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Great review! I found the stuff about the aspect ratios really useful, thanks for sharing. This is one of my favorite sub-$100 devices right now. I got it for a little over $70 over the lunar new year and am loving it.
I love the rgb30! It's screen has really breathed a lot of new life into gb, gbc, game gear, arcade and nes games for me- all of which I wouldn't have really dedicated much time to in the past. I also enjoy pico-8 on it too, it truly is perfect for that system. For my needs, I just want to pick up and play something in quick bursts so these consoles are great for me on the go. Thanks for the review!
@@54356776 Those all run flawlessly from my experience. I had to do change Master System emulators (there are 4 to choose from out of the box) for certain games but the games play just as I would expect.
@@54356776Not that great but ok with 4:3 systems such as the Mega Drive but SNES is amazing if you set SNES to native 8:7, Integer Scaling On and Integer Scaling Overscale On.
@@54356776 Oh I thought I replied to this! Those don't have any issue and work perfectly. I think for one game on the Master System I had to choose one of the other 4 emulators provided rather than the default.
I love my RGB30, after fiddling with the performance settings it ran everything up to ps1/N64 perfectly. Getting an extra handgrip was the perfect pairing for larger hands.
The RGB30 running ArkOS is my favorite handheld right now. The taller screen makes the whole thing easier to hold than my Anbernic RG353M which also can run ArkOS or JelOS. I would love if Anbernic copied Powkiddy for once and made a higher quality version of the RGB30, but the quality on the RGB30 is pretty decent.
I bought this, the RG35XX H and the RG405M at the same time to compare them for myself to pick one and return the others. There was no real reason for me to pick the RG35XX H over the 405M since size wise they're pretty much the same with the 405 being much more capable. The RGB30 was harder to debate over. Its that screen...its so nice and just pleasant to play on. I still picked the 405M for its performance since I wanted to play Gamecube and some android stuff. I'm sure I WILL be buying the RGB30 again to keep eventually. Specifically that dark blue one in the video over the black/white/yellow models.
I got this a few days ago and although I love using it, charging it is a real headache. I’m on ArkOS and when it’s turned off I’m not sure it charges no matter what. When it’s on, using an old iPhone charger is also not consistent. Connecting and charging it via a PC when it’s on seems to be the most reliable way but extremely slow and not practical when I’m away (as I wouldn’t have my PC with me). Any suggestions maybe?
Hello, did you tried mame games? On emulators like this, mostly only neo/geo FBA game editions works. Im interested in few classics, like bombjack, iron horse, gyruss, popeye, airwolf, operation wolf, green beret, burger time, galaga. and it seems that those do not works on (any) powkiddy device?
I've also had some fun finding vertical arcade games (FBNeo) to put on this. Also ported my copy of Stardew Valley with Portmaster with great results. I definitely wish there was a touchscreen for the DS games, as I like the way it first both screens. Even the games that don't depend on it entirely have little things that need it, like in NSMB using that spare powerup, random little functions in Castlevania, etc.
Im mainly wanting to play gameboy/GB advance, n64, and a few ps1 games but theres some ps2 games id really like to play. Would the retroid pocket 4 or the 4 pro be able to handle ps2? Or does anybody have any other recommendations for any other handhelds that will play ps2/n64 fine?
I swear with all of the cool and amazing handheld gaming devices on the market today, every single day is like being a kid in a candy shop!!! Great video, bro !!
I wish anbernic made one like this that isn't the rg cube that's cheap like this one BUT also has a touchscreen for ds games. It would hands down be my favorite emulator handheld.
@@pobbityboppity1110 a dsi XL is probably the best way to play ds games, two big ips screens and you don’t need a flash cart, you can just do everything off a regular sd card
Really like mine for retro systems and pico 8, I do enjoy playing ds but wish it had a touchscreen to be complete. It has some weird quirks(like draining sleep mode) but I really enjoy it. My only real complaint is the dpad gets tiring in long play sessions, but everything was mapped to the left stick so I can switch when I get tired
I have it since last year, and it's the only retro handheld that I consider using. After tweaking some power management settings in JelOS, the battery drain when off is completely gone. It now holds the charge for months (!).
@@killthemusic828 Btw, I also noticed that after some updates to the stock OS the battery indicator was almost not working at all. Through reddit I found the changelog of one of those updates, where it said to disconnect the battery for 10 in order to reset the battery controller. I did that and now the battery percentage is shown correctly.
You didn't cover neogeo pocket color! Seems like it would be perfect! Imagine a blue camouflage skin over the console and a nice overlay that mimics the bezels and native screen pixels... Mmm yummy! I'd probably do this if i got this device 🤠 Oh btw what is that lovely os/theme? Is it batocera? I want to use this in all my emulation devices!
Had initial problems with my (green) RGB30 not charging and found a solution by resetting JelOS to default - though that meant I lost all but one theme. I've very few problems since, though did notice while charging mine today the power display saying 49% (was 43% before I put it on charge) after it had been charging for a few hours, switched it on/off and it showed 100%(seems the power display is not so accurate). Also I'm using ArkOS on a second SD card so I can swap between it and JelOS, I'm preferring the ArkOS experience. The D pad's down occasionally getting stuck to on in menu's - rare but has happened a few times (only while running JelOS - maybe a bit of tape under the pad might solve this). I'm loving the RGB30, got it mainly for Pico8 (and now learning to program so I can make my own games - plugging a small keyboard and mouse makes it great for game development on the go) enjoying and playing some systems more than I do/did on other devices I've owned. Would also give it a 9/10 score and even with the aforementioned problems I'd highly recommend the RGB30 (if I can afford it I might even get another as backup).
I love this one, with portmaster it's a beast but I have to admit I have problems with HDMI output, it works like 50% times I try it. Tried Jelos and Arkos and problem persists. Maybe wrong cable, going to try dongle
My only real gripe with the RGB30 is the d-pad. I constantly get false diagonals, which makes some games, especially platformers, more frustrating to play than they need to be.
Couldn’t agree more, it’s my only complaint too. I’m thinking about placing some contact tape over the membrane to help; I’ve seen several vids on it and it doesn’t seem to be much trouble at all. Hope it helps if you end up going down that route :)
@@JarlBarbossa it's not a dumb question as some of those games came out as recently as 2012 like DoDonPachi SaiDaiOuJou. Other games like Espgaluda II Black Label and Mushihimesama Bug Panic came out in 2010.
Mine has no charging issues whatsoever! I have seen some people have had issues with certain elements of PowKiddy's quality control, but my experience with my particular device has been great!
I have an RGB30 - after a few hours the volume button broke, and I mean the switch broke off the motherboard and was rattling around inside. I can however alter the volume on the software but I tend not to use the handheld much as I'm scared one of the other buttons breaks off - like the power, which will render it useless. Instead, I've ordered a RG35XX Plus and I can't wait for it to arrive.
That would be the Anbernic RG556, we've actually done a full review of that too! It's pretty powerful so it will allow you to go up to PS2 and GameCube and I can confirm that it is very comfortable 😀
Also I have no idea if you’ve reviewed this before, but I’m looking at a console called the powkiddy X55, if you do know any info feel free to share it, because I’m getting very interested in emulators!
You want niche? the first company to make an actual working Saturn focused handheld emulator is going to be rolling in it. Have it focus on Saturn so it doesn't have to compromise and cater to other consoles, the Arc is so disappointing in this regard man.
Sorry for that,but there is a fix for your issues. U should try opening divice, disconecting the battery and connecting after about minute or so. There are a lot of similar cases described on redit.
@Tadcat Thanks. Already tried that, and many other suggestions. Even left the battery disconnected overnight but sadly made no difference. I'm very careful with charging so it wasn't a case of overloading the battery either. Do you know if there is a replacement battery that might work ?
@@nickmorgs i am not the best and most knowledgeble in that topic. But in theory as long as voltage, mAh and connector are the same maybe it should work? But really dunno. Probably Reddit either r/powkiddy or even more probably r/SBC should have more solutions than me. But if I were you, and if you didn't already Fried that what about contacting powkiddy? Or your seller? I only spoke with powkiddy about updates on my RGB 30, which should get to me tommorow, but they were pretty good to comunicate with. Even if you bought outside of their shop they should sell you replacement. Tho quality of this battery will be probably the same. So sorry then for not direct answer, and not perfect english. I don't have much more to add. But hopefully you will be able to get a replacement or fix your problem
@@nickmorgs other idea is to try changing the sd card and system. Because as retro game corps suggests battery issues are a problem with the chip integration. So i would buy some fresh sd from SanDisk and reflash the jellos/arkos system. Retrogame corps has a good tutorial on that. Before maybe try as well to charge with no sd's? Idk just a guess
@@Tadcat Yes, tried reflashing as I was already switching between Jellos/ArkOS before it died. Still no luck. Maybe it's a different issue all together. Thanks for trying to help 👍
No hot swap between handheld and external display. Needs to be off, connect, then turn on. I have a yellow and a purple one. Purple came with top buttons not working. Their Quality Control is not the best.
The yellow one looks incredible! I think I'm extra nostalgic for yellow consoles because my original Game Boy was a yellow one 😅 Huh, I didn't actually know that about the hot swapping with the external display. I tested the HDMI out to see if it worked, but maybe I just happened to have it turned off before I plugged it in. Did you try returning the dud RGB30? How are their returns services?
I just bought a 35xx h a few weeks ago because it was only 60 and the rgb30 was 80 but like 1 week after the rgb30s went on sale for 65 I def regret my choice
I wished the RGB30 just got rid of the analogue sticks and was purposefully built around 2D-emulation- (and the PS1-era, which didn't actually need analogue sticks) either that or there were aftermarket shells and buttons to personalize the device and make it feel more premium. :)
@@JarlBarbossaYes but there are arguably better handhelds for the price. The RGB30 would cost $50 max without analog sticks and paired with the RK3326. That's more than enough to run GB, GBC, Pico8 and vertical arcade games. This should NOT be your only handheld because it won't do other systems justice in terms of display. It's a niche handheld for a specific role, yet twice the price it should be if properly configured. IMHO
.... I'm Giving RGB30 1 More Chance . ....I've Had Nothing But Problems With 2 Previous RGB30s ....1st Quit Charging A Few Days Before The Return Window ....2st quit playing sound 2 weeks later and none of the trouble shooting works ....If This 3rd RGB30 Does The Same As The 1st 2 Units Then I'm Done With The RGB30 . ....My X55 Has Not Given Me Any Issues That My Now Multiple RGB30s Have Suffered From .
I bought an anbernic handheld a while ago,,, turns out it was the biggest waiste of money,, glitchy, screen was to small,,, ended up sending it back,, and just downloading an emulator on ma tables,,, works far better
I'm 6'8, my hands I can guarantee are MUCH bigger than yours and I have ZERO problem with this handheld. Don't say its the most uncomfortable of all time. Just for you it is. Clearly most people think otherwise.
this has nothing to do with hand size it's about the shape of how the rgb30 is built! after just under an hour, it's simply uncomfortable! in my opinion, it is simply badly constructed. however... :)
Oh, you really missed the Portmaster with Heroes Of Might and Magic 2 and 3, Fallout 2, Stardew Valley, GTA3, Half-Life, Caesar 3, Balatro (!!!), Theme Hospital, and so much more. And all optimized to run in a native resolution.
I bought mine a few months back. I think I installed Jelos on it. If I remember correctly I had to make a folder called "mplayer", and you have to rip videos in a specific format for it to work. 720 X 720. The video player is very rudimentary. It can only play. No rewind, fast forward. Not meant for media play. I threw a bunch of old Looney Tunes videos on there for the nostalgia feels.
