Funkey SP: Is Bigger Better?

I'm not sure whether you've heard of it, but the Funkey S was a little clamshell handheld that, in 2020, cost $70 and could hold "up to" a PS1 in your hand! I don't know if it was the size or the sleeping feature when it closed, but I thought it was pretty impressive for 2020. After purchasing the Funkey S, which I had funded on Kickstarter, I carried it everywhere.

Aside from size and strength for the period, I did have several grievances, though. I should have anticipated tiny clicky controls, a 50 Hz screen, and poor battery life. Oh, and Micro USB. That is no longer what I want. But a larger device would be required to remedy it, and in 2024, I could locate just that! Thanks to a friend from the RH Discord, I could import this device, which I'm calling "The Funkey SP." Yes, it is more extensive, but more significant problems exist.

Specs

Let's release the specifications immediately. Mostly, it's a Funkey S.

64 MB of RAM and the same Allwinner V3s. The size-related aspects, however, vary. The battery is increased from 410mAh to 850mAh, and the screen is more significant than I think is around 3". Although it loses the Funkey S's 1:1 aspect ratio, it's still a respectable display. However, I would gladly accept something bigger.

Size and Buttons

This shell is for a Gameboy Advance SP. These shoulder buttons are for the Gameboy Advance SP. Yes, the D-pad has a comparable feel, so choose and begin. What about the buttons 2 A and 2 B? They have a similar feeling. A double-A button RGB30 seemed horrible, but now I'm seeing double. Before we continue, I would like to mention that the holes for the second A and B buttons were drilled into the shell. It isn't perfect. The second B button is challenging to press since half is flush with the shell. I will do everything possible to avoid using these buttons since I detest them.

However, as an SP devotee, everything else feels like an SP. I'm capable of handling it. Although the shoulders are a little clicker, the real thing's mush central may be better. They are the same size, and this monster is much larger than the Funkey S. I like it overall, except for the little shoulder buttons and the genuinely awful second A and B.

Weight Comparison:

  • Funkey S – 31 grams
  • "Funkey SP" – 144 grams
  • RP2S – 197 grams
  • Metal GBA SP – 231 grams

The OS

The Funkey S's OS was one of my favorite features. The method was clear-cut and easy to use. Additionally, DrUm78 had a wonderful thing going for them because their OS update brought the screen to 60Hz. Conversely, the Funkey SP comes with a modified version of the Funkey OS.

However, the worst part is the absence of English as a language option. Yes, I could probably hack it in, but there were other language options when I went to GMenu2x (thanks to my Funkey S being close by!). I could translate my SP into French but not English. Although most people would probably find this a deal breaker, I know enough about the operating system to navigate the menus in Chinese.

I also attempted to install the OS update for DrUm78—a black screen. I tried to install the original Funkey OS—bands of colour on the side. I had to take the cartridge out of the slot, unscrew and open it, and then put it to access the SD card. Yes, that game isn't my fave. Fortunately, like the Funkey S, the Funkey SP can be plugged straight into your computer and roms may be added that way.

The absence of English could deter you if the second A and B buttons didn't. No? I wasn't discouraged, either.

Gameplay

Because, well, it is, it plays like a Funkey S.

After working out the settings and adding my lawfully downloaded games to the machine, I experienced that same Funkey S feeling.

The Game Gear, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color functioned well. They don't fill the screen, but what would you expect given that the aspect ratio is typically 10:9? However, I can use it in 4:3, at least with Game Gear. The Genesis and Game Boy Advance also functioned flawlessly, albeit I occasionally heard odd audio stuttering in certain titles. However, hey! With the ability to simply put it to sleep, this is the system I keep on when I have no problems with Apotris.

PS1 and SNES, I observed More audio stuttering, which was strange because some of the games on the Funkey S didn't have this problem. I haven't figured out if it's the SP-styled speaker or the bespoke software. In Tekken 3, this problem appeared to be more severe, but eventually, the stuttering would start to disappear.

I had no trouble using the Neo Geo Pocket emulator on Hare to play Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Edition. The four of you who adore this system will also succeed.

The battery life is better because it's nearly twice as large as the Funkey S! However, it's still not the greatest available. I could play it for a good few hours, more than the original's one to two hours.

Final Thoughts

Should you purchase it in the end? No, not at the cost I did, anyway. I haven't mentioned it yet, but after importing freight and shipping, I paid about $120 for it. If you paid about $90 for shipping, since a Funkey S currently costs about $75, getting the larger model might be the best option.

However, given the problems with the operating system and facial buttons, you should not try to find one of them. You could acquire superior, non-clamshell gadgets instead. A better purchase is the RP2S, Miyoo Mini Plus, or the RG35XX+. This purchase is entirely novel. At a reasonable cost? Yes. At least $100? Go ahead. If I want a clamshell-like this, I'll probably just stay with a standard Gameboy Advance SP. Unless a new clamshell is released. Miyoo Mini Flip Wink Wink Nudge Nudge.