After what feels like an eternity, we have finally gotten a peek at the successor to the infamous RGB10 Max 3 Pro (triple heart). Trusted Powkiddy contact J. Dewitz (@retrohandheldcollection on Instagram) has provided us with piping-hot info about the upcoming RGB10 Max 4, sporting the long-awaited RK3588S processor.

Specs

The current specifications of the RGB10 Max 4 are as follows:

• Display: 5-inch 720p IPS panel (touchscreen not confirmed)
• Processor: Rockchip RK3588S
• RAM: 4GB, LPDDR4X
• Battery: 5000mAh (8 hours estimated battery life)
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wifi, Bluetooth 5.0
• Colors: Navy blue, White

All of these will be packed into the same shell as the older RGB10 Max 3 Pro.

While four gigabytes might not be enough for the highest-end use cases, such as Switch emulation, there should be enough to go around for almost anything under that. According to testing done with other devices sporting this chipset, there should be enough power here to run anything up to GameCube, Wii, and PS2 with some impressive upscaling. Whether the 5,000mAh battery will hold up to such power-hungry systems is anyone’s guess, however.

Software

According to J. Dewitz, prototype models of the Max 4 are already running some form of JELOS or ROCKNIX. One of the ROCKNIX devs has already expressed interest in supporting the device, so hopefully we should see some good custom firmware shortly after release.

Linux means that some higher-end emulators such as PS2 may suffer in performance, due to the lack of Vulkan support. On the other hand, running Linux opens the Max 4 up for PortMaster. Recent controversies over unlicensed ports aside, Portmaster is an excellent value add to Linux devices, and the power behind this new chipset opens up many exciting new possibilities for the project. (It is worth noting that Powkiddy has not yet bundled pirated Portmaster files into any of their stock Linux builds.)

But What Will It Cost?

Pricing has not yet been revealed, and it’s difficult to say exactly how much Powkiddy will charge since we don’t have any equivalent devices against which to compare. The only other handheld this chipset has featured in is the ill-fated GameForce Ace, which sold for anywhere from $140 to $230(!!!) depending on the retailer. Based on the power level on display though, and compared to other devices in the market, something in the ballpark of $150 feels about right. We aren’t sure on when the Max 4 will release, either – but we feel it’s safe to say that preorders shouldn’t be far away.

UPDATE (7/29)

As it turns out, not only has the Powkiddy RGB10 Max 4 been confirmed, but so have some of its specs. In a translated screenshot, the specs for Powkiddy’s next device were also confirmed, meaning that it will be powered by the RK3588s processor, and is said to run PSP games “8 times smoother.” Apparently, Powkiddy is still working out the kinks with the design, as the Max 4 prototypes are “temporarily” using the same shell as the RGB Max 3 Pro. Lastly, it seems that Powkiddy may be looking to upend the market, as the company is said to be targeting a $100 price point. If that’s the case, Powkiddy could blow away the competition and maybe end up releasing the retro handheld of the year.

But what do you think? Are you excited to finally see the 3588S in action? Is the return to the blocky, old-school Max 3 Pro form factor a triumphant return, or do you think they should have left that body to the dustbowls of e-waste history? Are high-end Linux handhelds even worth looking at? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments, or over on our Discord server!

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