Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick 4K Max packs an impressive retro gaming value for its $55 MSRP — essentially, it contains 75% of the NVIDIA Shield’s gaming performance at 25% of the cost. In this video we’ll go over setup, customization tips, and emulation performance of this device.
Continue reading “Review: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2021)”
Finally we have a retro handheld device for under $175 that can play upscaled PSP, N64, Dreamcast, and Saturn, plus about half the GameCube catalog, and a bit of PS2 as well. The PowKiddy X18S sounds like the perfect handheld emulation machine, so let’s take a deep-dive look at its performance and potential.
Continue reading “Review: PowKiddy X18S”
Let’s check out this deconstructed art piece by Grid Studio, who repurposes used and broken devices to give them another life on your wall.
Check out their collection here
Use code JSRC for 15% off
Last updated: 02MAR2022 (see Changelog for details)
The PowKiddy RGB10 Max is my favorite of the current “budget” (sub-$150) retro handheld devices. Most of that has to do with its lovely 5″ display, plastic shell, and internal WiFi. There are some definitely flaws with the device (underwhelming quality assurance, mono speaker, a weird rubber coating), but it ticks enough boxes that I recommend it as a good starting device for anyone looking to play retro games on a handheld device.
So in this guide I’m going to walk you through the entire process of buying the device, getting oriented with its user experience, and customizing the firmware to suit your needs. Note that the video guide was made before the RGB10 Max 2 was announced, but the process will be the same.
Continue reading “PowKiddy RGB10 Max (and Max 2) Starter Guide”
Today we’re going to test the AWOW NY41S PC Stick and see how it performs primarily as an emulation machine running the Batocera operating system. While not powerful enough to function as a PC replacement, this form factor and decent emulation performance make it ideal within an arcade cabinet or as a travel-friendly gaming setup.
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
or from AWOW direct
Unexpectedly, the Anbernic RG280V has become my favorite device to pick up and play for quick gaming sessions. In this video I’ll share six reasons why I love it so much, and one thing about it that’s kind of a bummer.
Buy one here
RG280V setup guide
RG280V metal shell
Song during introduction — “Return to Form” by T-120
Continue reading “THIS is the handheld I’ve been playing the most. Here’s why.”
Besides being the ultimate Android TV box, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is also a powerful emulation console. Let’s look at what kind of game performance we can get out of this $200 device.
Continue reading “NVIDIA Shield TV Pro as an Emulation Console”
In today’s video we’re going to take a look at Retro Dreamer’s upcoming Game 4 All (G4A) device, which places a Raspberry Pi CM4 module inside an original Game Boy Advance shell, with some clever tricks along the way. Let’s find out if this is worth the Kickstarter pledge prices of $100 (DIY kit) and $167 (pre-assembled unit).
Kickstarter campaign
ETA Prime teardown (starts as 06:09)
Rechargeable batteries and charger
My Retro Game Case catalog
The eBay link above is an affiliate link for which I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Continue reading “Game 4 All CM4 GBA unboxing and testing”
With a starting price of $78, the Super Console X Max is a fairly beefy jump up from the original Super Console X line. But even at that price, is the experience worth the savings you can gain by simply doing it yourself?
Continue reading “Review: Super Console X Max”
Seemingly out of nowhere, the RG351MP (“Metal Pro”) dropped from the sky. This device has the oft-requested 4:3 aspect / 640×480 display but in a horizontal form factor. So is this device getting, or would it be better to grab an older (and cheaper) handheld instead? Let’s find out.
Anbernic official (AliExpress)
Anbernic direct
Retro Game Corps 