A Rare and Fascinating Handheld [ZPG A1 Unicorn]

[@RetroGameCorps]

Small correction: I was running PSP at a 2x resolution in my testing, not native resolution. The screen is so small that I didn't discern between the upscale and native resolutions -- my apologies. The assessment still stands, but at a higher upscale-- most games will run well at that 2x resolution, with some slowdown in heavyweight games.

[@samh5886]

Still find your Dreamcast/n64 performance in RetroArch at 480p strange. Would expect the chip to be able to do 720p or even 960p (for lighter stuff) for Dreamcast without need for frameskip when using the flycast core.

[@segoverial]

I hope you plan to cover the "EUROPEAN CITIZENS’ INITIATIVE - Central Online Collection System: Stop Destroying Videogames" by the KZbinr Accursed Farms - Ross Scott, as this needs as much coverage as possible to spread and succeed. as you cover alot that has to do with retro games(more the tech but still) it feels like this is something you would have some thoughts to share on?

[@markalexander5578]

I love it when you review the lesser known things. Please do some more in the future.

[@nefariou5]

yeah kinda sad he didn't review the original zpg device.

[@5temba]

Completely agree. There are always hidden/value gems, but it takes effort/luck to find them. The community can always help there too

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

There’s one thing that Ambernic does that I absolutely love and that’s that they color the bezels on the screen to match the device color so it looks almost like it doesn’t have any bezels. It just comes off as so much nicer looking than the unicorn. I wish more companies would do that.

[@ZwaetschgeRaeuber]

Yea i agree. Especially since they learned, we dont want their huge logo below the screen.

[@braken67]

counter point Lol. I absolutely despise that little screen bezel and would rather it not be there. I quite like how the rgb30 and unicorn do it. Tricks me into beliving that the screen is bigger than it is haha

[@jaysea111]

12:02 is a top 10 russ moment

[@kenridge2]

Release the "Russ Stares Into My Soul" supercut!

[@mark_midmark]

The russ stares at the camera while repeatedly pressing a button look is a look I didn't know that I needed

[@TheCaused1]

The shirt! Op Ivy and Rancid are two of the best bands ever!!!!

[@ezraagnew]

Half right

[@VladNerd]

Another amazing video, Russ! I always wondered about the Unicorn. You've answered a lot of my question. ❤

[@DemocracyJones]

Release the Z-Pocket video! Even if it's something most of your audience can't buy it would still be a fascinating watch 😊

[@andrerobberts6892]

30:25 just made my entire day... NBA Street! Thanks Russell! Its the little things that count ❤️

[@EmeraldStargazer]

Wow! Operation Ivy t-shirt was unexpected.. Nice!

[@ItsMrLee]

Brooo nice shirt. OpIvy brings me back!

[@simplyhard]

Replace the "Contra Test". Best way to test a D-Pad is Mega Man III-VI on the NES. See how often you unintentionally slide instead of jump (while running). I.E. how many times you die diving down a bottomless pit when you really meant to jump across. Very good baseline for testing whether I'm going to enjoy the experience at all, or just get annoyed and wish I was holding something else. Mega Man III, Gemini Man stage for example.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

"I thought this was going to be a short and quick video" always makes me grin. XD (Hello, am here again because I saw the beautiful pink unicorn today on RH podcast and I am SO excited to have one of my own to play with!)

[@jonraymondchua2388]

A breath of fresh air ( I kinda have an Anbernic fatigue😂, too many releases) ..i think it is okay based on the G99 chipset..Hope the retail version is better.. still wishing that you feature the original Resident Evil 4 on one of these :)

[@KlausNESio]

Operation Ivy! I see a man of good taste

[@blairchristopher3073]

I caught the Jawbreaker shirt a few episodes ago and the Op Ivy shirt in this one. Turns out Russ is a 90/00s old school punk like me.

[@shermanhuang216]

Long time subscriber here, I too was gonna comment about how awesome your Op Ivy shirt is! Looks like there's a lot of punx / gamers here too!

[@SpaceSkeletonDragon]

Didn't know you were an Op Ivy fan, good shit

[@Djehuti-85]

Operation Ivy, nice one! Almost didnt recognize that

[@MrSquirrelchan]

Hey Russ, just some thought, but at 550k subs maybe we can get a review video with chefs clothes and hat on? 😅 bonus footage making a recipe?

[@CarterDotson]

Oh yes, I've been waiting for a review of this!

[@WillC1020]

I like the availability of these 4 inch square based screens. I have an RGB30 and enjoy playing games up to N64/Dreamcast. It’s not perfect but it works well. For systems past that I prefer playing on a 16x9 setup and so the cube or the unicorn would not work for my use cases.

[@lilricemuncher09]

Russ, did Ayaneo hit you with their Pocket DMG?? I know I must be one of many waiting anxiously for your review on it!!

[@carltonleboss]

Thanks for another great video.

[@Cremeaphrodisiaque]

An Operation Ivy fan! And I thought you couldn't be more awesome!

[@jarrodwhite9415]

Stop this war! Unicorn, as one stand together Unicorn, evolution’s gonna come

[@CannaBOBrex024]

Love the shirt man!!!!!

[@SolaRDare]

Found your channel recently and really enjoy your content, very informative and entertaining, and although you may sometimes be bias towards some hardware, you always compare from a neutral point of view, keep it up :)

[@KyleRuggles]

I feel that this is what the RG Cube should have been, enough power to play games that are designed more for 4:3 and 1:1 but not too much that it costs a lot, for a pretty niche device that has limits for modern gaming, it shouldn't cost so much. Have you tried widescreen cheats with your aspect ratio to full? Does that help fill out the top and bottom bars? I read on reddit that it's possible. I really would like to see them release 3:2 screens, if the RG Cube had that, that would be an instant buy from me, a long as there's NO light bleed. Great review! But.. not for me lol. Too niche and I already have enough handhelds.

[@zeframmann1641]

Considered this, but everything I might want to play (up to and including the 16bit era) on a 1:1 screen works just fine on my modded $65 RGB30. Still, nice to see alternatives in the market.

[@braken67]

I absolutely love how the Unicorn looks and prefer that form (even if I do love my cheddar cheese block rgb30). I still want it over the Rg Cube though less powerful I have faith the community will find a way to make gen 6 emulation better. I don't mind tinkering some

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

More expensive and less powerful than the cube

[@jandeanroestel4181]

I see you're a man of taste, operation ivy shirt ;) ... Greatings from germany.

[@jierenzheng7670]

That's what I have always felt for me about why people want grips this way for quite a few handhelds. It makes it hard to reach for the D pad unless your layout is more diagonal to rather vertical for many handhelds.

[@LunaRa22]

awesome shirt great band

[@vexorian]

RGB30 is still the winner. Charging issues can be worked around. Arkos allows quick shutdown/boot which makes the lack of Sleep less of an issue. More so, the drawbacks of Android tend to be understated. The required setup is not a small ask. Not having an actual native way to play Pico-8 is a very big con for this device specifically. We also tend to ignore the privacy risks with Android. The RGB30 also has many better-looking colors than both the cube and the unicorn.

[@CutlassCraft]

My thoughts exactly. Plus price

[@nicholaskirsch5299]

These points are spot on. I’d love an RGB30 with a little better build quality.

[@braken67]

I love my cheddar cheese block lol

[@hatchxable]

but not touchscreen :(

[@bernardandrys2397]

I have a Retroid and won't buy another Android retro. The flexibility of Android doesn't ofset the bad gaming experience. After getting a Miyoo Mini, if the software doesn't work like Garlic or OnionOS, I'm not interested. (I have/had Rg351mp, Retroid Pocket 3+, Miyoo Mini+ and rg35xx sp)

[@lordgeyik]

Unicorn is like the new Gameforce Chi. Weird underdog with a unique charm.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

More expensive than the cube and less powerful... It should stay under

[@Kev50027]

Hey Russ! I love your videos and was wondering if you were planning on covering the OnePlus Pad 2. I feel like it's an interesting tablet for retro games because of the 7:5 aspect ratio, relatively low price, high resolution screen and Snapdragon 8 gen 3. Might make a really good gaming tablet. Either way, keep up the good work!

[@lordgeyik]

Good review with good comparisons. Unicorn wins for me with higher dpad position and better speakers

[@ctrig85art]

“Unicorn” with no release or presale as of yet. Been waiting foreverrrrrrr lol. Also great review Russ!

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

It's more expensive than the cube and less powerful. Other KZbinrs have put it through its paces already

[@kylesmith3045]

I couldn't justify swapping my RGB30 for the more expensive Cube having no desire to play higher end systems on it. This might change that. I'd be interested to see the other color ways.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

More expensive than the cube and less powerful

[@SWPLGAMING]

I really like the ABXY 8bit writing on the buttons or I stand alone on that? Another awesome video bud.

[@squidjam]

Square screens allow you to play "tate mode" roms better. The thing with 4:3 ratio handhelds is that you could rotate the unit instead, using the left analog and the buttons and get a better experience too. My guess is that squared-screen devices is a best compromise situation than 4:3. Pocketability is not a thing if you dress like a teenager, so there's also that. (oh, and stop squishing and extending pixels to get a better screen state and less bars, playing the games as intended is way easier 😉)

[@DeathMetalThrasher]

I saw the ads for them on aliexpress 2 weeks ago. I like the transparent purple, I wish the cube had a transparent shell model

[@JulianLeonBaroi]

It's similar to the story of the invention of radio frequency. (Yes, the "Chicken & Egg" story is also identical.) "Radio Frequency" was invented by Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose but Guglielmo Marconi presented it first. So, people around the world thought that Marconi was the inventor but the actual story is another. 🤔 As "AYANEO Pocket Micro" also has the "MTK Helio G99" chipset, the performance will be similar to this "ZPG A1 Unicorn", I guess. 🤔 Love from Bangladesh ❤🇧🇩

[@millionsofsuns]

Great review and an even better band t-shirt

[@Dawsons_Geek]

Wicked Operation Ivy tee dude! Music collection tour sometime?

[@RandomUser198]

1:49 ah yes, 128MB of storage

[@yinyangg87]

Glad I wasn't the only one lol

[@jonathonearl482]

The ANBERNIC is better than the ZPG but I prefer the PowKiddy RGB20SX as my 1:1 display handheld.

[@oldthink34]

Nice shirt!!

[@TWISKED]

Any of these manufacturers who make a 'wood' model will have an instant purchase from me. Sorry, I have no choice. It's just that awesome. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ...if the rg Cube came in wood, I would have pre-ordered regardless of specs. Again... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@colinmartin9797]

TBH I adore my RGB20SX but the next big device for me is going to be something with a 16:10 screen. I have a samsung tablet with that aspect ratio and it truly does cover the sweet spot between everything, bigger 4:3 by a big margin than a 16:9, actually playable 16:9, and DS can be run with two practically full size screens and 3ds can look glorious. 16:10 is just objectively better than 16:9 in almost every way so here's hoping retroid (because anbernic has yet to realize the failings of the switch style stick) or someone comes up with a 16:10 screen that can cover up through PS2.

[@CrowScareify]

If this gets down to like 100-110 it’ll be a very quick buy for me. I also thought the cube was a bit too expensive. I hope we get more 1:1 android devices in the future!

[@edwardgreenjr167]

TBH, I was hoping for these ergonomics when the Cube was reviewed. But the dip in performance is upsetting. I'll hold onto my modded RGB30. Doing the tape around the D-Pad contacts makes a world of difference. Side note: After seeing the Cube review and seeing comments about the Razer Blade was discounted I ended up picking up a slightly used 5G version (more Ram) on eBay for a little over $200. I think that is worth a 2nd look for a decent spec'ed Android device for anyone wanting a widescreen unit capable of streaming too.

[@chemicalburrito782]

The Razer Edge (the Blade is a laptop) - the wifi edition with 6GB RAM - was going for $200 shipped on NewEgg last month. New - not even used. (It's $250 new on Amazon right now.) At Newegg's price last month it was practically a steal. Heck, even at the Amazon price it's certainly worth considering. The screen is 20:9, but being AMOLED black bars are truly black and ignorable. Size-wise the 16:9 area is pretty similar to the RG556.

[@ohdaUtube]

For NDS, wouldn't it be better to play really wide screen in tate mode? No one has demonstrated on any of these handhelds to see how well that works. I'd love to see if the RG556 could do that well some day

[@zu_perler3011]

EXCELLENT REVIEW RUSSELL.

[@MaelZack]

I’m glad to see more competition. Which means more options to boy. Ambernic is really nice to do too. But this new company seems has good design of device .I’m surprised so far that this device is already out in but wondering if its price gonna drop then they release more. Cause r now on ali express says 500 bucks down to 150-170 around

[@rickyrns1059]

Those are unofficial listings from resellers.

[@diodora2381]

I think Anbernic definitely took "inspiration" but I think saying they stole the idea would be a step too far imo. They are very different and no one has the rights to that style of device. Kind of sucks for ZPG that they were so slow, but the RG Cube feels superior in every way imo. I'd pay more for what I perceive as the better product overall I guess.

[@apolopena]

Nice shirt Russ!!

[@donaldmacleod4285]

Op Ivy t-shirt 🔥🔥🔥

[@Chinco_NL]

Tetris DX, NICE! How was the Tetris test on full speed Tetris testing?

[@theMeshtar]

Alrighty, I guess this is the one to grab as next. If I get lucky enough

[@mikelxanadu]

The fact we’re complaining about FPS drops from 60 frames per second down to 55 frames per second is ridiculous

[@wingsfromheaven8788]

Nice review Russ. I'm excited about the pricing with G99 proc and touchscreen. But I'm not a fan of 1:1 screens and can't justify a dedicated device for GB/GBC/Pico8 at any price. 3DS is another matter, but the performance doesn't look sufficient on the Unicorn. Otherwise, I'm quite happy with remapped Tate mode or side-by-side NDS/3DS on a 16:9 horizontal with T820 or D1100 proc.

[@abdulquddustalukder4752]

Can you make a review on the GameMT JellyMiniE5 ?

[@revheming]

Cool shirt

[@tomfuller4473]

Colour balance of the screen is definitely better on the ZPG possible they calibrated the panel? Reds are far to magenta on the cube

[@emilianomontanari283]

incredibile… they did not put the d pad above! it would have been the only features able to compete with the Cube

[@balhera9403]

This is EXACTLY what i need, i always thought the RG cube was a bit too powerful for my use case. I will probably only use this device up to NDS. Looks like a really nice Retro Device.

[@const3llations_370]

Don't buy this for ds., the screen orientation is atrocious. Youre better off with a screen with a larger vertical screen size, run main screen only, and hot key screen swap

[@const3llations_370]

90 percent of games on nds and 3ds don't actually require the bottom screen during gameplay, so buying a device like this to show both screens at that size makes ZERO SENSE

[@samnope7344]

Helio G99 huh? If nothing else, this should be a good indication of what to expect from the Ayaneo Pocket Micro as far as performance.

[@ranggasukarno2846]

28:30 it's weird that this have lesser performance than KT-R1 that you've reviewed before. The same G99 on KT-R1 able to run GoW Chain of Olympus at 2x native resolution just fine at 60fps. Do you have any idea why that is happened?

[@prodbymarj]

Sick shirt.

[@serpserpserp]

this review is so long i need a drink and snack

[@ScatteredBrain]

OPERATION IVY 🤘

[@colin_actually]

I love all these fisher price handhelds.

[@8bit_8ball]

Russ you are GOAT^2

[@bitduelist]

I've been trying to get it for several weeks how is it not live yet

[@LatinMagician7850]

this was the original cube before anbernic stole the idea, this was floating around way before the cube

[@davenoodleboi]

nice shirt!!!

[@Allups]

i really like that they put playstation buttons icons on the shill of the device tho u cant really see it cuz its white but id like to see this become a trend.

[@HypocritesExposd]

Immediate click! Hope this is a good device!

[@citruesilver]

Wrong os for me. Rgb30 has arkos which is running pico8 natively. That makes a big difference as the retroarch pico8 core has compatibility issues. Would love to see a g99 or better soc with arkos and a 5 inch square screen... Even with a 5:4 or 4:3 aspect ratio

[@emilianomontanari283]

on aliexpress it costs 50 dollar more than a rg cube (which production surely costs quite more)

[@samh5886]

Anbernic/Max Zhou has something against GKD, will probably continue sniping their products and release them earlier/cheaper/stronger with their resources advantage. 😂

[@Aaron-ge7ho]

Let an old guy that spent his whole teenage in the 90ies among SEGA consoles (both MegaDrive/Genesis and Saturn) and to this day LOVE all the time a controller or any kind of device at least try to mimic the godly "dpad" Saturn had say something: You should be using it wrong! First thing my older brother teached me in the first time a still young me got a SEGA controller in hand to do a shoryuken (or "horiuken" as we used to call it and i believe this is the main reason the fighting sticks company is called "Hori") was "put your thumb in the center and push it from its center". The borders could make easy to hit input commands as in MK games, but for motion commands as SF games, you need to be able to do full circles. Thats why some think its easier to play with arcade sticks or even use thumb sticks: they give you this idea out of the box while the circle "Dpad" can pretty well emulate both, a propper Dpad or something like a stick.

[@kapshin5132]

1:50 chart says 128mb, should that be 128gb?

[@yinyangg87]

Yep I glad I wasn't the only one

[@Lisa313shoe]

Do you feel the 40xx h is a good purchase I don’t want another android device. Still have the first Odin pro and don’t see a need to get the 2 at all. I have switch, steam all the xxx and trinui smart pro

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

I’m confused on this. I thought the Helio G99 was more powerful than the unisonic T618. On your testing it couldn’t even play chains of Olympus full speed at native resolution but on my 405M with a T618 I can play chains of Olympus at three times resolution no problem.

[@MaximumRD]

Very cool. But you know I was just thinking recently, between you and all these other KZbinrs reviewing handhelds it seems a little crazy how many of them there are now. Don’t get me wrong, I love it and competition is definitely a good thing, and the more companies competing and offering Handheld’s, I’m going to guess the better but man this must be a time in history when there’s never been so many different handhelds available and yeah I get it, many of them have the same chipset, run the same OS etc. but you got different form factors and niche Handhelds with vertical screens, etc. I just wonder, at some point is it going to crash or for some reason, cave in on itself due to their being so many offerings on the market? I don’t know such things and I’m sure they they wouldn’t be making more if they weren’t selling so well, but I also think this is gonna be a time where one day we look back and think to ourselves my God, why were there so many handhelds? What does anyone else think about this? Again, I’m not complaining at all. I just don’t think anyone saw this coming or am I way off here?

[@JLa748]

I guess it is a combination of factors from the massive manufacturing and technology industries in China to the demand the entire world is asking. Also there seems to be a boom, a revolution in some specific products that are becoming better and cheaper to produce thus bringing a lot more competition. I've seen this same phenomenon with chi-fi audiophile equipment, particularly with in-ear monitors (iem's) where brands may release a couple new models every month😮, lots of them being same ol, but some will be entire new and impressive approaches at very low prices compared to those released 5 or 6 years ago.

[@MaximumRD]

@@JLa748 Hmmm, interesting thoughts, thanks for the insight.

[@Hearthborn13]

Will you be reviewing the new Aya Neo Pocket DMG and Micro?

[@RetroGameCorps]

I just confirmed with them that I will be getting the Micro for review, I I haven’t heard re: the DMG but I assume I’ll get that one too.

[@Hearthborn13]

@@RetroGameCorps That's great to hear. Can't wait for a full review video and some gameplay in action. Can you also, if possible, try some AAA Android games in the micro to check the max performance.

[@joshw1121_]

nice

[@Iron_Condorr]

Anything over $100, the Nintendo Switch Lite is the absolute best bang for your buck.

[@ThecrazycakeEATAH]

The official site claims that the sticks are hall-effect.

[@cakeeater808]

I hope you're going to the less than Jake show in November

[@samh5886]

Performance seems weirdly low compared to the ktr1 with the same chip, especially for n64, dc and psp.

[@outenthelights]

Op Ivy!

[@Lisa313shoe]

Android is a big project to do

[@GacMan47]

In my opinion, I would rather play GameCube or PS2 on a Steam Deck or something bigger. I don't think it really looks good on these devices. It's definitely made for more niche games in mind.

[@Coweyes2069........]

I cant get into the google play store on my device what did you do to get it to work mate.........................I hope someone can help me out here...............

[@HughesyTech]

By fast charge do you mean 18W? Because that isn't fast charging.

[@Zenmaster911]

HEY RUSS. Instead of reviewing the umpteenth handheld, could you PLEASE make a video about building your own ARCADE CABINET using a mini PC and Sanwa/Seimitsu parts??? We all know the Ayn Odin 2 is the GOAT, so a change would be refreshing. Would be a great summer project, no? Thank you for considering.

[@MarkTheMagnificent]

No thanks

[@rtyghfnmnb9117]

Can you please do the super console x5 pro or the x7 max