Retro gaming handhelds have experienced a surge in popularity over the years, with many companies trying their hand at creating nostalgic experiences in portable form. Among these, Powkiddy, a name often associated with budget retro handhelds, has gained attention for its experimental approach. Their RGB30 console is one such experiment that has caught the eye of retro gaming enthusiasts. So, what’s the deal with this oddly square-screened device, and does it really stack up against its more well-known competitors? Here’s my take.
The Square Screen: An Unexpected Trend?
One of the standout features of the Powkiddy RGB30 is its square 4-inch 720p screen. Let me just say it upfront: if you’re not into square screens, this might not be the console for you. But surprisingly, it works exceptionally well for retro gaming. Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and even Sega Genesis titles look fantastic on this screen. While square displays aren’t the norm, they could very well become a trend among retro consoles, as they offer some unique advantages when it comes to classic gaming.
The screen’s resolution is a major selling point. At 720p, it outshines many other retro handhelds in its price range. The sharpness is evident the moment you boot it up—it’s like a little pixel-perfect window into gaming’s past. The screen also enhances pixel art, making every tiny detail pop. For retro gamers who value image quality, this alone might be worth the purchase.
Build Quality: Surprisingly Solid
When I first held the RGB30, I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality. The matte plastic case, while not premium, feels solid in the hands, and the buttons and sticks are more than serviceable. In fact, I found them more comfortable than expected, especially given Powkiddy’s history of hit-or-miss quality control.
That said, it’s not without its quirks. The device is relatively large and bulky, especially for a handheld. While you can toss it in a bag, don’t expect it to fit comfortably in your pocket, even a jacket pocket. It’s more like carrying around a small TV remote than a compact Game Boy. The thickness of the console adds to this unwieldy feel, making it less portable than other devices in its class, like the Anbernic RG405M.
Ergonomics: Some Comfort, Some Frustration
As far as comfort goes, the RGB30 feels good in your hands when playing simpler, two-button games like Game Boy titles. However, as soon as you need to use both thumbsticks or shoulder buttons, things start to get awkward. The button layout feels a bit too spaced out, leading to hand fatigue during longer play sessions. The spacing between the thumbsticks and shoulder buttons, in particular, can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to more ergonomic devices.
Despite these issues, the tactile feedback from the buttons is excellent. The shoulder buttons offer a satisfying click, and I didn’t experience any issues with input delays or missed presses. But I will say that the D-pad could be better. It feels slightly too recessed, and after prolonged use, you might notice some discomfort from its sharp edges. I even found myself wondering if this D-pad could lead to a sore thumb or even a small blister over time. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re planning to spend hours on those marathon RPG sessions.
Performance: 2D Bliss, 3D Not So Much
If you’re looking to play classic 2D games, the RGB30 will deliver. From Game Boy to Sega Genesis, the console handles retro 2D titles with ease. The image scaling on the 720p screen makes games look crisp and clean, and for retro purists, the console supports integer scaling. This means that the games maintain their original aspect ratios without any stretching, making pixel-perfect art a reality.
However, when it comes to 3D games, the performance dips. PlayStation 1 titles run decently, but pushing the system to emulate more complex consoles like Dreamcast or PSP can be a struggle. Some Dreamcast games are playable, but you’ll notice frame skips and performance drops, which can ruin the experience. If 3D emulation is your primary goal, you might want to look elsewhere.
Software Experience: Linux-Based, with Room for Improvement
The Powkiddy RGB30 runs on a Linux-based operating system, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, the system is highly customizable. You can tweak game settings, adjust themes, and even download box art and other metadata for your games, all from within the console itself, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi support. For those who like to tinker, this is a dream come true.
On the downside, the system isn’t as polished as an Android-based device like the Retroid Pocket 2S. The OS can be slow to boot, and the sleep mode drains the battery much faster than I’d like. If you’re coming from an Android handheld, where you can just turn it on and pick up where you left off days later, the RGB30’s need to reboot every time you use it is a bit of a hassle. There’s also the fact that the battery indicator has a tendency to be inaccurate, showing either full or empty without much middle ground.
To be fair, Powkiddy has been rolling out firmware updates that address some of these issues, and it’s even possible to update the system directly from the device. The interface has improved with these updates, and the addition of a “scraper” to download box art directly from the system is a nice touch. But it’s still not as user-friendly as some of the more expensive handhelds on the market.
Battery Life: Could Be Better
The RGB30’s battery life is adequate but not great. You can expect around 4 to 5 hours of gameplay on a full charge, depending on what you’re playing. But remember to save often—sleep mode won’t preserve your battery like on other devices. I found this to be one of the more frustrating aspects of the console, especially during longer play sessions where I didn’t want to risk losing my progress.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp 720p square screen ideal for retro games | Ergonomics can be uncomfortable during longer sessions |
| Solid build quality for the price | Poor performance with 3D games like Dreamcast and PSP |
| Highly customizable Linux-based system | Battery life could be better, especially in sleep mode |
| Great performance with 2D games like Game Boy and Sega Genesis | Inaccurate battery indicator |
| Supports integer scaling for pixel-perfect graphics | Large and bulky; not pocket-friendly |
| Wi-Fi support and scraper for downloading box art and metadata | Software experience is less polished compared to Android devices |
Final Thoughts
The Powkiddy RGB30 is an ambitious experiment that mostly succeeds. It’s not perfect—the ergonomics can be hit or miss, and the software experience could use some polish. But for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a sharp screen and great 2D performance, it’s hard to beat at its price point. Just know that this isn’t a pocket-sized device, and it won’t replace your smartphone or high-end handheld anytime soon.
So, should you buy it? If your primary focus is enjoying pixel-perfect retro games with an eye-catching display, then yes, this could be the console for you. Otherwise, if you need more power for 3D games or crave a more ergonomic design, you might want to explore other options before pulling the trigger.
In any case, I’m glad I took a chance on this unique little device—it’s definitely one of the more interesting additions to my retro gaming collection.
