Tbh I went ahead and bought one and I gotta say it's well worth the 140 bucks it is now. I mean it literally plays a lot and does so many things, it's a great android cod and online gaming device when you tweak the game settings and I literally connect to household devices including my drone. I can literally button map the drone app and use joysticks to fly my drone. Honestly yes it has short comings but I love it it does alot more then it doesn't and looking forward to future upgrades.
YES! clamshell is by far my favorite design. I am not at all nostalgic for gameboys and retro hardware, so i am getting a little sick of that aesthetic. I'd literally throw away any other handheld if I could get my hands on a clamshell version of a retroid pocket 3+
Agree. If a PS Vita and the Advanced SP have a baby. I'd be really interest in what that'd be like. Or more realistically take the guts and screen from a Miyoo Mini and put it in an improved thinner and larger Powkiddy V90? Wish I could just make it myself through Kickstarter or something.
It's kinda bizarre how rare they are when Nintendo's clamshell designs dominated the handheld console market for years. I guess I'm sticking with my GPD XD for now.
@@Trgbdrsx for those who like Flip this is good and cheaper. all buttons are ok. could be better? maybe but this one fits in your pocket the colors of the screen in this version are great or at least in the one that arrived for me. Nothing to complain. I really liked. I didn't have the "white" x18s but the one that arrived really surprised me I've already beaten several GameCube and Wii games on the Wii the Scooby Doo franchise you have to play it's fun The psp runs most games at 2x and some runs up to 3x .... Lots of fun for anyone who likes a pocket Flip game like me. This is my honest opinion. I have it and it's really good.
@@MegaDrain ? Prove what? I play mine every day and everything is fine here. All ds games, 3ds squeegee only pokémon x... The rest are really bad for 3ds. Now Wii and GameCube a lot of games configuring well. I don't need to prove anything, the video game speaks for itself. Best purchase I've made, it fits in my pocket and the trip I'm going to make will definitely be amazing.
Thank you Russ for calling out Powkiddy. They had such an opportunity to make a device that lots and lots of people would have wanted. They squandered that opportunity and I can say from personal experience this device is AWFUL.
@@BGRecon Honestly, if I were you, I would save up and order a Retroid Pocket Flip. It's shaping up to be a much better Clamshell device with the same performance.
Since the issues on the X18S are mostly about the hardware, and the RP3+ uses the same shell and buttons of the RP3, I am guessing the RP3+ will get a very good review here. I am actually waiting for Retro Game Corps' review so I can decide if I pick up the RP3+ or not
I had 0 interest in this device, but am sad to see the poor quality. That said, glad to get a glimpse at independent reviews on the T618. I can't wait for my RP3+, and looking forward to your reviews on that and the Anbernic 505.
I bought one 2 months ago. It has a matte finish, clicky l2/r2, and the same l1/r1. the face/dpad membranes are still soft which is fine, but none of it feels like a deal-breaker. I actually keep it on me at work while shipping and its gotten into a bump or two by 100+ lb. shipping bins and not broken, so I can at least comfirm the build quality is 10/10, even if people are very picky about everything else.
From the videos I've seen so far about the RP3+, it seems Retroid did some magic optimizing this chip. Really excited to see the comparison between RP3+ and RG505
If that’s the case. The main way to check is to prolly check shadow of the colossus. Look at mjolnirstone’s video and try to run that game on PAL with the same underclocking. If performance looks identical then ur prolly rifht
Wow, when the title says it's awful, Russ really means it. Even on devices that are mediocre, Russ finds something good along with the cons. This time he's like, "No, but seriously, I'm gonna tell you THIS." (And even he still finds some pros!)
Russ bringing the truth, for this current gen, I just don't see anything beating the RP3+, it just checks all the boxes. I am really surprised at Anbernic bringing that price point to the 505 though, really can't wait for that comparison video!
@@TheSurrealist. Yeah Russ, ETA Prime, The Faux, Taki and for the Euros Wicked, are all top notch channels that really drive what us as hobbyists want to the manufacturers that make these devices.
@@ZackMorris1 really you’re listing Wicked as credible source? 🤪 that dude is calling everything a great beast with loads of potential even the 100th tv box / pandora box with the same s905 soc or x whatever cheapie handheld. Had to unsubscribe from him again because of the disservice he does to the viewers.
@@celsolaurentino2876 ETA is a great reviewer and his guides are top notch but he is pretty much cherry picking what he actually reviews therefore most of it gets a good review
Makes me feel so much better, thanks Russ. I bought my x18s in September for my birthday. Did the hardware mods, as I was incredibly disappointed with the controls, only to find out that a new version was being released. My biggest issues are the shoulders, and it doesn't for out far enough. I have purchased the RP3+, and am looking forward, bc hardware wise the X18S is great for the money, and I love my RP2+.
I remember being an OG 3ds "Ambassador". The smudges and gunk buildup on that glossy surface just killed the experience. Unacceptable design oversight by Powkiddy here. If you really like this handheld and feel industrious you can easily disassemble and sand+repaint I guess.
This device makes absolutely no economic sense to me, even from Powkiddy's POV. I could believe that the X18 was rushed to market and that most of the flaws were just insufficient QA rather than a misguided attempt to reduce costs, but this refresh doesn't have that excuse-and so we're left with a product that necessitates that Powkiddy make the probably not-inconsiderable expense of sourcing recent chips and decent touchscreens only for the build quality of the much cheaper other components to be worse than the no-name Famiclones, at a time when there's a lot of competition at that level of power. It's not even a cash grab, just a really, really oddly mismanaged project.
Every day we stray further from a decent clamshell with modern hardware. I mean, what company will embrace the clamshell form factor after this? We haven't even heard any news from the Ayaneo Flip since the announcment
Hey Russ, could you please make a head's-up that the LineageOS firmware for the original Powkiddy x18s is not compatible with the Black version? I bought this device recently with one of the largest redeeming factors being that I could use Black Seraph's custom firmware; however, it appears that I was wrong and, as a result, am now down ~$130 (admittedly, I should have done more external research to check for compatibility beforehand). It seems that I am not the only one either: there are a number of people on his Patreon who, even in recent months, are still wondering if he is still planning on making the firmware, saying that they own the Black version (my guess is that he is busy working on the GarlicOS stuff, understandably). On top of this, I can't find any response he has made on the topic aside from the last update for the build for the original Powkiddy x18s in July of 2022, where he claims that he will post a firmware for the Black model "at a later point in time". I direct-messaged him on Patreon 5 days ago asking if he was still working on it (and for any kind of potential time-frame), but have not received any response either (and I know 5 days doesn't seem like a lot, but we're nearing the end of the month, and if I'm to unsubscribe without getting charged again, I'm kinda' on a clock). Also of note: I might be wrong, but I don't believe you can actually see these descriptions of, or the comments under, the posts on his Patreon noting that the older firmware doesn't work on the Black model unless you are already subscribed to that tier (they're blurred to those not subscribed to that tier); for info about this, that you have to go to an external site like Reddit or Discord (as far as I am aware) (obviously this is not his problem, this is just a quirk of Patreon, but it's still relevant to my argument). I know you strongly dislike this device (probably even more now that there is, at least, another competitor out there) (Note: the original Powkiddy x18s is sold out on Powkiddy's site and has been for some time). But there are a number of us who chose to buy this device because we, simply, like clam-shells. And "yes" the Retroid Flip is out there, but for one reason or another, some of us chose the Powkiddy device over the Retroid. I can tell you that: (1) if I had known ahead of time that no custom firmware was available for the Black Powkiddy device and (2) I absolutely "needed" a powerful clam-shell for some reason, I still would have heavily leaned towards buying the Powkiddy for various reasons (I won't expound upon those here, as that's a whole other discussion). All this is to say: there are those of us out here who bought this handheld (in some cases despite its competition), and it would be very helpful if you were to provide a head's-up that custom firmware, for sure, is not available for this Powkiddy x18s Black edition. Even if posts are made on various social media sites, this RUclips video is, and will remain, the most obtainable source of information on this topic. I understand that you are busy with other stuff and that you figured you had said enough when you claimed that you were unsure if the older custom firmware would work on this device or not. Additionally, I understand that it kinda' doesn't make sense to go back to an older video like this without going back to many other older videos to make similar clarifications, but I would argue that this is a niche case as it involves a niche cheaper ("cheaper" as in: not an Aya or GPD device), clamshell product (something that is still scarce in the retro emulation handheld space even today [and, with all due respect, "no" a modded DS or 3DS are just not the same]). For this reason, it would probably be very appreciated by and helpful to others if you were to make some kind of notice so that they don't end up in the same situation as both I and, perhaps, some of the others from his Patreon. Thanks, and love the videos! 🙂
I would like to see a mini PC or something with a *D*ual*S*creen clamshell design. Something with two OLED or at least decent QLED screens with around 66% of the power of a steam deck and a much larger battery. That would be my dream device for work and gaming. The steam deck is currently my party machine and my media player but not really a daily driver or anything.
Thanks for another honest review Russ. It's very disappointing Powkiddy didn't fix the X18S other than the clickable analogues. There's a real shortage of clamshell devices on the market and a huge demand for them.
I love clamshells too; but to point at the DS and 3DS as a huge demand for clamshells is...I think...very silly to put it kindly. I'm sure most thoughts went like this, "Hmm a DS (or 3DS)? Well, it's from Nintendo...don't care. It has Mario and Zelda and Metroid...don't care. It's a clamshell? SOLD!"
A friend has the tan version. Not only would I not buy either, I doubt I would use it much if he gave it to me. The inline shoulder buttons are a deal breaker right off the top, then there is all the other issues. The other issue that no one has yet to talk about it the version of android it uses. He is not a computer guy, knows how to use them but everything is magic to him. What I wanted to do was set it up with a few different SD cards that could be swap them out with roms for different consoles. Weeeelllll with android 11 for the emulator apps to be able to read the roms and play them the SD has to be formatted as internal storage. Which as we all know can never be removed. So I installed and formatted a 512 gig card and dumped PSP onto it. Which in itself is pretty decent. I spent a little more and got an Odin. Odin has android 10 : ) which reads portable formatting. So I it's set up with launchbox as the front end with 5 512 gig SD cards and my entire rom collection, everything from from SNES to PSP, except PS2. I want to thank you retro game corp, I followed your tutorials on the setting for the different emulators and it's worked out perfectly.
It looks like they might using plastic with no texture on it. Most devices that use ABS or similar plastic will have a texture in the tool mold. Sometimes it's so subtle you do not notice and think that the surface is just smooth, but it is there and prevents results like this. if you have no texture at all, fingerprints are immediately obvious.
So as this has the same specs as the Retroid Pocket 3+, is this the performance we should expect from it? or is there some performance still able to be squeezed out with some optimizations?
Yeah, I think PowKiddy NEEDS to re-evaluate this device thoroughly again and make it better and not just half-bake a release. Would be nice to see a "New" competitor that will make a better clamshell device like this one
I was prepared for this thing to be awesome... what a bummer, clamshells are so cool and the v90 could've been almost my perfect device if it could play super nintendo.
Ya I think everyone just wanted a clamshell that reminds them of the 3ds, but is capable of gamecube. Only thing is, you cant enjoy that fact it "runs" gamecube with bad hardware and software.
So I guess to get the best out of this do a mod with the old body, the new sticks, the new face buttons, the ds lite D-pad and some custom android image? Seems like a a lot of work.
I just got mine 3 days ago. At first it felt slow and cheap but after i updated it then it became playable. I like how its an android and has google playstore. I play pubg mobile and call of duty good. Shortcomings? I cant complain about it just that it resembles the GPD win 1. And for the smudges thats ok as long as the screen doesnt get scratched up when putting it in my pockets. Its great to watch movies and youtube. Speakers are loud. Touchscreen works great. The d pad is good, all other d pads are hard to press. These youtubers only deter you from getting a great device over small bitch complaints. Overall the new r3 l3 buttons work good. Nothing is wrong with this device. It works with the new sn30 Bluetooth controller.
In fairness to the newer model, bright colors, like tan, don't really show off smudges all that much compared to dark colors like black so the older model is kind of running easy mode when it comes to smudges. But yeah, the new model is garbage looking, though that's hardly a deal breaker for me, but then I don't really care about looks. What is a deal breaker is that I'm generally not a fan of the clamshell design overall and this device in particular has a lot of wasted space on the bottom half of the clamshell. At least with some other clamshell devices I've seen there would be a keyboard or something to fill out that void, but the X18S lacks anything. What's worse is that, in spite of that sacrifice to over all space efficiency you don't even get controls with sufficient travel, despite the fact of the chonky nature of the device overall. Ultimately there's nothing about this device that truly screams out to me that it needed this clamshell design. This device is fucking trash, bro.
With the amount of handheld emulation devices out there now, and with things like the Steamdeck existing…do you think there’s any validity to still using my PS Vita 1000 as my main handheld emulation device? Love your vids, Russ!
I was using my Vita as my main handheld emulation device for close to a year and absolutely LOVING it. I would have preferred to continue using it as my main device but I eventually purchased an RP3 because I wanted some good Dreamcast emulation and the ability to play a tiny handful of GameCube and PS2 games portably, something the Vita couldn't do. There are also some older games that the Vita doesn't run very smoothly like SuperGrafx games and even the original StarFox on the SNES.
Hi Russ; was wondering how you got Ki to run full speed on this? What Core is running it please. I have a x18s and would love to get Killer Instinct on it.
You CAN play lots of Android games, and you CAN change the controller layout to xInput. The console is very good. Of course it has flaws, but my rg351 also have, like screen bleeding and A/B buttons started to fail due to the cheap conductive membrane they used. I would take this video with a pinch of salt. And by the way, just because the smudges don't show don't mean they're not there ;-)
I don't believe that PowKiddy or whoever is working on this is a gamer at all nor do they even test these things with an actual gamer. Chinese crappy handhelds = PASS for life. Thank you for the video. I'm glad you/somebody paid so we don't have to.
Dreamcast,saturn,psx,psp games like nba 2k2 and the fact it runs killer instinct mame without any major issues makes me wanna buy this handheld.I wish rgb10max2 had the same chipset.Nice video Russ,the amount of work you put into review a certain product is well apreciated.Is there any device in the same price range which is able to run Killer Instinct mame you would suggest me to buy?looking forward to see your reply.Great vid again,keep up the good work :)
@@RetroGameCorps thank you for the swift reply,I love your chanel!It helped me to save lot of money and i learned lots of interesting stuff about handhelds.
I got one of these for Christmas. But I'm wondering if you could help me with a couple of steps. For some reason Google Play Store wasn't installed when I set it up. So I was wondering if you know how to install it onto the actual device itself? Also do you know if this device will run Xbox and PS3 Emulators?
So the GPD XP Plus (especially the 2019 Upgrade) seems to be still the best clamshell handheld, allthough the hardware is weaker than the X18S. But build quality is very good, and powerful enough for retro gaming and some N64 and PSP as well. While reading the comments it is nice to see that there are many people asking for a new chamshell handheld. Let's keep our fingers crossed 🙂
What's the best handheld device for PS2 games? I mainly just want to play PS2 and Dreamcast games at full speed. Though i wouldn't mind some PS3 games. I don't mind dropping 1K on a device, but i don't want to overpay for something more powerful than i need it to be. Also, i don't have a PC and don't want one. What i do have is a galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. I've seen a bunch of your videos, but i can't make a decision.
I love the clamshell desing but i did not buy the first version because of the dpad amd shoulder buttons. And here with the chance to fix those thing they missed badly. I really liked this black versión but please fix those buttons in next clamshell device
I think Powkiddy just gave up in comparison to other companies, it's so sad. They've been out for much longer than the others and it's just sad they keep kinda trying with each revision, I feel this is a constant beta product. They really should focus on refining their products before putting these half assed devices out. But with the buttons, you could use an app like buttons remapper to remap your buttons in android and in certain apps. It's really bad PowKiddy expects people to fix it themselves.
@@ryecatcher25 You got that right! They need to improve or just drop out. Their handhelds don't hold a candle to what's out now. I have a GP2X from 2005! Plays snes, CPS, genesis and I think that has better quality back then compared to what powkiddy released a decade later.
Such a shame but typically for Powshitty. They’ve been the first to utilize this soc but screwed up so bad two times now. I so much wanted the x18s to be good but it’s so bad. Glad I followed Taki and backed Ayn‘s Odin despite having never backed anything before.
After maybe 3-4 years of trying their devices... I've referred to the brand as a substandard copycat. The physical hardware is generally okay, but the OS needs work for thr majority of devices. This is the opposite with this X18s. Good out of the box OS, but the physical hardware needs work. I like their V90, the GBA clamshell design despite the shortcomings of that. Would like to see an update to it. Maybe use an Android Smartwatch OS or something.
Do you know if you can download Ps3 emulator games on this device? Also mine didn't come with Google Play Store for some reason. Do know anyway to install it onto this device?
Really wish any of these clamshell devices were any good. I love the form factor and having analog sticks above the buttons and dpad is way more comfortable for my hands. Would buy anything with this form factor and a current chip from anbernic in a heartbeat
I want to like this, since I do like that PowKiddy makes unusual devices. Sometimes, that works for them and they hit on something nice, but here, well, I can't say it worked out for them. Truly unfortunate.
I am still enjoying the Pow Kiddy V90 with the Pocket Go Firmware Update for Gameboy Color with Rumble. I made Legend of the River King 2 have Rumble by changing the cartridge type to 1EH and fixing the header. It had Rumble programmed into the Japanese version and just needs to be opened on the English version. I have also been Enjoying the game Flashed to the USB Smartcard for Gameboy and playing on the Epilogue GB Operator with Rumble. Nushi Tsuri Adventure-Kite no Bouken English patch also works.
Just wanted to comment re: Game Streaming Using Moonlight and setting the system to present as an XBox controller in the settings worked completely, and I was able to play Destiny 2 and even play some content with the built in.
Yes, love the channel but was surprised about the "you can't do streaming if the triggers don't work" bit, when he didn't even try Moonlight, a standard in other reviews. I think the strong dislike of the smudgy plastic permeated the other review points.
@@starckar I dislike that too but a microfiber cloth cleaned it pretty much good as new. I was more underwhelmed in my playtime so far by the dPad (worst part of the build) and the outer triggers.
If I had to guess, they used a really poor quality plastic for the outer case. Hence why it marks up like crazy. But don't worry! That's just your natural skin oils! Nothing disgusting about your own body juices!
It's really bad when company that makes this product says on their page that the console has shortcomings... They are being honest but it's not something I would encourage me to buy.
they should just focus on upgrading the hardware and software for the V90 to smooth out its performance. If they're gonna make a clamshell this huge, it should have a keyboard in the middle for general use computing.. then it'd be interesting.
after I saw this, I kinda worry about buttons on my preorder unit. some say it's better, some say it's bad as the previous product or even worse. I think they have some problems with quality control here. I love clamshell devices, sadly there are not much retro handheld device with clamshell design that powerful enough to emulate up to psp or even more and this product is one of several clamshell device that I can get easily here in Indonesia. I wish there are more retro handheld with clamshell design in the future whether it's android or windows based. i don't care if it will be thick device as long as it clamshell device. because only with clamshell design I can get larger screen and proper controller layout. I mean with clamshell design there are so much room for controller right? And I don't have to worry about the screen will be scratched when I put it in my pocket or bags. thas's why I love clamshell device so much. also I wonder if they make all face buttons clicky like og nintendo ds (phat) or nintendo dsi that will be good in my opinion. the best clicky button on clamshell device that I know is from the og nintendo ds (phat) buttons, it's just feels good in my thumbs.
The X18S was a huge disappointment at launch. It had been some time since we had seen a device like the GPD XD+ REALLY set the tone for powerful clamshell and we were hoping powkiddy would step up to the plate. Even with all the firmware and opportunity for hardware revisions, it seems like we may not get that nice premium clamshell experience again unless you are willing to heavily modify a folding flagship cellphone. The fact that the X18S may still be the only purpose made clamshell of this caliber is disappointing because of the natural pocket friendly nature of such a device. It seems like "Get a RetroidPocket3+ and a carrying case" is the reality.
I like the original X18s. Just wished the d-pad and buttons didn't bottom out. Its a shame they don't sell a all-in-one button and thumbstick upgrade kit.
I feel like I could make an awesome more with this. Form factor wise it's almost perfect, just a lack to two or four more face buttons. I'm going to investigate this as a potential easy more rather than having to buy a danged 3D printer. Would prefer 4:3 screen, and then speakers alongside that, and a tube sub in the base.
I already had this console in the shopping cart. I won't buy it. I thought that with the improvements it would be a good purchase, but it is not. Thanks for the video.
Man what a fingerprint magnet. I think I could pause the video, and photoshop your fingerprint into a print of some kind and use it to unlock your phone with lol.
![The Best Retro Handheld Under $90 Right Now [PowKiddy X55]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GRWvXiwTn-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Hats off to POW KITTY's new corporate motto, "If you buy this product, please accept its shortcomings".
"We gave up"
The dweeb! Love your videos dude!
Tbh I went ahead and bought one and I gotta say it's well worth the 140 bucks it is now. I mean it literally plays a lot and does so many things, it's a great android cod and online gaming device when you tweak the game settings and I literally connect to household devices including my drone. I can literally button map the drone app and use joysticks to fly my drone. Honestly yes it has short comings but I love it it does alot more then it doesn't and looking forward to future upgrades.
@@therealtecktonik I’m waiting on mine
I wish there were more clamshell devices in the handheld emulation space.
me too, maybe one with a dual screen for ds and 3ds emulation
YES! clamshell is by far my favorite design.
I am not at all nostalgic for gameboys and retro hardware, so i am getting a little sick of that aesthetic. I'd literally throw away any other handheld if I could get my hands on a clamshell version of a retroid pocket 3+
Me too! I got so tired of waiting that I just got a 3DS again lol.
Agree. If a PS Vita and the Advanced SP have a baby. I'd be really interest in what that'd be like. Or more realistically take the guts and screen from a Miyoo Mini and put it in an improved thinner and larger Powkiddy V90? Wish I could just make it myself through Kickstarter or something.
It's kinda bizarre how rare they are when Nintendo's clamshell designs dominated the handheld console market for years. I guess I'm sticking with my GPD XD for now.
This appears to be the lemon that you fear accidentally buying when getting into retro handhelds
this video game is very good runs basically everything in emulation. it's one of the most fun I've ever had
@@cardumevale3721 schizo moment
@@Trgbdrsx for those who like Flip this is good and cheaper. all buttons are ok. could be better? maybe but this one fits in your pocket the colors of the screen in this version are great or at least in the one that arrived for me. Nothing to complain. I really liked. I didn't have the "white" x18s but the one that arrived really surprised me I've already beaten several GameCube and Wii games on the Wii the Scooby Doo franchise you have to play it's fun The psp runs most games at 2x and some runs up to 3x .... Lots of fun for anyone who likes a pocket Flip game like me. This is my honest opinion. I have it and it's really good.
@@cardumevale3721 Prove it.
@@MegaDrain ? Prove what? I play mine every day and everything is fine here. All ds games, 3ds squeegee only pokémon x... The rest are really bad for 3ds. Now Wii and GameCube a lot of games configuring well. I don't need to prove anything, the video game speaks for itself. Best purchase I've made, it fits in my pocket and the trip I'm going to make will definitely be amazing.
Thank you Russ for calling out Powkiddy. They had such an opportunity to make a device that lots and lots of people would have wanted. They squandered that opportunity and I can say from personal experience this device is AWFUL.
If i got it cheap on ebay would it ve worth it?
@@BGRecon Honestly, if I were you, I would save up and order a Retroid Pocket Flip. It's shaping up to be a much better Clamshell device with the same performance.
I didn’t like the original X18S at all due to hardware issues, I can’t imagine how it could be worse
Edit: I was wrong, it could be worse
🤣
"Please accept its shortcomings" is so perfectly emblematic of Chinese companies that it borders on satire
Shortcomings?
My expectations weren't high but this is like going to a _Miss America_ pageant and seeing *Brían Nguyen* win...
@Buzás András +5 social credit
@Buzás András cope
I wish there was more clamshell hardware, I would love a Miyoo Mini in the exact shape of a gba SP or a Funkey S that's not for ants
So a *Powkiddy V90* isn't close enough?
@@adamkane7513 the chipset isn't powerful enough, but it's a nice device. Playing with it everyday.
Since the issues on the X18S are mostly about the hardware, and the RP3+ uses the same shell and buttons of the RP3, I am guessing the RP3+ will get a very good review here. I am actually waiting for Retro Game Corps' review so I can decide if I pick up the RP3+ or not
I had 0 interest in this device, but am sad to see the poor quality. That said, glad to get a glimpse at independent reviews on the T618. I can't wait for my RP3+, and looking forward to your reviews on that and the Anbernic 505.
I bought one 2 months ago. It has a matte finish, clicky l2/r2, and the same l1/r1. the face/dpad membranes are still soft which is fine, but none of it feels like a deal-breaker. I actually keep it on me at work while shipping and its gotten into a bump or two by 100+ lb. shipping bins and not broken, so I can at least comfirm the build quality is 10/10, even if people are very picky about everything else.
From the videos I've seen so far about the RP3+, it seems Retroid did some magic optimizing this chip. Really excited to see the comparison between RP3+ and RG505
No they didn't. I get the exact same performance on my x18s.
@@maxiynacho oh word? You got the RP3+?
@@maojae1382 nope, I have the x18s. I have seen the rp3+ performance on yt and it’s the same. Same chip same performance.
If that’s the case. The main way to check is to prolly check shadow of the colossus. Look at mjolnirstone’s video and try to run that game on PAL with the same underclocking. If performance looks identical then ur prolly rifht
@@maxiynacho well, if that is true I'll probably be waiting for the RP4
On a device like this you simply _have_ to use dome switches for the buttons and dpad. They're easier to get right
Wow, when the title says it's awful, Russ really means it. Even on devices that are mediocre, Russ finds something good along with the cons. This time he's like, "No, but seriously, I'm gonna tell you THIS."
(And even he still finds some pros!)
Russ bringing the truth, for this current gen, I just don't see anything beating the RP3+, it just checks all the boxes. I am really surprised at Anbernic bringing that price point to the 505 though, really can't wait for that comparison video!
I swear Russ and content creators like him are a contributing factor to any increase in quality to these consoles.
@@TheSurrealist. Yeah Russ, ETA Prime, The Faux, Taki and for the Euros Wicked, are all top notch channels that really drive what us as hobbyists want to the manufacturers that make these devices.
@@ZackMorris1 really you’re listing Wicked as credible source? 🤪 that dude is calling everything a great beast with loads of potential even the 100th tv box / pandora box with the same s905 soc or x whatever cheapie handheld.
Had to unsubscribe from him again because of the disservice he does to the viewers.
@@Thunderhawk8472 to me that's ETA Prime. Feels like everything he touches gonna be "absolutely amazing" anyway, so why watch it?
@@celsolaurentino2876 ETA is a great reviewer and his guides are top notch but he is pretty much cherry picking what he actually reviews therefore most of it gets a good review
Makes me feel so much better, thanks Russ. I bought my x18s in September for my birthday. Did the hardware mods, as I was incredibly disappointed with the controls, only to find out that a new version was being released. My biggest issues are the shoulders, and it doesn't for out far enough. I have purchased the RP3+, and am looking forward, bc hardware wise the X18S is great for the money, and I love my RP2+.
I remember being an OG 3ds "Ambassador". The smudges and gunk buildup on that glossy surface just killed the experience. Unacceptable design oversight by Powkiddy here. If you really like this handheld and feel industrious you can easily disassemble and sand+repaint I guess.
Powkiddy should watch this and take notes
This device makes absolutely no economic sense to me, even from Powkiddy's POV. I could believe that the X18 was rushed to market and that most of the flaws were just insufficient QA rather than a misguided attempt to reduce costs, but this refresh doesn't have that excuse-and so we're left with a product that necessitates that Powkiddy make the probably not-inconsiderable expense of sourcing recent chips and decent touchscreens only for the build quality of the much cheaper other components to be worse than the no-name Famiclones, at a time when there's a lot of competition at that level of power. It's not even a cash grab, just a really, really oddly mismanaged project.
Every day we stray further from a decent clamshell with modern hardware. I mean, what company will embrace the clamshell form factor after this? We haven't even heard any news from the Ayaneo Flip since the announcment
Comes with Google play store. Instantly better than several other devices.
I see this device and yearn for my 3DS, such a well-built thing...
It looks like if 3ds and an new 3ds xl had a ugly baby and new 3ds cheated on 3ds with an Wii U game pad
@@miikart lmaooo omg yes 💀💀💀💀💀💀
Hey Russ, could you please make a head's-up that the LineageOS firmware for the original Powkiddy x18s is not compatible with the Black version? I bought this device recently with one of the largest redeeming factors being that I could use Black Seraph's custom firmware; however, it appears that I was wrong and, as a result, am now down ~$130 (admittedly, I should have done more external research to check for compatibility beforehand).
It seems that I am not the only one either: there are a number of people on his Patreon who, even in recent months, are still wondering if he is still planning on making the firmware, saying that they own the Black version (my guess is that he is busy working on the GarlicOS stuff, understandably). On top of this, I can't find any response he has made on the topic aside from the last update for the build for the original Powkiddy x18s in July of 2022, where he claims that he will post a firmware for the Black model "at a later point in time". I direct-messaged him on Patreon 5 days ago asking if he was still working on it (and for any kind of potential time-frame), but have not received any response either (and I know 5 days doesn't seem like a lot, but we're nearing the end of the month, and if I'm to unsubscribe without getting charged again, I'm kinda' on a clock). Also of note: I might be wrong, but I don't believe you can actually see these descriptions of, or the comments under, the posts on his Patreon noting that the older firmware doesn't work on the Black model unless you are already subscribed to that tier (they're blurred to those not subscribed to that tier); for info about this, that you have to go to an external site like Reddit or Discord (as far as I am aware) (obviously this is not his problem, this is just a quirk of Patreon, but it's still relevant to my argument).
I know you strongly dislike this device (probably even more now that there is, at least, another competitor out there) (Note: the original Powkiddy x18s is sold out on Powkiddy's site and has been for some time). But there are a number of us who chose to buy this device because we, simply, like clam-shells. And "yes" the Retroid Flip is out there, but for one reason or another, some of us chose the Powkiddy device over the Retroid. I can tell you that: (1) if I had known ahead of time that no custom firmware was available for the Black Powkiddy device and (2) I absolutely "needed" a powerful clam-shell for some reason, I still would have heavily leaned towards buying the Powkiddy for various reasons (I won't expound upon those here, as that's a whole other discussion). All this is to say: there are those of us out here who bought this handheld (in some cases despite its competition), and it would be very helpful if you were to provide a head's-up that custom firmware, for sure, is not available for this Powkiddy x18s Black edition. Even if posts are made on various social media sites, this RUclips video is, and will remain, the most obtainable source of information on this topic.
I understand that you are busy with other stuff and that you figured you had said enough when you claimed that you were unsure if the older custom firmware would work on this device or not. Additionally, I understand that it kinda' doesn't make sense to go back to an older video like this without going back to many other older videos to make similar clarifications, but I would argue that this is a niche case as it involves a niche cheaper ("cheaper" as in: not an Aya or GPD device), clamshell product (something that is still scarce in the retro emulation handheld space even today [and, with all due respect, "no" a modded DS or 3DS are just not the same]). For this reason, it would probably be very appreciated by and helpful to others if you were to make some kind of notice so that they don't end up in the same situation as both I and, perhaps, some of the others from his Patreon.
Thanks, and love the videos! 🙂
I would like to see a mini PC or something with a *D*ual*S*creen clamshell design. Something with two OLED or at least decent QLED screens with around 66% of the power of a steam deck and a much larger battery. That would be my dream device for work and gaming. The steam deck is currently my party machine and my media player but not really a daily driver or anything.
Thanks for another honest review Russ. It's very disappointing Powkiddy didn't fix the X18S other than the clickable analogues. There's a real shortage of clamshell devices on the market and a huge demand for them.
I love clamshells too; but to point at the DS and 3DS as a huge demand for clamshells is...I think...very silly to put it kindly. I'm sure most thoughts went like this, "Hmm a DS (or 3DS)? Well, it's from Nintendo...don't care. It has Mario and Zelda and Metroid...don't care. It's a clamshell? SOLD!"
I edited my "silly" comment just for you Amy.
A friend has the tan version. Not only would I not buy either, I doubt I would use it much if he gave it to me. The inline shoulder buttons are a deal breaker right off the top, then there is all the other issues. The other issue that no one has yet to talk about it the version of android it uses. He is not a computer guy, knows how to use them but everything is magic to him. What I wanted to do was set it up with a few different SD cards that could be swap them out with roms for different consoles. Weeeelllll with android 11 for the emulator apps to be able to read the roms and play them the SD has to be formatted as internal storage. Which as we all know can never be removed. So I installed and formatted a 512 gig card and dumped PSP onto it. Which in itself is pretty decent.
I spent a little more and got an Odin. Odin has android 10 : ) which reads portable formatting. So I it's set up with launchbox as the front end with 5 512 gig SD cards and my entire rom collection, everything from from SNES to PSP, except PS2.
I want to thank you retro game corp, I followed your tutorials on the setting for the different emulators and it's worked out perfectly.
Yikes, that's one clammy shell. Feels like Powkiddy are in danger of becoming irrelevant at this price point. Which is a shame.
Hearing that Dpad Right sound made me feel unwell.
The clamshell is intriguing to me but yeah bad buttons are a deal breaker
It looks like they might using plastic with no texture on it. Most devices that use ABS or similar plastic will have a texture in the tool mold. Sometimes it's so subtle you do not notice and think that the surface is just smooth, but it is there and prevents results like this. if you have no texture at all, fingerprints are immediately obvious.
Funny thing is that because of your finger prints on the shell we can tell which video segment you recorded in which order. :D
So as this has the same specs as the Retroid Pocket 3+, is this the performance we should expect from it? or is there some performance still able to be squeezed out with some optimizations?
For some reason, it's looking like Retroid is getting a bit more performance out of that T618
Ok I thought *mine* was smudgy, holy cow! Glad about the price drop, I guess I accept its shortcomings, it can't be perfect after all 😛😛😛 - Stubbs
Yeah, I think PowKiddy NEEDS to re-evaluate this device thoroughly again and make it better and not just half-bake a release.
Would be nice to see a "New" competitor that will make a better clamshell device like this one
I know it's just for demonstration purposes but GOSH DANG CLEAN THAT THING😭
I was prepared for this thing to be awesome... what a bummer, clamshells are so cool and the v90 could've been almost my perfect device if it could play super nintendo.
Ya I think everyone just wanted a clamshell that reminds them of the 3ds, but is capable of gamecube. Only thing is, you cant enjoy that fact it "runs" gamecube with bad hardware and software.
If it had a second touchscreen, it would be perfect…
Out of all the flaws, the one I wouldn't be able to bear is the d-pad. My God that looks bad, hopefully mine will be a miracle lol.
We NEED dual screen retro console!
So I guess to get the best out of this do a mod with the old body, the new sticks, the new face buttons, the ds lite D-pad and some custom android image? Seems like a a lot of work.
And money
You are right on negative points. That's why pre-ordered RP3+. I wonder the X28 would be any better.
I just got mine 3 days ago. At first it felt slow and cheap but after i updated it then it became playable. I like how its an android and has google playstore. I play pubg mobile and call of duty good. Shortcomings? I cant complain about it just that it resembles the GPD win 1. And for the smudges thats ok as long as the screen doesnt get scratched up when putting it in my pockets. Its great to watch movies and youtube. Speakers are loud. Touchscreen works great. The d pad is good, all other d pads are hard to press. These youtubers only deter you from getting a great device over small bitch complaints. Overall the new r3 l3 buttons work good. Nothing is wrong with this device. It works with the new sn30 Bluetooth controller.
In fairness to the newer model, bright colors, like tan, don't really show off smudges all that much compared to dark colors like black so the older model is kind of running easy mode when it comes to smudges.
But yeah, the new model is garbage looking, though that's hardly a deal breaker for me, but then I don't really care about looks. What is a deal breaker is that I'm generally not a fan of the clamshell design overall and this device in particular has a lot of wasted space on the bottom half of the clamshell. At least with some other clamshell devices I've seen there would be a keyboard or something to fill out that void, but the X18S lacks anything. What's worse is that, in spite of that sacrifice to over all space efficiency you don't even get controls with sufficient travel, despite the fact of the chonky nature of the device overall. Ultimately there's nothing about this device that truly screams out to me that it needed this clamshell design.
This device is fucking trash, bro.
From the thumbnail I was hoping you were reviewing the GPD Win max 2. Hopefully you get one soon Russ!
With the amount of handheld emulation devices out there now, and with things like the Steamdeck existing…do you think there’s any validity to still using my PS Vita 1000 as my main handheld emulation device? Love your vids, Russ!
I was using my Vita as my main handheld emulation device for close to a year and absolutely LOVING it. I would have preferred to continue using it as my main device but I eventually purchased an RP3 because I wanted some good Dreamcast emulation and the ability to play a tiny handful of GameCube and PS2 games portably, something the Vita couldn't do. There are also some older games that the Vita doesn't run very smoothly like SuperGrafx games and even the original StarFox on the SNES.
let’s see… you don’t use “awful” very often ;)
Hi Russ; was wondering how you got Ki to run full speed on this? What Core is running it please. I have a x18s and would love to get Killer Instinct on it.
I love your honesty. Best channel on the subject 👏🏻
Waiting for your Retroid Pocket 3+ review then I can decide if I will buy it. It seems promising.
You CAN play lots of Android games, and you CAN change the controller layout to xInput. The console is very good. Of course it has flaws, but my rg351 also have, like screen bleeding and A/B buttons started to fail due to the cheap conductive membrane they used. I would take this video with a pinch of salt. And by the way, just because the smudges don't show don't mean they're not there ;-)
I don't believe that PowKiddy or whoever is working on this is a gamer at all nor do they even test these things with an actual gamer. Chinese crappy handhelds = PASS for life. Thank you for the video. I'm glad you/somebody paid so we don't have to.
Does the mold decide what type of plastic is used for the actual parts being produced? I dont think so...
Dreamcast,saturn,psx,psp games like nba 2k2 and the fact it runs killer instinct mame without any major issues makes me wanna buy this handheld.I wish rgb10max2 had the same chipset.Nice video Russ,the amount of work you put into review a certain product is well apreciated.Is there any device in the same price range which is able to run Killer Instinct mame you would suggest me to buy?looking forward to see your reply.Great vid again,keep up the good work :)
Hi Tommy, both the Anbernic RG505 and Retroid Pocket 3+ have the same chip and will have similar performance at the same price.
@@RetroGameCorps thank you for the swift reply,I love your chanel!It helped me to save lot of money and i learned lots of interesting stuff about handhelds.
Hi sorry one question...which brand are the buttons microswitches?
I got one of these for Christmas. But I'm wondering if you could help me with a couple of steps. For some reason Google Play Store wasn't installed when I set it up. So I was wondering if you know how to install it onto the actual device itself? Also do you know if this device will run Xbox and PS3 Emulators?
So the GPD XP Plus (especially the 2019 Upgrade) seems to be still the best clamshell handheld, allthough the hardware is weaker than the X18S. But build quality is very good, and powerful enough for retro gaming and some N64 and PSP as well. While reading the comments it is nice to see that there are many people asking for a new chamshell handheld. Let's keep our fingers crossed 🙂
the xbox game pass has been resolved?
or more specifically, the controlle profile has been improved?
I preordered a RP3+, so from what I’ve seen here it’s going to perform well!
Hey.... Doesn't Tekken 5 (PS2) run well on T618? Since when?
Wow. Just ordered this based on a positive video of the one a year ago and saw this video right after I clicked confirm on my order…
What's the best handheld device for PS2 games? I mainly just want to play PS2 and Dreamcast games at full speed. Though i wouldn't mind some PS3 games. I don't mind dropping 1K on a device, but i don't want to overpay for something more powerful than i need it to be. Also, i don't have a PC and don't want one. What i do have is a galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. I've seen a bunch of your videos, but i can't make a decision.
I love the clamshell desing but i did not buy the first version because of the dpad amd shoulder buttons. And here with the chance to fix those thing they missed badly. I really liked this black versión but please fix those buttons in next clamshell device
I think Powkiddy just gave up in comparison to other companies, it's so sad. They've been out for much longer than the others and it's just sad they keep kinda trying with each revision, I feel this is a constant beta product. They really should focus on refining their products before putting these half assed devices out. But with the buttons, you could use an app like buttons remapper to remap your buttons in android and in certain apps.
It's really bad PowKiddy expects people to fix it themselves.
I agree. Powkiddy thinks.its 2019 when people were expected to fix factory new products. That time is over.
@@ryecatcher25 You got that right! They need to improve or just drop out. Their handhelds don't hold a candle to what's out now.
I have a GP2X from 2005! Plays snes, CPS, genesis and I think that has better quality back then compared to what powkiddy released a decade later.
Such a shame but typically for Powshitty. They’ve been the first to utilize this soc but screwed up so bad two times now.
I so much wanted the x18s to be good but it’s so bad.
Glad I followed Taki and backed Ayn‘s Odin despite having never backed anything before.
After maybe 3-4 years of trying their devices... I've referred to the brand as a substandard copycat. The physical hardware is generally okay, but the OS needs work for thr majority of devices. This is the opposite with this X18s. Good out of the box OS, but the physical hardware needs work.
I like their V90, the GBA clamshell design despite the shortcomings of that. Would like to see an update to it. Maybe use an Android Smartwatch OS or something.
Do you know if you can download Ps3 emulator games on this device? Also mine didn't come with Google Play Store for some reason. Do know anyway to install it onto this device?
Really wish any of these clamshell devices were any good. I love the form factor and having analog sticks above the buttons and dpad is way more comfortable for my hands. Would buy anything with this form factor and a current chip from anbernic in a heartbeat
I want to like this, since I do like that PowKiddy makes unusual devices. Sometimes, that works for them and they hit on something nice, but here, well, I can't say it worked out for them. Truly unfortunate.
Kinda feels like they didn't really bother to get it right honestly.
Fingerprits EDITION
🤣
I am still enjoying the Pow Kiddy V90 with the Pocket Go Firmware Update for Gameboy Color with Rumble. I made Legend of the River King 2 have Rumble by changing the cartridge type to 1EH and fixing the header. It had Rumble programmed into the Japanese version and just needs to be opened on the English version. I have also been Enjoying the game Flashed to the USB Smartcard for Gameboy and playing on the Epilogue GB Operator with Rumble. Nushi Tsuri Adventure-Kite no Bouken English patch also works.
Man that sucks. Would like to see a nice, ergonomic clamshell. Have the GPD but it's getting old and is not that nice to hold tbh.
Just wanted to comment re: Game Streaming
Using Moonlight and setting the system to present as an XBox controller in the settings worked completely, and I was able to play Destiny 2 and even play some content with the built in.
Yes, love the channel but was surprised about the "you can't do streaming if the triggers don't work" bit, when he didn't even try Moonlight, a standard in other reviews. I think the strong dislike of the smudgy plastic permeated the other review points.
@@starckar I dislike that too but a microfiber cloth cleaned it pretty much good as new. I was more underwhelmed in my playtime so far by the dPad (worst part of the build) and the outer triggers.
And there’s our smudgeness.
-Michael Scott
-Russ Crandall
I wish we could get a good clamshell :(
I never liked these clamshell handhelds. However I saw some 3ds emulation on the Microsoft surface duo 2. that looked actually quite cool!
Would be nice if there was a controller dedicated for the Surface Duo/2.
With Retroid Pocket 3+ and RG505 right around the corner, there isn't any incentive whatsoever to consider the X18/S.
If I had to guess, they used a really poor quality plastic for the outer case. Hence why it marks up like crazy.
But don't worry! That's just your natural skin oils! Nothing disgusting about your own body juices!
That's what Men who marry retired "LonelyFans" girls say...
It's really bad when company that makes this product says on their page that the console has shortcomings... They are being honest but it's not something I would encourage me to buy.
they should just focus on upgrading the hardware and software for the V90 to smooth out its performance. If they're gonna make a clamshell this huge, it should have a keyboard in the middle for general use computing.. then it'd be interesting.
Man it just feels in every way like it's a knock off of the 2015 GPD XD handheld, but worse in every way than performance
The L3/R3 buttons dont work with apps Xcloud, steam link, psplay.
1:43 savage "Please not that if you buy this device, accept its shortcomings" 😂
after I saw this, I kinda worry about buttons on my preorder unit. some say it's better, some say it's bad as the previous product or even worse. I think they have some problems with quality control here. I love clamshell devices, sadly there are not much retro handheld device with clamshell design that powerful enough to emulate up to psp or even more and this product is one of several clamshell device that I can get easily here in Indonesia. I wish there are more retro handheld with clamshell design in the future whether it's android or windows based. i don't care if it will be thick device as long as it clamshell device. because only with clamshell design I can get larger screen and proper controller layout. I mean with clamshell design there are so much room for controller right? And I don't have to worry about the screen will be scratched when I put it in my pocket or bags. thas's why I love clamshell device so much.
also I wonder if they make all face buttons clicky like og nintendo ds (phat) or nintendo dsi that will be good in my opinion. the best clicky button on clamshell device that I know is from the og nintendo ds (phat) buttons, it's just feels good in my thumbs.
Nintendo does these machines the best. But the switch is pretty sweet as well. Handheld and a playable console.
Fiber cloths work perfect for smudged🧐
I think it’s cool it’s basically just a Chromebook game console
The X18S was a huge disappointment at launch. It had been some time since we had seen a device like the GPD XD+ REALLY set the tone for powerful clamshell and we were hoping powkiddy would step up to the plate. Even with all the firmware and opportunity for hardware revisions, it seems like we may not get that nice premium clamshell experience again unless you are willing to heavily modify a folding flagship cellphone. The fact that the X18S may still be the only purpose made clamshell of this caliber is disappointing because of the natural pocket friendly nature of such a device. It seems like "Get a RetroidPocket3+ and a carrying case" is the reality.
Looking forward to rp3+ review , I presume you have one already
all that unused space on the bottom half bothers the hell out of me for some reason
So does it come with ROMS? I want to buy it without any
I like the original X18s. Just wished the d-pad and buttons didn't bottom out. Its a shame they don't sell a all-in-one button and thumbstick upgrade kit.
why wont they make powerful dual screen clamshells, people will eat it up.
I feel like I could make an awesome more with this.
Form factor wise it's almost perfect, just a lack to two or four more face buttons. I'm going to investigate this as a potential easy more rather than having to buy a danged 3D printer.
Would prefer 4:3 screen, and then speakers alongside that, and a tube sub in the base.
The moment they tried to name that black sku an Ultra model says a lot about the vendor here.
At least I know now how Thorn EMI's handheld game system would have looked.
I need help when I turn it on it gives me black screen
That's PowKiddy for ye. 50:50. Either 🏆 or a 😒
I just want a n64 pocketable device( that really fits easily inside my jeans pocket) without damaging the sticks.
I already had this console in the shopping cart. I won't buy it. I thought that with the improvements it would be a good purchase, but it is not. Thanks for the video.
Man what a fingerprint magnet. I think I could pause the video, and photoshop your fingerprint into a print of some kind and use it to unlock your phone with lol.
can we play Nintendo Ds games on it??