Adding to the Docker chorus. I started using Docker before even using the command line. My route in was to use Unraid but that may not be best for you. I use Portainer in another install but I think the way it handles storage is a bit obtuse. In any case, as many others have said, using Docker is a piece of cake once you understand the basic ideas. Those being that a container is like a portable self contained machine that runs a specific service and any persistent storage needs to be outside the container. Containers are always my first idea when running a service as you know they will work on your system, you don’t have to worry that there will be conflicts or whatever.
Anbernic release so many handhelds and the price tends to come down a couple months after release. Maybe the SP will get there? I got a 35xxh a little while back from a UK eBay seller for about £40 if memory serves. On the other hand I imagine the SP has been super popular so who can say.