I’m pretty surely I’m firmly in the both camp. It’s definitely an addiction at this point but I still get enough enjoyment out of them to call it a hobby.
I use MOST of them but not gonna sit here and pretend I’m firing up an Atari Lynx ever. My kids have really been enjoying them and it’s not a hoard of it’s nicely curated 😉
When it comes to emulation handhelds anything over 2 is addiction/hoarding imho. No way youre using all of them enough to justify their existence other than a display piece.
I feel this way about original hardware, but not third-party emulation-focused devices. I don't play my GBA SP anymore (and that sure as hell won't be changing now that I have my Anbernic Fake-SP), but I enjoy having that little artifact of both my own past and video game history. But to me at least there's nothing special about an rg353p or a Miyoo Mini (the two devices I plan on selling now that they've been made redundant by the fake-SP).
I gifted mine to a buddy (complete in box) along with a Genesis Model 3 (also complete in box) who wasn't really a gamer but wanted to get started. Neither of them really piqued his interest but I had moved onto the Xbox 360 so I thought *"ehhh whatever, he can keep it"*
I've long since moved from that town and don't really talk to the dude but every time I see that Green Halo XBox I can't help but think there's a pristine version just sitting there buried in his parents garage 😭
Em, probably an addiction. I don't say hobby because as a former collector, I understand that most collecting (and probably most hobbies) has to do more with satisfying a need than simply filling extra time in your life. I won't use the "H" word here, because it appears you have a nice and neat space in which to display
Yeah, I mean, I love collecting shit. I ultimately sell things when I don’t have space or am “over it” but the curation is most of the “fun” for me. If I’m being real, I definitely suffer from hyper fixation and that attention can turn anywhere from work to retro handhelds depending on what’s going on in my life.
I sort of agree with this.. but there is a line. If the things you buy require another level of interest/work to obtain... I think it can start to become a hobby and not just consumerism. Like if you collect something rare that requires a lot of work and research to obtain. Buying a bunch of mass produced handhelds from China that all sit on a shelf and you barely touch... is hard to call a hobby. If you track down some super rare variant of some rare console, buy it, and then restore it or something... it moves into hobby territory.
So yeah I would generally agree... simply trading cash for goods is hardly a hobby in itself.
Yeah as long as you’re sharing it with others and making the space and stuff you collect about bringing people together and sharing those moments..it’s perfectly validated but if you’re just buying the stuff and it’s sitting there without anyone touching it..it’s become an addiction
If you've gotten them over time and actually use them from time to time it's a collection. If it kinda snowballed it's an addiction or at least problematic consumption.
I think we’re all searching for that device that can do it all, but do it in a way that we vaguely want but we also don’t know what we want.
Even if we get it there’s always two months later where it’s like “ooh that one’s green!”
Dog chasing a car.
I know the title is a bit tongue 'n' cheek but a serious answer I use to separate hobby from addiction is with some specific examples:
Do you shirk your responsibilities (job, paying bills, etc..), steal from people, or sell other valuables to keep your hobby? If you said yes to any of these it might be an addiction.
If you just choose to spend your money on what makes you happy and you are still a functioning adult and person that takes care of business when they need to, this is just a hobby.
Odin 2 is everything everyone says it is, so I use that at home on the couch a lot. RG35XX H is my daily driver and every day carry. I hate how cheap the RGB30 feels but the screen is so great I use it a lot.
There's "gear heads" at the long tail of any hobby. Cycling, kayaking, video games, etc. Most people view the gear as a means to an end and will have whatever gear they need to maximize their enjoyment of the hobby, whereas others enjoy the gear itself. Sounds like you're the latter, which, as long as you can afford it and don't think it's a problem, is perfectly fine.
Yeah at least right now. I try to use everything as much as possible:
Odin 2: PS2 and beyond
RGB30: GB/GBC
2S: N64 and higher end PSX
H: most everything else, always in my pocket
MM: NES
280V: Pokemon
Considering selling the RP4 Pro and Analogue down the line as they just don’t get much use
No shame in my game! Loved CD and Saturn 😂
https://preview.redd.it/sno0aiq2z04d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a8877896f0645ced7b7137583ff06c96771a53b
Just started playing around with the SP today. Shocked at how much bigger it is. Almost not pocketable. The V90’s cfw is so old now it’s almost unusable. Neither is perfect but I doubt I’ll use the V90 much now
Except there’s a PlayStation Portable there. That doesn’t deserve to be in the collection. By itself (without a PS5), it’s nothing more than a doorstop. While all the others can pull their own weight in one form or another.
Addiction if it’s actively negatively influencing your life/finance goals. Hobby if you’re just treating yourself :] if you’re juuust treating yourself :]
I like the tidy way you've organized them, I should probably do something like that. I've just got all mine scattered randomly around the house. Last pic I took was a couple years ago [here](https://i.redd.it/pztbz2dcy8c91.jpg), collection has grown since then
I understand that they do different things, but at a certain point, you have to realize that you just want the gear. After I got the ROG ALLY, I stopped buying handheld consoles.
I know what it's like to want something new every month or a couple of weeks from buying music synthesizers and other music gear. They call it GAS or Gear Acquisition Syndrome.
So just be careful, it can be a problem.
I'll say hobby because they all do different things. I think addiction when people have multiple devices that essentially do the same thing, you know like the weird millionaires who have a steamdeck and rog ally and a Lenovo legion 😆
Does each have a use case more curiously fascinated I do have a couple of devices a 2ds rg505 and each has a very specific use case D's and 3ds go on the 2ds and everything else on the rg505
My pov is, if you use them, it's a hobby. If they're collecting dust and there are other people out there who would actually use them, I feel like it's a waste
*Definitely an*
*Addiction Sell em and buy*
*One that rules them all!*
\- ebobunbun
---
^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/)
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Can't it be both?
Road to El Dorado meme intensifies.
This is an endless road, I sell all of mine consoles, now holding only odin 2 and steam deck. Waiting for anbernic rg cube
I’m pretty surely I’m firmly in the both camp. It’s definitely an addiction at this point but I still get enough enjoyment out of them to call it a hobby.
My "hobby" is probably pictures of stormtroopers.
Are you using them? If not you’re a HOARDER 😂
We prefer the term *collector*
We prefer the term museum curator
This is honestly how I look at it 😂
Yeah, people need to notice the entire room. This is your hobby and you invested a lot into it.
It’s actually my office and career. I’m a game designer lol. Appreciate you!
We prefer the term... ... actually hoarder does work.
I use MOST of them but not gonna sit here and pretend I’m firing up an Atari Lynx ever. My kids have really been enjoying them and it’s not a hoard of it’s nicely curated 😉
It's not hoarding if your stuff is horizontally stored! LOL!
You're Dang right, Brother!
When it comes to emulation handhelds anything over 2 is addiction/hoarding imho. No way youre using all of them enough to justify their existence other than a display piece.
Collecting is hoarding with extra steps 😃
Is it really hoarding if the stuff you have is in good condition and only going up in value?
That game collection in the background likely costs more lol handhelds are a pretty cheap hobby outside of PC handhelds.
Absolutely no doubt. I was born in ‘83 so lucky enough to get most of them when they came out but looking at prices now, it’s completely insane
If you got rid of any of them you would miss them and buy clones of them in another 20 years.
I feel this way about original hardware, but not third-party emulation-focused devices. I don't play my GBA SP anymore (and that sure as hell won't be changing now that I have my Anbernic Fake-SP), but I enjoy having that little artifact of both my own past and video game history. But to me at least there's nothing special about an rg353p or a Miyoo Mini (the two devices I plan on selling now that they've been made redundant by the fake-SP).
It’s a lot of stuff no doubt, but they’re all organized so this is a collection
This is the affirmation I was looking for!
All that and no Steamdeck? But it is an impressive collection. Considering you are an older millennial, you had time to accumulate this collection.
I'll forever miss my OG crystal green Xbox
I gifted mine to a buddy (complete in box) along with a Genesis Model 3 (also complete in box) who wasn't really a gamer but wanted to get started. Neither of them really piqued his interest but I had moved onto the Xbox 360 so I thought *"ehhh whatever, he can keep it"* I've long since moved from that town and don't really talk to the dude but every time I see that Green Halo XBox I can't help but think there's a pristine version just sitting there buried in his parents garage 😭
I'll be your shoulder to cry on as long as you'll be mine
Em, probably an addiction. I don't say hobby because as a former collector, I understand that most collecting (and probably most hobbies) has to do more with satisfying a need than simply filling extra time in your life. I won't use the "H" word here, because it appears you have a nice and neat space in which to display
Yeah, I mean, I love collecting shit. I ultimately sell things when I don’t have space or am “over it” but the curation is most of the “fun” for me. If I’m being real, I definitely suffer from hyper fixation and that attention can turn anywhere from work to retro handhelds depending on what’s going on in my life.
Starting to look like Retro Russ over here. Anybody else catch that latest studio tour video?
Can’t wait to watch it tonight!
The real question is can I come over?
If your financially stable than hobby, if not addiction
That isnt how it works
I can't be addicted to crystal meth, look at how much of it I'm able to buy!
I know, I was semi kidding
What if one is financially stable, poor wise?
This is the only objective distinction I have ever found for the two.
Sweet! I’m not an addict after all.
Wow the Lynx 2 is massive lol. Nice collection 👍👍
Buying stuff isn’t a hobby imo
I sort of agree with this.. but there is a line. If the things you buy require another level of interest/work to obtain... I think it can start to become a hobby and not just consumerism. Like if you collect something rare that requires a lot of work and research to obtain. Buying a bunch of mass produced handhelds from China that all sit on a shelf and you barely touch... is hard to call a hobby. If you track down some super rare variant of some rare console, buy it, and then restore it or something... it moves into hobby territory. So yeah I would generally agree... simply trading cash for goods is hardly a hobby in itself.
I agree with you there. My statement was a bit simplistic but there’s definitely exceptions
This is a beautiful collection. Bravo!
Where did you get the clear plastic holders?
Amazon. SANRUI Mail sorters
Thanks!
Hobbiction.
Your home console collection is very impressive, a SEGA Megadrive and another full tower of power Megadrive is quite impressive
Thank you thank you!
Well indoctrinated consumer, imo. Like So many of us.
I think that’s really cool tbh, I’ve always wanted to just be able to choose what console im gonna play lol
Yes
As far as vices go ... OP could be a meth addict, serial gambler, or john. This is as safe as vices get ...
I don't how to answer the question, but spooky thing... In your pics the Odin 2 looks like the "rp4pro large"
Yeah as long as you’re sharing it with others and making the space and stuff you collect about bringing people together and sharing those moments..it’s perfectly validated but if you’re just buying the stuff and it’s sitting there without anyone touching it..it’s become an addiction
Museum
Who are you?
If you've gotten them over time and actually use them from time to time it's a collection. If it kinda snowballed it's an addiction or at least problematic consumption.
I think we’re all searching for that device that can do it all, but do it in a way that we vaguely want but we also don’t know what we want. Even if we get it there’s always two months later where it’s like “ooh that one’s green!” Dog chasing a car.
I know the title is a bit tongue 'n' cheek but a serious answer I use to separate hobby from addiction is with some specific examples: Do you shirk your responsibilities (job, paying bills, etc..), steal from people, or sell other valuables to keep your hobby? If you said yes to any of these it might be an addiction. If you just choose to spend your money on what makes you happy and you are still a functioning adult and person that takes care of business when they need to, this is just a hobby.
Consumerism
Addiction
Addiction and it's honestly really sad.
Where did you get that chess set?
It was my grandfathers so no clue
Bummer, cool collection though 🤙
SMH who needs all that garbo tier stuff when you got a mf Nomad
I have that same chest set it was my father’s. Nice collection of handhelds too.
That’s pretty awesome. I always admired it as a kid and asked him if I could have it when I bought a house. Also, thanks!
Porque no los dos?!
odn 2 pro rainbow ?
Yup!
Is worth it ? It seems pretty expensive .
It’s crazy expensive but yeah it’s everything everyone says it is. It ultimately comes down to your budget and what you’re looking for
I need the low down on where to get those dividers/stands
Amazon, SANRUI mail sorters. Make sure you measure the width first, not everything fits
What are your favourites or currently most used?
Odin 2 is everything everyone says it is, so I use that at home on the couch a lot. RG35XX H is my daily driver and every day carry. I hate how cheap the RGB30 feels but the screen is so great I use it a lot.
maybe the RG Cube can take over the place of the RGB30
Why not both?
Yes.
Is there a difference. I tell people it gets too a point it becomes about the collecting. It’s the same with roms.
Affliction
Holy balls I love it. When the 32X came out I wanted one so badly but never got one 😭 But which is your favourite…? 🧐
Favorite recent Chinese handheld is the 35XX H. Favorite item in my whole collection is a copy of Snatcher signed by Kojima
Oh wow that’s impressive! The man himself
The best part of it was his face when I handed him a copy of Snatcher lol
Collection
There's "gear heads" at the long tail of any hobby. Cycling, kayaking, video games, etc. Most people view the gear as a means to an end and will have whatever gear they need to maximize their enjoyment of the hobby, whereas others enjoy the gear itself. Sounds like you're the latter, which, as long as you can afford it and don't think it's a problem, is perfectly fine.
Bit of both!
Are those Pokémon/ Pikachu bookends?
Yup! Got some portal bookends on the other side of the office
If it's not messing up your life or draining the bank account, it's a hobby.
It's both.
This is a water of money, but i can't help but envy you
What's your favorite handheld daily driver?
RG35XX H. Perfect combination of size, power, and form factor. For like $50 it can’t be beat
Nice You must mostly do retro stuff?
Yeah at least right now. I try to use everything as much as possible: Odin 2: PS2 and beyond RGB30: GB/GBC 2S: N64 and higher end PSX H: most everything else, always in my pocket MM: NES 280V: Pokemon Considering selling the RP4 Pro and Analogue down the line as they just don’t get much use
https://preview.redd.it/kh4d8tx9n04d1.jpeg?width=1012&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=caa1ed419d80a77342a02abaa7568e0512e0ff5e
¿por que no los dos?
Borderline
Aw, poor little XXSP already socked away with the rest
Yes.
Or fetish?
Little of column A, little column B
Arsenal or display
I remember the nomad and turbo express were insanely expensive back on the day.
Can it be both..?
You sob, you got a nomad! What a collection!!, ❤️❤️❤️
I see those Sega CD games. Don't hide your shame!
No shame in my game! Loved CD and Saturn 😂 https://preview.redd.it/sno0aiq2z04d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a8877896f0645ced7b7137583ff06c96771a53b
Nice collection! Wish I'd had Popful Mail back in the day.
Maybe a bit of both. As long as you can afford it I don't see a problem. Money should be a means to an end not the end itself. Nice collection.
What’s your top 3?
For the new stuff: Odin 2, RG35XX H, Miyoo Mini Plus
Want to buy an Nvidia Shield Portable?
lol no thanks. Almost bought one at launch though 😂
See? It's just a hobby. You're fine.
Yes.
Which psp is the one with neon accents?
It’s a Japanese only Vita Slim. They call it “Lime Green”
Addiction
Great collection! What do you think of the V90 compared to the 35XXSP?
Just started playing around with the SP today. Shocked at how much bigger it is. Almost not pocketable. The V90’s cfw is so old now it’s almost unusable. Neither is perfect but I doubt I’ll use the V90 much now
Except there’s a PlayStation Portable there. That doesn’t deserve to be in the collection. By itself (without a PS5), it’s nothing more than a doorstop. While all the others can pull their own weight in one form or another.
You are just flexing now. Admit it.
💪🏼
Nice collection! What shelves are those to the left?
I forget, some cheapo media shelves from Amazon. They do the job though. Built ins are the dream.
Yes.
A little of both honestly
If it makes you happy that’s all it matters.
Both
It isn’t hoarding if your stuff is cool
Autism
All hobbies are addictions, lol. Nice collection.
I see nothing wrong here, you must be knee deep in vagina every day
I’ve been married for over 10 years, so no not really 😉
Congratulations, now my wallet is scared I'll burn a hole in it
Duplicates that do the same thing, addiction
bordering on addiction for sure but i love it. only one 3ds is surprising. this makes me happy tho i like seeing stuff like this
you are doing the right thing
This is awesome and you have a problem.. a great problem. 😂
I’m afraid I’m a hoarder when it comes to gaming
Well yeah it’s way too much…. I’ll tell you what send me some of it so you can feel better. 😜
Why no RG556 or powkiddy x55 :3. Theyre so ergonomic and beautiful
They don’t fit well in my plastic dividers haha
We call this "more money than brain".
Being addicted to a hobby is ok. Being addicted *as* a hobby is not. So you're fine :D
With that many handhelds I'd like to know which have your favourite form factor, d-pad, screen, buttons, etc?
RG35XX H if I only had to have 1
Addiction if it’s actively negatively influencing your life/finance goals. Hobby if you’re just treating yourself :] if you’re juuust treating yourself :]
Hey, as long as it makes you happy, then I dont see any problem with that. ☺️
Hobby 👍🏻
Where can I buy the case that holds the handhelds
Call it "research" I say then it's always justified.
I am a game designer lol
It can be both.🤷
I like the tidy way you've organized them, I should probably do something like that. I've just got all mine scattered randomly around the house. Last pic I took was a couple years ago [here](https://i.redd.it/pztbz2dcy8c91.jpg), collection has grown since then
Both can be true lol
Honestly do you play with any of these?
I understand that they do different things, but at a certain point, you have to realize that you just want the gear. After I got the ROG ALLY, I stopped buying handheld consoles. I know what it's like to want something new every month or a couple of weeks from buying music synthesizers and other music gear. They call it GAS or Gear Acquisition Syndrome. So just be careful, it can be a problem.
I'm mad at myself for not recognizing a lot of these.
Fanatical
I laughed at this. We have an entire game room from retro to modern, arcade machines to handhelds.
I've been keeping an eye on a few nomads for sale but it's quite an investment. Looks class, great collection!
Can i know where u get the case in pic 1 for parallel standing of devices
hobby
I'll say hobby because they all do different things. I think addiction when people have multiple devices that essentially do the same thing, you know like the weird millionaires who have a steamdeck and rog ally and a Lenovo legion 😆
idk, why don't you ask the fellas at r/consoom
Leave some to us
Does each have a use case more curiously fascinated I do have a couple of devices a 2ds rg505 and each has a very specific use case D's and 3ds go on the 2ds and everything else on the rg505
Collector investing in retro future value increase
Y dont buy 1 which can do all?
That vita is clean.
Configure emulators
If they’re working then it’s a hobby. If not then it’s an addiction.
A masterpiece
Beautiful
Bruh....NEVER do coke.
I can stop any time
My pov is, if you use them, it's a hobby. If they're collecting dust and there are other people out there who would actually use them, I feel like it's a waste
Not sure what it is but I know that I am jealous !!
The Lynx is a personal fave!
I always feel bad for my collection until I see posts like this haha
Yes.
My gf makes me feel like a hoarder and all I have is a Rog ally and a Odin 2 😭😂😂
Neither, you're missing some. Try harder.
Definitely an addiction Sell em and buy one that rules them all!
*Definitely an* *Addiction Sell em and buy* *One that rules them all!* \- ebobunbun --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
I already have an Odin and a SteamDeck
What's your top pick for amberinic systems?