Powkiddy RGB20S, retro laptop with vertical design
There is not much room to be original or want to innovate in the world of portable consoles and that is why most manufacturers of retro devices opt to follow the style of the classic platforms that everyone loved as children. For example, the wake of the Gameboy is still present and is observed in models such as Powkiddy RGB20S.
Powkiddy RGB20S is an entry-level retro portable console that allows you to enjoy a solid experience of classic games up to and including the PlayStation, PSP and Nintendo 64 generation, all for a price below the 100 euro line. Unlike the previous generation of this brand, this time a vertical format has been chosen that significantly reduces its overall dimensions.
Powkiddy RGB20S Features
Powkiddy RGB20S | |
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Dimensions | 120 x 82 x 25mm |
Weight | 180 grams |
Color | White, light blue, yellow |
Screen | 3.5 inches, IPS, resolution 640 x 480 pixels |
Speakers | 2 x 1W |
Supported emulators |
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Games | 2D / 3D |
Processor | Quad-core RK33326 clocked at 1.5 GHz |
RAM | 1GB |
ROMs | 16, 32, 64 or 128 GB (microSD) |
OS | Open source based on Linux with an Emuelec interface |
Memory card slot | Yes |
Drums |
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Official site | powkiddy |
Accessories included | 1 x Handheld Game Console 1 x TF card 1 x USB charging cable 1 x user manual |
Classic design with a few additions
Usually products from Powkiddy tend to vary in quality and design details, some of them leaving a lot to be desired and others positively surprising. Luckily their latest releases are closer to this last group and Powkiddy RGB20S can be part of what is a pleasant experience.
As the images show, the vertical format is reminiscent of Nintendo’s first portable console and it is available in different colors, being able to opt for a classic white, light blue tone or a more striking yellow. Its general structure responds to official dimensions of 120 x 83 x 25 mm with a total weight of 180 grams.
The downside of being a very compact console is obviously the lack of enough space for everything to find its best location, especially if you have big hands. So, you can note that its action buttons are small or that the directional pad is located on the lower edge and it does not allow you to place your hand in the most comfortable position (as it happens when you use your two analogues).
Otherwise, it is appreciated that the speaker is moved towards the center of the device so that nothing gets in the way of the correct output of the audio when headphones are not used, while behind there is a series of “trigger” buttons that act as L1, L2, R1 and R2 with a size and pulsation large enough so that its use is very comfortable and intuitive.
If what interests you is its complete clothing, on its upper frame there is a USB OTG port for connection to computers, its connection to the current for charging and the 3.5 mm headphone jack. On its left side is the on/off button and the memory card slot, while to the right there are volume buttons as well as a peculiar physical button to activate or deactivate the Wi-Fi connection.
The usual performance
When talking about the specifications of Powkiddy RGB20S Nothing out of the standard that has already been seen in the market in recent years can be highlighted. This means a RK33326 quad-core processor at a frequency of 1.5 GHz accompanied by 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage with support for expansion via microSD up to 128 GB.
From the factory-installed Linux operating system, users will have the most popular emulators on the market available, starting from classic platforms such as ATARI, NES and Sega Master System, going through MAME, CPS3 and reaching Nintendo laptops such as Gameboy Advance. with an almost perfect level of emulation. The most you can hope for with this device is some Nintendo 64 games (not the entire catalog), just like the first Playstation and PSP.
One of the laptop’s strengths lies on its 3.5-inch display that responds to a native resolution of 640 x 480 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio, figures that are more than correctly adapted to the classic consoles already mentioned. There are good levels of brightness and contrast, so the games look “alive” and with a correct range of colors.
Finally, for your battery there is availability of a 3500 mAh Lithium-Ion unit that promises around eight hours of autonomy on a single charge (it will depend on the game and console that is emulated), in addition to a traditional 5V / 2A recharge that promises to recover 100% after a connection to the current for two hours.
Comparison with Powkiddy RGB10S
It is understandable that many users analyze the previous generation of the manufacturer to determine if it is worth betting on the new model. And the truth is that far from being an evolution This is a design change that aims to have a greater number of options to choose from.
Thus, Powkiddy RGB10S basically has the same internal hardware components that will allow it to emulate classic consoles at a similar level, even keeping its screen at 3.5 inches. However, its design opts for a horizontal format that is much more widely used in the market with its buttons distributed on both sides of the panel.
Availability and price of Powkiddy RGB20S
For buy the Powkiddy RGB20S can be done through Geekbuying at a discount price valid for a limited time, while there are also units in stock at Amazon with shipments to much of the world.
- Compact design in vertical format
- Screen with good quality and brightness
- Good emulation experience
- Correct battery life and includes Wi-Fi connectivity
- Does not improve performance compared to the previous generation
- Layout and size of some buttons do not make it the most comfortable console