How HandheldWiki compiles, rates and maintains its data — sources, our emulation scoring, how best-of lists are built, and our policy on AI assistance.
Where our data comes from. Core specifications — chipset, RAM, display, battery, form factor, OS and release date — come from our own continuously maintained device database, built from manufacturer spec sheets, retailer listings and published community testing, and cross-checked when sources disagree. Pricing reflects typical street prices observed across major retailers and is reviewed periodically; because prices move constantly, we always link you out to check the live price before buying.
How we rate emulation power. Every device is assigned an emulation tier and a star/power rating. This is our assessment, not a manufacturer claim. We base it on the device's documented full-speed emulation ceiling — the most demanding console generation it runs reliably — cross-referenced with community testing and the device's chipset class. We rate conservatively rather than optimistically.
How best-of lists are built. Our best-of lists are filtered from the full catalogue against an explicit, stated criterion (a price ceiling, or a target console), then ordered by popularity and capability — the same logic that drives the site’s filters. No pay-for-placement, ever (see Affiliate Disclosure).
On AI assistance. Device summaries are drafted with AI assistance from our structured spec data and then reviewed by a human editor before publishing. AI helps us cover hundreds of devices consistently; it does not get the final word. Editorial picks, ratings and commentary are written and approved by a person.
Corrections. We get things wrong sometimes — specs are copied incorrectly across the whole industry. When you tell us (contact), we fix it. Accuracy over ego.
Maintained by Urs von Gunten and Hans Schwarz, HandheldWiki. Last reviewed 1 Aug 2026.
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