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PowKiddy A30 Review: A Budget Retro Handheld for 2D Gaming

PowKiddy A30 Review: A Budget Retro Handheld for 2D Gaming

Overview

The PowKiddy A30 is a small, horizontal retro gaming handheld released in November 2021. It uses the Allwinner F1C200S processor (ARM926EJ-S, 628 MHz) with a 2D accelerator GPU and 64 MB LPDDR2 RAM. The device runs open-source firmware and stores games on a MicroSD card. Its 2.8-inch IPS screen has a 4:3 aspect ratio and 320x240 resolution. The handheld is made of plastic, weighs 120 grams, and measures 136 x 72 x 19 mm. It has a 1200 mAh battery, mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack, and comes in a white translucent color. No video output, vibration, or connectivity features are included.

Key Specs Highlights

  • CPU: Allwinner F1C200S (ARM926EJ-S, 628 MHz, 1 core 1 thread)
  • GPU: 2D accelerator
  • RAM: 64 MB LPDDR2
  • Display: 2.8-inch IPS, 320x240, 60Hz, 142.86 PPI
  • Storage: External MicroSD
  • Battery: 1200 mAh
  • Weight: 120 g
  • Price: ~$50

Who It Is For

The PowKiddy A30 is for retro gaming enthusiasts on a tight budget who primarily enjoy 2D games from systems like the SNES (most run at 60 FPS) and 2D PS1 titles (most run well, though not all at full speed). It is not suitable for 3D games, as performance will be poor. The device is also good for tinkerers who like open-source firmware.

Buying Notes

Priced around $50, the PowKiddy A30 is an entry-level handheld. It lacks modern features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or video out. The plastic build is lightweight but may feel less premium. Ensure you have a MicroSD card for game storage. Performance is adequate for 2D retro gaming but limited for anything beyond.

Specifications
CPUARM926EJ-S
GPU2D accelerator
RAM64 MB LPDDR2
NamePowKiddy A30
Alias泡机堂A30
BrandPowKiddy
Weight120 g
Battery1200 mAh
SpeakerMono
StorageExternal MicroSD
Grip TypeHorizontal
ProcessorAllwinner F1C200S
Body ColorWhite translucent
Dimensions136 mm x 72 mm x 19 mm
Screen PPI142.86
Price Range$0 - $50
Screen Size2.8 inches
Screen TypeIPS
Audio Output3.5mm headphone jack
Launch Price$50
Release Date2021 / 11
Screen Ratio4:3
CPU Frequency628 MHz
Shell MaterialPlastic
Operating SystemOpen source system
Screen Resolution320 x 240
Screen Refresh Rate60Hz
CPU Cores and Threads1 core 1 thread
Emulator Game SupportMost SNES runs at 60 FPS, most 2D PS1 runs well (not all at 60 FPS), but cannot smoothly play 3D games

Full specs and updates on our site: https://www.oldman.dpdns.org/en/handheld/powkiddy-a30

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