I've just published a new interview with Moth, lnkd and Anti, the three developers behind Cocoon, an Android gaming frontend designed to give retro handhelds a more cohesive, console-like experience. It's super interesting on dual-screen devices like the AYN Thor and Retroid Pocket Duo, where it makes use of both displays for browsing game libraries, managing applications and navigating a customizable interface inspired in part by the Nintendo 3DS.
Their latest 3.1 update introduces some substantial improvements, including the ability to suspend, resume and close games without leaving Cocoon, alongside smarter dual-screen behavior and a redesigned interface. I spoke with all three about how these features came together, the considerable optimization work needed to get Cocoon running smoothly on more modest hardware like the Anbernic RG DS, and the music and sound design that helps give the whole thing its personality.
There's quite a bit about the challenges they've encountered along the way too, including some unexpected performance discoveries and the difficulties of maintaining compatibility with different emulators. Really enjoyed catching up with the team, and I've included plenty of GIFs demonstrating the new features (thanks to them!)
Hope some here enjoy the article from our interviews and find something of interest in here!
Good info! Anything that can run PS2?
Not from SP specific devices. If you're looking for clamshell devices, there's been a surge of those lately. Bwith hardware getting expensive, they're pretty pricey now, or about to be discontinued.
AYN Thor is the flagship right now. Retroid Flip 2 is also very soilid, but it's discontinued now. Rtroid might still have the final stock onsale on their website. There are two variations of it, get the stronger chip, I think it's almost the same price.
Retroid just released the pocket duo which could play PS2 well (idk if the duo lite can too or not), and Ambernic is supposed to also release another clamshell handheld soon. I don't think their current clamshells can run PS2.
I don't think there's a device which has the Advance SP form factor, has thumb-sticks, and can play PS2 games. If you're not married to the form factor (but if you'd still like a clam-shell), the the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 which is supposed to be able to play PS2 games.