HardwareThe Game Boy inspired Bittboy sparked a handheld revolution in 2019 - here’s how it holds up five years laterWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareThe Game Boy inspired Bittboy sparked a handheld revolution in 2019 - here’s how it holds up five years laterWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
As a handheld collector and retro enthusiast, it’s easy to forget exactly which consoles you own. Don’t get me wrong, I can rhyme a chunk of the obvious ones off the top of my head, but while sorting through my moving boxes and migrating things into a new vintage-themed space, I stumbled across an old portable pal. Upon reading the words ‘Bittboy’, it dawned on me that arguably, it could be considered the very device that sparked the current handheld emulation market that exists today, and a lot has changed since it introduced cheap classic joy to the masses.
If you’ve been messing around with thebest gaming handheldsfor retro games over the last few years, you’ll no doubt recognize the name Bittboy. For those of you unfamiliar, it’s a brand associated with tiny mini Game boy devices designed to run games from the 8-bit era via microSD cards. Sounds familiar, right? Well, that’s because that description fits more recent consoles like theAnbernic RG35XX Plusand various other options out there today.
Itty bitty 8-bit design
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
The very first thing that popped into my mind while gazing at my refound friend was “hold up, this thing is tiny!” Like a dork, I quickly found myself sizing the Bittboy up against other bits of tech, eventually discovering that it’s the same size as my old iPod classic, and it puts theSuper Pocketto shame size-wise. If that’s not truly pocket sized then I’m three goblins in a trench coat pretending to be a hardware editor, which might actually be true but it doesn’t change the device’s dinky dimensions.
Of course, there’s a good reason why the Bittboy is itty bitty, and it’s mainly because there’s not much going on inside. I mean, there are enough innards to ultimately pull off its goal of running old Gameboy games, but it’s painfully obvious that most of its weight actually belongs to the lithium battery stowed away round the back. It doesn’t quite feel like it’s going to float out of your hands in the same way that the infamousMcNugget Tetris handhelddoes, but then again, this didn’t come out of a kid’s Happy Meal.
Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Image1of2
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
To call the Bittboy an uncanny Gameboy might sound like a negative, but the homage actually comes together aesthetically. Touches like ensuring the buttons are maroon, including a glass screen lens with a similar bezel, and keeping details like the speaker grille and options buttons in the same place help hammer home its inspiration. I do think it’s a good thing that newer devices now focus more on ergonomics over whether engraving on the shell looks like a Nintendo classic console, even if I can completely vibe with tiny versions of old systems.
Speaking of ergonomics, the Bittboy doesn’t know the meaning of the word. Playing it isn’t going to cause your hands to instantly cramp, but holding the tiny console does make me feel a bit like Godzilla getting some game time in before giving Ghidorah the beat down. Its buttons and d-pad feel far more serviceable than I thought they would now that I’ve tried superior options, ignoring the fact the cheap plastic sometimes squeaks during use.
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Classic compact capers with caveats
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
I honestly can’t remember where I picked up my Bittboy, but I do know it came with a microSD card and an operating system pre-loaded. As a default, it’s seemingly set up to run NES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color games, which offers a hint as to what it can handle running. Before tampering with anything, I decided to take the portable pal for a spin to remind myself what the experience was like back in 2019.
For the most part, I’m happy to report that Bittboy doesn’t feel ancient, at least when it comes to running 8-bit romps. Its operating system in its current state is incredibly basic, and you’ll have to scroll down text lists to find your desired ROM, but every game I tried fired up just fine and delivered nice, crisp pixels on its 3.5-inch screen. The sound wasn’tterribleeither, managing to screech impressively loud, so much so that I had toGooglewhat the volume controls are (it’s select + the right-hand grey buttons labeled ‘T’).
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
I’m not exaggerating when I say using newer custom Bittboy firmware completely revamps things on the software front. From featuring a new Gameboy-inspired rolling text intro to providing a pretty pleasing interface with cover art and icons, the OS provides everything I’d more or less expect from a device today, not to mention it bakes in a whole bunch of other emulators. We’re talking everything from NES, SNES, and PS1 to more niche platforms like the Vectrex and MSX, all packed into something the size of a credit card.
An ode to the Bittboy
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Today’s best retro gaming handheld dealsAnbernic RG405M$211.99$169.99ViewSee all pricesAyn Odin 2$449ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro gaming handheld dealsAnbernic RG405M$211.99$169.99ViewSee all pricesAyn Odin 2$449ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro gaming handheld dealsAnbernic RG405M$211.99$169.99ViewSee all pricesAyn Odin 2$449ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro gaming handheld deals
Anbernic RG405M$211.99$169.99ViewSee all pricesAyn Odin 2$449ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG405M$211.99$169.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG405M$211.99$169.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG405M
Anbernic RG405M
$211.99$169.99View
$211.99$169.99
$169.99
See all prices
Ayn Odin 2$449ViewSee all prices
Ayn Odin 2$449ViewSee all prices
Ayn Odin 2
Ayn Odin 2
$449View
$449
$449
See all prices
Anbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
$79.99$58.99View
$79.99$58.99
$58.99
See all prices
Low StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all prices
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all prices
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket
$31.99View
$31.99
$31.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”