Should you still buy a Surface Duo?
GameXData GameXData
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 Published On Oct 22, 2023

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After three years of support, #Microsoft has officially cut off the first #SurfaceDuo from security updates. However, unlike most other #Android devices, it's dual screen form factor provides it with some interesting use cases even after support has ended. Is it still worthwhile to buy a Surface Duo?

Link to Surface Duo announcement: https://www.youtube.com/live/dmaioTs0...

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Controller recommendations

Unfortunately, given the Duo's unique shape and offset USB-C port, most of the mobile controllers currently available will be difficult to use. Instead, you'll want to track down a Bluetooth telescopic controller that can fit the Duo. Right now, the GameSir x2 is the gold standard.

- GameSir x2 on Amazon (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3Ntqnfo

Emulators that work great on a Surface Duo

- DraStic (DS): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
- Citra (3DS): https://citra-emu.org/
- Dolphin (Gamecube and Wii): https://dolphin-emu.org/
- AetherSX2 (PS2): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
- Duckstation (PS1): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
- PPSSPP (PSP): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
- Retroarch (GBA, SNES, N64, and more): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

Note for Citra

Screen organization in Citra can be a bit tricky and require creating a custom layout file. Here's a link to layouts I've created in the past: https://ko-fi.com/s/858e9f6362

Alternatively, Citra MMJ (link: https://github.com/weihuoya/citra/rel... ) has more display customization options in-app and will offer slightly better performance for older processors (like the one in the Surface Duo). The catch will be some potential game compatibility issues between MMJ and official if one is ever updated differently from the other.



Chapters

00:00 End of Support
02:13 Returning to the Duo
05:26 Hardware Frustrations
08:41 Mint Mobile
10:28 "It's Not a Smartphone"
12:11 Productivity Boost
13:47 Reading Excellence
15:21 Gaming Support
18:01 Final Thoughts

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