Typically, when it rains, it pours, and that is true for Android gaming handhelds these days. Scorching on the heels of the Zero 40 handheld by MagicX, one other low-end machine has been introduced and launched without delay, this time by QRD. Referred to as the Vortex F5, this retro handheld is designed with combating video games in thoughts, thanks partly to its Corridor Impact joysticks and triggers, a expertise that makes an attempt to stop joystick drift as a lot as doable, in addition to offering an extended lifespan for these inputs.
Obtainable instantly from QRD’s web site for $119, the Vortex F5 options an RK3566 Quad-Core 64-bit Cortex-A55 clocked at 1.7 GHz, good for mid-range Android video games like Stardew Valley and Fortnite. It packs 1GB of LPDDR4X reminiscence and a 5,000mAh battery for roughly six hours of gaming, plus a vivid 5.5-inch IPS show with a crisp 1280 x 720 decision. There’s even an HDMI port, so the Vortex F5 can connect with an HDMI-enabled TV so you may play your favourite video games on an even bigger display, a characteristic that numerous the highest picks from our information to one of the best retro handhelds do not provide.
But it surely’s the controls of the Vortex F5 that QRD needs to focus on right here. Each the joysticks and the analog L2/R2 triggers are Corridor impact, that means they’re longer-lasting than different buttons present in one of the best Android handhelds at present accessible, which QRD says “ensures exact management, eliminates drift, and supplies longer lifespan. Very best for aggressive and exact gameplay.”
Whereas it is clear from QRD’s advertising across the machine that it sees the Vortex F5 as perfect for emulation, we do not suggest taking part in ROMs of video games you do not personal on the hand held. There are many authorized routes you may take as a substitute, similar to taking part in the numerous homebrew video games which are free to make use of with out penalties, and numerous our favourite retro video games can be found through the Google Play Retailer.
With extra handhelds being made accessible for first-time customers, we would not be shocked to see extra on this house seem by the point 2025 wraps up. Within the meantime, try our guides to one of the best gaming telephones and one of the best gaming tablets for those who’re pondering of an improve, or our Nintendo Swap 2 assessment for those who’re nonetheless on the fence there. For extra of the most recent cellular and handheld {hardware} information, comply with us on Google Information to remain within the loop.