Picture This: It’s the end of 2020, and the Rockchip RK3326 is all the rage. Hardkernel released their Odroid Go Advance back in June, Anbernic released the RG351P in September, and Retroid put out their Pocket 2 back in January. So what does Powkiddy do? They release the most AI-styled Vertical GBA device they can for about $70; the RGB20. A single stick, shoulder buttons inside the frame of the device, and that glorious 3326.
https://youtu.be/yCNuNUJa3nE
But now it’s 2024, July to be specific. The RK3326 is making a comeback thanks to Game Console, and instead of 3:2 RK3326 devices, everyone is talking about Anbernic’s RG Cube, or the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. So what does Powkiddy do in response? They release the most AI-styled vertical GBA device they can for about $40; the V10. No Sticks, no Wi-Fi, and that glorious 3326.
We’ve been here before, haven’t we? Let’s talk about it, and whether or not it’s worth buying the new hotness for $40 (or less), or grabbing a 4-year-old piece of kit that’s come down to $45.
Specs
Each category is going to cover something worth comparing between the two devices, but before I even get that far, let me just plonk down the specs of these two handhelds so you can really see what you’re working with.
Powkiddy V10
- Display: 3.5” IPS Panel
- Resolution 480:320 (3:2 Aspect Ratio)
- Processor: Rockchip RK3326
- GPU: Mali G31
- Ram: 1GB
- Battery: 3,000mAh
- Extras: No Wi-Fi, 2x USB-C Ports, 1x Micro SD Slot, 1x 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Dimensions: 103.2x94x22.5mm (Thickest point is closer to 30mm)
- Weight: 164 grams
- Colors: Transparent Black, Transparent Purple, Beige, and Gray
Powkiddy RGB20
- Display: 3.5” IPS Panel
- Resolution 480:320 (3:2 Aspect Ratio)
- Processor: Rockchip RK3326
- GPU: Mali G31
- Ram: 1GB
- Battery: 3,000mAh
- Extras: Wi-Fi, 2x USB-C Ports, 1x Micro SD Slot, 1x 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Dimensions: 108x93x20mm
- Weight: 172 grams
- Colors: Red/Gold or Gray/Black
Seems pretty familiar right? That’s because outside of the Wi-Fi, and slight dimensional differences, they really are. And that’s not a bad thing, especially when compared to some of the competition.
And just for comparison’s sake, here are some RK3326 weight comparisons.
- V10 – 164 Grams
- R33S – 165 Grams
- RGB20 – 172 Grams
- R36S – 188 Grams
Ergonomics
To maintain those RK3326 devices a little bit longer, I wanted to talk about ergonomics.
Verticals never have the best ergonomics, it’s why, despite being a big vertical fan, I’m using my horizontal devices more than others. However, with both the RGB20 and V10 being wider than the R33S and R36S, they find themselves being just lightly more comfortable. Even if they still lack an actual chin I do prefer in my tall boy handhelds.
Between the RGB20 and V10, the biggest difference ergonomic-wise comes down to the shoulder buttons. The V10 has these sloped shoulder buttons that are nice, big, and feature a generally nice click. They make you aware of them, and my fingers fit into it well.
The RGB20 on the other hand has carved holes into the back of the device and placed their shoulder buttons there. They’re tiny Tic Tacs that make you aware of how fat your index fingers are when you go to stuff them in the holes.
Also, the V10 is a nice smooth plastic that’s easy to grab, while the RGB20 features a grippy soft-touch plastic that I think will eventually turn to go.
In 4 years Powkiddy has slightly improved their ergonomics at least.
Controls and Screens
When it comes to the screens you’re looking at two very nice 3:2 screens that perfectly scale GBA to twice their original aspect ratio. These devices are built for GBA games. While 4:3, 10:9, and other aspect ratios will fit fine here, they will have more black borders than systems like these.
And one comment I have is that my RGB20 has a slightly bright, and more saturated display, but I’d personally attribute that to run-to-run variance in these screens.
As for controls? The face buttons on the V10 are lighter to press and have less of a thunk compared to the RGB20. This continues into the D-Pad where the V10 follows their lighter easier-to-press buttons which I definitely prefer, though I have noticed that the D-Pad on the V10 doesn’t hit my up-left diagonal as well as other D-Pads or the RGB20. This is fine for the most part but has caused a number of deaths in Celeste.
Still not as bad as Stubbs.
Other than that controls remain consistent. Clicky Start/Select buttons. II and V or – and + buttons that act as hotkeys for volume, brightness, and exiting games are all clicky as well. The only thing the RGB20 wins at is having dedicated L3 and R3 buttons…and a clicky Switch stick. But it’s fine?
The V10 wins at having more focused and better-developed controls. The RGB20 wins for having MORE buttons.
The Firmware
Finally the firmware. The RGB20 has had 4 years to get it, though out of the box runs a 3 year old version of ArkOS with EmuELEC in the front. The V10 has had a little bit of time and the ArkOS 2.0 build that comes with it. However, ArkOS 2.0 for the RGB20 seems to be plug-and-play.
That’s right, the V10 gets an ArkOS build that works whether it’s out of the box, or from the ArkOS website. I haven’t noticed any issues just yet outside of the previously mentioned Wi-Fi limitations, but these both run some of my favorite handheld firmware, and that just makes them an absolute win on this budget end of devices.
Other than that, you all know the drill. So say it with me. “The RK3326 is a solid performer in everything from the PS1 and down. You can get some N64, PSP, or Dreamcast, but consider it a bonus on whatever it is you get running.”
Overall if going purely off of the OS, they’re both good in my books, even if you need some tinkering with that RK3326.
Final Thoughts
Should you buy the RGB20 in 2024? No? Unless you desperately need a 3:2 vertical handheld under $50 WITH Wi-Fi. If you don’t need the Wi-Fi I highly recommend the V10 in its place. It’s more comfortable than the 4:3 verticals, it’s cheaper, runs ArkOS out of the box, and is a solid performer for the price.
In terms of competition? Grab the Miyoo Mini for around $40 if you want the absolute best custom firmware on the market with Onion OS. Grab an R36S for $30 or so if you want a taller device with a 4:3 screen and sticks. But buy the V10 if you want to play GBA, and that’s it.
I don’t think the V10 will personally replace any of my daily driver devices. But it’s such a damn good little device that I’d be happy to recommend it to anyone at its under $40 price tag. Just, remind them how to change volume and brightness. And don’t offer the RGB20. It’s a bit ugly, its soft touch finish will goop eventually, and the V10 is just cheaper.
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