible full-size sticks on the Pocket EVO, but they get the job done when they need to and sit low enough to be out of the way when they don't. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority I was also happy to see that AYANEO moved the start and select buttons back to the top for the ACE. There are still four buttons on the bottom bezel, but they are hotkeys for the software. Also along the bottom bezel are two (mostly) forward-firing stereo speakers, which sound excellent. They're placed so that you won't cover them with your palms. My only complaint here is that there's no headphone jack. The bumpers and triggers have a smooth finish, but due to their size, I never really felt like they needed a grippy texture. The Hall Effect triggers feel great, and they sit right in the middle of my trigger fingers for easy shooting. Next to them are the Android back and home buttons, which thankfully are far enough away from the triggers to avoid accidental presses. There's an air intake vent on the back and outflow on the top, so none of the heat reached my delicate gamer fingers. The screen itself is a beautiful 4.5-inch IPS panel that blends right into the device. It's plenty bright and the colors look fantastic, but I couldn't help but wish it were an OLED panel for one reason, and it isn't perfect blacks. The Pocket ACE shows noticeable light bleed in low-light situations. Honestly, it didn't bother me while gaming and my eyes didn't even see it after a while, but it shouldn't be an issue on a device this premium. That being said, I think the Pocket ACE does a good job of carving out its own niche in the lineup. Essentially, it's the small one that can play everything. The design isn't perfect for every system and aspect ratio, but it makes the right concessions to comfortably play your entire retro game collection on a single device. A pocket powerhouse Nick Fernandez / Android Authority When it comes to performance, the Pocket ACE again doesn't disappoint. Obviously retro games run like a dream, and the 3:2 aspect ratio means 4:3 systems feature minimal bezels. I actually played through the entirety of Super Mario World on the SNES for the first time in years on a whim because it was so comfortable on this device. Sticking to older systems on the balanced power profile, I got well over 15 hours of battery life on a single charge. I actually struggled to even drain the battery on this thing without dipping into more modern consoles. For casual gamers, the 6,000mAh battery can last a full week, and the 40W charging topped it off in roughly 90 minutes in my testing. There's no charger in the box though, so you'll have to source a compatible charger if you don't already have one. More demanding systems like the PlayStation 2 and GameCube are also no problem for the Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 SoC. This is one of the most powerful chipsets available on a gaming handheld, only edged out slightly by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the Odin 2 lineup. For comparison, I ran the Pocket ACE and the AYN Odin 2 Portal through our standard suite of benchmarks and found the Odin 2 Portal has roughly a 10% CPU advantage. The GPU scores were nearly identical and even favored the Pocket ACE in a few occasions. However, the Odin 2 Portal performed significantly better when it came to thermals, with the Pocket ACE reaching a peak temperature of 46°C. Granted, the Odin 2 Portal is nearly twice as big, so it's much easier to keep cool. The heat on the Pocket ACE is also concentrated in the middle and top of the device, so I couldn't feel any heat while holding it, despite the size. That said, the fans get very loud on max settings. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Benchmarks are one thing, but the best way to push these devices is with the most demanding emulators. I tested the Pocket ACE on a variety of Nintendo Switch emulators, including Citron, Eden, and Yuzu to see how it would stack up. The results were a mixed bag. Games like Mario Kart 8, Super Mario RPG, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Mario & Luigi: Brothership all ran smoothly, with a few graphical glitches here and there. Other games, like Metroid Dread, struggled to get in-game. The Pocket ACE can emulate anything that's possible to emulate on Android. I'd chalk this up to the software more than the hardware, but the takeaway is that this device is powerful enough to emulate some Switch games. Other cutting-edge cases like Windows and PS3 emulation are less performant due to a lack of community optimizations. Hopefully, as these Snapdragon G-series chips become more common, we'll see better driver support. On the plus side, the 3:2 display still looks great with 16:9 games. That's good news for systems like the PSP, which can't easily change their aspect ratio. Android games also play well, and the compatibility issues the Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 faced on previous devices have largely been remedied. AYANEO Pocket ACE review verdict: The only handheld you need Nick Fernandez / Android Authority So should you buy the Pocket ACE? Well, that depends on what you're looking for. If you've already got a small collection of retro gaming handhelds and want to start specializing, this jack-of-all-trades probably isn't your best bet. But if you want something relatively small that can play everything, this can be the ace up your sleeve. The combination of build quality, chipset, and controls can make it the only handheld you'll ever need to emulate every system under the sun. Granted, you will pay a premium for it, since it starts at $459 for the 8GB+128GB configuration. The 16GB+1TB Retro Power version that I tested jumps up to $699, but I think that's overkill for this handheld's strengths. The Pocket ACE is expensive, but it can comfortably emulate your entire retro collection. It isn't without competition, though. The AYN Odin 2 Mini ($329 at Manufacturer site) is its closest peer, and it sacrifices comfort for the more reliable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset tested above. The Retroid Pocket Mini V2 ($199 at Manufacturer site) is another, and although it's not as powerful or premium, it's certainly a lot cheaper. If you do decide to buy the AYANEO Pocket ACE, I'd recommend you do so soon. I listed the final retail prices above, but the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign is still running with significant discounts. The $339 early bird price on the cheapest model is more than reasonable for a device that can emulate your entire collection of retro games. AYANEO Pocket ACE Great performance • Small size • Premium build MSRP: $459.00 The jack-of-all-trades emulation handheld The AYANEO Pocket ACE is a small Android gaming handheld with enough power to emulate any system. See price at Indiegogo Positives Great performance Great performance Small size Small size Premium build Premium build Complete controls Cons Expensive Expensive IPS screen has minor light bleed
Android Authority
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
Retroid just announced a dual-screen device, but not the one you expect
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority TL;DR Retroid just announced a Dual Screen add-on for its popular retro gaming handhelds. This can make emulation for Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Wii U games more immersive. The company has not announced pricing or availability yet. Retro gaming handheld maker Retroid spent most of this week teasing a dual-screen device, which was finally revealed this morning. Rather than a new device to its growing lineup, it's an accessory that can attach to some of its most popular handhelds. The aptly named Dual Screen add-on has a large screen with a clip on the bottom. When attached to a gaming handheld, it creates a clamshell form factor similar to the LG V60 or Microsoft Surface Duo. Retroid hasn't shared much beyond the picture above, but a representative confirmed on Discord that it's an OLED panel. It's compatible with several of Retroid's flagship handhelds, including the Retroid Pocket 5, Pocket Mini, and Pocket 4 Pro. However, it's not compatible with either of the most recent releases, the Pocket Flip 2 or Classic. That's not too surprising, given the form factors of those devices. Adding a second screen looks a little goofy, but it makes emulation for Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Wii U games more immersive. Popular DS and 3DS emulators already support gameplay on two screens, although Wii U support is still lacking. A second screen is a game-changer for Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation. This is far from the first device of its kind. The aforementioned LG V60 had an optional second screen, but the ROG TwinView Dock accessories for the first three ROG Phones were very similar, with a platform and clamp to hold the phone. A YouTuber named DNA Mobile Gaming also recently ran an Indiegogo campaign for the DNA Duo, another similar device with a very high price tag. Retroid has yet to announce pricing or availability for the Dual Screen add-on, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
25-05-2025
- Android Authority
The Backbone Pro is the best mobile controller that you absolutely don't need
Backbone Pro The Backbone Pro is the most versatile mobile gaming controller you can buy, with excellent ergonomics and full-size sticks for use as a telescopic controller with your phone, or a Bluetooth gamepad for your tablet, PC, or anything else. Just be prepared to pay for it. It's hard to believe that it's already been nearly five years since the Backbone One controller hit the market (or three for us Android users), but the company has finally launched an upgraded version with an upgraded price. I honestly didn't find too many faults when I reviewed the new Xbox edition of the Backbone One earlier this year, but the Pro version promises to be much, much more than just a mobile controller. But after spending some time with the device, I can't help but feel like the Backbone Pro is almost too much more. Sure, it's the best mobile controller I've ever used, but it's also a great Bluetooth controller for your PC or a dedicated cloud streaming controller. Is this too much for one controller to handle? The everything controller Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Starting with the basics, the Backbone Pro is a telescopic controller, just like the original Backbone One. It has a USB-C port to plug your phone into, plus another USB-C port on the bottom for passthrough charging. There are two sets of phone holder attachments in the box, and now they're big enough that you probably won't have to remove your case. Unlike some alternatives, it doesn't extend wide enough for tablets like the iPad Mini, but phones of all shapes and sizes will fit. The Backbone Pro is compatible with both wired and wireless connections via BLE. The biggest difference is that the Backbone Pro also has Bluetooth. As far as I know, this is the first telescopic controller with both USB-C and Bluetooth connections, which in theory widens the compatibility to… just about any device you have that can play games. The internal battery charges while plugged into your phone, and the BLE connection can last for 40 hours on a single charge, which is insane. For normal use, this means it can replace two controllers in my travel bag. Gone are the days of having a telescopic controller for my phone and a standard Bluetooth controller for my laptop and tablet. This controller can competently cover both roles. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority However, it also allows you to quickly switch between devices, which comes in handy for things like streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Using the same controller, I can seamlessly hop between playing Oblivion on my phone and my PC. The controller needs to be plugged into the phone to make the transition, but once you swap to your PC, you can unplug it and the Bluetooth connection will persist. One notable exception is PlayStation Remote Play. Only the PlayStation Edition of the Backbone One is compatible, and I suspect it has to do with the buttons' labeling. Blame that one on Sony, though you can unofficially get around this limitation if you get the premium version of the PXPlay app (which is absolutely worth it). For every other platform, using a telescopic controller as a standard Bluetooth controller isn't as uncomfortable as I thought it might be before getting my hands on the Backbone Pro, and a big part of that is the improved ergonomics and controls. The Backbone Pro has full-size sticks, which makes a huge difference compared to the smaller sticks on the Backbone One. There's a nice range of motion, similar to a standard Bluetooth controller. It's also more rounded on the back, breaking from the Joy-Con-like flatness of the Backbone One. The only thing that's really missing from the Bluetooth controller experience is any kind of haptic feedback as it lacks rumble. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The Backbone Pro also takes queues from premium controllers like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with programmable back buttons. These sit where my ring finger rests, and while most people will use them for first-person shooters, I found them very useful as hotkeys for my favorite emulators. They're much more difficult to hit by accident, but still conveniently placed so they don't interrupt gameplay. Controls are very comfortable, and the full-size sticks are game-changing. One thing that is easy to accidentally hit is the right joystick. It's placed just a little too close to the face buttons, so my thumb bumped it when hitting the X button. It's a minor annoyance in most games, but in some retro games like Super Mario 3, pressing the X and A buttons at the same time is required to jump while running. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Apart from that, the sticks, D-pad, buttons, and triggers are all excellent. My only complaint is that I wish Backbone had used Hall-effect sticks for better longevity, especially at this price. These standard ALPS potentiometer sticks are certainly fine, but Hall-effect sticks would help extend the lifetime of the controller by avoiding drift over time. Considering the Backbone Pro will likely be thrown in your travel bag, it will be subject to wear and tear. There's a simple solution to this, which is to buy a case. The official Backbone case has a nice felt finish and a very protective design, but it will run you an additional $25 on top of an already expensive controller. If you're already spending the money on the Backbone Pro, buying the case is probably worth it. The everything app Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The thing that really facilitates the Backbone Pro's role as a controller for every device is the Backbone app. While the app was mostly optional for the Backbone One, it's required to access all of the features of the Backbone Pro. As mentioned above, it's used to swap between devices instantly, although you can use the small button on the bottom of the controller to connect Bluetooth manually. The Backbone app tries to do far more than it needs to. You'll also need the Backbone app to install new firmware updates or create controller profiles for specific games. These are great features that are included for free, and if the app had stopped there, I would have been happy. Instead, it does even more. It can be a catalog of all of your games, as well as a recommendation engine for more games you should download. The Netflix-like layout features your installed games in the first line, then mix of news, popular games, free games, streaming services, highlight clips from other players, and more. There's even a built-in emulator for select retro consoles and a rotating library of free games. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority To be honest, it feels like overkill. I say this as someone who sets up an emulation frontend (ES DE) on every Android device that I own because I love having a console-like experience when I connect a controller. There are parts of the Backbone app that I think are useful, but for the most part, I missed the option to remove sections entirely. What's more, these extra features are all tied to a paid subscription. After a seven-day free trial, you're looking at spending $39.99 a year to turn the app into a hub for all of your games and services. You may be able to get a special offer that brings that down to $30 for the first year, but it's still a lot of money for a little convenience. Granted, you also get an extended warranty, one-button screenplay recording, social features, and discounts on accessories like the case mentioned above. Backbone Pro review verdict: The best telescopic controller… but at what cost? Nick Fernandez / Android Authority While I have a few minor nitpicks, the Backbone Pro is still the best telescopic controller I've ever used. It's exceptionally comfortable, and the option to use it as a Bluetooth controller makes it more versatile than competitors like the Razer Kishi Ultra ($149.99 at Amazon) or Kishi V2 ($92 at Amazon). Unfortunately, it's also far more expensive than any of its competitors. It's nearly twice as expensive as the already-excellent Backbone One ($99.99 at Amazon), and at $170, it's roughly the same price as buying both a Backbone One and a DualSense controller. This is positioned as a competitor to premium controllers like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which was recently bumped up to $200. For this kind of price, no matter how good the Backbone Pro is at everything else, it's fair to expect luxury additions like Hall effect sticks, haptic feedback, tablet support, and more. If budget is no concern, the Backbone Pro will elevate your mobile gaming experience, for everyone else, just get the Backbone One. It's also worth pointing out that we're in the middle of a major shakeup in game pricing, with the Switch 2 slated to cost $450 when it comes out in a few weeks and similar price increases in PlayStation and Xbox consoles. It's hard to say how much of the Backbone Pro's pricing is tied to wider changes in the gaming market, tariffs, or just an inflated marketing budget. While the ticket price will price out most gamers, a $25 case and a $40 annual subscription are also key to getting the most out of the Backbone Pro. That brings the whole kit to the same price range as a full gaming console like the Nintendo Switch Lite ($197 at Amazon) or a capable emulation handheld like the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 ($229 at Manufacturer site). Still, if budget is no concern, the Backbone Pro will elevate your mobile gaming experience. The fact that it's compatible with just about any device you can play games on means it might be the last controller you'll ever need. How much that's worth is a question for you and your wallet. Backbone Pro Great ergonomics • Wired and wireless compatibility • Easy setup and device swapping MSRP: $169.99 A telescopic controller with full-size sticks and Bluetooth compatibility. Need a telescopic controller and a Bluetooth gamepad? The Backbone Pro has you covered. See price at Manufacturer site Positives Great ergonomics Great ergonomics Wired and wireless compatibility Wired and wireless compatibility Full-size sticks Full-size sticks Easy setup and device swapping Cons Expensive Expensive No Hall effect sticks No Hall effect sticks Not compatible with tablets Not compatible with tablets Pricey subscription (optional)
