Super Console X Cube Review ($60 Gaming Box)

With a retail price of $60 (but can often be found for less), the new Super Console X Cube is the latest budget option for plug-and-play retro game emulation. So let's see if it has any benefits over previous models.
Buy one here: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9hGmLa
Link to game lists: retrogamecorps.com/2021/08/15/super-console-x-cube-review-52-plug-and-play-emulation-box/
Wicked Gamer & Collector's teardown: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpW6oHiNgZ5rjJY
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
00:45 tech specs
01:38 unboxing and orientation
04:11 gameplay performance
10:59 N64/DC and thermal testing
13:57 Android image
14:30 summary and conclusion
If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/retrogamecorps
Intro theme song sampled from "Hexadecimal Genome" by Bit Shifter:
bit-shifter.bandcamp.com/album/information-chase
Note that this description may contain affiliate links. By clicking on an affiliate link and buying something, I may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you.
This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#SuperConsoleX #EmuELEC #RetroGaming

[@MashTec]

Perfect review Russ! I love how you go in depth in your videos and show some configuration tweaks for several systems 👍🏻

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks MashTec! It was awesome to see a new video from you the other day :)

[@alexhorbury9147]

I just want to say thank you. Really informative review and in depth review.

[@ScottTuckerATX]

I added a fan and I haven't had any issues since. Thank you for the review

[@jamesbevan4479]

I'm not skilled enough to mod a fan inside. but if I drilled holes at the base and added a laptop fan pad underneath, would that help performance?

[@ScottTuckerATX]

@@jamesbevan4479 I didn't add one to the inside.. there are 4 screws under the grips on the bottom.. I pulled it apart drilled small holes from the inside out and glued a small usb fan on top. I got it cheap on Amazon and plugged it into the 4th controller port

[@jamesbevan4479]

@@ScottTuckerATX ideal thanks for the help. I'm assuming that months later its still working good after this? Also, did you have the fan air flow going in or out?

[@ScottTuckerATX]

@@jamesbevan4479 there's a metal heat sync in the center under the cover. I have it blowing directly on it.. it's a complete fix we played 3 player mario kart64 last night for several hours, that would have been impossible before the fan

[@jamesbevan4479]

@@ScottTuckerATX I appreciate the info. I'll definitely be doing that when it arrives, thanks 👍

[@steveleadbeater8662]

If you are of a certain age, these little boxes are pure nostalgia. For the price this is incredible value for money as an all in one retro experience. C64, Amiga, NES, SNES, Master and Genesis. Shame they've not set up some of the systems correctly, particularly the handhelds but otherwise an incredibly cheap way to Retro Game. Thanks for the little technical bits as well.

[@westonscampbell]

Looks exactly like the GameCube! That attention to detail is amazing! 😂

[@sh0shin]

NES?

[@vembrace]

GameCube? Really?

[@westonscampbell]

@@vembrace It's a joke, one that Russ also makes in the video if you catch it. It's obviously supposed to look like a NES, I'm not crazy, haha.

[@PatrickC139]

Lol Russ's subtle humor always gets me.

[@RetroGameCorps]

already today I've been accused of not being a "real gamer" because I didn't know it was modeled after the NES :D

[@JonFromWA]

Sweet! Has FF Tactics. I'm unable to play my disc version on my burned out OG Playstation. I'll be ordering the Super Console X Cube this weekend. Thanks for this review.

[@randystache78]

Pieces definitely went up in a year! I just ordered one for over $100

[@deeuz5230]

I never realized how much I love your intro.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Check out the whole album, it's in my video description!

[@crystalwater505]

I always enjoy your videos Mr Retro Game Corps. Thanks for making more. You got me into console emulation. :-) You also make great tutorials!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Glad you like them!

[@PatrickC139]

Now I really feel getting one of these or similar, modding the case and throwing a fan on it to see how those racing games perform.

[@boldlock]

Aahhh chicken, I miss ya buddy!! As always great review, russ, now please enlighten us on that mini pcs, can't wait for your review on those..

[@chrisbaker743]

I watched your older vid about the pocket go s30 and I love it thanks for the help with the software Guide video it run sweet as nut it’s all my old Pokemon games and rom hacks

[@bdanka50]

Awesome video as always!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks Bobby!

[@bryanx0317]

Best version of Back to the Future... I made a literal laugh out loud. You're dead pan delivery is freaking hilarious man! But compared to the LJN version?... I guess you were actually being dead serious.

[@gregghernandez2714]

Thanks for this excellent review. I am still waiting for one of these boxes that hit the sweet spot between performance, price and content. Each seems to have issues, from overheating to a ton of duplicates, to no sound to save space on the SD card. I was even willing to pay for the console X king, but even that box has issues. That really surprised me, considering the cost. I just I will just have to wait. So far the best solution for me has been to buy a used PC, put a fairly decent GPU in it, and run a Botecera hard drive. Thanks again.

[@cannibalcorpse75]

Hi. I just ordered one of these after watching this review and a couple others. For cooling, I was thinking about getting a laptop cooling fan,and sitting the console on top of it. I hope that will help. Thank you for the great video, I love your channel.

[@greenbean2222]

Did that work?

[@merman1974]

Cooling seems to be an issue with these boxes, thanks for the detailed review

[@ryecatcher25]

Nice video. Do a video showing how to add a heatsink fan combo. Surprisingly good performance for aliexpress prices.

[@sideswipe1261]

I’m going to first try just setting the system on small, plastic encased ice pack like for lunch coolers. If any condensation forms that’s as easy as putting a dry cloth in-between. Or just leaving the screws out soni can pop the top off the console should help cooling considerably. Another very simple solution is adding an inexpensive (5Below or even Dollar tree) USB powered fan they sell for “self cooling” with soft blades pointed at the opened case during play. Another option is simply cutting more vents or holes into the casing too, maybe sides or bottom if needed and affixing a fine-mesh dust screen over the holes. Or yank an old heat sink from an old computer CPU or graphics cards with fresh thermal paste. There’s dozens of ways to cool this down if needed for between $0.00-$3.00. Not worried. I understand that some prefer to keep everything looking tidy, which is always nice, but I didn’t order one to gaze at the shell, but to play the games, so function beats form in my book.

[@supermariosunshine64]

I'll never buy one of these emu boxes...but I'll always watch your videos on them!

[@paul1979uk2000]

Depends how you want to look at it, most of these games are so old that they really should be public domain and a lot of people treat them as such. As for the rights and wrongs about that, personally, I have no guilt in playing games that are over 10 years old for free, the real guilty ones are the companies trying to profit on something decades later.

[@tmk9572]

I'm waiting for mine to be delivered. It should be soon cause I ordered it 2 weeks ago. I'm so excited

[@MagnumEDU]

Great video!!!

[@huskerfan4life]

Ordered one yesterday after having issues with retropie. System looks solid and amazkng graphics

[@ChrisHolman]

I ordered this, it should arrive today. This video convinced me to buy it online last weekend. I ordered the 256MB version.

[@clover4522]

Hi Chris, did you like it? I'm considering getting it

[@ChrisHolman]

@@clover4522 Most of the games did not work. I'm probably the exception to the rule. Most love it with little to no problem.

[@clover4522]

@@ChrisHolman Have you tried changing emulators? I heard that helps

[@Mrjones30uk]

Mines due tomorrow can't wait

[@KakkaRotSRL]

I like that Russ is getting more comfortable with telling jokes. That Back to the Future joke killed me

[@RetroGameCorps]

I couldn't believe how terrible that game was. I mean, the NES game wasn't great either, but still.

[@jimmyclaw9974]

Would love to see a mod video of you installing bigger heat sink or a fan to bring down the temp

[@justacasual7927]

Ha ha ha😂

[@shadowtheimpure]

Cut some air slots, install a laptop blower fan and you're off to the races. The heatsink would be perfectly effective in that situation.

[@justacasual7927]

I do t think Russ would be able

[@RetroGameCorps]

I think a bigger heatsink would be viable, same with improved ventilation, but supplying power to a fan would be quite a challenge. I may tackle it in the future but given the availability of other options out there, not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze!

[@justacasual7927]

@@RetroGameCorps true that

[@IcoKirov]

If I had one I would totally drill some holes in the case(looks like it doesn't have much), and maybe put some small fan inside to move the air.

[@jasonshiers5771]

For its price its not bad, good stuff Russ.

[@jomelvinuya5600]

I guess improving the air flow could help out as well, like putting a fan

[@saynotocensorship]

Just got mine. Got the 256 version for $50. For $50 as a quick plug and play and you can literally take it anywhere, it’s worth it.

[@WickedGamerCollector]

Awesome video like always, The Cube yeah better cooling would give it better performance. In the end.. more of the same when it comes now with these Android Box / EmuElec machines 😑

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yeah, there are a few unique things about this device (like the USB ports)...but not much else :)

[@gvanderlee2703]

It has been a while since Amlogic came with new CPUs. S905 and S922 have been around for years now :( I also wish Kinhank or any other company would put a system like this in a real sized SNES console. Basically like a clone console, but with a better GUI. Some stickers from Sakura modding on it and it would look amazing :)

[@gmailaccount2433]

@@RetroGameCorps i love that the two of you are commenting on each others videos! you both have helped me sooooo much!!!!!!

[@DCer0]

Cheap to the cheap cheap, chemical controllers included!

[@tommygunnz5224]

@@RetroGameCorps do u know how I can get vigilante 8 on n64 to run more smooth??

[@makaihana975]

I just here for the cat at the end of the video 😂

[@mat_max]

I love how it's entirely undistinguishable whether or not Russ is being ironic

[@RetroGameCorps]

I am originally from the Pacific Northwest, dry humor is in my blood.

[@MY1BLACKCAT]

im glad i watched this, now im not sure if i want to buy it

[@danlethal]

Hi Russ, great vid... Question, did you ever find a way to get the sm64 port working on emuelec on one of these boxes? I've tried a few different builders and tweaking config files for my s905x3 but had no success... Can get the 351elec version running but like you experienced its scaled small.

[@FFXfever]

Lol it looks so cute next to your Schit Stack. Considering that I've seen cpus running close to 100, I wonder if we can change thermal throttle range.

[@CoreyWilson]

Looks really promising

[@edrosa3485]

thank you for the list. Ordered one yesterday without knowing the full system list, unfortunately no Colecovision. Does anyone know if a emulator can be loaded on to it?

[@davidjoeseph2646]

So if we found a way to get a fan on this, maybe it would operate nicely?

[@ricardohuff8774]

I'm looking forward getting this one day, it affordable play there many games I want to play again and never played. I got the super console x pro, ps classic with 15000 games, plus a retro gp430 handheld. I need to fix those consoles plus I love to add more games on my gp430 like Spyro.

[@DalyTek12]

Is there a way to get the handhelds to do the "core provided" full screen scaling by default so you don't have to change it every time you launch a game?

[@jasonzafra1335]

Thanks for this review, really helps me on deciding on which super console I should get. Can you also connect the 8bitdo adapter w/ xbox one controller? Or can you connect bluetooth controllers on that device?

[@RetroGameCorps]

It doesn't have BT, but the 8bitdo adapter works fine.

[@lesterparedes8358]

When I started the video, I thought thus was an official nintendo product. I was all, when did the release a mini Gamecube!? I want one!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Haha, if only.

[@qbertaddict1]

is the throttle option in emulelec turned off or on? that might stop it from slowing down

[@antoniot28]

Thanks for the video. How did u upscale all of your games though? It looks ugly when u first start using it

[@sojiromifune]

Great review, as always. So would you recommend this over the Super Console X Pro for about the same cost?

[@RetroGameCorps]

I would go with this one, unless you really want to use the mediocre Android on the Pro (streaming is not bad, though). This one has better performance, so long as you manage the thermals. Might as well go with the more powerful one even if you have to watch the CPU temp for certain games/systems.

[@sojiromifune]

@@RetroGameCorps Thanks for the advice. This does sound like the one to go with.

[@user-sw6vs1gy8h]

Great review- PLEASE NOTE: The game list links ARE WRONG! They are for Super Console X Pro (which is a tvbox) not for Super Console X CUBE! There is BIG difference as X CUBE has up to 685 of PS1 games with the option of download more and the X Pro has ONLY 63!

[@wileyschmitt]

The PS1 library actually seems a bit bleak, but I guess it's nice to have it at all, though my main interest in one of these systems is getting a full library for the Super Famicom, but I don't think it's on this system...

[@AppleSauceGamingChannel]

I was interested in this sort of machine for a long time but came to the conclusion that setting up your own emulation front and set of emulators, backup game rom library and so on was half the fun. Plus, if you use your pc or build a dedicated machine for it you can plan ahead and make sure it can run the stuff you like. Still enticing to see if there ever will be one of these that'll match what you can do yourself with RetroArch + Launchbox on pc or even handhelds like PSVita.

[@sideswipe1261]

Indeed! And much at this point is more about tweaking the emulators and software than needing to change the hardware anyways. The speed and ease at which he entered the settings and downloaded that smoothing filter (which didn’t affect performance at all but made for better graphics) looks nice to me. I’ll also be running it through my Marseille MClassic HDMI external graphics card which is feature packed and makes a huge difference on many platforms with zero added lag despite reprocessing all the graphics in real-time. I have one connected to a powered 5-way HDMI 4k/60HZ splitter I feed all my consoles through before it outputs to my TV. Works great!

[@c4sibo]

Wish I had one of those in the 90s

[@RetroGameCorps]

Can you imagine? That would have been epic. I would have definitely been the most popular kid in school, instead of....the second most popular kid in school.

[@Subject8931]

Thanks for sharing - is there a way to download games to install on these devices if there are some missing that I wanted to play please?

[@Kingsbeak]

Question, when you where testing the n64 and dreamcast to see the temperature, did you still have the enhanced resolution.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yes, they were all set to 480p when doing my testing. You couple probably play the N64 games at 320x240 with no issues, but to me it's too fuzzy to be playable on a TV at that resolution.

[@johnmarsocci833]

Also when you change it to 480 does that just change that one game to 480 or all n64 games will change to 480.Thanks

[@hoffington]

Really thinking to get this.. Anything come out better than this unit since

[@skibbiethegamecat9057]

Did Chicken get to review the console at the high temperature? My cat lives on my cable box, I assume because of the heat it puts off. Maybe Chicken prefurrrs more spicy gaming.

[@jorgesimoes7197]

Hi! Love you content! Do you know wich is the correct dtb file for the GT King pro? Thanks!

[@NicoSensei]

Can you output a 4:3 resolution? I'd like to connect it to a 4:3 PC monitor for a home arcade.

[@nightowl8363]

It looks cool, id like to get the game list. Idk though, if Chicken isnt into it, it has issues for sure

[@RealziesCuts]

LFG Chicken!!! What a great surprise 🐈 😂🥇✊🚀

[@scotthatzel8051]

Just got this a few days but I messed up all the controller settings. Is there a way to reset the machine without bricking it or resetting the controllers when the buttons don't work?

[@scottmasin741]

Thank you for the review. I just received one today. Having trouble connecting controllers. Even the ones it came with. Also, the Dreamcast section only has 3 games. Is this normal?

[@dontpraiseme]

Mine only has one Dreamcast game.

[@021881mt]

Is WWF Arcade, Turbo Racing, and Contra Hard Corps on the list of Genesis games?

[@spectord8588]

Hey love your content , could you do a video on how to get retro arch on the Xbox series X and Xbox series S

[@MatchboxGarage]

My games appear to be stuck on demo mode and are unplayable?

[@johnmarsocci833]

Hi nice video, but how to you get to the short cut menu and change it to 480 resolution

[@SoPiPz]

So you think this is a bit more powerful than the Super Console X pro? I’m debating which one to get. Thanks!

[@Lampofilm]

Is this better then the super console x pro. Are they about the same? thanks

[@volvoguy804]

Can you remove the sd card from this device, insert into your pc and boot the sd card as startup. Would Emulec, Retro Arch run on your pc as if from this device, albeit with better performance? Edit: Nevermind, apparently you can't run Emulec on a pc.

[@Zaycream21]

Between this cube vs the super console x pro, which is greater in your opinion? I've heard the king is top tier and price on the list but out of the two lower level ones, it seems they have comparable number of games, emulators, and specs just different console?

[@collinsarcade2939]

Mine didn't come with a remote control, i got the 256gb version. I modded my Final Fight Arcade1up machine with an Intec Deck and connected my super console x cube to my arcade machine. Cheap modification, added over 50k games that i can play on my arcade machine! I added the diablo file also.

[@abbysantos6035]

How do you remove the bezels? And how is it better than the X-Pro?

[@wadesuhr]

Did anyone else purchase this and not have the controllers work correctly whatsoever out of the box? I know I am not the only one. Some people on Reddit were saying their super console x cube had to be factory reset OR a USB keyboard had to be used to navigate correctly to the controller configuration menu in RetroArch.

[@elleCX01]

I guess Dead or Alive is too hot for these systems 😁 edit: Think adding a laptop cooler underneath might help with the heating issue?

[@abisho12017]

I have a question. I bought the same system. I see that the Game Genie is a game option to apply cheat codes for the NES games. How do I apply the Game Genie cheat option to the NES games on the console?

[@john2001plus]

I just ordered the sequel to this system. Reportedly it has better cooling.

[@leecarter8218]

Can you use a mouse and keyboard on this console for Amiga games etc.

[@raresp7218]

What about the console cube x3? What settings are needed for psp/ god of war? Thx

[@caspercocomonkey2176]

Is there any work around to connect ps5 controllers for these things? I am thinking of gifting this to my nieces and nephews but i am assuming they would want to use the ps5 controllers they already have. Is there an adapter i can plug in so they can use the ps5 controllers?

[@ThesexyMrX]

So how does this compare to pi 3 or 4? Thanks for the video!

[@thumperbangin2000]

Is it worth the extra to buy the one w more GB ??

[@robmichael8136]

Just received this thing, for 50$ it seems worth it. When I boot it up it runs, but the green power light comes on red. Also, having issues with wifi and controllers 3 and 4.

[@sterlingforbes3872]

In the settings it has an "Update" feature... is this updating the OS or is it adding new ROMS?

[@SoulFyr]

Was playing a super nintendo game for 2-3 hours and the console just turned off and won't turn back, any ideas why?

[@jeremyflynn8708]

Sorry if this has already been addressed or is common knowledge, but are you able to save progress, or is additional storage required.

[@billsimms2511]

Can I stretch the screen so the bars don’t show on the side?

[@sageproductions2853]

Is it possible to play media files from an external hard drive with this unit? If so, how?

[@elrisedarkwynde1561]

Does 8bitdo wireless dongle and (hori) fighting sticks work with this machine?

[@samuelbankston2108]

Looking to get an emulater like this for my kids to play old Nintendo etc games on theyve been wanting to play. Is this worth it or what would you recommend thanks

[@TooNonFiction]

I’m getting Snes and GameCube vibes off this fr fr Lmaooo

[@LazyDevs]

Chicken test was they key piece of information here. I picked up the original Super Console X and I really like to use the Android feature to watch downloaded movies I have on an SD card. Is the Android image on this not capable even of doing that?

[@RetroGameCorps]

Good question, I think it might be possible if you side-loaded any (Android 4 compatible) video app. It's a shame they didn't load the Android 6 image they put in the Pro, since it seemed to handle that okay.

[@bilshot]

My superconsole X cube just suddenly stopped working... It wont load system config always gets stuck at the end on 'sony PlayStation portable minis' can someone help me fix this issue? I only played a few games before it stopped loading past system config 😢

[@saphronsbeautyunboxings]

So would a laptop fan help with the heating issue? Just wondering

[@flamingocupproductions5329]

is temperature an issue if you play it on a tv, instead of computer

[@cheechnchong20]

My super console x cube is not showing the game preview in The Game List Help please

[@ChrisHolman]

Could you upgrade the heat sink?

[@armandordz2581]

PS1, Megaman x4, x5 does not have sound, do you know how to fix it ? Sorry for my bad english

[@monkeygeek_6798]

good video as always, can you name your smartwatch you are wearing - thanks

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi, thanks for watching! It's a Garmin Instinct.

[@monkeygeek_6798]

@@RetroGameCorps thanks 👏

[@Nohemi_ukelele]

Hi, can you help me? I just bought a console and I have a very silly doubt, I don't know how to exit the game and return to the beginning, when I don't want to change the console I have to restart the on and off, can you tell me how to exit the game and return to the beginning? thank you and I hope you can help me, thank you

[@jasonmiller9313]

Push the select and start buttons at the same time twice

[@jennagray7533]

Are there any emulators that have all the namco games from PS1 like Toy Pop and also Frogger?