Such is the case with a lot of different handhelds; there’s usually an announcement, and then a long waiting period before a device is actually released. This has surprisingly happened with the Helegaly Action Pi, which we first learned about a few months ago, but it’s yet to actually be released. Thankfully, the wait won’t be too much longer, as we’ve learned that the Action Pi is slated to launch on July 5th.
There’s already an online storefront set up for Helegaly devices, with the Action Pi priced at $59.99. For that, you get the Pi in either Black, Pink, or White, and a 64GB microSD card is included. If you want a larger 128GB microSD card, it’ll only set you back an extra $5, coming in at $64.99.
Helegaly Action Pi Specs
- Screen: 4.02”, 960×720 IPS
- CPU: Allwinner A527
- GPU: Mali-G57 MC1-2EE
- RAM: 2GB
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Connectivity: USB-C x2, 3.5mm Jack, Micro-SD, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 16GB eMMC
- Operating System: Batocera
- Dimensions: 172x82x30mm
- Weight: 227 grams
- Colors: White, Black, Indigo, Pink
After seeing a few review samples seeded out, it only served to build the excitement around a device that somehow manages to stand out. On paper, it seems like the Action Pi has everything one could want from a retro handheld. There’s even Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and built-in storage, to go along with the 5,000mAh battery and sleek overall design.
In his review, Ban had the following to say:
The more I used the Helegaly Pi, the more it kind of just reminded me of how I felt when using the Retroid Pocket 2+ back in 2022. A small, comfortable handheld that can run through everything up through PSP, Dreamcast, and N64. Except now it’s D-pad top, with Hall Effect sticks, and an operating system I don’t feel like I have to mess with.
If you know anything about Ban and the number of handhelds he has, that’s high praise. Needless to say, I’ll be picking one of these up as soon as I can. But I might wait a bit longer until the Indigo/GC version hits the storefront.
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