It was previously rumoured that the Super Retro Game handheld released back in November was a prototype. There were plans to release the official device complete with a real d-pad at a later date. Although nobody seems to know (or is willing to tell) the real story behind this device, it looks as though the d-pad version has finally been released. Sort of.
On one of the official PowKiddy stores on AliExpress, this listing recently went up. It’s the Super Retro Game aka the Pandora Games Mini (re-branded as the PowKiddy A19). Take your pick of names. And it ships with a separate d-pad.
It would be reasonable to assume that these are the same units available since November and PowKiddy are just reluctant to disassemble units to retrofit a d-pad. But there have been hardware revisions since then that fix bugs and add features. Bluetooth now works, and there is a built in (highly dubious) marketplace from which you can directly download ROMs. I’m not sure why they decided to ship the d-pad seperately instead of fitting it. But this is a win-win for PowKiddy. Not only can they add $7 to the price, but they can also blame the customer’s meddling if a unit ends up being defective. I am being cynical, but only half.
If you already have the unit, you can also purchase the d-pad seperately for $7. Take your pick of black or turqouise, and be careful!
Cynicism aside, the Super Retro Game handheld isn’t a bad machine. If you’re in to playing Arcade ROMs you could do worse than this quad core 1.3Ghz Android powered machine. The six face buttons are perfectly placed for Capcom fighting games, and the user friendly interface makes it a good choice for the not so tech savvy and younger gamers.
You can grab the “new” version of this handheld from AliExpress right now, and it’s available in three colours.
Please don’t pull an ETA. The logo was “Pandora Games Mini.” I had a conversation with the graphic designer that made the logo and while I don’t know why the S was made so big, “Game S” is a stretch. PowKiddy also doesn’t have the d-pad components that they are trying to sell (which seems to be their business model), nor will they have the dual boot version.
Believe me when I say “Pulling an ETA” was the last thing I wanted to do. I’ve modified the text.
I think your cynicism is probably well-justified, but for the sake of arcade and Genesis games I do wish more portables had a six-button layout.
is it easy to add our own games? (directories not crypted?)
I own this and it has the d-pad on it and if you dont know the english game names their store is useless as its butchered english translated titles and as far as i know you cant add your own games….one tip if you want ps and such games better get a big sd card becuase they give you some empty space but but not enough …… ……
This is a good thing. A welcome gesture at the very least.