PowKiddy X18S LineageOS (Android 11) Upgrade!

[@nikowglaisse535]

Dammit Powkiddy, you were so close from greatness

[@chauwowa3892]

Always excited to see a retro game corp vid come out!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Me too :)

[@bhoqeem1975]

Thank you for the very useful video with regards to PowKiddy X18S. You explain things clearly and concisely, with clear visual clips and no stupid music in the background, which I appreciate a lot. Kudos, bro.

[@FirebrandChris]

Black Seraph is pretty good with doing updates for Lineage Os.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yeah it's amazing how quickly he jumped onto this with a working fix.

[@dannyc.9992]

Powkiddy should take notes of this while developing their next console. All they really need is better QC and buttons. BlackSeraph can handle the OS. Thanks for the great video and tutorial Russ. I'm so much closer to playing GodHand on a portable console.

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

I am glad that Black Seraph can make some money for all his hard work.

[@RetroGameCorps]

100%, I appreciate his model, and it allows him to devote more time towards making great products like this.

[@LawrenceBayly]

Thanks for the Google Drive URL posted at 4:30 I tried to root my device myself and bricked it (constant bootloop, couldn't get back to fastboot), downloading that old firmware got me back up and running.

[@carlosvence]

Oh man, you moved faster than any other KZbinr with the PS2 android APK video review, I think.

[@joandarc441]

Your vids are good as always your a worthy warrior

[@gorebish7950]

Black seraph is amazing bro, he's carrying x18s on his back

[@AlkanphelPlays]

Good to finally see you Russ, you look like i thought minus glasses :D

[@foxcloud]

great video. showed me again that Android devices are just great for retro games.

[@kornelart3122]

Nice thanks for sharing!

[@nicemecha]

Excellent vid, man. Thanks for your effort.

[@giuseppealagna4294]

I have an idea. From what I can see online the x18s screen has a resolution of 720x1280 , there are videos on how to change Android resolution, the next resolution down is 576x1024, hoping this can help with demanding games

[@kirbyvlogz]

You're so close to 100k!

[@johnmccullough1401]

Excellent video and advice thanks for sharing

[@ximplex1]

Glad this is becoming really solid for those who got it, but I refuse to pay ~$180 for a handheld that has controls that are so bad that you're forced to do hardware mods to fix them. It's one thing when it's a $50 handheld with poor controls that need modding, it's another when that handheld with poor controls costs around $180.

[@ForeverBlackCat]

Really enjoy your videos. I subscribed.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for watching!

[@mattb6522]

Great video as always! It is a bit unfortunate that out of the box, the PowKiddy X18S doesn't have the best build quality (namely the controls being a bit iffy). Though, this already gets me excited to see what comes next for retro handhelds. The technology is only going to improve, so I can't wait to see improved support for the sixth generation of consoles (Dreamcast, PS2, and GameCube).

[@awdrifter3394]

You might as well get the Ayn Odin Lite at this price.

[@kazuma3494]

I'm considering buying this. Are you going to do a video showing how to do the hardware mod/upgrade? Is it difficult to do?

[@corvusaflame713]

LineageOS is my jam. Totally gonna be buying this now.

[@91ludesit]

I wish they would have put the T618 in the RGB10 Max 2, that would have been the perfect place for it. Oh well I can keep waiting for my steam deck.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yeah that would have been a much better fit. Here's hoping they get that idea and make it happen.

[@TommeeHawk]

I emailed Powkiddy and asked them to do just this and release it as the RGB10 MAX 3

[@youzernejm]

So, a great device for those of us who consider fixing these devices actually fun. Android TV out works only in native resolution, so 720p might not be ideal, but it's way better than 1920x1152 on RG552 - that one will always look squished. That one is dual boot though. Great video, as always, here's hoping that Ambernic will see it too and decide to lower their pricing.

[@youzernejm]

@@Pridetoons sure, but they are entering the price bracket where hand made, exclusive Rpi4 handhelds reside. I think that it'll be phenomenal, but an rk3399 for that money is a bit too hard to swallow. T618 is a beast in comparison. Also, I'm not sure it'll be any faster than the T310 in the Retroid Pocket 2+. Good build quality and feature set just aren't enough when the competition offers something more powerful. Their announced price could just make this device way too easy to ignore.

[@youzernejm]

@@Pridetoons it definitely has something to do with it, I agree, but I also think that is what they expect they can charge for it. Responses have been pretty negative so far, but we'll see if people change their mind when the device comes out. Wouldn't be the first time.

[@jimarmstrong254]

Great work Russ, superb video!

[@michaelyadao-evans4719]

Yeah man, I wanna do it

[@MozTS]

Did I miss the face reveal?! :O Glad to know im not the only old person who plays with these

[@RetroGameCorps]

Who you calling old?? :D I did a face reveal a few months ago.

[@TommeeHawk]

I am almost 50 but will ALWAYS be a kid in my heart

[@STR82DVD]

Thanks Russ. Great stuff.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Glad you enjoyed it, Hunter!

[@ChenZheChina]

Thank you for sharing. I've been using Black Seraph's GPD XD+ firmware and enjoyed it because it can simulate DualShock4 for PS Remote Play. Is that feature available in Powkiddy X18s? Is PS Remote Play useable with the built-in controller on X18s?

[@RetroGameCorps]

I use the PSPlay app and it worked for me, not sure about the official app.

[@my80chevettes]

I realize this is a older video but wondered if the built-in screen and HDMI output work at the same time with LineageOS? Some of the android games need access to the touchscreen even when using a controller.

[@kravium2]

My x18s stopped charging suddenly, it plugs but dont charge, you know what could it be?

[@drummer4hire12]

I am the odd man out. I have zero issues with the controls.....I actually score better on some games due to the profile of the d pad and buttons.

[@stephanboxall1462]

Far out! I can believe we’re up to emulating PS2 on handhelds and so smoothly…

[@LokiTheClever]

The biggest surprise this video made me think is why has RGC never done a similar video for like the GPD XD+ and MOQi7/MOQI7S

[@TommeeHawk]

I would like to see Russ review the Moqi I7S but they are hard to find now

[@LokiTheClever]

@@TommeeHawk I would personally send him mine if he would do a video on the device etc

[@vzsununs]

mine is stuck on waiting on device, not sure what is going on.i followed the instruction.

[@coffeexi5818]

Aside of the game performance, is it capable to handle some general office usage such as google doc and KZbin playback? I may use it as a casual portable device for both entertainment and little document works when necessary. Just some concern about the speed and response of the device. Of course I will add keyboard & mouse, or an additional 14" portable monitor along with it. Waiting for your advice. Thanks so much!

[@mortakhal]

Did you somehow solve your problem this year?

[@dimitrygoloza6403]

Damn first time I see him. Obviously the image contradicts from what I had in my head

[@ninjason57]

I'm trying to scratch my retrohandheld itch after spending a few months with my RG351MP. Really want a handheld that can handle up through PS2/gamecube but its near impossible to get an Odin pro. I've got a preorder for the steam deck but ill be lucky to get it before end of this calendar year. I'm keeping my eye out for the newer powkiddy's that were recently announced on their website.

[@BryanTruong]

I hope there'll be software upgrades for the A20 too

[@michaelcanteo8411]

Amazing and easy to follow video!! Thank you!! I was wondering if the X18S can support the new Lineage 19.1 OS/ Android 12? And if it does, Do you know if there is an improvement on PS2, GameCube, and WII emulation?

[@slothom1433]

Do you have a discord server by any chance. Or a place to ask questions with a community of people. If so please lmk I would like to join and learn more about emulators.

[@jaysonkoh39]

My powkiddy x18s broken when i did this it doesn't have a operating system now can anyone help me

[@lokisilverblade823]

its a little bit funny, ive ordered a chuwi hipaid air and now i see the processor is the same :D Well well i hope i can play good on this device

[@yorkyalmanzar8959]

Odin is gonna kick ass!

[@jamiemorgan3649]

URGH I really want this device! But I don't wanna impulse buy when the new one is coming soon 🤦‍♂️

[@TommeeHawk]

Hi Russ! Great video as usual. When using LineageOS, does the button mapping software still work? So when the 'G' button is pressed on the console, I would still be able to map buttons in Android games? Thanks Russ!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi, yes the button mapping option still works.

[@TommeeHawk]

@@RetroGameCorps That's great to hear! I love these handhelds so much. Thanks for all you do to make them better. I have been with you pretty much from the beginning. Congratulations on 100,000 subs!! I can't believe how fast your channel has exploded. You get thousands of views as soon as you upload. AMAZING! I love what you do and I can't wait to see what we play in the future. Many of my purchase decisions have come from yours and Wicked Gamers content. I even loop your channel all day as I do my chores and play games. Your voice is so relaxing.

[@Maxi1990GmailCom]

@@RetroGameCorps How can it works? it is someshitng in the software? I thouth that it is in the custom android. Thanks!

[@gvanderlee2703]

I really wonder whether all these companies got blindsided by the release of a new PS2 emulator, and what they are currently thinking. I mean, until just one week ago, GameCube was the highest a budget handheld could aim for and CPUs were probably chosen accordingly. Now suddenly the PS2 is within reach, which in my eyes completely changes the game. Interesting times to see what these companies like Retroid, Powkiddy and Anbernic are going to do now.

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

They did. And it did changed the game. Now all 2D games and easy to run 3D games on PS2 are viable on these handhelds. It even made the Anbernic's look even worse as it cannot run AetherX2 because they set it up with Android 7.1 and the minimum needed is 8.0. If their decision to go with 7.1 was already annoying given it is now too old for some apps. This makes it extra annoying. Even if the RG552 would only be able to run 2D games only and even then it would need tweaking per game. It also now makes all PAL rooms more desirable too.

[@Jack32X]

Installed and up and running, but the play store won’t install anything, all of my gta titles start to download then all fail for example, same with pubg and cod mobile :/

[@JessicaFEREM]

I get sketched out about turning the AV off for this.

[@ilyaretrogamechannel2348]

Please answer! Sega saturn and nintendo 64 working good on retroarch on this system? Does this support retroarchivments?

[@kazuma3494]

Hi. I need some help. I can't sign into Google play store. I just installed lineage. That went fine. I followed the instructions to install google play using magisk. But it says "this device isn't play protect certified"

[@JordiLA]

18:22 video bug, we need to update youtube

[@vasvoljenistanoje8925]

That's actually good to go without Play store, that sucker updates and takes ram. It helped me on old tablet. It was unuseful with Play store, but without it I could use it for some simple stuff.

[@SuperDarthKelly]

Yeah i agree with you I probably wouldn't bother with it either, but for most people it's worth it for the convenience

[@vasvoljenistanoje8925]

You can download apks of emulators and get roms. Play store is needed if you are going to run android games, because of Play Games or however it is called. So I guess it depends on what you need device for.

[@TommeeHawk]

@@vasvoljenistanoje8925 I would like for easy updates to the emulators though. Installing APK whenever there is a new version sounds horrible

[@mohammad20412]

I booted lineage on my RGB 10 Max 2 to be able to stream games on moonlight, but the analog sticks are reversed, any fixes or resources for that?

[@alfredoaugustomassri9839]

Good video my friend. I have a problem installing the Lineage in my X18S, the X18STool is not recognizing my device. I tried 3 different cables and 3 PCs but without success. Is there another trick that I can do? I want to use the Lineage because of the R3 and L3 in Xcloud.

[@teshx9x9x40]

Did u put vita sticks on that thing!? lol X D

[@kazuma3494]

How do I get your background wallpaper?

[@RodisOne]

Waiting for a version with l2 and r3 buttons. Always something missing on a console so it it is near perfect butnot perfect.

[@noght]

I am stuck on a screen with 2 messages: "INFO: LOCK FLAG IS : UNLOCK!!! WARNING: LOCK FLAG IS : UNLOCK, SKIP VERIFY!!!" No idea how to proceed. My powkiddy is not starting anymore, basically bricked. Please, somebody help!!!

[@DiERoaD-s2f]

Do u manage to solve it

[@noght]

@@DiERoaD-s2f not at all. I threw in the trash and bought an Odin

[@madjesta]

Is it still possible to install the Google Apps Store? None of the modules want to install now without upgrading and reinstalling magisk, which will soft-brick the device as far as I know.

[@mauriciofreitas9439]

Work and more work and more work, i prefer play my switch only using my cards games. Thank you tohelp me decide do not have it

[@jasonshiers5771]

Im going to wait for the finished product before purchase With happy chick on the x18 system is it okay to delete it from the system. As when i click on PPSSPP it loads happy chick on ATV launcher pro. Only way around this is to go to game launcher and then launch.

[@thetotodile7261]

How much does It lasts the battery with this build ?

[@juneldi.music_west]

should i get RP2+ or this?

[@jamiecarlson6452]

This is where I’m at too, I love my RP2 but I’m torn on getting this next generation until PS2 and GC run flawlessly. I’m probably going to wait another year and get by with PC emulation on the higher end systems for a bit longer and keep playing older systems “on the go” with RP2.

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

The biggest issue of RP2 is the screen. But the price sure cannot be beaten.

[@juneldi.music_west]

@@jamiecarlson6452 why u don't upgrade to RP2+ since it can do a lot compare to RP2? I saw Taki Udon make it run PS2 Final Fantasy in it.

[@juneldi.music_west]

@@AlexDiaz-gw5ov because it's not touchscreen, right?

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

@@juneldi.music_west not just that. The screen size and aspect ratio limits you. It also makes the screen unreadable in many instances as it is a lower quality screen. But for that price, the device is great for retro games. Games up to the N64, saturn and PS1 I would say.

[@wargamesmaster]

I don't like the PowKiddy design but hey, a console that can emulate GC, PS2 and Dreamcast games decently is worth my money.

[@yourtime]

I know you did thumby and it is not usual device for your reviews, but would you consider to review arduboy?

[@RetroGameCorps]

Just sent them an email, thanks for the heads up.

[@Mayank_Maximum]

Can it do ps2 racing games like nfses ,midnight club3,gran tuirsmo and Somic colours and Mario ga alt

[@akiyamashirayukich.]

can you make A video for Android 12 for this console

[@cragui2002]

As always great video, I am new to retro handhelds but an all time emulation fan/user on PC, funny how much these little devices can do, between the A20 and the X18s what would you recommend? design and feeling wise, what gives the best gaming experience regardless of performance, also lots of games we emulate today were never meant to run at 60 fps, so it isnt bad if they dont hit 60 all the time. (Metroid Prime did run at 60 fps on GC :))

[@RetroGameCorps]

Definitely the X18S over the A20. I was running the PAL version of Metroid Prime so my target fps was 50fps 😎

[@MisterDrumsNoob]

Great video, but I would like to note that AetherSX2 is not open source. Tahlreth made it closed to avoid having their work stolen and sold

[@parismg4076]

Can this rom be installed on powkiddy x18s black?

[@tellsackett4572]

Last I checked (about 4 months ago): no. I bought a black version expecting to install this and was dissapointed to find it doesn't work with the black version. He claimed he was going to release a version for the black edition but never did.

[@parismg4076]

@@tellsackett4572 thanks for your answer

[@tellsackett4572]

@@parismg4076 👍

[@zerosick]

have you tried playing the pal version of metroid prime on dolphin? its locked at 50fps even on real hardware so I wonder if it will play better than the US version that you tested

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi, that was the PAL version. I mention in the video that all GameCube games are tested with the 50fps versions.

[@zerosick]

@@RetroGameCorps my bad, I definitely am not paying attention to your video... sorry!

[@RetroGameCorps]

@@zerosick no worries, it’s a great trick to improve performance on these lower end Android devices!

[@MrDusuke]

I would play Silent Hill 2 and 3 if possible in this device. Is this stronger than retro pocket 2 plus?

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

You won't be be able to play the silent hill games, God of War games, gran turismo games, ratchet and clank, mgs games and shadow of the colossus. Even with the PAL roms, you will need tons of tweaking to make them somewhat playable. All of those games are the hard to emulate games that need at least a SD855 or D900 to run without much issue. Using European roms improve things too.

[@MrDusuke]

@@AlexDiaz-gw5ov Thank you for the information. That's a bummer but ok.

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

@@MrDusuke hey, AetherX2 still provided an inmense jump forward. Previously you needed at least a D1000 or a SD870 to run PS2 emulation OK enough. Now the requirements are less than half that. However I do think one year of now the emulator should be even more performant and performance settings for all games to be easily available. So things will improve even more that they already have.

[@BigBossX33]

I wish thex15 had a upgrade :(

[@rahulBlackops1989]

does ps vita games works on x18s?? because it;s more powerful than ps vita the specs

[@maxiynacho]

would mario kart wii be playable?

[@PedroPimentel]

With the cost of the mods required for this device, the over $200 price of the RG552 doesn't look that bad

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

Disagree. If by Monday we don't see the RG552 at no more than $199 once at checkout in Anbernic's store. That makes the X18s look a whole lot better. Even if you need to spend $200 on it because of LineageOS and the hardware mods. RG552 comes with Android 7.1 and that is an issue.

[@chubbyboy2242]

The triggers didnt work in the Xbox app on the stock firmware, do they work on LineageOS?

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yep they work great!

[@andreac.7665]

Hi mate! can u try to load genshin impact with lineageOS? i cannot find it on the store, i downloaded the apk but game is crashing after first logos...

[@Vitorlean]

Stadia need pay ?i can play in cell free?how is method?.ty

[@mediaman9719]

So I downloaded the wrong thing from Magisk and now my Powkiddy X18s wont boot up and keeps vibrating. Feel kinda stupid, anybody know how to fix it. I hate this device right now. The stock OS is awful, I have the hardware mods so it a bit better. Now I am dealing with this crap. Here's a thought how about designing a handheld that your customers don't have to go through hoops for decent performance. The AYN Odin is so much better. Brilliant handheld and not much more.

[@mikesmith4894]

Does it fix the broken sleep mode? With the stock firmware it drains the battery in one day, any phone would last a week.

[@RetroGameCorps]

It still drains pretty quickly, unfortunately. Not sure that's fixable in software.

[@mikesmith4894]

@@RetroGameCorps A pity, i had great hopes that it could be fixed. Great tutorial!

[@manankataria]

I dont understand the reason for these devices having android especially android 11 with scoped storage which a lot of the apps dont support 😅. This device should be running on linux firmware .

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

Not if you want the very best emulation performance for it. That is why Android is better to have on it. The only comparable is when they get batocera amor emuelec support. But that is unlikely to happen any time soon if ever.

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

Prime struggles on my SamsungS21

[@Chris-rd6ih]

The OS is 10$ per month? So, if he “update” the SO once a month, you’ll have to pay 120$ for a year…? I don’t know, but for me it’s very easy to see how this could turn into a scam… Nevertheless, great video.

[@arnold3414]

no, just cancel the subscription after its all installed. itll still work fine but you'll need to sign back up if you want the updates.

[@slothom1433]

Ok I know this is request you probably get 1000 times a day, but how do I install roms and emulators on to the lineage updated files?

[@RetroGameCorps]

For emulators, you can install them via the Google Play store (other than Dolphin MMJR, you can just google that one, download the APK, and then transfer it to the device and install it manually via the Files app). To add roms, just make a folder named "games" on the SD card and then transfer all of your roms. Then when you open the emulators, just point them to that games folder.

[@dylanpowell]

The powkitty x18s looks like powkittys version of the gpdxd

[@antonymarco10]

with my card i cant pay on usa and i dont understand why pay for android which is open source i dont blame black seraph it work great but its not correct to make only paid an open source system

[@RobertJohnson-pb9vr]

But....... What if I don't want to rename the family dog?!?

[@RetroGameCorps]

That's a decision for you and the family to make. Improved X18S or keep your family dog name, you can only have one ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@akiyamashirayukich.]

How to delete this Is though

[@gerardo_contreras]

Is this working on the regular x18?

[@tellsackett4572]

It likely wouldn't out of the box. There would probably have to be custom firmware made specifically for the original.

[@nemesisnine3297]

I don't get why people get butthurt about stolen code when y'all stealing roms and isos left and right.

[@valentine_puppy]

Russ having to get inside it both hardware and software is these Chinese manufacturer's attitudes. I literally had one say to me in a chat that they let the "Community" Handle the software fixes. This was back when we had the early RG devices and stuff like that. I highly doubt their attitudes have changed all that much. Plus PowKiddy has had many chances to prove they are Ambernic or GPD quality. They have proven they aren't even when they half ass it. I am sorry my gloves are off. Plus the repeated Nintendo style knock off stale design language hasn't impressed me at all. Only the Odin and the RG552 Has made it anywhere near a chance of being bought by me and people like me. Sega fans.

[@PatrickThomasBrady]

The power on the x18s is great but the issues that so many have had makes this a no for me too, software is one thing but I shouldn’t need to swap buttons or make any hardware modifications to make a handheld playable, not to mention the risk of it being essential DOA which iv seen many say as well, I’m just waiting on the Odin to be released and see the reviews and I’ll buy an Odin pro, and the rg552 is a must buy for me because anbernic just makes quality handhelds

[@valentine_puppy]

@@PatrickThomasBrady just remember the RG552 is more better right now as an Android device than linux one.

[@Vitorlean]

Hi,this or gpd xp?

[@gameofnoobgon7199]

👌🏻👌🏻

[@djsincerogy4182]

Gpd xp for aether testing ps2 pls

[@AlexDiaz-gw5ov]

I tested the g95 which is what the GPD XP has on a Redmi Note 10s I borrowed from a friend. With European roms, it can play a lot of games minus the ones hard to emulate. So, I would say at least 60% of ps2 are playable. It would still require tweaks of course in most games though. This is why I wish black Seraph could release a bootable LineageOS for GPD XP just to do emulation. It might improve performance an extra 10%.

[@CarsonsVids]

I'm sorry, but Final Fantasy "ex" ?

[@RetroGameCorps]

It’s a throwback to an old PS Vita I made where I called FFIX “Final Fantasy Icks”.

[@CarsonsVids]

@@RetroGameCorps ooooh, your goofs are so subtle they go over my head sometimes 😂

[@stormk-1130]

I need odin )=

[@bigv1]

I wish these reviewers would use Fortnite to benchmark these handhelds cause it's not an easy game to run!!