retroshelf

retroshelf is a dedicated play-tracking and discovery platform built specifically for the retro handheld gaming community. It transforms the way enthusiasts log, remember, and share their gaming experiences across devices like the Miyoo, Anbernic, Odin, and others running custom firmware such as muOS and OnionOS. Instead of relying on scattered notes, spreadsheets, or memory, retroshelf offers a seamless, automated solution that captures every gaming session as it happens. A tiny, lightweight plugin installed on your handheld device silently logs essential details like the game title, playtime, and the specific device used, sending this data directly to your public shelf. This shelf serves as a dynamic, browsable timeline of your gaming history, showing what you are currently playing, have finished, are reviewing, or are replaying. For the community, it provides a unique window into real player behavior, allowing you to discover trending games, see what others are picking up on specific hardware, and read reviews that include the context of the handheld used. retroshelf is currently in a closed beta, inviting passionate retro handheld players to help shape the community from the ground up. It is for anyone who loves retro gaming and wants a centralized, automatic, and social way to track their journey across multiple devices, turning scattered sessions into a coherent, memorable year of play.

Automatic Session Logging

A tiny plugin runs silently on your retro handheld device, capturing every gaming session automatically. It logs the game title, the exact minutes played, and the specific handheld you are using, all without any manual input. Your shelf updates in real time, often while you are still on the couch, ensuring your history is always current and complete.

Public Shelf with Device Context

Your personal shelf displays your gaming activity with full device context, showing which handheld you used for each session. This public profile lets you showcase your current plays, finished games, reviews, and replays. It turns your gaming journey into a browsable, shareable record that connects you with the community.

Discover Real Player Activity

Explore a feed of popular games based on what the community is actually picking up, finishing, and replaying right now. This feature provides authentic discovery, driven by real session data rather than curated lists. You can filter shelves by specific devices like Miyoo, Anbernic, or Odin to see what is trending on the hardware you care about.

Reviews with Handheld Context

Star ratings and written reviews on retroshelf are tied directly to the handheld device on which the game was played. This provides meaningful context beyond a simple number, letting you know how a game performs and feels on a specific device. It helps you make informed decisions about what to play next on your own hardware.

Tracking Your Multi-Device Gaming Journey

For enthusiasts who own several retro handhelds, retroshelf eliminates the need to remember which game you were playing on which device. The automatic logging creates a unified timeline across all your hardware, so you can see your entire year of play in one place. This is perfect for players who switch between a Miyoo for on-the-go gaming and an Anbernic for longer sessions at home.

Discovering New Games Through Real Community Activity

Instead of relying on generic recommendation algorithms, you can browse the retroshelf community to see what other handheld players are actively playing, finishing, and replaying. This authentic discovery method lets you find hidden gems and popular titles that are genuinely resonating with the retro gaming crowd. Filtering by device helps you see what runs well on your specific hardware.

Sharing Your Retro Gaming Identity

Your public shelf acts as a living portfolio of your retro gaming taste and dedication. You can share it with friends or the community to showcase your completed library, current obsessions, and thoughtful reviews. It provides a social layer to a usually solitary hobby, helping you connect with others who share your passion for specific handhelds and game genres.

Making Informed Purchase Decisions for Handhelds

By browsing reviews and playtime data tied to specific devices, you can see how different games perform across various handhelds. This is invaluable when deciding whether to buy a new device or which games to install on your current one. You get a realistic view of game compatibility and community satisfaction, all grounded in actual play sessions.

How does the automatic logging plugin work?

The plugin is a small file you drop onto your handheld device's SD card. It runs in the background on supported custom firmware like muOS and OnionOS. Whenever you start a game, it captures the title, tracks your playtime, and records the device model. This data is then sent to your retroshelf account, updating your shelf automatically.

Which devices and firmware are currently supported?

retroshelf currently supports devices running muOS and OnionOS. This covers popular handhelds from manufacturers like Miyoo and Anbernic. The team is actively developing support for more firmware and devices, with the goal of being compatible with the widest range of retro handhelds in the future.

Is retroshelf free to use during the closed beta?

Yes, retroshelf is in a closed beta phase, and joining the beta is free. The beta is being opened in small waves to gather feedback from passionate retro handheld players. There is no current pricing information available for after the beta period, as the focus is on shaping the community and product first.

How do I get access to the closed beta?

You can sign up for the closed beta by visiting the retroshelf website and clicking the "Join beta" button. Access is granted in small waves to ensure a quality experience. If you are already a member, you can sign in directly. The team is looking for players who want to help shape the community from the beginning.