Borrowing colour schemes from Nintendo is a great way to create interest in a handheld, and PowKiddy have done that with their Q90 handheld. The PowKiddy Q90 is an ARM9 machine in a familiar (ahem) turquoise shell and it’ll be shipping this month. Oh, did I mention PowKiddy Q90 looks like a Switch Lite Mini?
After speaking with the folks at PowKiddy it looks like this runs on familiar hardware. The rep told me that the CPU is a QuanZhi F1, so it’s probably an AllWinner F1C100S. This is the same chip found in the PocketGo V1 and is a fairly capable CPU for older generation consoles. It’s probably running the same NxHope firmware as the PocketGo, which is very good and has some community development too. Although they claim PS1 emulation is possible, it’s unlikely that many games will run well. This is assuming they gave me the correct CPU information though!
The PowKiddy Q90 has the similar chunky aesthetics as the LDK Landscape, but it has smoother rounded corners and a more playful look. It has a removable battery, and it’ll apparently have a rumble motor that works in PS1, GBA and NES games.
Production of the PowKiddy Q90 is in progress and it will begin shipping before the end of December. For $50 it’s a tough sell, especially considering the PocketGo v1 is still available. If you’re after something more powerful, the RG350, PGv2 and GKD 350H are the obvious choices. But if you like The PowKiddy Q90’s Nintendo-esque looks and don’t mind the price then it should be a fairly decent handheld.
The PowKiddy Q90 is available at AliExpress for just under $50 now.
I think it’s a fantastic handheld for the price (I paid it €36). The arcade games are simulated with FBA, any idea where to find running ROMs? Almost none of what I tried did work.
Thanks
For mame4all i think you need 0.37b5 romset.
fba a320 uses mame 0.126 or fba 0.2.96.86.
to be honest, getting those arcade roms to work is a right pain. best of luck! 😀
Even without a JZ47xx cpu, I think the form factor makes it worth the 50 USD. I really like sleek design, button layout, low profile analog stick, type c connector, and the ease of access to the battery. The only thing it’s missing for me is a second set of shoulder buttons and a functional TV aux out. I already own several Chinese systems and already ordered the black PlayGo, but I may get this is as well if the reviews are good.
I’d rather have the X18 for more $.
Well yeah, but it’s double the price and a totally different kind of machine. I know what you’re saying though, the Q90 doesn’t represent very good value for money compared to other consoles available now.
It’s not that at all, $50 to me seems a fair price given what is on offer. It’s the screen size. For me even the 5.5″ screen of the X18 is too small, but it’s workable. 3″ screen is just to small.
screen size has never bothered me really. the 2″ screen in the retromini was a bit on the small side, but i can deal with 2.6″ and above no bother. for me a 5.5″ screen makes the device too big. 4″ is probably the sweet spot (that’s what she said hur hur).
So ultimately you’re paying more than an LDK Landscape for worse performance?
I did say it was a tough sell
3 inch screen is an improvement over pocketgo v1
0.6 of an inch… every little helps i guess.
please review Powkiddy Q90!!