Buy the Mangmi Air X here: https://mangmi.com/
Recommended Accessories
- MicroSD Card: 256GB or 512GB
- MicroSD Card Reader: UGREEN SD Card Reader
- Charger: UGREEN 65W Charger
Initial Setup Guide
- Prepare SD Card (Android): You can prepare your SD card ahead of time. Follow the steps on this page, and that will get you all setup to get everything you need before getting your device.
Recommended Settings
Recommended Emulators
Obtainium (advanced users)
Obtainium is an application that will install, and keep all of the following emulators up to date (excluding M64Plus FZ). It does not set them up for you, just makes it easier to install them in one spot and in one application.
You can find my instructions for setting up Obtainium below, as well as installing each of the emulators, then you’d want to visit each of the individual emulator setup guides below to set them up.
Click here for my Obtainium setup guide
RetroArch – For PlayStation 1 & Under
Here’s what we will use RetroArch for:
- Atari 2600
- Atari 5200
- Atari 7800
- Atari Lynx
- Arcade
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance
- Nintendo Game Boy/Game Boy Color
- Nintendo 64 (see M64Plus FZ Pro section below)
- Nintendo DS (see MelonDS section below)
- Sega 32X
- Sega Dreamcast
- Sega Genesis/Master System/Game Gear/CD
- Sega Saturn
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Sony PlayStation 1 (see DuckStation section below)
M64Plus FZ Pro – For Nintendo 64
For Nintendo 64 on Android, you want to use M64Plus FZ Pro UNLESS you need RetroAchievements, in which case I’d suggest the Mupen64Plus-Next GLES3 core in RetroArch.
The reason being, there’s a few games that are broken in RetroArch (Mario Golf, Pokemon Snap etc.), and then some other games that have texture issues (Mario Tennis etc.) that can be fixed in M64Plus FZ. M64Plus FZ has the best compatibility and so start there, but unfortunately just on Android, you will have a tough time with a few games if you want RetroAchievements.
MelonDS – For Nintendo DS (Optional)
For Nintendo DS, there are two options I would recommend. The RetroArch MelonDS DS core above, which is what I use and would highly recommend.
Or, you can install and use the standalone MelonDS app instead. The standalone MelonDS app has upscaling, where the MelonDS DS core does not, and would be the only current benefit to that option.
DuckStation – For Sony PlayStation 1 (Optional)
For Sony PlayStation 1, there are two options I would recommend.
The RetroArch SwanStation core is generally very good, and can be a good option if you want to stick to just using RetroArch for everything.
However, the standalone DuckStation app has better performance and is better for upscaling as well. There are many games (like Final Fantasy) that will have significant slowdown if you are upscaling on SwanStation, but not in DuckStation and so it ends up being a better choice overall.
Click here for my DuckStation setup guide
PPSSPP – For Sony PlayStation Portable
For Sony PlayStation Portable emulation, the best emulator for Android is PPSSPP from the Google Play Store. The paid version is only required if you want to support the developer, otherwise there’s no difference.
Click here for my PPSSPP setup guide.
Dolphin – For Nintendo GameCube & Wii
For Nintendo GameCube and Wii, the best emulator for Android is Dolphin from the Google Play Store.
Click here for my Dolphin setup guide
NetherSX2 Classic – For Sony PlayStation 2
For Sony PlayStation 2 emulation, the current and best version is NetherSX2 – Classic.
Click here for my NetherSX2 setup guide
Azahar – For Nintendo 3DS
For Nintendo 3DS emulation, the best and current version is Azahar.
Click here for my Azahar setup guide
CEMU – For Nintendo Wii U
For Nintendo Wii U emulation, the best and current version is CEMU.
Click here for my CEMU setup guide
RPCSX – For Sony PlayStation 3
For Sony PlayStation 3 emulation, the best and current version is RPCSX.
Click here for my RPCSX setup guide
Switch Emulation on Android
For Nintendo Switch emulation, the best and current emulators change often. Check the guide for more information.
Click here for my Switch Emulation on Android setup guide
Vita3K – For Sony PlayStation Vita
For Sony PlayStation Vita emulation, the best and current version is Vita3K.
Click here for my Vita3K setup guide
P8GO – For Pico-8
Click here for my Pico-8 on Android setup guide.
Recommended Frontends
ROMs/BIOS
If you’re looking for where to find ROMs, this video will help you.
If you’re looking for where to find BIOS files, this video will help you.
Also, for the best BIOS files, you can see this list here: https://joeysretrohandhelds.com/guides/recommended-bios-files/.
Organizing ROMs/BIOS & File Types
If you’re curious what the best file types are for your ROMs, or how to organize everything, then this page will help: https://joeysretrohandhelds.com/guides/recommended-file-types-for-roms/.
How to find your saves & states
If you’re looking for your saves & states, you can find a list of emulators and where they are here: https://joeysretrohandhelds.com/guides/where-to-find-save-files-for-every-emulator-and-custom-firmware/.
Setting up Syncthing
How to setup streaming to your device
Backup & Restore your handheld
If you ever want to backup and restore your Android handheld’s save data, emulator data and more, you can follow this guide here.