This awesome BIG handheld does it all! (Powkiddy X28 Review)

The X28 is a big, powerful handheld game system that plays all your old favourite retro games up to and including n64, dreamcast, PSP, GAMECUBE, WII, and PS2, and also android games, and also PC streaming. It does a ton of things right, with a few minor missteps along the way, and today I’m going to show you what I like, and what I don’t, and help you decide if this device is right for you.
EDIT: Brain fart! POW KITTY made a T618 device before this - the X18s, I shouldn't have said they're 'entering' the fray, maybe 'back for revenge' would have been a better angle 🤔
- BUY IT HERE -
POWKIDDY X28 at GoGameGeek: shrsl.com/463wt
X28 FIRMWARE FLASH GUIDE: • This awesome BIG handh...
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- MUSIC CREDITS -
Intro: Captive Portal - Intro For A Nonexisting Video Game
Outro: RoccoW - Chipho instrumental
Background Track by Bryan Fletcher
- CHAPTERS -
00:00 Push my buttons
00:59 Is this what's been missing from your life?
01:58 Powkiddy x28 review
02:45 The Audio Visual Experience
03:36 Size & Shape
05:27 Controls & I/O
07:10 The Software
08:51 Gameplay
10:52 Conclusion
12:38 The End
#retrohandheld #powkiddy #powkiddyx28 #retrogames #retroemulation #androidgaming

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

I was a kid in the early 80's, all we had were those Game & Watch handheld devices, with the one game, never expected to have thousands of colour games in one package..Kids have it so good today.

[@hibikiholmes2867]

Technology has come a loooong way. Imagine telling kids back then that they could play the entire N64 AND Sega Saturn library on a portable slab of metal. This is the stuff The Jetsons envisioned!

[@mipakr]

if you haven't already discovered, GnW are emulated too

[@venom74799]

I had a game n watch and some of those awful tiger games.

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

These are $105 on Aliexpress now. For what this thing does thats a pretty attractive price.

[@borf42]

That intro killed me. I'm dead from laughing.

[@TechDweeb]

Good. Dead BORF's are my best complement.

[@Uchay4u]

As in, I really cracked up 😅. New subscriber!!!

[@Pridetoons]

It brings a whole new meaning to playing with me.

[@gencinitis590]

That was too funny 😂😂

[@jonathanellis6097]

This video gets a thumbs up for the intro alone!! 🤣 Don't change man! 👍

[@TechDweeb]

I couldn't even if I wanted to 🤓

[@bonecheck69]

Dude that was a funny intro indeed ahahah great stuff man

[@SNKev411]

For some reason I want to eat a snack every time I watch your video keep up the great work T.D.

[@duda2k]

Your content is quite unique in terms of retrogames and handhelds and your persona is pretty fun and entertaining to watch, congratz!

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks for saying so!

[@Station9.75]

“Quite unique”. “Pretty fun”. Don’t compliment him too much will you…

[@Artsyca]

Not sure what you chose to go there but I’m glad you did. 💕

[@jbc6980]

I'm pretty sure they limited the processing power on the T618 for this device. That's why it runs cool because it never attempts to push the components to the limit.

[@umbrellacorp.]

That intro was the best. 😂 They should change their name to Pow Kitty. And I didn't expect that Face Reveal. Cool dude. 😎👍💯

[@adinwalls]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@piodelgado2890]

If I haven't bought the 505 back in the day you'd convince me in an instant to buy the Punching Cat one. Really great vid Dweeb! Love your content as always!

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks for saying so :)

[@antwango]

punching cat XDDDD i also used to hate the powkiddy name but eversince falling for the max2 the powkiddy name has grown on me... its just as nonsensical as nintendo tbh lol..... i would love a punching cat ninja logo

[@Curryking32000]

oh i do love your video's TechDweeb. They are hilarious and very informative and entertaining and this intro was awesome. A defiantly gap in the market from similar channels who are a little too serious sometimes. And I love the Powkitty animations, they do make me laugh every time. 😅

[@TechDweeb]

Same! Sometimes I want to review a new POW KITTY product just so I can do some cat punches 👊

[@DavidFilskov]

Great and cheerful review :)

[@ZecaBrisado]

Cracked me up at that selfie joke lol😂

[@aonmontoya4757]

Mr. Tech Dweeb, so I got mine the other day and I like it, it's a cool handheld. Been playing games on the Happy Chick app. (but why couldn't the X28 have been a preloaded device 😫😫) I was in the market for a second and bigger Retro Handheld (my first being the Anbernic RG35XX) so when I came across the X28 I fell in love with it. The size, the color, the fact that the power button, volume buttons and all that are on top, the two speakers in front. 👌🏼 The X28 was the best looking budget handheld I had ever seen. And I figured I'd be smart enough to figure things out on the games and emulator front, everybody kept saying it was easy. So I took the plunge... I don't regret it, for what I payed for it it's a really good handheld. Once I get it set up with the proper emulators and the roms I don't doubt this thing will be awesome. But I've been looking at videos, and all this business with going through the Android Starter Guide and then the much desired Daijisho Frontend installation... and it all seems..well, Not Easy. 😂 Do you know of any places in or around Los Angeles that can provide this service? -Setting up Emulators and Roms? I can't do this shit. 🤣🙈 Are you in L.A, Mr. Tech Dweeb? 😄

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah it's not super easy huh. I do plan on making an "Emulation on Android FOR NOOBS" starter guide, but until then I'd suggest you go with Lumeroid. It's VERY easy to setup, and it comes with all the emulators built-in. If you want the easiest way to get started that'd be it. I wish I could offer to do it for ya but I just can't. Try Lumeroid though, it'll probably work out fine for ya.

[@MITS73128]

Pretty cool device, not sure if I'm in the market for this one because I already have a RP3+, unless it actually talks that'd be pretty awesome. Always find your content very entertaining regardless of the topic. Still waiting for that compact pocket friendly device with near perfect PS2 emulation. Good work TD, looking forward to the next one.

[@TechDweeb]

You and me both. Maybe next gen handhelds will have perfect PS2 & Gamecube (at a reasonable price of course)

[@tombedford8948]

Waiting for a 4:3 powerful enough for PS2, Wii & GameCube. I will bite as soon as that's (hopefully) a thing!

[@DJDanceClassic]

@@tombedford8948 life is short don't wait too long

[@KidBowsur]

​​@@tombedford8948same got a miyoo mini 0lus and can't justify another handheld until I can comfortably play GameCube games @ under $100

[@TheBlackShinigami]

@@TechDweebI think the Odin 2 is probably as close to the budget. The future of handheld emulation is promising!

[@brave7033]

Paw Kitty ! Ons sub... That intro tho😂

[@der-Troet]

very nice vid!

[@morrisguinn6868]

Awesome videos as always I just bought the x28 with an sd card with games on it How did you set up this handheld without flashing the system?

[@Carcosahead]

I'm looking for a device to play psp, ps2 and gamecube emulation, do you recommend this one or the retroid pocket 3+??

[@infinity2z3r07]

techdweeb, you are killin it bro 💪 never actually pulled the trigger on a retro handheld but this might be the one! i'm the type who would sacrifice some portability for screen size, battery life, and overall ergonomics

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks bro 🐓

[@user-jk4pl9dc7c]

Thanks Bro for the great review . I Have a question to you : there is also a Powkiddy x55 model based on linux . in your opinion : Which model is better the x55 or the x28 ?

[@gmodesike]

Intro was gold

[@sorehary9851]

The intro made me subscribe

[@Amandandoug]

This is exactly what I've been looking for! I was looking for something with a bigger screen (older gamer with eyesight issues) and this would be perfect without breaking the bank! I mostly play GBA & SNES games anyway so its perfect for me!

[@johncahill1985]

If that’s all you play it’s older but the 351p it’s great for them two systems

[@user-pz4ct8mz6c]

@@johncahill1985 в rg-351 маленький экран, а старый игрок говорит что у него проблема со срением

[@noelsilva8887]

That was the best intro 😂

[@andrewosei328]

Subbed! Great video.

[@TechDweeb]

Welcome!

[@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? 😅

[@noelsilva8887]

Is this the same as retro dockie retro palm XL? If so what the difference?

[@tombedford8948]

Best intro yet! 😂

[@aaronwalker1615]

I feel dirty after that "Retro" intro! 😂 😆

[@AishRios]

I'm glad to see the x28 getting some love, I've been procrastinating on getting one but I really appreciate the work Powkiddy put into the design.

[@TechDweeb]

I didn't think I'd like it TBH (but I always think that :P)

[@AishRios]

@@TechDweeb I've been curious about it since they revealed it last year, but when it came out I already had a few handhelds to review so I missed out, but it's never too late I guess 😆

[@Uchay4u]

My thoughts exactly!! Think I'll get it now.

[@MrTheheirarchy]

YOu get a comment for the intro, fantastic!

[@PhenMr]

Looking crisp sadly not for me. I just think the x55 of powkiddy is more suitable because it's all ready to go compared to this. Awesome review! 👊🏼

[@antwango]

x55 is a weaker chipset, though im also interested in the x55, because of the ergonomic lineage to the max 2, otherwise i think if powkiddy had the t618 chipset in the chassis of the x55 then for sure.... otherwise its the rp3+

[@farr1260]

Love your stuff man! I wonder how this will handle game stream services like Xcloud gaming

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah I didn't test those but I probably should have. I might do another dedicated streaming service vid at some point soon.

[@wopino]

Damn that X28 is pervy, I love it 😂

[@clausjahnel5379]

There's a little mistake in the beginning of this video. Powkiddy did not enter but start the T618 era of android based gaming handhelds. They have been the first to use this chip in a dedicated retro handheld. 🙂

[@TechDweeb]

Doh! You're right, I totally forgot about the x18s. Brain fart :S

[@contrastmike1620]

Tech Dweeb, how did you get Mario Kart Double Dash to run so smoothly on your PKX28??? how do you have your settings set up in Dolphin? i can't seem to fully rid the stuttering on mine. it stutters both in video and in sound, and i have the most current version of 🐬..

[@logosproduction4601]

I would like to know this as well. I'm thinking of buying one because it does 95% of what I want it to. I want to be able to run a handful of GameCube games like double dash, super Mario sunshine, smash bros melee and maybe f zero GX, is there any way to get those to run smoothly with some tinkering?

[@brajanubgan88]

I'm still waiting for something with similar power to odin/odin lite with 4:3 display, gotta keep waiting I think

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah that's definitely a missing segment of the market.

[@voteDC]

I bought my RP3+ as a dedicated PSP machine, even swapped in Playstation buttons, but I confess if the PowKitty X28 had been on the market at the time I would likely have gone for it instead. The RP3+ is a great handheld but the screen is perhaps a touch too small for my old eyes.

[@TechDweeb]

The X28 is a great alternative to the RP3+ if you need a bigger screen. They're not that far apart though.

[@austingray5604]

Would love to see you review the anbernic rg nano!

[@V3zzlan]

Do you have a link for that re-flash you did in the video? 😅 In case I get a x28 that suffer from the same thing

[@TechDweeb]

Doh! Forgot to add that. Fixed. TY!

[@mounirmchennec156]

Hello, does it run streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+

[@jindorisfish9092]

i love your channel bro.

[@TechDweeb]

Thanky 😊

[@alpmaster0076]

I love the Pow Kiddy X28 😊

[@TechDweeb]

Same!

[@theboriszaytsev]

Nice intro.

[@rasnavadagittens8258]

which is the best one powkiddy x28 or powkiddy x55?

[@avelinobryan]

Nice review on this device❤. I was looking at all the available device review and got the powkiddy x28 for 132usd including shipping with screen protector and bag to my country Malaysia. Got to say the screen is what gets me hook into it, regardless of the dpad and joystick issue, I guess it will be solve in a future update maybe? Maybe you could do a guide on properly setting the device up? Thank you❤

[@TechDweeb]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@LoftechUK]

Fantastic video

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks buddy!

[@hongkaiyuan]

Hi TechDweeb, does the Powkiddy X28 emulate Sega Saturn well?

[@TechDweeb]

Oh totally. There won't be any game that doesn't play well, even upscaled.

[@joelferguson625]

The question I'm asking is, for the games it is clear that don't play well, what do you think about deleting games that don't play well? Would it potentially help on save file storage in a significant enough way to justify the effort?

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah I think that's a great idea, if only to keep your game lists nice and clean and to not let it get annoying

[@degenerate8228]

Can this use the Nintendo switch lite screen protector?

[@sensinaldo]

how did you set up d-pad for NES games? I can only use analog joystick, as the d-pad doesnt work in that emulator :/

[@TechDweeb]

Rebind your controls in Retroarch (no game or core loaded) and then save the config (from the main menu). Then if NES still doesn't work, rebind them while you have an NES game open and then save the config, and also save the "core override" (under the quick menu). That should work for ya.

[@micaa2403]

@@TechDweeb omg, yes! this worked. I didn't even know there is possibility to just run retroarch without core ;D now works through daijisho like a charm, THANK YOU! I didn't even know how to search for this problem, so happy that I watched your video

[@sensinaldo]

Thank you! it works now - really appreciate you took time to reply

[@FutoiSaru]

Very rarely comment, but that intro got me 😂

[@TechDweeb]

Appreciate you saying so :)

[@mrfawkes9110]

Great intro

[@kyfeam]

Bro!! stop with the reviews.. your making me go broke!! i bought the Ace Magician AM06Pro.. aaand the Anbernic RG353PS.. now i want this!! your killin me buddy 😁 another great vid!

[@TechDweeb]

Sorry. I'll stop showing good stuff. Only bad stuff from now on!

[@tjn6278]

nice face reveal, i knew you were a chad, just leaning into the geek thing.

[@MsOniHime]

The kitty has returned

[@yezzirrr416]

Hey great vid! Which one would you recommend between this and the x55 (money is not a factor)? Thanks!

[@TechDweeb]

Definitely this. The x55 is amazing for the price, but this is way more powerful and is a higher quality overall.

[@yezzirrr416]

@@TechDweeb you’re the man! Appreciate it! Thank you!

[@bilelsmith6333]

The intro is Mestre peace ✌️😂

[@mreiga8372]

If I get it, game gonna be installed?

[@happyszzzzs2173]

Funniest intro ive seen in a while

[@PokeMatteo]

do you think this could run simpsons hit n run on ps2?

[@japanesemickeymouse6694]

how would vita emulation be on it

[@alexleal2634]

That face reveal! 🥵 Now I see why you don’t show your face. No way will ever pay attention to what you says. Great video bro.

[@jfi2ee]

This or the Odin2 for PS5 stream and PS1 emulation?

[@raj1one414]

This device is very kind. Just trying to register my sd card with the cool genesis emulator.

[@findinghumorthruitall]

awesome review, this one or the Odin 2 ?

[@TechDweeb]

Odin is twice the price, but twice as nice. If you don't need all gamecube and ps2 and switch this probably will work fine for you.

[@findinghumorthruitall]

thanks, I have no clue. there's so many choices. my heads spinning about which one to get, I want the whole retro experience but also the whole android/Google Play store experience wrapped up together to be able to play COD games too. the market is crowded with so many different choices. it's between these three RN x28, Odin2, steam deck.

[@garystinten9339]

Is there a way to have it boot straight into daijishu rather than android? So it hits android and immediately load daijishu

[@TechDweeb]

Yup. You can set daijisho as the home launcher on the device.

[@garystinten9339]

Great.. now I'm tossing up between this and the powkitty x55.

[@AntiKipKay]

I plan on getting this. So all I have to do is install the nova launcher then I can have it act like android?

[@TechDweeb]

Yup!

[@AntiKipKay]

@@TechDweeb Thanks!

[@edgarb4100]

Dude how do you make this handheld look so awesome?? I just got mine (because of your review lol) and most of the games don't play im on pegasus and the seller is of no help

[@Cyko..]

This kind of reminded me of my RG552 which is a pretty decent device in its own right. It has a 5.36" IPS touch screen and dual boots into Linux or Android. It's by Anbernic so I'd imagine the build quality is a little better too.

[@TechDweeb]

I love the look of the 552!

[@jbc6980]

I want to get the 552 but it's just so pricy for the components.

[@RachelleLove81]

This, X55 or RP3+??? Can't decide!!! 😭😭😭

[@HMGcollect]

Can you show a tutorial of how you customized it like you did in a little cautious of buying this and I don’t want the depressing android screne

[@DroidLocks6971]

This or x55 and why please

[@anthonym6119]

I don’t want to bring my steam deck or ally when I travel so i figured something like this would work,at first I ordered the x55 but I saw this and I was able to pay the difference and switch to this.

[@jbc6980]

Powkiddy made the first of the recent T618 android handhelds with the x18s.

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah I realized that after I posted this vid. Brain fart :S

[@jbc6980]

@@TechDweeb I love the X18S Black. I wouldn't recommend it because the software is terrible and the shoulder buttons are the worst but I love playing retro games on it.

[@youzernejm]

I have only one question: if I get this thing, how do I prevent it from getting freaky?

[@TechDweeb]

You can't. That's just the way its designed. Its not a bug it's a feature.

[@youzernejm]

Aw man!

[@Uchay4u]

😂😂😂

[@gamingchinchilla7323]

Let it sink in that we are slowly but surely getting to the point that affordable emulation devices are getting just as powerful as the first Ayn Odin Pro devise. We're not quiet yet there yet, but we're almost there. I still love my Ayn Odin Pro, but I can see it being shelved within the next three years by some $100 device :P

[@TechDweeb]

That's a very good point. Kinda nuts huh.

[@Darknfrog]

I love Pow! Kiddy! I have a couple of their handhelds. Should I go with this or save up and get something else?

[@TechDweeb]

Hard to say. I do think this is a great device for the price. But if you need something that will play PS2 and GameCube then yeah, keep saving and get the next thing.

[@Darknfrog]

@@TechDweeb thanks for the heads up

[@Amandandoug]

​@@TechDweeb I downloaded Dolphin for Android, and it's running GameCube awesome 😊 I've actually had a few Wii games run okay, but it's hit n miss. Lemudroid is awesome too, I'm finding I like it better than RetroArch! But for DS, I definitely prefer Drastic. I've had my x28 for months and months now, and I'm 100% happy I bought it!

[@noelsilva8887]

Does this play Nintendo DS and 3DS?

[@D4RZK]

Yeah

[@Lux210]

You would love the odin

[@HuntaKiller91]

I hope more helio g99 handhelds tho for this $149 price Awesome for 720p and below emulation

[@majeedahmed46]

Are Atari 2600 games inside a device

[@Niborino9409]

I am normally against face reveals but would be fun to see the man behind the voice. But on the other hand the magic might be gone then 😅

[@TechDweeb]

Just take my word for it. My face is so amazingly awesome and you would be super jealous.

[@fbomb2077]

Mine is a big difference, an x55. I review/test products from Amazon for a "job". Not really a job, I don't get paid, but whatever I review, I can keep. That's how I got the. X55. I don't retro game much.. prob sell it 50% off

[@louissimmons1773]

Does it play GTA RPG pc

[@hendrixc6988]

Techdweeb is here to review handhelds and kick a**. We’re almost outta hand helds better watch out. :p

[@victorvannatter312]

Looks pretty good. But the face buttons are in the wrong place. 😊

[@aaronwalker1615]

So far, my consumer branded Retro devices include.... 1. PowKiddy RGB 10 2.Ambernic RG 351v 3. Ambernic RG 405m 4. Ambernic RG 351p 5. Ambernic RG 351ps 6. Kinhank Mini PC lite ...

[@TechDweeb]

Good collection you got there.

[@aaronwalker1615]

My Amazon, and ALLIE Express portable collection before the Big N goes full "Russian Federation" on all Retro (ROM devices) Emulation Fun.....

[@aaronwalker1615]

....You can almost see them getting ready to target all *Retro*...Once their done with Valve over 🐬 Dolphin....You can imagine...Like Disney ➖️Minus has done, that someone from THEM is monitoring KZbin, Patron, and other Retro Gaming information channels....

[@yeexianteohtakashi5711]

This device looks better then Original Nintendo Switch I'll say

[@omarguerrero6417]

The design is great, but it need some grip

[@CAPMAX_Gaming]

No RG505 in the collection? I feel like it keeps getting overlooked in the T618 club.

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah I don't have that one yet. Seems good. I think it kinda got overshadowed by the RP3+, most people grabbed that one instead around that time.

[@CAPMAX_Gaming]

@@TechDweeb GammaOS sounds promising for it too, if we've got the patience to install it. lol

[@polallenballesteros386]

That would be the best intro I have ever watched.

[@ASAN2042]

Not an android person myself. I can do this on my phone I already have.

[@priscillaquinn9505]

Tech dweeb, i just got a miyoo mini + and its buttons are starting to stick a little 😩 could you make a video about it? I'm sure it's happening to a lot of people with the influx of miyoo mini buyers. And with the Reddit fiasco all the pages that were talking about it are now private HELP this sucks

[@TechDweeb]

Oh really? never heard of that problem. I have 2 of them and neither have had that issue.

[@alezwizard]

Is that your real voice?

[@cranmoot3811]

Double the flavor double your fun.... Double Like and comment to the TD.... BTW I just reserved the pimax portal, this will be my first excursion into the badlands of VR other than rarely on a friends equipment, see if they'll send the super dweeb a review unit. Just checked and I've had Half Life Alyx in the steam account for almost three years, told myself to pick it up on the first flash sale because... somehow someway I'm going to experience this game. It was actually a real bummer when I first saw it pop up on a steam login. ***NEW**** Half-Life... wtf I'm suddenly feeling pretty ill and need to call into work, wait... what vr NOOOOOOOOO

[@TechDweeb]

Nice! You just prompted me to reach out to Pimax to ask if they send out review units. Doesn't hurt to ask, right? 🤞 I started Alyx on the Quest 2 (with PC link) but I didn't get far before deciding I'm going to wait until I have the time to commit to playing it straight through. Hopefully this summer!

[@BrianS756]

Definitely the sexiest hands on KZbin. 😂

[@TechDweeb]

👉👌