PowKiddy X28 In-Depth Review | My Favourite Handheld Yet- With a catch | Emulation & Android Gaming

[@TechDweeb]

Couldn't agree more with all of your praises and criticisms. It's a shame it was so close to being great, but a few minor things held it back. I still love it though!

[@blastermaster5009]

I managed to picked one up for around $100 and for that price you simply cannot do better. I absolutely love this device. I'm actually finding there are a ton of PS2 games that it can solidly play, it obviously takes a lot of tweaking and some games are just simply too demanding or don't work at all...but the GTA games work, the Monster Hunter games work, the Shin Megami Tensei/Persona games work, Twisted Metal Black works, etc. etc. So far I've played more PS2 than any other system and I've managed to build myself a nice little library of playable titles.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

That's fantastic! $100 is a steal, and it's still my favourite T618 device.

[@minrhey5460]

I'm planning to buy this. Torn between this and RG405M. Does this have Gamma Os now?

[@blastermaster5009]

@@minrhey5460 I don't think it does, unfortunately. I'm just using the stock android.

[@EricFriedman-re4gs]

Does it play race games gd

[@Tebsteroni]

I love this one. If this had been released at the same time as the 505 and RP3+ (with a basic user interface similar to the ones Anbernic and Retroid offered), this would have been the one to beat. Daijisho takes care of that, but people expect something somewhat user-friendly out of the box.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Absolutely agree. The google play rom is really nice but PowKiddy should really ditch that terrible launcher!

[@Uchay4u]

I've had this handheld for about a month now and it's so far so good for me. Your review is absolutely spot on! Really hope gamma OS fixes the joystick issues.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

I've heard from PowKiddy it's under investigation on their side too. I'm positive it can be fixed and is a firmware driver issue. Same issue on the RGB10MAX3 as well.

[@AntiKipKay]

@@RetroBreezeYT Well if that's the case then I'm gonna pick one up. This device is kinda like a mix of the psvita and nvidia shield portable

[@RetroBreezeYT]

@Jayinthelife23 won't happen at this point unfortunately

[@retrohandhelds]

Fantastic review, Breeze buddy! Love the ergonomics vs most T618 handhelds. - Stubbs

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Cheers squad, never thought the X28 would end up being my favorite!

[@sahabatgamerID]

Great in depth review. Love for more like this.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!

[@adinwalls]

I agree with your thoughts. Some devices don’t have to be perfect to be great. I definitely notice the sensitive controls when I am playing, however it has superseded the RP3+ as my daily device which is saying a lot.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Absolutely, in fact I think the quirkier devices are often the most enjoyable and memorable. In the end, if something clicks for me and I enjoy playing it, I'm happy regardless!

[@teduardo333]

Another fantastic review!!

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Cheers!

[@Pridetoons]

We need GammaOS on this Handheld!

[@MitchK1989]

I believe that is planned

[@Pridetoons]

​@@MitchK1989I hope so.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Yes we do! Gamma has been working on it!

[@Pridetoons]

@@RetroBreezeYT For real!? I want this Handheld even more now!

[@HunteronaBudget]

​@@RetroBreezeYTany chance you could be the first to test GammaOS on the X28? And definitely a video on the Hall Effect Thumbsticks

[@abevigoda69]

First off, I own one. Almost sold it several times, but there is just something magical about the build quality of this. And of course no one will believe you because it's a Powkiddy... But there really is something special about this one. So question... Is gamma like something that's being talked about or is it something that's going to actually happen? Because my biggest problem is the performance hit that this chip takes over the other machines of the same type. The 405 and the RP3 Plus. Speaking of which my metal one comes in today. Supposedly. Anyway, if someone could actually bump the performance up this machine would be something to definitely celebrate. People are sleeping on it right now but it's only a matter of time if someone were to actually firmware this up. Hey stubbs, did you get your metal RP3 plus yet? That had to be the longest trip from China of all time

[@RetroBreezeYT]

I agree, the feeling in the hands and whilst playing the X28 is really special. It is a really tremendous design. Gamma has been working on and talking about the X28 on the RH discord, but it seems like any performance increase is unlikely. I really don't see the point in doing so though- X28 is already pick-up-and play for everything up to the heaviest PSP and DC titles. Any performance increase will just make PS2/GC indistinguishably less crappy than before, but definitely still crappy. I personally don't see the point in brute-forcing the performance without any tangible gains. I'm happy to wait a couple of years for cheap, good PS2/GC.

[@abevigoda69]

Yes, I just got to the spot in your video where you're basically showing the hammer down and saying let's face it folks. And you're right. I should just give up on the dream.😂

[@MrAndojedi]

Hi, I'm interested in buying the PowKiddy x28. But I'm seeing that it has problems with the joystick, you mentioned that you plan to change the joysticks for the GuliKit hall effect joysticks and I wanted to know if you did it and if it solved the problem of snapping to 8 directions. Thanks!

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Hi there! I did replace the sticks it Gulikits, and unfortunately it did not resolve the problem. It seems to be a firmware/driver issue that will probably never be resolved. In fact the gulikits actually made it worse due to magnetic interference!

[@iyeetsecurity922]

I'm curious if the thumbsticks are the same as the Switch. If so, they could be replaced with Gulikit hall effect sticks.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

The sticks are the same, but the gulikit hall sticks don't work- there's some magnetic interference from the device. Also, it doesn't change the performance of the sticks in general because it's a software issue.

[@nemesisnine3297]

29:32 what console is the blue handheld there?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

PowKiddy RGB10 Pro! Still one of my favourites!

[@nemesisnine3297]

Can't find it in blue like that anywhere, shows as q90, could you please link me to the purchase?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

@@nemesisnine3297 Q90 is not the same device, and unfortunately I don't think that the RGB10 Pro is available anymore. You can get the RGB10S, which is the same device with a different shell: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdfBRl1

[@Guitario666]

Honestly the analogue stick issue isn't an issue for me. I really want this but will wait for a sale

[@bramin420]

if you in europe there is a seller for 86euro now , price chopped 50ish euro, i think it's from spain

[@noelsilva8887]

Is this the same as retro dockie retro palm XL?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

No, that would be the PowKiddy X55. Be careful with Retro Dockie- their prices are very high for rebranded handhelds.

[@jaycruz4586]

what launcher do you have on the device ? is there a way you can make a video on setting the powkiddy up

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Honestly for android devices I just use the stock android launcher. Never bothered with other front ends!

[@Cauzmiklor]

I use Daijisho front end on my X28

[@renanrios7823]

Did you manage to install gullikit hall sensor on the x28?

[@amrforever]

Hi, I ordered my unit and waiting for it. Do you see a calibration option for the analog stick in the settings menu? As I am planning to replaceit with Guikit. Also, do you recommend me doing that? Also i need a download link for the official latest software, i can't find it anywhere? 😅

[@aloli507]

I am looking for a portable gaming device for Android games only I am not interested in emulators please help me

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Razer Edge or Odin 2! You want something powerful for Android gaming. I'd also consider a tablet + telescopic controller combo.

[@TheRestartPoint]

Great review thanks. Do you think the d-pad is fine for shmups like Donpachi?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

I think so yes, its very comfortable if you need to slide it around in all directions a lot.

[@ericjv41]

I've actually had a lot of luck with GameCube and PS2. Not perfect, but Red Dead Redemption, for example, runs incredibly smoothly.

[@mr.bright]

Guys the best info was ...Gamma OS... if that happens for this device it will be deal breaking ;p

[@NAGYT101]

are the game preinstalled in the sd card?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

No, at least mine didn't come with an SD card. You should always source your own games where possible.

[@Pridetoons]

You posted this video at the same time Retro Handhelds is doing a Retroid Pocket 2S stream. I couldn't finish it because the Retroid Pocket 2 was terrible so why bring it back? Because the fans wanted it back that's why.

[@ST-zm3lm]

I liked my Pocket 2+ pretty well tbh

[@RetroProductionsYouTube]

@@ST-zm3lm yeh the rp2+ gets a lot of unnecessary hate. It's a FANTASTIC device and I love it to bits :)

[@Pridetoons]

@@ST-zm3lm The Retroid Pocket 2+ was okay but the Original was absolute Dogshit. On top of that the Original Retroid Pocket 2 was the most overrated Handheld ever.

[@tijlvoshobbydrummer]

Hello I want to buy one but I have absolutely no clue how these things work. Are there preloaded games one it?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

This one typically does not come with games. You have too find and bring them yourself. It's a similar "out of the box" experience to and Android phone.

[@olddadagamer]

I'm looking for a device that looks like this with the body design and button layout but with android OS. any suggestions?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

It does have android

[@CCubedinABox]

Just bought one and really hoping they fix some of these things or at mods come a little cheap from powkiddy to fix

[@danieljoyce4844]

Does steam link work now? I'm interested in getting one of these I like to tinker

[@mreiga8372]

Can anyone tell me, how many games are on the console originally?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

0, none at all. It's just a plain Android device like any other. Some sellers may include game cards but you'll need to ask them. I always advocate for bringing your own SD Cards and games if you can.

[@Pipo_Gaming]

does it play ds and 3ds well?

[@soaremicheledavid6020]

Can we have a video to remove ANDROID??? To install a fresh clean Ark OS or Emulec OS ? Dont like the android, i just want a linux based os.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

At the moment there's no CFW available. I am sending my X28 to Black Seraph soon, so I hope we will at least get Garlic OS at some point.

[@rahulBlackops1989]

Have you tried PS vita games with Vita3 k Emulator?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Yes, no chance in heck this can play them

[@rahulBlackops1989]

@@RetroBreezeYT but there are some videos x28 can run vita games

[@danieljoyce4844]

​@@rahulBlackops1989I seen a video of a guy running vita and switch on his not sure what is he was using but the playback looked really nice I was hoping to use this a steam link device to buy some say the triggers don't work with streaming

[@gamebureau1924]

y dont they just give it a chip with decent power already i wonder what dimensity 8100 can do with such device

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Yeah the T618 is already really tired at this point.

[@gamebureau1924]

@@RetroBreezeYT 🤣

[@manny1524]

Is the retroid 3 plus worth the extra 50$ over this

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Build quality, performance and screen ate better on the 3+, but I way prefer the X28 personally.

[@rilkeda]

This is the handheld for me

[@vedsharma4817]

Those who bought it.....Does it come with games? websiite doesn't offer any card information

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Mine did not come with games preinstalled

[@Kaitlynrenee78]

You should have mentioned that it can handle many GameCube games if you're running the pal roms.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

I touched on it briefly but I am very against people buying this handheld with the expectation of GameCube emulation. As I say in the video, you might get some working but this device overall is not suitable for GC or PS2.

[@gamerVR-y7k]

soo cool...i want to buy it ok by

[@sambagogo777]

They couldn't resist plastering their embarrassing brand name on the case. Hard pass for that reason alone!

[@Pridetoons]

Go buy an Android phone then. 😐

[@MitchK1989]

Good news: The carrying case is an optional accessory

[@RetroBreezeYT]

No worries- any Switch Lite case should work!

[@sharpsteel1986]

When you build a device thet will hit the market and you chose to use 2$ analog sticks instead of 5$ analog stick... There is a base problem. 10 dollars for a company like powkiddy or anbernic is what will make the difference between a rushed and cheap feeling device and a complete and finished device that fells like somethiing good to use