There’s something about old games that never fades. Maybe it’s the simple stories, the pixel art, or that familiar chiptune sound that instantly brings you back. No fancy graphics, no big explosions, just pure fun.
We live in a time where everything moves too fast. Work, messages, deadlines, everything is always buzzing for your attention. So when I play something old and simple, it slows the world down a bit. It reminds me of when gaming was just about enjoying the moment.
Comfort Mode On
When I play on a tiny handheld like the Miyoo Mini, I’m not looking for flashy visuals or new features, I’m just looking for comfort. There’s something deeply satisfying about that small screen lighting up with Castlevania or Final Fantasy IV. No loading, no updates, no nonsense. Just the game.
The Miyoo Mini isn’t just a gadget; it’s a pocket-sized time machine. It fits in your hand, but somehow holds years of memories inside. Every D-pad click feels like turning the pages of my childhood, one stage, one level, one victory at a time.
Its form factor is one of the best things about it. I can tuck it inside my shirt pocket or jeans, and most of the time, I don’t even notice it’s there. But the comfort it gives when I get a few minutes to play, whether I’m waiting for coffee or on a break, is unbeatable. It’s even more convenient than my phone or my Anbernic devices. The Miyoo Mini doesn’t demand attention. It quietly waits for the right moment, and that’s what makes it special.
Life gets heavy sometimes, work, family, love, all of it. But spending even a couple of hours doing something that once made you happy as a kid, that’s peace right there.
Sometimes, after a long day, I don’t want to think too much. I just want something familiar. That’s when I grab the Miyoo, dim the lights, and let that little screen take me somewhere calm.
Memory and Meaning
Retro games hit differently because they remind us of who we were. They’re not just games; they’re pieces of time. The startup sound of the PS1. The bloop when Mario jumps. The high score jingle from Space Impact.
In a world that’s stressful, whether it’s work, relationships, or family, finding a few quiet hours to do something you loved as a kid feels almost therapeutic. It’s a small reminder that joy doesn’t always have to be complicated.
Each sound, each pixel, is like opening a window to an easier time, when the only thing that mattered was getting past that one hard level.
And now that devices like the Miyoo Mini make these games portable again, it’s like carrying a piece of your past with you wherever you go. You can pause modern life for a bit and just play, no guilt, no rush.
Simple by Design
Maybe it’s not really about nostalgia. Maybe it’s about balance. Retro games remind us that not everything has to be about achievements, unlocks, or endless updates.
You don’t “finish” Tetris. You don’t “beat” Pac-Man. You just keep going. And somehow, that’s enough.
When life feels noisy and crowded, a few minutes with something you loved as a child can feel like breathing again. It’s not running away, it’s returning to a part of yourself that’s been quiet for too long.
And in a world that always wants more from you, that kind of simplicity is priceless.
Press Start to Feel Again
Retro gaming is still alive because we need it. We need that small reminder of when things were simple, fun, and full of wonder.
Whether you’re playing on an old console, a modern port, or a Miyoo Mini loaded with classics, what matters is how it makes you feel.
Maybe we don’t play retro games because they’re old. Maybe we play them because they remind us who we used to be, and who we still are.
So go ahead. Charge that Miyoo, load up your favorite ROM, and give yourself a little escape tonight. Not to go back in time, but to remember how good it feels to just play.
It’s been barely two weeks since I got my RG28XX, and I’ve been completely glued to it. Like a kid with a new toy, I’ve been switching between games non-stop, quickly learning what plays well and what doesn’t. As a JRPG/RPG fan, I naturally gravitate toward that genre. But let’s be real about the PSP emulation: it’s a bit of a hit-and-miss.
The Allwinner H700 chipset is powerful for a budget device, but most PSP games are a bit laggy, and some are downright unplayable due to the missing analog stick. Plus, the screen’s resolution isn’t a perfect 16:9 match for the original PSP, so you have to scale and fit it to fill the screen, which is a no-no for purists.
But for someone not too picky about screen size and is more focused on playing something on a small retro handheld, it’s perfect.
Even with the quirks, limiting recommendations to just RPGs doesn’t do this little handheld justice. It’s given me the chance to play other games, and after two weeks of non-stop play, here’s my top 10 games to try.
Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
psp box art
I’ll be honest—I’ve never been great at platformers on PSP using my phone. The tiny screen, touch overlays, and lack of a proper controller made even basic levels frustrating. But on the RG28XX, everything changed. While the screen is a bit cramped and the buttons are small, I finally beat the first level and a saw Etna inside the castle. It felt like a real win.
Gameplay-wise, Prinny 2 is a classic side-scrolling platformer, but Nippon Ichi Software adds its signature style. The animations are smooth, and the game’s humor is just absurd enough to keep you laughing even while dying repeatedly. You’ll really end up caring about the side characters and NPCs, dood!
Fun Fact: Nippon Ichi’s dialogue is so ridiculous and over-the-top that even minor characters steal the spotlight. I’m not usually a fan of side-scrolling platformers, but Prinny 2 had me invested in the story and the laughs, and that’s what matters most.
Kisou Ryuhei Gunhound
Kisou Ryuhei Gunhound is a side-scrolling mecha shooter that had me glued from start to finish. You pilot your giant robot through futuristic stages filled with enemies and obstacles. The controls on the RG28XX are precise enough that even intense shooting sequences feel smooth.
The story follows a world under siege, and while it’s not particularly deep, the excitement comes from blasting through waves of enemies and upgrading your mecha. For someone who enjoys mecha and action, this is a perfect handheld experience.
Fun Fact: Despite its small screen, the RG28XX handles the visuals perfectly, making every boss fight feel as epic as it would on a console.
ZHP: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman
Unlosing Ranger psp box art
ZHP is one of the quirkiest tactical RPGs I’ve ever played. You lead a colorful, bizarre team through strategic missions filled with absurd story beats and hilarious dialogues. On the RG28XX, it feels surprisingly comfortable, even during long grind sessions.
The game’s humor is its standout feature, but don’t mistake it for a joke game—the strategy is real. Positioning your characters and timing your attacks can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Fun Fact: Some levels are so absurdly funny that you’ll spend more time laughing than strategizing, which is part of the charm. It’s a tactical RPG that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki
This one is a little different from the others on my list. Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki is a fighting game that’s a total love letter to fans of both the Trails and Ys series. You get to play through each character’s unique story arc, and you can upgrade their equipment and customize them, which really makes you want to keep playing long after the main story is over. That ability to customize is what gives it some serious replay value.
Fun Fact: A worldwide release is scheduled for October 10, 2025, on PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC with enhanced features, according to the publisher refint/games.
TwinBee Portable
TwinBee Portable is a vertical shooter with an aesthetic that’s so colorful it’s almost hypnotic. Controlling the ship is straightforward, making it easy to pick up on the RG28XX. The power-ups add a layer of strategy to the simple shooting mechanics, turning it into a deeper experience than it first appears. Since it’s a Japanese-only release, I’m just assuming the story is light and charming, but seriously, who needs a story when what hooked me to this game is the retro vibe and pure nostalgia? It’s the kind of game that’s easy to jump into for a quick session or a longer run.
Fun Fact:TwinBee’s charm comes from its cheerful music and playful visuals—Konami really nailed that arcade vibe.
Mega Man Powered Up
megaman powered up psp cover
Mega Man Powered Up is classic Mega Man with upgraded graphics and remade levels. It’s challenging but fair, and controlling the blue bomber on the RG28XX felt surprisingly natural. The satisfaction of finally defeating a tough boss never gets old.
The story is minimal but fun, staying true to Mega Man’s roots as a robot hero battling evil. The level design is clever, and each stage has its own personality.
Fun Fact: You can create and share your own levels, making it a mini creative outlet on the go.
Yuusha 30 Seconds
Yuusha 30 Seconds is a fast-paced mini-RPG where battles and decisions happen in short, exciting bursts. Perfect for handheld play, it keeps you on edge while still being strategic. The story follows a hero who must make quick choices to save their world, making every second count.
The gameplay of Yuusha 30 Seconds is what truly makes it a standout. Back when it was released, the concept was totally unique, and it still feels incredibly fresh today. The core loop is simple: you have 30 seconds to save the world. This crazy-fast timer forces you to make quick, strategic decisions. Every second counts as you run to level up, buy equipment, and defeat the final boss. It’s a genius concept that turns the traditional RPG grind on its head and keeps every moment filled with high-stakes action.
Fun Fact: Another title, Half-Minute Hero, was also released for western audiences on PSP. Although that’s a great game, I would still recommend hunting down an English translation patch for Yuusha 30 Seconds because the Japanese release is more challenging and has more content.
Dissidia 012 Duodecim (RPG Mode)
This one is a bit different. I play Dissidia 012 Duodecim in RPG Mode. There’s an option in the settings to switch from the usual action style to a more tactical RPG-style battle where you input attacks as the battle takes place.
While I’ll be honest, I usually play this on PPSSPP on my phone since the touch controls and ability to set hotkeys make the game more fluid for me, the RG28XX still offers a great experience in RPG Mode. Even with the controls being a bit cramped and the absence of an analog stick, it’s a perfect fit for this little handheld.
Fun Fact: Each character has a fully voiced story, and the massive cast includes heroes and villains from almost every major title in the series.
Zenonia
Zenonia is a classic hack-and-slash RPG that’s perfect for handheld sessions. You explore dungeons, fight enemies, and uncover a story of revenge and justice. The controls feel great on the RG28XX, making combat smooth and satisfying.
The story is simple but effective, with multiple endings that encourage replayability. I love how easy it is to pick up and play without losing any of the RPG charm.
Fun Fact:Zenonia was so popular that it eventually found its way to mobile devices, becoming one of the early success stories for JRPGs on the app store.
Patapon 3
Patapon 3 perfectly blends rhythm and strategy. You command a tiny Patapon tribe in battles that are essentially musical performances. The gameplay is simple, but timing your beats correctly feels incredibly satisfying.
The story follows your tribe as they journey to conquer enemies and survive in a whimsical world. It’s easy to lose track of time because the rhythm-based gameplay is so addictive.
Fun Fact: The unique rhythm-strategy gameplay of Patapon 3 has a rich history. The first game introduced the unique concept of commanding a tribe with drumbeats. Patapon 2 built on that with the introduction of hero units, new classes, and a multiplayer mode. Patapon 3 then evolved the formula even further with a persistent online focus, a more detailed leveling system, and an even deeper focus on the central hero character.
Final Thoughts
This list proves that the RG28XX can handle far more than just RPGs. From humor and platforming to epic storytelling and rhythm, this little handheld really delivers, and I can’t wait to see what other hidden gems I discover next.
EZRetro Plays 