Tag: Retro Gaming Handheld

  • Action Pi: Retro Gaming Handheld with Linux Launching in July

    Action Pi: Retro Gaming Handheld with Linux Launching in July

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Helegaly Action Pi retro gaming handheld will be available for purchase starting July 5th at a budget-friendly price of $59.99.
    2. It is powered by an Allwinner A527 ARM SoC with 2 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and a Mali G57 GPU, offering decent performance for gaming.
    3. The device features a 4.02-inch IPS display with a resolution of 960 x 720, providing vibrant colors and high pixel density.
    4. It includes a 5,000 mAh battery for long usage, dual USB-C ports, mini HDMI, microSD, audio jack, and supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
    5. The base model comes with 16 GB of EMMC storage and includes a 64 GB microSD card, with a 128 GB microSD option available for an additional $5.

    Helegaly has introduced its Action Pi retro gaming handheld earlier this year. This device runs on the Linux-based Batocera operating system and comes with quite capable internals. The company has now announced that the Action Pi will be available for purchase starting the 5th of July, with a price that is quite budget-friendly.

    Hardware Features

    At the core of the Action Pi is the Allwinner A527 ARM SoC. This is the same chip used in the Cubie A5E SBC and offers decent performance due to its octa-core architecture, which features Cortex-A55 cores running at speeds of up to 2 GHz alongside 2 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. For graphics, it utilizes a Mali G57 integrated GPU.

    Display Quality

    The display is one of the key features of any good handheld. The Action Pi comes with a 4.02-inch IPS screen that has a resolution of 960 x 720, providing an impressive pixel density nearing 300 PPI and vibrant color representation, as noted by Retro Dodo.

    The device also includes a standard set of physical buttons and Hall-effect joysticks. According to reviews, the joysticks perform fairly well, although the L1/R1 trigger buttons are said to be somewhat “narrow,” as also reported by Retro Dodo.

    Battery and Connectivity

    The Action Pi is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery, which should provide several days of use on a single charge, thanks to its efficient internals. It offers a variety of ports, including dual USB-C, mini HDMI, microSD, and an audio jack. For wireless connectivity, it supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The base model, which includes 16 GB of EMMC storage and comes with a 64 GB microSD card, is priced at $59.99, while the 128 GB microSD option is just $5 more.

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  • Powkiddy V90S: Pocket Gaming Handheld Launches After Pre-Sale

    Powkiddy V90S: Pocket Gaming Handheld Launches After Pre-Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. Powkiddy has launched the V90S, their latest clamshell retro gaming handheld, to compete with newer devices.
    2. The V90S features an Allwinner A133P chipset, 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 3,000 mAh battery with USB Type-C charging.
    3. It has a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
    4. The V90S is available for purchase on Powkiddy’s retail site and AliExpress, with a higher price on AliExpress.
    5. The current price for the V90S is $52.99, which includes a 64 GB microSD card when using a coupon code.

    It took Powkiddy some time, but they have finally responded to the wave of clamshell retro gaming handhelds that have appeared in the last year or so. To refresh your memory, the Powkiddy V90 was launched almost five years back. While it has been a favorite for certain retro gaming fans, the V90 has been overtaken by the Miyoo Flip, RG34XX SP, and RG35XX SP (currently priced at $78.99 on Amazon).

    New Release: V90S

    Recently, Powkiddy introduced the V90S, which started shipping earlier this month. The V90S is powered by an Allwinner A133P chipset, backed by 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, and has a 3,000 mAh battery that supports 5V/2A USB Type-C charging. It also boasts a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, similar to many other devices in its category.

    Purchase Options

    Initially, the V90S was available only through Powkiddy’s own retail site. However, if that doesn’t suit your needs, Powkiddy has also made the device available through its official AliExpress store in its original grey, red, and yellow colors. Unfortunately, the price of the V90S is a bit higher when bought via AliExpress. As of now, you can snag the Powkiddy V90S for $52.99 along with a 64 GB microSD card by using the coupon code USCD07. For more information, check out Powkiddy’s website and their official listings on AliExpress.

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    Powkiddy V90S: Pocket Gaming Handheld Launches After Pre-Sale

     

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  • Anbernic RG34XX Review: Affordable Game Boy Advance SP Alternative

    Anbernic RG34XX Review: Affordable Game Boy Advance SP Alternative

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has launched the RG34XX SP retro gaming handheld, following the RG557 release and incorporating features from the RG35XX SP and RG34XX.
    2. Caution is advised while charging the RG34XX SP, with a recommendation to use the provided USB Type-A to Type-C cable due to known issues with the RG35XX SP; battery life is around 6 hours.
    3. The RG34XX SP measures 83 x 82 x 25 mm and weighs 178 g, making it smaller and lighter than the RG35XX SP.
    4. Early reviews have praised the RG34XX SP for its display, design, and hinge mechanism.
    5. The RG34XX SP is priced at $59.99 for global orders until May 21, after which it will increase to $66.99, with options for 128 GB and 256 GB microSD cards available.

    Anbernic has launched a new retro gaming handheld after a quiet start this year. Following the RG556’s return with the RG557 last month, the company has now shifted focus to a device that incorporates features from both the RG35XX SP and the RG34XX, which was introduced in December (currently priced at $84.98 on Amazon). In brief, Anbernic has disclosed that the RG34XX SP comes equipped with the following hardware:

    Caution with Charging

    It’s important to be careful while charging the RG34XX SP, just like with the RG35XX SP. Currently, we suggest using a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, preferably the one provided by Anbernic, due to the well-known charging problems linked to the RG35XX SP. Interestingly, Anbernic has mentioned that the RG34XX SP is expected to last around 6 hours on a single charge, which is two hours less than the RG35XX SP, even though they share the same chipset and battery capacity.

    Dimensions and Weight

    Anbernic has also confirmed the dimensions of its newest handheld, which measures 83 x 82 x 25 mm and weighs 178 g. In comparison, the RG35XX SP is larger at 89 x 85 x 27 mm and weighs 192 g. Regardless of these differences, the RG34XX SP has received positive feedback in early reviews. Adin Walls and TechDweeb have complimented its display, design, and hinge mechanism, among other features.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Anbernic RG34XX SP is available for global orders starting at $59.99 until May 21. After this date, the price is expected to increase to $66.99. As of the publication date, Anbernic has stock in all four color choices, along with optional 128 GB and 256 GB microSD cards. For further details, check out the company’s website.

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  • Anbernic RG557: Complete Details Before Launch Day

    Anbernic RG557: Complete Details Before Launch Day

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anbernic RG557 will be available for order on April 25, starting at $234.99.
    2. Customers can choose a version with a 256 GB MicroSD card for $264.99, with price increases planned on April 28.
    3. The RG557 features a 5.48-inch AMOLED display with 1080p resolution and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset.
    4. It includes 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 4.0 flash storage, running on Android 14.
    5. The device supports game emulation up to the Wii U level and has Wi-Fi 6E for improved streaming capabilities.

    Earlier this week, Retro Game Corps shared that Anbernic has revealed the release date and pricing for the first retro gaming handheld of this year. Strangely, the company took some time before making an official announcement itself.

    Launch Date and Pricing

    The Anbernic RG557 will be available for order starting on April 25 at 03:00 PDT (10:00 UTC). As anticipated, the initial price set by Anbernic for the RG557 is $234.99 when shipping from either its Chinese or American warehouses. Alternatively, customers can choose the handheld in Transparent Purple or White colors, which comes with a 256 GB MicroSD card for $264.99. It’s important to note that on April 28, Anbernic plans to raise its prices by $15, making them $249.99 and $279.99, respectively.

    Specifications Overview

    In terms of specifications, the RG557 is designed to replace the RG556, which is currently priced at $229.99 on Amazon. The new model features a 5.48-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080p, powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset and 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Additionally, Anbernic has equipped the RG557 with 256 GB of UFS 4.0 flash storage that runs on Android 14, alongside a 5,500 mAh battery that supports 27 W wired fast charging. The RG557 is expected to be capable of emulating games up to the Wii U level, and its Wi-Fi 6E connectivity is likely to make it a good choice for game streaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now. For further information, please check Anbernic’s official website.

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    Anbernic RG557: Complete Details Before Launch Day

     

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  • Anbernic RG557 Price Surprise and Upcoming Release Date Revealed

    Anbernic RG557 Price Surprise and Upcoming Release Date Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has halted shipping its retro gaming handhelds to the US due to ongoing tariffs.
    2. The RG557 is in development, with its price confirmed to start at $235, increasing to $249 before shipping.
    3. An early Amazon listing mistakenly showed the RG557 priced at $359.99, which was higher than expected.
    4. Pre-orders for the RG557 will begin on April 25, with early bird pricing available until April 28.
    5. Anbernic plans to release additional handhelds in 2025, including the RG34XX SP and up to nine other models.

    Anbernic has announced that it has stopped shipping its retro gaming handhelds to the US due to the ongoing tariffs. However, they are still working on the RG557, which they’ve been teasing for a few weeks now. Recently, Anbernic shared the main specifications for the RG556’s successor (currently priced at $229.99 on Amazon), and we have covered those details in a separate article.

    New Pricing Revealed

    The company has now confirmed the release date and pricing for the RG557. Unfortunately, it will cost more than what many expected. There were rumors suggesting that the RG557 might be priced at $205, which would have been a $30 increase from the RG556. But an early listing on Amazon showed the price at a shocking $359.99. Anbernic has stated that the RG557 will actually start at $235, eventually going up to $249 before it ships.

    Pre-Order Dates

    You can start ordering the Anbernic RG557 from April 25. The company has mentioned that the early bird pricing will be available until April 28. For more insights, check out the videos below for first impressions of Anbernic’s initial gaming handheld release this year. Additionally, the company has also shared its plans for 2025, which may include the RG34XX SP and up to nine other handhelds for gamers.

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  • Powkiddy V20: Pre-order Now for Under $55 – Budget Retro Handheld

    Powkiddy V20: Pre-order Now for Under $55 – Budget Retro Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Powkiddy is now accepting pre-orders for the V20, following the V10’s design but resembling the RGB20S.
    2. The V20 is powered by the Allwinner A133P chipset, unlike its predecessors that used the RK3326 chipset.
    3. It has 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, enabling it to emulate games from systems like the PSP and Nintendo 64.
    4. The device features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and a 5,000 mAh battery.
    5. The V20 is priced at $54.99, includes a 64 GB microSD card, and offers color options of black transparent, white, and yellow.

    Powkiddy has begun accepting pre-orders for the V20, just a few weeks after information about the device appeared online. True to its name, the V20 follows the format of last year’s V10, but its design is more similar to the older RGB20S (currently priced at $66.89 on Amazon).

    Specs and Performance

    Unlike the RGB20S and V10, which use Rockchip’s RK3326 chipset, the V20 is powered by the Allwinner A133P. This chipset is also found in other retro gaming handhelds such as the MagicX Mini Zero 28, TrimUI Brick, and TrimUI Smart Pro. The device is equipped with 1 GB of DDR3 RAM. Because of this setup, the V20 should be capable of emulating games from systems like the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo 64, although some games may require frame skipping.

    Display and Battery Life

    The V20 features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, along with a 5,000 mAh battery and a 1 W speaker. Right now, Powkiddy is offering the V20 at a price of $54.99, which includes a 64 GB microSD card. It comes in black transparent, white, and yellow options. For those who want more storage, a version with a 128 GB microSD card is available for an additional $10, and users can also utilize a second microSD card to store more games.

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    Powkiddy V20: Pre-order Now for Under $55 - Budget Retro Handheld
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  • R36S Plus: Unique Retro Gaming Handheld Launches with Surprises

    R36S Plus: Unique Retro Gaming Handheld Launches with Surprises

    Game Console has been cranking out a bunch of similar consoles over the past few years, like the R46S (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon), which came out late last year. Now, it looks like another brand has served Game Console a bit of their own medicine with a copycat called the R36S Plus.

    Specs and Features

    According to Retro Handhelds, the R36S Plus features a 3.5-inch screen and the same Rockchip RK3326 chipset as the original R36S. Plus, this compact display runs at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio, a popular choice among makers of retro gaming handhelds.

    Performance Insights

    What sets the R36S Plus apart is its 4 GB of RAM. To put it in perspective, while even budget smartphones these days typically come with at least 4 GB of RAM, most retro gaming handhelds usually offer only 1 GB or 2 GB at most. In theory, this could mean that the R36S Plus is capable of better emulation for some games, but it will still face limitations due to its Rockchip RK3326 chipset.

    Design and Battery Life

    The R36S Plus also has a unique 360-degree d-pad along with start/select buttons instead of a second joystick. Interestingly, the device is equipped with a rather small 1,200 mAh battery, which is about one-third the size of batteries found in newer retro gaming handhelds. Right now, you can find the R36S Plus on AliExpress for about $22, available in three different colors, all measuring 132 x 93 mm.

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    R36S Plus: Unique Retro Gaming Handheld Launches with SurprisesR36S Plus: Unique Retro Gaming Handheld Launches with SurprisesR36S Plus: Unique Retro Gaming Handheld Launches with Surprises
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  • Unico Pocket: Unique Retro Handheld for SNK Neo Geo Gaming

    Unico Pocket: Unique Retro Handheld for SNK Neo Geo Gaming

    The retro gaming handheld market is currently led by a select few companies. Anbernic, for example, has been launching a new device every month since the year began, with the latest being the RG406H, which is priced at $249.99 on Amazon. Powkiddy is also a consistent competitor, along with SZDiier, who are always in the mix.

    Unico’s New Offering

    A lesser-known brand, Unico, has introduced the Pocket, aiming to set itself apart from the other recent handheld gaming consoles in a significant way. The Pocket is powered by what Unico calls a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, which likely refers to some variant of a Rockchip chipset, possibly the Rockchip RK3328.

    Specifications to Note

    The Unico Pocket features a 4-inch IPS screen that delivers visuals at 960 x 720 pixels in a 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to the RG406H. Its dimensions are 156 x 77.6 x 17 mm, and it has the typical buttons one would expect, including a d-pad and two joysticks. Uniquely, it also has ABCD buttons, which honors the system it was designed for.

    As depicted in the image below, the Unico Pocket includes 40 games from SNK’s vast Neo Geo collection, featuring popular titles like multiple versions of The King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Fatal Fury. However, it remains uncertain whether these games are officially licensed. Presently, the Unico Pocket can be purchased in grey and black colors for $79, with a suggested retail price of $89.

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  • Anbernic RG406H Leaked: 720p Display and PS2 Emulation Expected

    Anbernic RG406H Leaked: 720p Display and PS2 Emulation Expected

    Anbernic is getting ready to launch yet another handheld for retro gaming, probably before the year wraps up. To give you some background, not much time has passed since their last release, the RG406V (currently priced at $226.99 on Amazon). In the meantime, they’ve introduced the RG CubeXX as a less expensive option compared to the RG Cube. Additionally, they are set to launch their first wireless controller tomorrow.

    New Model in the Works

    Recently, a leak has hinted at a horizontal version of the RG406V being developed. This new model, referred to as the RG406H, is believed to be the same gadget that was earlier called the RG406P. The RG406H features a horizontal design that initially looks a lot like the RG Cube, given its d-pad, joystick, and ABXY button setup.

    Specs and Features

    Expectations are that the RG406H will come with a 4-inch IPS display in a 4:3 aspect ratio, delivering a 720p resolution. If the RG406H maintains the same specifications as the RG406V, it will operate on Android 13, powered by a 5,500 mAh battery, along with 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.2 flash storage.

    Furthermore, it appears that Anbernic is returning to the Unisoc T820 chipset for this model, which will be managed with a small active cooling system. While the exact release date remains uncertain, we believe the RG406H might hit the market in November.

    r/SBCGaming via Bob Wulff & NITTRX

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  • Anbernic Reveals Full Specs of RG CubeXX Retro Gaming Handheld

    Anbernic Reveals Full Specs of RG CubeXX Retro Gaming Handheld

    Hardly any time has gone by since Anbernic unveiled the RG CubeXX. However, the company has quickly moved forward to confirm all important specifications for the device. As anticipated, the RG CubeXX resembles the RG Cube, but it shares much of its internal components with the newer RG35XX models, such as the RG35XX SP (currently priced at $76.99 on Amazon).

    Specifications Overview

    Anbernic has outfitted the RG CubeXX with the Allwinner H700, which is a common feature in many of its budget-friendly retro gaming handhelds released in late 2023. Therefore, the RG CubeXX boasts four ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores and a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. Additionally, with 1 GB LPDDR4 RAM, this device should be powerful enough to emulate sixth-generation home video game consoles like the Dreamcast, GameCube, and some PlayStation Portable titles.

    Battery and Display Features

    In addition, the RG CubeXX comes with a 3,800 mAh battery that Anbernic claims can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge. The device is also equipped with a 3.95-inch IPS display that supports a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Notably, the RG CubeXX can connect to an external display while using a wireless controller, thanks to its built-in Bluetooth 4.2 support. While Anbernic hasn’t announced a specific release date yet, it appears that the RG CubeXX will launch later this month.

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