Considering a Flip over a Fold may hold an unexpected advantage, diverging from the usual assumptions
The editor finds themselves in a conundrum, torn between the Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 as their main phone. However, the allure of the Galaxy Flip 7 and Flip SE is starting to pique their interest. But this isn't just about a new phone; it's about transforming the Galaxy Z Flip 6 into an ultimate Game Boy Advance SP.
Growing up, the editor was no stranger to handheld gaming, with a Game Boy Color being their first foray into the world of portable gaming. They also had brief stints with the Nintendo DS, PSP, and PS Vita, but the Game Boy Advance and its variants, unfortunately, were not part of their journey.
The editor's obsession with turning the Galaxy Z Flip 6 into a portable Game Boy Advance SP has led them to consider teaching themselves how to create 3D prints to improve the gaming experience. They are currently swapping between Pizza Boy A and RetroArch emulators for Game Boy Advance games on the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Various skins from Pizza Boy can be applied to make the Flip 6 look more like a Game Boy Advance SP.
The senior editor, Android Myrick, specialises in retro gaming, emulation, handhelds, and related topics on the website. They have been keeping a close watch on deals for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the latest Moto Razr phones. The editor is considering making a more permanent decision about acquiring either the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or a latest Moto Razr phone.
Customisation options on Linux-based handhelds are limited compared to Android, even with custom firmware options. This has led the editor to explore the possibility of replacing those clamshell handhelds with a more powerful one, like the Galaxy Z Flip 6. RetroArch has been set as the default "lock screen" shortcut for when the Flip 6 is closed.
Last year, the editor became interested in gaming handhelds and acquired several clamshell models, including the Anbernic RG35XXSP, Miyoo Flip, Retroid Pocket Flip 2, Anbernic RG34XXSP, and Powkiddy V90S. The editor is particularly fond of book-style foldable phones, such as those, but also understands the appeal of flip phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Moto Razr Ultra.
Touchscreen controls on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are not ideal for gaming, except for puzzle games, Balatro, or testing emulators. The compact size of a clamshell handheld is a significant advantage, as it can be easily slid in and out of a pocket, and there's less risk of damaging the screen.
The editor has been testing the Galaxy Z Flip 6 recently, considering if it could replace a foldable phone for them. The last significant time the editor spent with a flip phone was with the Vivo X Flip, followed by the Galaxy Z Flip 3. A 3D print was used to attach Joy Cons to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for gaming, with third-party Bluetooth Joy Cons also being a viable option.
The editor is likely to find the Galaxy Z Flip 6 cheaper than before, despite the release of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip SE. The best Android emulators for playing Game Boy Advance (GBA) games on a Galaxy Z Flip 6 for a gaming handheld setup are highly regarded emulators like My Boy - GBA Emulator, John GBA Lite, and Visual Boy Advance. Among these, My Boy is often rated the top choice due to its high game compatibility, excellent graphics, fast performance, support for cheat codes, external controllers, and stable accuracy during gameplay.
Key points for a good handheld gaming experience on your Galaxy Z Flip 6 include the use of My Boy - GBA Emulator, which stands out with the best performance, game compatibility, and features needed for gaming precision and smoothness. It supports save states, fast-forward, and external controller compatibility, which are essential for handheld use. John GBA Lite and Visual Boy Advance are good free alternatives, though they may have fewer features or less stability with some games. Other solid options include Pizza Boy GBA and EmuBox, which can provide an all-in-one emulator experience if you want to switch between different classic consoles. The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s folding form factor combined with an emulator that supports external controllers (Bluetooth) can create an excellent handheld gaming setup, with My Boy's support for external controllers making it especially suited to that.
In summary, My Boy - GBA Emulator is considered the best option for a smooth, accurate, and portable GBA gaming setup on an Android phone like the Galaxy Z Flip 6, with strong support for game compatibility and peripherals that enhance a handheld experience.
The editor's fascination with transforming the Galaxy Z Flip 6 into a portable Game Boy Advance SP has led them to contemplate learning how to create 3D prints to enhance the gaming experience and apply skins that mimic the design of a Game Boy Advance SP. The editor is currently utilizing Pizza Boy A and RetroArch emulators on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for playing their favorite Game Boy Advance games.
The senior editor, Android Myrick, focuses on retro gaming, emulation, handhelds, and related topics on the website. In addition to monitoring deals for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the latest Moto Razr phones, they are also considering whether to make a permanent decision about acquiring either the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or a latest Moto Razr phone, as they are keen on both book-style foldable phones and flip phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
