This Valentine’s Day, I’m diving into Street Fighter 2 on my blue retro handheld!
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If I had my way, I’d be getting my butt kicked at Street Fighter 2 with my partner on an actual arcade machine. Unfortunately, she can’t take on her role as Chun Li and deliver those lightning kicks, so I’ll be treating myself to some quality time on the couch with the fantastic Super Pocket.
It’s no secret that I consider the Super Pocket one of the best retro handhelds to hit the market in recent years. At just $59.99 on Amazon, it’s hard to resist when you realize it’s a fully functional console with Evercade cartridge support. Plus, it doesn’t rely on the internet, which is a refreshing change in a world where AI is creeping into everything and game ownership feels like a fading concept.
Super Pocket Capcom Edition | $69.99 $59.99 at Amazon Save $10 – While the Super Pocket is technically priced at $70, a semi-permanent price drop at Amazon means you can snag it for its original $60 price. It might go up in the future, so if you’re looking for a solid portable with a collection of Capcom classics and Evercade cartridge support, now is a great time to grab one.
UK: £49.99 at Amazon
I often find myself raving about the Super Pocket, but with Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to bring it up again. It’s affordable enough to serve as a great alternative to overpriced flowers, chocolates, and fancy dinners, and it could open the door to a treasure trove of retro gaming for your loved one. Honestly, if someone gifted me this handheld as a romantic gesture, I’d be smitten.
Now, let’s dive into what makes the Super Pocket such a gem. It may not be the flashiest handheld on the market, and while its 3.5-inch LCD screen is pretty basic, it does a decent job of running classic games at 480p. The real draw here is the Evercade cartridge compatibility, allowing you to play over 500 games on a device that feels like a Game Boy, fits snugly in your pocket, and is surprisingly sturdy for a $60 gadget.
The reason I’d consider the Super Pocket for a second date is its reliability and adherence to a classic formula. It’s easy to fall for something that costs under $60 and can run Tomb Raider, but I can see why you might be tempted by more emulation-focused options like the Anbernic RG28XX, which typically retail around $40 and can emulate many of the same retro systems—if you have your own ROMs from games you own.
There are countless ways to enjoy Street Fighter 2 this Valentine’s Day. Trust me, I’ve tested the latest plug-and-play systems and specialize in using original retro consoles with modern tech, so I have plenty of options for playing Capcom’s iconic fighter. Still, there’s something special about sticking to an officially licensed, standalone handheld that comes with 12 classics preloaded, including Mega Man and Strider.
What I’m saying is that the $60 Super Pocket can coexist with the Steam Deck OLED, which can run most of your PC library, and the Anbernic RG Cube, a retro powerhouse. Personally, I enjoy using the Evercade portable in specific situations, and its impressive battery life and offline capabilities mean it often travels with me for times when I can’t access the internet or power outlets.
This Valentine’s Day, the Super Pocket will be my companion on the couch for some solo gaming time. My goal is to sharpen my Street Fighter 2 skills so that when I finally reunite with my partner, I’ll stand a fighting chance against her in two-player mode on the Evercade Alpha. If you have $270 to spare for a full arcade machine with expanded Evercade functionality, that’s worth considering too. But as a starting point, the $60 portable console is a solid treat, even if it’s just for the novelty of owning a dedicated handheld for Capcom classics.
Looking for more ways to game on the go? Check out the best gaming handhelds for emulation devices and portable PCs. You’ll also want to explore the best Steam Deck accessories and docks if you’re already enjoying Valve’s powerhouse.
