Powkiddy RGB20S Review: A Surprising Gaming Device That Exceeds Expectations
The gaming world is constantly evolving, and with it comes a plethora of devices designed for the retro gaming enthusiast. One such device is the Powkiddy RGB20S, a handheld console that has recently garnered attention for its surprising capabilities. In this review, we’ll explore the RGB20S’s design, performance, and features while comparing its competitive edge in the retro gaming market.
Watch the full review here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=LAacJ6HaVbs[/embed>
Overview of the Powkiddy RGB20S
Initially, the RGB20S may seem unassuming. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much, and even when you touch it, it may not feel extraordinary. However, as you start to engage with the device, its strengths become apparent. The exterior design features a plastic build that feels comfortable in hand, despite being somewhat sensitive to fingerprints and smudges.
Design and Build Quality
- The RGB20S boasts a rectangular shape, providing ample space for buttons on the front.
- While the white model minimizes visible stains, it’s essential to handle it with care due to its prone-to-mark material.
- Button configuration is extensive but varies in quality; some users might find them mushy, including the D-pad.
This handheld device includes various ports, making it quite versatile. On the bottom, you’ll find two USB-C ports and a headphone jack. The right side houses a Wi-Fi switch, micro SD card slot, and volume rocker, while the left side contains another micro SD card slot, reset button, and power button. Despite these features, many users would have appreciated the inclusion of a micro HDMI port for connecting to TVs.
Display Quality
The RGB20S features a 3.5-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio display with a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels. While some may argue that it lacks vibrancy, the display provides adequate sharpness and decent viewing angles for most retro games. However, the aspect ratio may not be ideal for certain systems, such as the PSP.
Performance Analysis
One of the standout features of the Powkiddy RGB20S lies in its gaming performance. Equipped with an RK3326 CPU and a Mali G31 GPU, alongside 1GB of RAM, the device can tackle various emulators efficiently. Here’s how it performs across different gaming platforms:
Game Compatibility
- Game Boy Advance (GBA): The RGB20S handles GBA games exceptionally well, showcasing improvements over other devices thanks to optimized emulation.
- Super Nintendo (SNES): Similar to GBA, SNES games run smoothly. The display’s sharpness enhances the visuals, although some colors may appear less vibrant.
- Nintendo 64: This platform can be tricky for many devices, but RGB20S surprisingly delivers playable experiences for titles like Mario Kart 64 and Super Mario 64, albeit with minor visual issues.
- PlayStation 1: PS1 performance is commendable, allowing for smooth gameplay of classic titles like Persona 2 Eternal Punishment.
- PlayStation Portable (PSP): While the image may appear squished due to the aspect ratio, many games can still be played without significant issues.
Battery Life
It’s important to set expectations regarding battery life. The RGB20S offers approximately three hours of gameplay, similar to other devices in its price range. This should suffice for casual gaming sessions, though more avid gamers might find it limiting.
Conclusion: Is the Powkiddy RGB20S Worth It?
In summary, the Powkiddy RGB20S pleasantly surprises with its gaming capabilities, making it a fantastic addition to any retro gaming toolkit. Priced at around $80, it provides the means to play N64, Dreamcast, and PSP games, which are typically unavailable on less expensive alternatives.
While there are areas for improvement, such as enhancing the build quality and adding additional features like HDMI output, the overall value offered by the RGB20S is compelling. For anyone searching for a budget-friendly handheld that excels in vintage gaming, the Powkiddy RGB20S is certainly worth considering.
If you are intrigued by the Powkiddy RGB20S or want to explore more options in the realm of portable gaming, visit R35S for additional resources and products.