PowKiddy RGB20S Review

After spending a few weeks with the PowKiddy RGB20S, I've found it to be quite a handful. Keep reading as I go into full detail in the PowKiddy RGB20S review!

The PowKiddy RGB20S is a retro handheld that has impressed emulation enthusiasts who have invested in it.

It probably wouldn’t be the first one I’d pick if I were out shopping for the best retro consoles. But now — I just can’t keep my hands off it!

Last time we shared our unboxing experience and first impressions of this device. Today, we’re taking a closer look at my newest favorite horizontally-oriented handheld, the PowKiddy RGB20S.

The PowKiddy RGB20S can be bought via GoGameGeek.

PowKiddy RGB20S Review: Design

Before we move to the design, here’s a quick unboxing video of the RGB20S.

Alright. When you go browse the internet for PowKiddy RGB20S reviews, the first thing people call out is its looks.

I get it, it kind of looks a bit silly, probably because it’s now what you’d expect to see from a decent retro handheld. And while the PowKiddy RGB20S has quite grown in on me, there are a few things that kind of put me off at first. 

Let’s start with the smiling function button.

While I’ve played on the PowKiddy RGB20S for a few weeks now, I still haven’t used the actual switch.

Probably because I haven’t really had to mess with the emulation settings as it’s been running smoothly since day one — at least for the most part. 

To be honest, the frequent hotkey combination I find myself using the most is for saving, loading, and quitting. 

Here’s how it’s done: 

• Save: Select + R1
• Load: Select + L1
• Quit: Select + Start (Twice)

Here are other useful hotkey combinations you might need: 

• Brightness Adjust: R3 + Up / Down
• Enter RetroArch: Select + X or L3 + R3
• Game Pause: Select + A
• Game Restart: Select + B
• Sleep Mode: Power button (Once)

And oh! I was quite stumped figuring out how to turn off the PowKiddy RGB20S.

Turns out, you have to press the power button for five or six seconds. 

I also wasn’t a fan of the PowKiddy RGB20S’ shoulder buttons. They look weird at the first glance, and I think PowKiddy could have done a better job at designing the trigger buttons.

PowKiddy even touts them as “elastic trigger keys” with a “new upgrade of key feel.” I just don’t buy it.

Nevertheless, I appreciate them for being sturdy. 

Now let’s move on to the screen.

It’s decent and shows a crisp visual image with its 640 x 480 resolution. Most games don’t look stretched and have good image quality.

The company advertises the screen as a “full fit,” but I think “narrow bezels” is a more accurate description. 

As for the speaker, man I love it! My other retro handheld is the Miyoo Mini and boy does my palm cover the speaker 90 percent of the time.

With its placement, the sound does not come muffled — and even cranking up the volume does not diminish its sound quality. 

Overall, the PowKiddy RGB20S offers decent hardware. It may have its low points but for the price, it’s hard to complain. 

PowKiddy RGB20S Review: Specifications

Here are the PowKiddy RGB20S specifications in a nutshell:

• 3.5-inch 640 x 480 display
• 1.5GHz Rockchip RK3326 Quad Core CPU
• 1GB RAM
• 3500mAh battery
• Dimensions: 12 x 8.3 x 3cm
• Weight: 240g

The PowKiddy RGB20S also packs a decent chipset. Under the hood is a 1.5GHz ARM RK3326 Quad Core CPU paired with a 1GB DDR3L RAM.

The RK3326 CPU can also be found on other notable bang-for-your-buck retro handhelds like Anbernic RG351 series and the PowKiddy Max 2, so expect pretty good emulation capabilities. 

Linux is its operating system (OS) of choice and runs ArkOS out of the box. 

For its battery, the PowKiddy RGB20S packs a built-in 3500mAh rechargeable battery that uses USB type-C technology.

Speaking of which, there are two USB type-C slots on the PowKiddy RGB20S: one, labeled “DC” is used for charging while the other, labeled as “OTG,” is used for connecting a WiFi adapter, and other USB accessories. 

And while we’re on the topic of ports, the PowKiddy RGB20S sports a single standard 3.5-millimeter (mm) port for your earphones (iPhone, anyone?). 

PowKiddy RGB20S Review: Emulation Performance 

I am happy to report that the PowKiddy RGB20S runs titles up to PlayStation 1 with ease. Its respectable chipset allows the device to have enough processing power to smoothly run games till the OG PS1. 

Some games I had trouble playing with in my Miyoo Mini include graphically intensive titles like Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX, and Crash Team Racing.

These — and almost every PlayStation 1 game I throw at it — run without issues with the PowKiddy RGB20S.  

The PowKiddy RGB20S also emulates PlayStation Portable (PSP) games.

It also does a decent job of playing similarly graphic-heavy titles like Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, Final Fantasy: Dissidia, and Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce. 

It also can play Nintendo 64 games, but not every title on the library runs well.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask were hit and miss. At times, they had graphical issues and most of the time I struggled with controls.

The same goes for Resident Evil 2, StarCraft 64, and 007: The World is Not Enough. 

Dreamcast is also available, but don’t count on it. Dead or Alive runs slo-mo although Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver runs well.

Nintendo DS, on the other hand, offers better emulation — as long as you can get past toggling the screens.

I love playing Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Black. By the way, touchscreen controls can be performed using the right analog stick. 

Overall, the PowKiddy RGB20S offers commendable emulation. If you’re a fan of 5th-gen console games, this affordable retro console will give you your money’s worth. 

PowKiddy RGB20S Review: Basic setup guide

The PowKiddy RGB20S also offers some level of personalization. Here are a few things you can do to customize the device to your liking. 

How to change the theme on PowKiddy RGB20S: 

1. Press Start. 
2. Go to UI Settings. 
3. Go to Theme. 
4. Select Theme.

Enabling Battery Status on PowKiddy RGB20S: 

1. Press Start. 
2. Go to UI Settings. 
3. Go to Show Battery Status. 
4. Select On.

Display Clock on the RGB20S: 

1. Press Start. 
2. Go to UI Settings. 
3. Go to Show Clock. 
4. Select On.

Changing the Time Zone on the RGB20S: 

1. Press Start. 
2. Go to Advanced Settings. 
3. Go to Time Zone. 
4. Select your preferred time zone.

Changing the Language on the RGB20S: 

1. Press Start. 
2. Go to Advanced Settings. 
3. Go to Language. 
4. Select your preferred language.

These are just some of the settings I adjusted to fit my preference.

Feel free to explore the available customization options offered by the PowKiddy RGB20S. 

PowKiddy RGB20S Review: Summary

Pros:

• Vibrant screen
• Punchy speaker
• Decent battery life
• Emulation support

Cons:

• Ergonomics take getting used to

As I’ve mentioned before, the PowKiddy RGB20S is a retro handheld that should not be judged based on its appearance. Just like how you don’t judge a book by its cover…

Yes, at first glance, it looks like a silly handheld, but given the chance, the PowKiddy RGB20S will prove its worth.

That said, it has been my favorite retro console in the past few weeks. I have used more often than my Miyoo Mini as I use the smaller device usually only when I go out and about. 

The PowKiddy RGB20S has proved to be a solid device that feels durable and reliable and has performed beyond my expectation. A worthy Miyoo Mini alternative for sure!

You can buy one from GoGameGeek.