Digi Retroboy Review My First Retro Handheld Emulator Evergreen.
The Digi Retroboy is a unique and intriguing addition to the world of retro handheld gaming, offering a native playback experience for Game Boy Advance (GBA) games. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this device stand out and what you can expect from it.
Design and Build Quality
The Digi Retroboy boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to carry around. However, the build quality is somewhat mixed. While the device looks classy and well-designed, with a small footprint and a nice grey box packaging, the overall build feels cheap upon closer inspection.
The console's shell is distinct and smart-looking, but the controls and buttons have some drawbacks. The D-PAD and buttons are well-placed, but they could be chunkier for better comfort. The thin triggers on the top are responsive but lack the desired bounce, which can sometimes lead to mis-presses.
Screen and Display
The Digi Retroboy features a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 960×480, which is commendable for its size. The screen handles viewing angles well, making it suitable for extended gameplay sessions. However, some users might notice a slightly stretched aspect ratio, which could be a minor issue for those who prefer perfect aspect ratios.
Performance and Gameplay
One of the standout features of the Digi Retroboy is its ability to run GBA games natively through reverse-engineered hardware, rather than emulation. This results in very little frame rate drops and no screen tearing, providing a smooth gaming experience. The device also supports playing original GBA cartridges directly, and it comes with a cartridge slot and a TF slot for playing ROMs from an SD card.
The native playback ensures that save and load states work seamlessly, avoiding common issues associated with poor emulation. This makes the Digi Retroboy an excellent choice for those looking to play their GBA games without the hassle of emulation.
Additional Features
The Digi Retroboy includes several useful features that enhance its usability. It has a volume rocker on the side, a power switch, and a Micro USB port for charging. There is also an AV Out port and a Game Boy trading cable port, allowing users to trade Pokémon and link with other Game Boys or Digi Retroboys.
Compatibility and Limitations
While the Digi Retroboy excels at playing GBA games, it has some limitations. Special GBA cartridges like "Wario Ware Twisted," "Yoshi’s Universal Gravitation," or "Boktai" may not fit properly in the card slot, which is a design flaw compared to other similar devices like the Revo K101+.
Customer Support and Availability
The Digi Retroboy is available on various platforms, including Amazon and eBay, but it lacks strong customer support. The company behind the device, Digi, has been criticized for its unprofessional approach to customer service, with no social media presence and unresponsive communication channels.
Price and Value
The Digi Retroboy is priced around $80, which some might consider slightly overpriced given its features and build quality. However, for those who value the native playback of GBA games and a compact, pick-up-and-play design, the device offers a unique experience that may justify the cost.
Final Thoughts on Usage
The Digi Retroboy is a great option for casual players and those looking to relive their GBA gaming memories. Its slim design and native gameplay capabilities make it an enjoyable and fun handheld to use. While it has its flaws, the Digi Retroboy remains a solid choice for anyone seeking a dedicated GBA handheld experience.