The HardKernel Odroid-Go Super Promises Big Improvements

In January it’ll be a year since HardKernel surprised us all with their DIY handheld based on the RockChip RK3326. Since then we’ve been inundated with Chinese versions which in most cases make very little improvements to HK’s original design. 2021 will see the release of the HardKernel Odroid-Go Super (OGS) which promises some real improvements, though maybe not the ones we were hoping for.

If you were hoping for a bump in specs, I’m sorry to disappoint you. The OGS will contain the same CPU/RAM config as its predecessor. The RockChip RK3326 was first used in the OGA back in January 2020, and since then it’s been used in a whole load of Chinese machines including Anbernic’s RG351P.

OGS LCD DISPLAY

But raw power aside, the OGS does include some decent upgrades compared to all prior machines. First and foremost, that dinky 3.5″ display has been replaced for a 5″ widescreen LCD with a resolultion of 854×480. Unless that’s a typo, it’s a rather unusual choice of resolution. It results in a screen with a ratio a smidge wider than 7:4.

OGS Retro Gaming Handheld

For classic systems such as the N64, PS1, SNES and Mega Drive it means we’ll be able to use 2x integer scaling and utilise almost the full height of the display. It will of course mean that there will be large black borders on the left and right hand side though. GBA will integer scale 3x and look great with side borders. Dreamcast has a 480px vertical resolution so should also look awesome. For systems such as PSP (272 vertical) and GBA (160 vertical) other non-integer scaling methods will need to be used for a full height image.

OGS CONTROLS AND I/O

HardKernel have also addressed some issues with the control scheme of the original OGA. The inclusion of dual analog sticks this time is likely to keep people happy, and a dedicated volume rocker has also been included.

HardKernel Odroid-Go Super

Real L2/R2 buttons have also been added, and the device comes with USB-C charging by default this time. The USB host port has been kept, as has the expansion port.

The top edge of the OGS also contains a standard 3.5mm headphone port.

OGS WIFI AND BATTERY

The battery in the Hardkernel Odroid-Go Super will be increased by 1000mAh to 4000mAh. Aside from the fact there is more space in this case for a battery, the increase in capacity is probably required to accommodate the larger LCD. Oh, and to power an external WiFi / Bluetooth dongle.

Back of the Odroid Go Super

Yes, unfortunately the OGS does not come equipped with WiFi or Bluetooth onboard. You’ll have to use the USB host port if you want to add it yourself. According to the release notes, the battery will allow for a vague “several hours” of playtime dependent on backlight brightness.

RELEASE DATE AND OTHER BITS

Unlike the original OGA, the HardKernel Odroid-Go Super will not be shipped in a kit. The OGS will ship out pre-assembled in a choice of two colours – transparent and grey. You can expect the first shipments in January next year, almost exactly a year since their original handheld.

HardKernel Odroid-Go Super OGS Handheld

Whilst it’s great to see HardKernel return to the handheld arena, it’s a real shame that they haven’t pushed the capability of the device with a new, faster processor. On a positive note, it looks as though they might be in to handheld manufacturing long term now. Perhaps this time next year we’ll be seeing them announce another new device with better performance. In the mean time, brace yourselves for another year of Chinese clones with 5 inch screens in them.

The OGS is due for general release in January next year, and will cost $80. More info can be found at the official forums.

11 thoughts on “The HardKernel Odroid-Go Super Promises Big Improvements”

  1. No reason to be hyped, IMHO.

    HardKernel has been known for being lazy, considering they released a newer version of OGA after the RK2020 was released, with so minor improvements in quality they were basically zero.

    5″ is an overkill for retrogaming emulation, given that odd ratio doesn’t fit all.

    That’s a huge pass for me

    Reply
  2. This is much better than the dinky screened offerings that have been filtering out in the last few years. The clear chassis looks good! I’d prefer stereo front firing speakers though. But the screen is solid! This will work for a ton of systems scaled up.Question is, will this be Android based? If so, will it be able to install APKs so we can choose our own emulators? The SOC chipset is certainly capable of Android so it will be interesting to see what develops..

    Reply
  3. 480p: YES
    Grey color: Yuck.
    Clear: Better, but boring. Prefer RG350P dark clear.
    Buttons: They look kinda good but kinda cheap judging by the pics alone. Hopefully they at least feel good.
    Specs: I’ll wait for the CM4 handheld confirmed by ETA Prime and maybe other inevitable CM4 handhelds if that one isnt good enough.

    We’re getting closer to perfection though!! Its gonna take the Odroid people another year though. Only time will tell if CM4 handhelds reach their target audience first, cause if it does, Odroid won’t stand a chance.

    Reply
  4. So to your point about being able to upscale on some emulators, wont that mean more processing power required, and therefore possibly some degredation in performance?

    Reply

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