Agreed wicked, y is it so hard to give better specs if u wanna take on super console series.. Of coz it's money but if u wanna do it, do it better. People had enuff of these boxes. Get us a proper specs at least. And let russ handle the review side so that we can either make a purchase or moving along..
Thanks Wicked! Yeah I think from a design standpoint they did a good job, but yeah they used a very low-powered chipset, and didn't take the time to make a decent image.
@@RetroGameCorps Can you please do a video on how to add cool and awesome bezels and that cool crt TV look to the games. It seems like these companies do the minimum effort to these devices.
Disabling bezels usually results in better framerates because of the reduced overhead. Your GPU (or in this case, the SoC) works harder to render those HD bezels, which tbh look tacky and distracting. Trust me, black bars aren't so bad.
Oh nice, an S905X box! I've been seeing these Android boxes show up used on ebay for around $30. I was wondering what performance on these were like compared to the S905X3 boxes. Great video!
Physical form... looks nice. But, I would rather stick to the makeup box (HK1). More powerful than Pawky Box or Super Console X. Plus, HK1 has 4GB RAM, so Emuelec 4.0 or higher will be no problem.
@@RetroGameCorps Or... one could go with Super Console X King if don't mind paying a steeper price. As far as I know, this is the most powerful Android console/tv box based on Amlogic SoC. Plus, it's all set if person don't have a patience for setting up Emuelec. Addendum: the glowing skull is a matter of taste, but they could have a glowing Bee (Beelink), or... a kawaii anime girl ;-)
@@JustPeasant haha, good points! I believe the only EmuELEC-compatible device that's more powerful than the King is the ODROID N2+, since it has a slightly higher clockspeed. But yeah, the King is definitely the most powerful of the Amlogic pre-loaded options.
Hi Russ, been a viwer for a couple of months. Really like how you approach your video review. Is there any plans for reviewing any controllers that aren’t trash to go with the retro gaming boxes? Would really like your opinion on that.
Hi, sure I've done a couple controller reviews. My current favorite is the BigBig Won controller I've reviewed, but the 8bitdo Pro 2 is pretty good too. I'll have a controller-related video up pretty soon too :)
Try turmeric in mashed potato. Livens it up no end, particularly if you put some herbs in as well. I made it for my dad once and he approved! Good for you as well, apparently -- some people use it as a supplement. Re the gaming system itself, I'm definitely curious. The problem is the same with the Anbernic system -- the Dreamcast games are a bit shite.
Do you maybe planning to cover the xbox series sx as an emulation device at some point? Like you did with the vita? I would love to see something like this! Watching and loving every video! Thank you for your great work!
I think I prefer the pixel mode theme if only for the fact that the image each console shows is actually the console. It really bothers me when you hover over something like SNES and see a picture of a Wii U game.
Hi, Russ. Im trying today, more than ever, to make the most informed purchases that I can. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but If I purchase one of these or one of the super console products, would I be able to also use the games on my computer or handheld? I love the idea of having the games I used to love in a form I can use at home or on the go. Thank you for your time.
Sadly I don't think you can, as you plug the boxes into the TV. You can however play handheld games on the TV which are installed on the super console x. I have had two and kitted mine up. Games range from Atari up to Dreamcast and PSP. Nice retro machine 30k+ titles to choose from
hello friend I need your help I want to buy a console but I don't know which one to choose between the super console x cube, pawky box or arcade box I really don't care if it's a tv box or if it works with wifi I just want to have fun hopefully you can help me
As always, another great review! Just a noob question. Can you connect the 8bitdo adapter with xbox one controller on that device? If so, do I need to remap it on every emulator? Thanks in advance
I have a PS2 controller that looks exactly like those aside from the color of the plastic, I guess their saying over there is "If it ain't that broke, don't fix it"
Hi! I just bought this couple days ago....I found that screen seems a little cropped off (like if the image is bigger than my TV screen) Any tip to make it fit correctly?
How is the performance compared to the console X pro? If you have a console X pro is there any point buying this? And would it be possible to use the SD card in either box? For example if you already have a 256gb console X, couldn't you just get the cheapest Powky Box, copy the card and use it in this?
Hi Russ, I really enjoy your videos! I’ve learnt so much, thank you! Could I ask, have you seen the RetroStation 14k console? If so, would you recommend it? I would love if you could make a review from it too! Anyway, thanks and keep it up!
I found that a large majority of PS1 games on my super console x don't play any music (tony hawk games being a good example), so that was very disappointing. Not sure if it's different for Pawky box, but if it is I would definitely get one. I'm guessing it's probably the same, since just about everything else looks the same.
SCX has a better game image, they’re very similar in terms of games but the SCX has better settings tweaks and bezels, etc. Performance seems to be the same.
Yeah, there are the exact same box/chipset. They run the S905X SoC, which as you can see in this video is fairly limited. For the next step up, I would recommend the Super Console X Max, which is a bit better (review on that should be coming soon).
RetroArch.. it's just a $25 Android box with RetroArch and emuelec with two controllers. I got a similar set up with launchbox and RetroArch and RA is on of the snappiest emulators ever..
The box is different but feels the same I have the super console pro x I'm still learning how to set up the control on config. I wish or hope I can set a config for the machine setting it self and not for the general emu coz that will suck
Anyone know if there is a compatible light gun you can use on this box? Lots of great arcade style shooting games on this, but using a controller on them is pretty much useless.
You said in your video to go out and get your own controllers if you don’t like the ones bundle with the device, what are alternatives? Curious If I can use a 8bitdo controller with this device or even the super console X
Yeah, you could hook up any device that has xinput like most bluetooth universal controllers like 8bitdo. You'd have to map the inputs manually though I think.
@@BigErn_72 - Sure thing, -Console X for a full 3D experience, -Pawkybox for affordability and mostly 2D gaming. if the best is what you're looking for, there are lots of mini PCs on the market while being possible to easily add the CoinOPS front-end for the ultimate retro library experience; *ETA Prime* has a bunch of those mini PC reviews.
I also like the BIGBIG Won controller, I did a video review on it. I agree with Enrique that mini PCs are a great value, I'll be reviewing a couple on the channel soon.
@@RetroGameCorps thanks Russ looking forward for that video. Question your opinion in the mean time what’s the best plug and play android box the pawky box, super console x or the HK1? Currently loving my RG351V thanks to you 🙌🏻
I wonder if there's some nice custom cases for these since they all use the same card, like how you can give a raspberry pi a makeover to make it look like a super nintendo or a nice laser cut wood and acrylic etc.
These boxes have a killer price and also they are somewhat plug and play or at least require only some adjustments. But you not just have to get a better controller, I also really dislike the box inself.I would prefer either a unibody aluminum case or a retro inspired one like the Retroflag Raspberry Pi cases. The biggest advantage of the Anbernic metal handhelds is that hey have a premium feeling that feels like it could have been made by a major game hardware producer. Those consoles look like the cheap king of Android TV boxes. Just as the handhelds did only a few years ago (and still look, asides from Anbernic). Up until there is no console with a premium case, I rather setup my Raspberry Pi 4 in a Retroflag case.
Honestly, the freebie controllers are gorgeous, so yeah, shame about the d-pads. If they switched to a more traditional style for those if they ever do new versions or anything, I actually would be kind of impressed, as far as these kinds of things go. As-is, yeah, if anyone is going to get something like this, they're going to want to bring their own controllers to the party.
Totally agree. Wicked Gamer just did a video the other day with newer SCX controllers, they are red and have rumble inside. But still not quite up to snuff with real controllers :)
It has the S905L chipset, which is a tiny bit better than this one, but not by much. You'd likely have to flash your own OS, even though it comes with EmuELEC it probably doesn't have a nice image like this device. Alternatively, I would look at the HK1 box, which is also cheaper and has the S905X3 chip, much more powerful (I have a video on it). That one will also need its own firmware flashed, but I do that in my video.
@@RetroGameCorps nice! Thank you. Thats sum up the comparison quite nice. You can actually make short summary comparison video between all these similar segment devices👍
Even a high end Android box like Nvidia Shield can’t play PS2. You’ll need a PC for that. These cheap boxes or even a potato can play PS1 these days. N64 on these low end boxes are a mixed bag. Higher end 4gb boxes play N64 much better.
What do u people recommend for me a dude that can only plug and play.. I want to interduce my grand kids to the old games of past but I won't be able to go in and mess with options.. lol Thx
My holy grail is to get a handheld emulation system that will play Baku Baku Animal (Sega Saturn). As far as I know, this only works on mednafen for PC. I was pleased to hear about the Steam thing but it probably won't reach my region until 2022. In the meantime, using an old smartphone (Samsung Note 9) is probably more powerful than the current crop of Anbernic and Powkiddies?
Yep, most older phones are still better than most of the dedicated handhelds on the market, and they work decently with a good telescopic controller like the GameSir X2.
I don't think this is a very big jump from the RPi3. I would look at something like the Super Console X King I reviewed the other day, it's a much bigger jump.
I think the CPU is just too outdated. I would argue that the s922x is the bare minimum for emulating old school 3d consoles (PS1, Saturn, N64, Dreamcast). I got a Beelink GT King that I installed EE on myself (as well as Alvatech's custom Android ROM), and I'm pretty happy with that.
Retro games ran at a native 60fps, unlike modern games which can usually perform at a variable frame rate of 30fps and beyond depending on how much power you have. With a retro game, even 55fps feels sluggish. At 40fps, you are playing the game at 66% speed, which feels like running through thick mud.
@@RetroGameCorps Ah so you are actually talking about the game slowing down not the actual refresh rate of the screen .. that makes more sense. thx for the reply :)
Another fantastic and thorough review. Do you think there's any threat of the U.S. limiting trade with China (more) and hampering our abilities to get our hands on these gadgets?
That's likely the screen resolution settings on the Android side. If you're plugging the SCX Pro into a 4K display, when in Android it will default to 4k, and then when you go back to EmuELEC it will get all messed up. So go into the Android side and change it back to 1080p and it should work fine. I think I showed that in one of my Super Console X Pro/Stick videos...
@@RetroGameCorps yeah that's the problem. the screen is zoomed in and I can't see the menu. LOL! It worked out of the box but then I changed the resolution and the screen went green. Tried to flash a new SD card twice but I don't know what I am doing wrong. The screen is all zoomed in. That 4gb card was not much help. I think it was for the X and not the pro.
I know a lot about emulation, and can find my own games, best emulators to use, etc. But sometimes I just get lazy and want a plug-it-in-and-forget-it type of device. This looks promising and is much cheaper than a Raspberry Pi 4 that you can do yourself (which I have). About $110 for the 8 GB RPi 4 model, plus a $60 512 GB card, plus the time to transfer all the files vs. $90 for the top tier 256 GB model..... Even though it's in Brazilian Portuguese ... I don't know, man... I kinda want to do it.
For sure, it's a solid option for PS1 and below. If you're looking for good N64/DC/PSP performance, check out the Super Console X King, which I recently reviewed!
The Pawky Box certainly looks better, but the software image they are using requires a lot of tweaking (as you see in the video), which kind of defeats the purpose of a “plug-and-play” device. I would still prefer the SCX for its superior software image and actually useable controllers.