PowKiddy RGB20S: Unboxing and first impressions

Check out our unboxing experience and our initial impressions with the PowKiddy RGB20S. And yes, it's the console you never knew you needed!

Like many gamers and emulation enthusiasts, I was skeptical when I first saw images of the PowKiddy RGB20S.

Update: We’ve published our PowKiddy RGB20S review.

Its smiling function button — despite the gleeful facade — does very little in allowing this vertically-oriented handheld to leave a good first impression.

And like many of those who gambled with the PowKiddy RGB20S, I was somehow proven wrong!

Join me as I recount the unboxing experience and initial impressions that led me to believe that the PowKiddy RGB20S is the retro emulation handheld you never knew you needed. 

The PowKiddy RGB20S can be bought via GoGameGeek.

Unboxing the PowKiddy RGB20S

Watch the unboxing video here:

The PowKiddy RGB20S came in a standard yellow box. It had PowKiddy branding at the top part as well as the model of the device inside the carton.

On the right side were several pieces of information, written in Chinese of course, and the color of the device inside. Mine was black and white. 

Inside the box, I was greeted with the PowKiddy RGB20S. It came wrapped with a matte plastic cover and on its side was a lengthy USB type-C cable.

It was something I appreciated as the Miyoo Mini I had came with a very short one. 

Pulling the plastic bin revealed the user manual and the (in)famous tiger face sticker — which I did not put on the PowKiddy RGB20S by the way. 

Other than that, the unboxing experience with the PowKiddy RGB20S was pretty run of the mill. And I kind of liked that because it did not give me any surprises.

Overall, a good start!

What’s in the box

So, here are the things it came with:

• PowKiddy RGB20S
• USB type-C charging cable
• Instruction manual
• Tiger face sticker

I would have appreciated it if PowKiddy threw in a card reader. But hey…

PowKiddy RGB20S: First impressions

Now comes the fun part. 

I own a Miyoo Mini. The device has been praised by emulation handheld fans because of its surprisingly good build quality. The Miyoo Mini felt solid to the touch, and although it does not in any way feel like a premium device, it does feel like it costs more.

I can say the same thing with the PowKiddy RGB20S. It also feels rock solid and looks like it can withstand a good amount of playtime.

I love that it feels like it’s well built and that it gives me the impression that it will last a long time. Plus it’s appropriately large.

Here is a side-by-side shot of the PowKiddy RGB20S and the Miyoo Mini.

As I continue to hold it, I have found that it does have a weight to it and that the mass of the device is pretty substantial. It’s just heavy enough to feel comfortable to hold, but not too heavy that you would easily grow tired of playing with it. 

The D-pad and the face buttons feel pretty normal though. And the shoulder buttons, oh! They could have been designed better.  

At this point, I believe that the PowKiddy RGB20S’ strongest suit is its screen.

It looks clear enough and displays most of the games clearly. Something critically important in a small and compact video game handheld.

PowKiddy RGB20S: Pros and cons

Pros: 

• Feels solid
• Comfortable to hold
• Buttons are responsive
• Lasts for four to five hours
• Has front-facing speakers

Cons: 

• Not pocket friendly
• Could have better shoulder buttons

Summary

As the old saying goes, one should not judge a book by its cover.

The PowKiddy RGB20S, despite seemingly being designed with toddlers in mind, should not be viewed as such. So far I have noticed more positives than negatives with this device and I feel like it will prove its doubters wrong when given a chance. 

Stay tuned for the full review, which should be out soon! In the meantime, you can check out the RGB20S on GoGameGeek here.