Powkiddy RGB20SX Review – Portable Gaming Console with Vibrant Screen

The Powkiddy RGB20SX is a unique handheld gaming console that brings a fresh twist to portable gaming with its 1:1 aspect ratio display, making it particularly appealing for certain types of games. Here’s a detailed look at its features, performance, and usability.

Specifications and Design

The Powkiddy RGB20SX is powered by a 1.8GHz RK3566 ARM Quad-Core CPU, paired with 1GB of RAM. It features a 4.0” OCA 1:1 display with a resolution of 720 x 720, which is visually appealing and offers sharp, bright images with good color saturation and viewing angles.

The device has a vertical form factor, similar to the RGB20S, but incorporates the square screen from the RGB30. This design choice makes it stand out, especially for games that benefit from a square display. The console includes a 5000MAH battery, WiFi, Bluetooth, mini HDMI out, and USB-C charging ports.

Emulation Performance

The RGB20SX excels with certain consoles due to its unique screen aspect ratio. For example, it performs well with Nintendo DS games, allowing both screens to be stacked vertically, which enhances the gaming experience. Game Boy and Game Boy Color games also look stunning on this device, thanks to the crisp 720p display.

However, the performance is hit and miss with other consoles. SEGA Game Gear games show signs of slowdown and crackling audio, which is disappointing given the device's specs. More demanding consoles like N64 and Dreamcast struggle significantly, which is attributed to the ROCKNIX OS, a fork of JELOS, that seems to be the bottleneck.

Controls and User Experience

The controls on the RGB20SX are generally decent. The DPAD is usable, and the action buttons are responsive, although the start/select buttons can be a bit loud and irritating. The analogue sticks function as expected but are not exceptional. The device also includes four shoulder buttons on the rear, which are of decent quality.

The ROCKNIX OS, while visually appealing with its clean interface and artwork, has several issues. It lacks the performance needed to run more demanding games smoothly, and the battery indicator can be inaccurate, leading to unexpected shutdowns.

Battery Life and Additional Features

The 5000MAH battery provides around 6-7 hours of gameplay on a full charge, which is respectable for a handheld console. However, the battery indicator issue can make it difficult to gauge the remaining battery life accurately.

The device includes two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, volume buttons, and a mini-HDMI out port, making it versatile for different use cases. The speaker is fairly loud but becomes distorted at higher volumes.

Gaming Platforms and Compatibility

The RGB20SX is best suited for platforms that naturally fit its 1:1 display, such as Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Gear, and Neo Geo Pocket Color. These games look great and run smoothly. However, platforms like PSP, which are designed for 16:9 screens, suffer from large black borders and performance issues.

Recommendations

If you are primarily interested in playing arcade, Game Boy, and similar games, the RGB20SX might be a good choice. However, if you want to play more demanding games like N64 or Dreamcast, you may find the performance lacking. It is recommended to wait for potential software updates or consider other options that offer better performance across a broader range of consoles.

Purchase and Availability

The Powkiddy RGB20SX can be purchased from various online retailers, including AliExpress and Gogamegeek, with prices starting around $90. It is available in several color variations, including transparent blue, orange, transparent white, and solid white, each coming with different storage options.