Excellent review Adin! I'm an X28 fanatic at this point- it's a handheld that feels like it's way more than the sum of its parts and put very simply- it's just super fun to play!
great video Adin!! i'm convinced that Powkiddy is just the brand and don't manufacture these products. As every one is almost entirely different even down to the quality and consistency of the buttons and D pad, i'm convinced that there are a fairly large number of different companies that manifacture these products and sell them under the Powkiddy brand. I just can't believe that the same manufacturer can bring out a decent product and then immediately bring out a product which is so broken and is of poor quality in every way.
Great honest review! I was hanging between the x28, rp3+ and rg405m. Your review on this device made me decided on the x28, although there is issue with the dpad and joystick. Once getting the device im going to disassemble it and see where and what i can do about it. Ordered a set of hall effect joystick to test it out in the x28. Love the video man, keep up the good work!
Hey man, just to clarify, the joystick and dpad issues are within the software. A dev is working on a fix but there’s not much you can do with the hardware (I already tried switching out my joysticks)
@@adinwalls definitely. There are some devices you can't really get a good sense of until you have it in your hands. Your descriptions are good, and yet I'm still surprised just how good it feels. If I was getting a T618 device as a gift for a friend, I would set this one up for them (which is admittedly a chore luckily one I enjoy).
Thanks for the video. I still have my RP2+ for psp and down works some ps2 and game cube games as well. I have a steam deck as well so between the two that x28 is not offering too much for me but if I had none of them I would have considered that.
Sorry I missed this. I must admit overtime the quirks of the device have become more glaring such as poorly mapped buttons for android and lower performance compared to the other T6 18 devices
I really do recommend the Retroid Pocket 3+ over the Pocket Flip. A lot of people are bawing the old, "Well MY unit is fine! I take care of my things!" rhetoric, but the Flip's hinge has a more significant defect than the launch DSlite units had. The design that allows for the top screen to click into place produces a lot of stress on the hinge, and they eventually shatter. Unlike the launch DSlites which would get a hair-thick crack line and eventually break apart, the Retroid Flip straight up spontaneously snaps and will send plastic and paint chips flying like shrapnel when it happens. A true shame, because I love clamshell devices and how they protect the screen when pocketed, but the Flip breaks. For its price range and capabilities, the "base" Retroid Pocket 3+ is a far superior choice.
Thinking of getting an X55 or X28 as I can get either within my budget (Owned a RG351p for a while a good little device the screen is way too small for me). Trying to decide between Android or Linux and wondering what the benefits/disadvantages of either is?
Well the immediate one is no Bluetooth headphones on Linux. Linux is built for emulation while Android is Android but also can be a bit more familiar to people. Personally I prefer an Android device but many prefer Linux.
I got a Powkiddy X28 and I'm trying to set up the controllers in Retroarch with very little luck. One time I did manage to get them working but then Retroarch for some reason seemed not able to see my SD card. Reinstalled, tried app store regular and plus versions, downloaded the version from the website, even cleared the apps data and cache still no luck. Edit: Fixed the problem by resetting android on the device.
I'm confused how the X28 has good ergonomics to it based on how it looks, but everyone who holds one insists it feels great in the hands. I just recently got my lime green SF2000, and it feels so solid and comfortable to use, I can't imagine how the X28 could deserve the amount of praise that it gets for its ergonomics. But I also have never held one and am basing my opinion on how it looks... I just can't see how it would be comfortable to hold, but everyone who has played one insists it feels great in the hands.
I'm going to add my two cents here too- the PowKiddy X28 is supremely comfortable to hold, and the primary reasons in my opinions are the vertically compact controls, the tilted shoulders and the very light weight for its size. It is one of the most comfortable handhelds I've ever used and by far my favourite pick-up-and-play device!
@RetroBreezeYT agreed. And what’s exciting is that the community is getting behind this one so any software kinks will be ironed out over the next few months.
I assume since it has the same chipset as the RP3+ and the RG405m, its running the Mali G52 GPU which has awful compatibility with the Vulkan backend, on dolphin if using Vulkan you'll face the dreaded "device lost error" so you're stick with using the less efficient openGL. Please can someone confirm the performance of this on the latest dolphin emulator.
In the end all the T618 devices are great for different reasons. The RG505 has lovely controls and that screen is hard to beat. You’ll have a better time with the RG505 joysticks but overall the X28 is nicer to hold and the big screen is very nice for PSP
Are Sonic Advance 2 and 3 particularly difficult to emulate GBA titles? I have noticed over the past couple of months that a lot of people will run Sonic Advance 2 or 3 as their GBA test. I will say, impressive titles like Driv3r and Taxi 3 on the GBA surprisingly are easy to run. I have noticed on the SF2000 that it runs Driv3r and Taxi 3 flawlessly, but struggles with Sonic Advance 2.
I got it but this is like phone with controllers. What is app you using on menu that sorting all games and emulators in 1 main app, i need something to sort it all because this is real mess to me.
i had a t618 device sinse 2018 lol powkiddy was the first to make it with the powkiddy x18s i was way done with the T619 chip set years befor the retro pocket 3+ or even the anbernic 505 launched i was Way way done with it it was old old news
Hi adin nice video. What it really bothers me is this setup phase. Is basically like using an android phone with a controller. I buy emulators for their pick up and play aspect so I think I'm more towards Linux handleds. Having saying that I want to buy one handled for psp , GameCube and Dreamcast emulation; the x55 doesn't seem to fully fit performance wise, the other is the rgb10 max 3 pro max but early reviews are saying that it has a lot of flaws... So I don't really know on what to go now
Well along those lines you really are better off with the X28. But if you really want a Linux device… hmmm… maybe wait to see if the rgb10 max 3 pro gets better?
I never analysed that in detail. I do prefer the X55 dpad. However I will say this: I haven’t put the X28 down. The RP3+ is technically the best device but I can’t get enough of the X28’s big screen and ergonomics.
ive bin looking for a good retro handheld that can run ps2 (i know none of them can run all the ps2 games but im just looking for one that can run most of the games, DQ8 is one of the games id like to play on one of these consoles) i cant decide on the powkiddy x28 or the retro pocket 3+, the odin is nice and all but its a bit on the expensive side for my liking plus the base model for the odin is always soldout, im hoping i can find a video that can compare the x28 and the retro pocket 3.
Hey there these devices only play a handful of PS2 games if you’re expecting them to play most of the games you are going to be disappointed. Comparing the X 28 and the 3+, the X28 has a nice big screen, great ergonomics, and good action buttons. The 3+ is better built overall, has slightly better performance, better controls and better resolution due to the smaller screen. The X28 is a flawed device but it’s the one I keep coming back to.
In my opinion, i don't see any big issue: a big screen, android, good ergonomics, modern style 👍 I'm searching for a portable emulator for PS1 and PSP game, I'm not searching for a "pocketable" device that looks like a 80s brick.
If you want to tweak the sd card that comes with the device, yes. You will definitely need a computer. It’s probably possible to do it all on the device itself but it will be quite difficult.
Bought my x28 and have had no problems with the controls. Bought it from Go game geek and it was updated and ready to go.
Excellent review Adin! I'm an X28 fanatic at this point- it's a handheld that feels like it's way more than the sum of its parts and put very simply- it's just super fun to play!
Yes. It has something special about it.
great video Adin!! i'm convinced that Powkiddy is just the brand and don't manufacture these products. As every one is almost entirely different even down to the quality and consistency of the buttons and D pad, i'm convinced that there are a fairly large number of different companies that manifacture these products and sell them under the Powkiddy brand. I just can't believe that the same manufacturer can bring out a decent product and then immediately bring out a product which is so broken and is of poor quality in every way.
Yes I think they use various manufacturers who do a lot of the R&D to save costs.
Great honest review! I was hanging between the x28, rp3+ and rg405m. Your review on this device made me decided on the x28, although there is issue with the dpad and joystick. Once getting the device im going to disassemble it and see where and what i can do about it. Ordered a set of hall effect joystick to test it out in the x28. Love the video man, keep up the good work!
Hey man, just to clarify, the joystick and dpad issues are within the software. A dev is working on a fix but there’s not much you can do with the hardware (I already tried switching out my joysticks)
The d-pad is a bigger personal concern for me than screen quality, so I do appreciate it when someone is honest on how good a d-pad actually is.
Perfect timing mine arrived today! I used the game card that came with the RK2023 and it worked like a charm and saved me some time.
Great. What a good device right?
@@adinwalls definitely. There are some devices you can't really get a good sense of until you have it in your hands. Your descriptions are good, and yet I'm still surprised just how good it feels. If I was getting a T618 device as a gift for a friend, I would set this one up for them (which is admittedly a chore luckily one I enjoy).
Can’t wait for mine! 😁
Just ordered one. Can not wait for delivery.
Enjoy!
@@adinwalls I am going to test all Harry Potter games on this device.
@collectthemall that’ll be fun!
The d pad is super easy to fix. A few tiny strips of electric tape does it.
Thanks for the video. I still have my RP2+ for psp and down works some ps2 and game cube games as well. I have a steam deck as well so between the two that x28 is not offering too much for me but if I had none of them I would have considered that.
you should try Dolphin for handheld PR3 plus works superb on my x28 for gamecube.
rg505 with GammaOS is AWESOME!
Agreed
Awesome video! I'm not big on the X28, but I love your takes on it. - Stubbs
of course cause you hate powkiddy jk hahaah xD
@@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydude I love the big POWboyz!!
Sorry I missed this. I must admit overtime the quirks of the device have become more glaring such as poorly mapped buttons for android and lower performance compared to the other T6 18 devices
However I still love me some big screens
I really do recommend the Retroid Pocket 3+ over the Pocket Flip. A lot of people are bawing the old, "Well MY unit is fine! I take care of my things!" rhetoric, but the Flip's hinge has a more significant defect than the launch DSlite units had. The design that allows for the top screen to click into place produces a lot of stress on the hinge, and they eventually shatter. Unlike the launch DSlites which would get a hair-thick crack line and eventually break apart, the Retroid Flip straight up spontaneously snaps and will send plastic and paint chips flying like shrapnel when it happens. A true shame, because I love clamshell devices and how they protect the screen when pocketed, but the Flip breaks. For its price range and capabilities, the "base" Retroid Pocket 3+ is a far superior choice.
Thinking of getting an X55 or X28 as I can get either within my budget (Owned a RG351p for a while a good little device the screen is way too small for me). Trying to decide between Android or Linux and wondering what the benefits/disadvantages of either is?
Well the immediate one is no Bluetooth headphones on Linux. Linux is built for emulation while Android is Android but also can be a bit more familiar to people. Personally I prefer an Android device but many prefer Linux.
I got a Powkiddy X28 and I'm trying to set up the controllers in Retroarch with very little luck. One time I did manage to get them working but then Retroarch for some reason seemed not able to see my SD card.
Reinstalled, tried app store regular and plus versions, downloaded the version from the website, even cleared the apps data and cache still no luck.
Edit: Fixed the problem by resetting android on the device.
Does the powkiddy x28 come with preloaded games?
I'm confused how the X28 has good ergonomics to it based on how it looks, but everyone who holds one insists it feels great in the hands. I just recently got my lime green SF2000, and it feels so solid and comfortable to use, I can't imagine how the X28 could deserve the amount of praise that it gets for its ergonomics. But I also have never held one and am basing my opinion on how it looks... I just can't see how it would be comfortable to hold, but everyone who has played one insists it feels great in the hands.
I'm going to add my two cents here too- the PowKiddy X28 is supremely comfortable to hold, and the primary reasons in my opinions are the vertically compact controls, the tilted shoulders and the very light weight for its size. It is one of the most comfortable handhelds I've ever used and by far my favourite pick-up-and-play device!
@RetroBreezeYT agreed. And what’s exciting is that the community is getting behind this one so any software kinks will be ironed out over the next few months.
What about the first T618 handheld and it's variants?
Are you referring to the X18?
I assume since it has the same chipset as the RP3+ and the RG405m, its running the Mali G52 GPU which has awful compatibility with the Vulkan backend, on dolphin if using Vulkan you'll face the dreaded "device lost error" so you're stick with using the less efficient openGL.
Please can someone confirm the performance of this on the latest dolphin emulator.
Nice review!
Thank you!
I'm still on the fence whether to get this or the RG505. I just want a device for playing PSP racing games. What are your thoughts?
In the end all the T618 devices are great for different reasons. The RG505 has lovely controls and that screen is hard to beat. You’ll have a better time with the RG505 joysticks but overall the X28 is nicer to hold and the big screen is very nice for PSP
Are Sonic Advance 2 and 3 particularly difficult to emulate GBA titles? I have noticed over the past couple of months that a lot of people will run Sonic Advance 2 or 3 as their GBA test.
I will say, impressive titles like Driv3r and Taxi 3 on the GBA surprisingly are easy to run. I have noticed on the SF2000 that it runs Driv3r and Taxi 3 flawlessly, but struggles with Sonic Advance 2.
No I haven’t noticed Sonic GBA being hard to emulate. I just like it a lot.
Did you have any software problems?
I haven’t had any software issues that I can think of.
I got it but this is like phone with controllers. What is app you using on menu that sorting all games and emulators in 1 main app, i need something to sort it all because this is real mess to me.
i had a t618 device sinse 2018 lol powkiddy was the first to make it with the powkiddy x18s i was way done with the T619 chip set years befor the retro pocket 3+ or even the anbernic 505 launched i was Way way done with it it was old old news
Hi adin nice video. What it really bothers me is this setup phase. Is basically like using an android phone with a controller. I buy emulators for their pick up and play aspect so I think I'm more towards Linux handleds. Having saying that I want to buy one handled for psp , GameCube and Dreamcast emulation; the x55 doesn't seem to fully fit performance wise, the other is the rgb10 max 3 pro max but early reviews are saying that it has a lot of flaws... So I don't really know on what to go now
Well along those lines you really are better off with the X28. But if you really want a Linux device… hmmm… maybe wait to see if the rgb10 max 3 pro gets better?
Wow what a great video !!
Thank you!
So the D-Pad of the X55 works better than the D-Pad of the X28?
I never analysed that in detail. I do prefer the X55 dpad. However I will say this: I haven’t put the X28 down. The RP3+ is technically the best device but I can’t get enough of the X28’s big screen and ergonomics.
Adin, do you think you will review the rg405m?
I have an interesting one in the works involving the rg405m
@@adinwalls good news as I have just bought one to replace my Retroid pocket 3 plus
Aha. Well I like both of those. I think I prefer the RP3plus to be honest
Are the R2 and L2 analog or digital I asked because the GameCube had analogue shoulder buttons and for games like Mario sunshine it's needed
Digital
Which do you prefer? The x28 or the anbernic 351xx h? I do respect your opinions.
Wow those are vastly different device. I definitely prefer the X28
@@adinwalls ok thanks. I've been looking at both. If there is another one you'd recommend I'd like to know.
ive bin looking for a good retro handheld that can run ps2 (i know none of them can run all the ps2 games but im just looking for one that can run most of the games, DQ8 is one of the games id like to play on one of these consoles) i cant decide on the powkiddy x28 or the retro pocket 3+, the odin is nice and all but its a bit on the expensive side for my liking plus the base model for the odin is always soldout, im hoping i can find a video that can compare the x28 and the retro pocket 3.
Hey there these devices only play a handful of PS2 games if you’re expecting them to play most of the games you are going to be disappointed. Comparing the X 28 and the 3+, the X28 has a nice big screen, great ergonomics, and good action buttons. The 3+ is better built overall, has slightly better performance, better controls and better resolution due to the smaller screen. The X28 is a flawed device but it’s the one I keep coming back to.
In my opinion, i don't see any big issue: a big screen, android, good ergonomics, modern style 👍
I'm searching for a portable emulator for PS1 and PSP game, I'm not searching for a "pocketable" device that looks like a 80s brick.
For PS1 and PSP is absolutely perfect.
Hey Adin, has there been a joystick sensitivity fix? Trying to decide between this and the Rp2s. Need those triggers for racing games😁
Hey no the X28 still has very sensitive joysticks. If you don’t mind the small screen 2s is a great option.
@adinwalls that's a shame. Thanks for your reply
Bonjour
Est-ce qu'il y a le jeu PS1 Castlevania Symphony of the night, please? Thank You. 😊🌸
You said that gamma OS fixes the screen not being high enough resolution on the Ambernic 405m, can you tell me what you meant by that?
No, it fixes the oversharpening which makes the screen look better overall.
@@adinwalls Oh ok got ya. I may have interpreted that wrong. I had no idea there was a fix for that. I just got one so that is great to know!
I like running Xbox game pass and RUclips / Plex on it ... Great screen for that ... Forza Horizon or Minecraft Dungeons on this is great
Interesting!
Can you use a switch lite screen protector on this?
No idea man. Maybe just check the exact dimensions.
Do I need a computer to set up Roms and emulators ?
If you want to tweak the sd card that comes with the device, yes. You will definitely need a computer. It’s probably possible to do it all on the device itself but it will be quite difficult.
You never made the 405m review
WULFF DEN was WRONG about the RG405M
ruclips.net/video/59-VF1Om9Us/видео.html
buy it or not?????
Well… you sacrifice some performance but you gain a beautiful big screen…
yes buy it!
God the flip is ugly lol
Nooooooooooooooo!
hello, l am from Litnxt, a retro game console site. if l wanna coooperate with you, how can l connect with you?