My Plea to Powkiddy: A New RGB30

It's crucial to pay attention to the handhelds that have distinguished themselves from the crowded pack rather than just the latest buzz as the stream of handheld launches continues to overwhelm our consumerist brains.

Even though the Powkiddy RGB30 is only a year old, given how quickly this hobby develops, it might already be outdated. However, in a highly crowded field, the gadget hasn't sunk into oblivion like so many of its handheld counterparts.

Where We Are

There is undoubtedly a demand for 1:1 ratio devices, as seen by the introduction of the Anbernic RG Cube, ZPG A1 Unicorn, and the regrettable R40S. I can only speak from personal experience because I own the RGB30 and a Cube. However, I always find myself gravitating toward the RGB30 while the Cube has largely been left on the shelf. Although the Unicorn intrigues me, I'm not sure if I'm sold on Android in this form format. Powkiddy is the most qualified person to do the task correctly.

When the RGB30 was first introduced, it was considered an oddball. Its distinctive physical factor and Powkiddy's relatively erratic quality history contributed to its unease. Ban's initial evaluation gives you a sense of the device's atmosphere at the time.

As time passed and people began to use the gadget, various excellent community CFW initiatives realized that this oddball handheld had many positive aspects, much like ArkOS and JELOS. That's why I'm pleading. If you're out there, Powkiddy, I speak for many people in the community when I say you will get a repeat customer if you produce an updated and better RGB30 model.

What's Already Great

Despite its flaws, most people who have experimented with the RGB30 are aware that it has a unique quality. Here are a few aspects of its present design that we adore.

  • The Screen: When presenting systems that make the most of the square aspect ratio, such as the Game Boy Color, the 4-inch IPS display is unmatched.
  • Ergonomics: As a larger-handed man, I have found the gadget one of my favourite handhelds for extended play sessions, even though it initially appears cumbersome. I have not experienced the cramping that other devices can cause.
  • Performance and Portability: This device's implementation of the RK3566, which is currently well-worn in the industry, gives you enough power to play whatever you want without venturing into less aspect-ratio-friendly areas.
  • Connectivity: The RGB30 has a Mini-HDMI port for output to external devices and OTG connectivity with a dedicated USB-C port. A trait that many other well-known products frequently lack.

Room For Improvement

These issues have been raised since the RGB30's first impressions and are still relevant today. Considering what some other people have done with the form factor in the year since it was released, Powkiddy could make things more relatable with a 2.0 edition.

  • Analog Sticks: The RGB30's analog sticks are unquestionably fine, but the user is left wanting due to their limited range. Adding good (and currently inexpensive) hall sticks might significantly improve the quality of life for both users who may prefer them for older games and games that require them, even on a console where the D-Pad (which could also use some improvement) may be used more frequently.
  • That Dang Battery: The RGB30's batteries are unreliable, and that cannot be avoided. The battery in the RGB30 is crazy, whether due to design flaws, hardware problems, software problems, or a mix of the three. Many users, including myself, have encountered issues with correct charging, misleading life indications, sleep drains, unexpected percentage drains, etc., even though failure reports don't seem typical. In summary, they're simply wonky, as I mentioned. This leads us to...
  • Plastics: All of these gadgets are known to be inexpensive, but that doesn't mean they have to feel that way. The fact that its shell feels nearly like e-waste cannot be avoided. It is undoubtedly possible to make improvements without drastically raising expenses. Budget-friendly plastic devices, such as the recently released K36, demonstrate this is possible without going over budget.
  • Heat Management: Longer play sessions can cause the gadget to get pretty warm, depending on how hard you push the processor. This might contribute to some of the battery problems, and it can't be healthy for the handheld's lifespan.
  • Rattle n' Roll: When moving the device about in play, there is a perceptible rattle due to the loose fit on the triggers. It causes your brain to pause and wonder if something shaky exists in the case.

Hoping Against the Odds: My Ideal Additions

Powkiddy could produce an RGB30 rev2 if the previously specified bases are met, but what about an actual 2.0 device? In addition to fixing the shortcomings of the original design, I want to see Powkiddy take a bold approach with a second-generation product.

  • Real Triggers: A complement to the enhanced hall sticks. This kind of design can work with full analog triggers, as the RG Cube demonstrated, and the RGB30 would be enhanced with a similar implementation.
  • Rounding?: One of the things that, in my opinion, makes the RGB30 memorable and entertaining is its flat appearance. Even though it is unexpectedly more comfortable than first impressions suggest, there is a need for improvement. Firm grips like those seen on the RG35XX H and a minor bump-out rounding on the rear might make a big difference.
  • Let's Get Bezel-less: As it stands, the RGB30's screen is excellent. I believe there is potential for a few minor enhancements. Without increasing the resolution of the small-scale screen, the screen size might be expanded to fit the case's physical bezels, but while we're here, we might as well do it. If things go out of control, we might even get an OLED. Consider the impact that seemingly insignificant size change had on the Steam Deck.
  • A New Rockchip: As I indicated above, Linux is a better environment for this device format than Android. It's just what I like and what I believe to be the most effective. Even though it's still a ways off, we're reaching for the moon, so perhaps an RK3588 implementation will be able to smooth down any previously stuttering encounters and even make it into the final 4:3 native generation.

Conclusions

A year after its launch, the Powkiddy RGB30 is still well-liked by the community because of its distinctive features and affordable price. It is still in use today, even though many of its competitors have since come and gone. I latch on when something in this setting strikes a chord, and this has undoubtedly been the case since I first held Powkiddy's odd little squared wonder.

We are pleading with you, Powkiddy, to listen to us. We are your 1:1 wonder's admirers. Update the gadget and consider user concerns. To push us over the edge, perhaps some fresh colours? Then, to establish them as the 1:1 monarchs with a blend of flair and oddity that we all adore, it's time for a full-on 2.0 system. I'm sure you're the one who can get it properly because you came so close the first time.