retroshelf

retroshelf is the ultimate play-tracking and discovery app built specifically for the retro handheld gaming community. If you are rocking a Miyoo, Anbernic, Odin, or any other retro handheld, you know the struggle of trying to remember what you played, for how long, and on which device. Spreadsheets, notes apps, and your own memory just don't cut it when you are deep in a Pokemon ROM hack or grinding through a classic JRPG. retroshelf solves all of that by giving you a public shelf that automatically logs every single gaming session. A tiny plugin runs on your handheld, captures the game title, your playtime, and the specific device you are using, then syncs it all to your profile. No manual input, no forgetting to log a session, no hassle. Your shelf updates in real time, showing what you are currently playing, what you have finished, what you are reviewing, and what you are replaying. This creates a browsable, chronological timeline of your entire year of play that you can look back on and share with the community. It is not just a tracker; it is a social discovery engine. You can see what other players are picking up, finishing, and replaying right now, filter by specific handhelds, and even read reviews that come with full device context. retroshelf is currently in closed beta, opening in small waves to retro handheld enthusiasts who want to help shape the community from the ground up. If you live for that retro gaming life and want every session remembered, this is your new home.

Automatic Session Logging

Forget about manually typing in what you played or keeping a spreadsheet. retroshelf uses a tiny plugin that you drop onto your handheld's SD card. Once linked to your account, it automatically captures every session as you play, logging the game title, the exact minutes you spent, and which handheld you were using. Your shelf updates while you are still on the couch.

Public Shelf with Device Context

Your profile is a public shelf that shows the world what you are playing, what you finished, what you are reviewing, and what you are replaying. Every entry includes the specific handheld you used, so your community knows you beat Metroid Fusion on your Miyoo Mini, not your PC. It turns your gaming into a shareable, browsable story.

Community Discovery and Trends

See what games are actually catching on with handheld players right now. retroshelf surfaces popular titles this week, showing you what people are picking up, finishing, and replaying in real time. You can filter these trends by device, so you know exactly what the Odin crew is into versus the Anbernic gang.

Reviews with Full Context

Star ratings on retroshelf are not just a number. Every review you see comes with the handheld it was played on, the playtime, and the user's current status. This means you can trust a review because you know it came from someone who played the game on the exact same device you are considering. It is context that actually matters.

Keeping a Complete Gaming Journal

You play across multiple retro handhelds, swapping between a Miyoo for short bursts and an Anbernic for longer sessions. retroshelf automatically logs everything into a single timeline. Months later, you can scroll back and see exactly what you played on New Year's Eve, how long you spent on that Fire Emblem hack, and which device you used. Your year of play, finally legible.

Discovering Hidden Gems from Real Players

You are tired of generic top 10 lists that ignore handheld performance. You hop onto retroshelf, browse by your specific device, and see what other players are actually finishing and replaying. You find a game you never heard of that has high ratings from people using the same handheld as you. It is discovery based on real, device-specific data.

Sharing Your Retro Gaming Journey

You want to show off your completion stats to your Discord server or Reddit community. retroshelf gives you a public shelf that updates automatically. You can link your profile and let people see your current rotation, your backlog progress, and your honest reviews with device context. No more taking screenshots of folders or typing out lists.

Researching Before Buying a New Game

You are eyeing a retro title but are worried it will run poorly on your specific device. You check retroshelf, find players who have reviewed it on your exact handheld, see their playtime and their honest star rating. You get the real scoop before you waste time setting up a game that might chug or crash on your hardware.

How does the automatic session logging work?

You download a tiny plugin from the retroshelf website and drop it onto your handheld's SD card. After linking your device to your retroshelf account through the plugin, it will automatically detect when you launch a game, track your playtime, and log the session. Your shelf updates in real time, no manual input needed.

Which handheld operating systems are supported?

Currently, retroshelf supports muOS and OnionOS. These are the two most popular custom firmware options for retro handhelds. The team is actively working on expanding support to other operating systems, so keep an eye on the community Discord for updates on new integrations.

Is my shelf public by default?

Yes, your shelf is public so the community can see what you are playing, finishing, and replaying. This is the core of the discovery feature. You can control what shows up on your profile, and you can delete any session you do not want shared. It is designed to be a social experience from the start.

How do I get access to the closed beta?

retroshelf is currently in a closed beta, opening in small waves. You can join the waitlist by clicking the "Join beta" button on the website. The team is prioritizing retro handheld players who are active in the community and want to help shape the product. Joining the Discord is a great way to stay updated on beta waves.