Skip to main content

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

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Anbernic RG Rotate Review: A Compact 1:1 Screen Retro Handheld

Overview The Anbernic RG Rotate is a distinctive vertical handheld gaming device designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a 1:1 aspect ratio and 720x720 resolution, offering a unique square display ideal for classic games. Powered by the Unisoc T618 octa-core processor (2.0 GHz) with Mali-G52 MP2 GPU and 3GB LPDDR4X RAM, it runs Android OS, providing access to a wide range of emulators and apps. The device comes in plastic or metal shell options, weighing between 167g and 204g depending on material. Key Specs Highlights Display: 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen, 720x720 resolution, 1:1 aspect ratio, 290 PPI, 60Hz refresh rate Processor: Unisoc T618 (Cortex-A75/A55) octa-core @ 2.0 GHz, Mali-G52 MP2 GPU @ 850 MHz Memory & Storage: 3GB LPDDR4X RAM, 32GB internal storage, expandable via TF card slot Battery: 2000 mAh Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 Audio: Single speaker, USB-C audio output Vibration: Yes Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 21 mm Weight:...

R35S Plus (SZDIIER) Handheld Gaming Console Review

Overview The R35S Plus, manufactured by SZDIIER, is a compact and affordable handheld gaming device designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It runs on an open-source operating system and is powered by a V.R. Technology VT569B processor with a single Cortex-A7 core clocked at 800 MHz, paired with 64 MB of DDR2 RAM. The device features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a resolution of 640x480 pixels, providing a crisp 228.57 PPI. The GPU is a Vivante 3D GPU running at 810 MHz, which handles most SNES and PS1 games at full speed, though some demanding SNES titles and 3D PS1 games may not run smoothly. Key Specs Highlights CPU: Cortex-A7 @ 800 MHz (1 core, 1 thread) GPU: Vivante 3D GPU @ 810 MHz RAM: 64 MB DDR2 Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 640x480, 60Hz Battery: 3000 mAh Weight: 200 grams Dimensions: 180 x 120 x 50 mm Material: Plastic Colors: Gray, Purple, Orange, Black (transparent variants) Price: Approximately $40 (launch price) Who It Is For The R35S Plus is ideal ...

KinHank K36: A Budget-Friendly Retro Handheld with RockChip RK3326

Overview The KinHank K36 is a vertical handheld gaming console that combines retro aesthetics with modern emulation capabilities. Powered by the RockChip RK3326 quad-core Cortex-A35 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz and a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, it offers smooth performance for classic games. The device runs on an open-source operating system and features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 640x480 resolution, providing crisp visuals for retro titles. Key Specs Highlights Processor: RockChip RK3326 (4 cores, 1.3 GHz) GPU: Mali-G31 MP2 @ 650 MHz Memory: 1 GB DDR3 Storage: External microSD card slot Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 640x480, 60Hz, 228.57 PPI Battery: 3500 mAh Connectivity: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack Audio: Dual stereo speakers Weight: 188 grams Dimensions: 82 mm x 130 mm x ? mm Colors: White, Black, Transparent Purple Who It Is For The K36 is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget who want a dedicated handheld for emulating classic consoles. It supports N64,...