PowKiddy RGB30 Starter Guide

PowKiddy RGB30 Starter Guide

Last updated: 31MAR2024 (see Changelog for details)

The PowKiddy RGB30 has quickly become one of my favorite budget handhelds. It has a wonderful 720p screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio, which makes it perfectly suited for emulating a variety of retro systems. It’s also comfortable and affordable — only $90 retail with free shipping!

This guide will help you get set up with the device, from the very basics to some of my favorite advanced settings.

Buy one here:
PowKiddy website (use code “retrogamecorps” for 5% off your order)
AliExpress (frequently has sales/coupons)
Amazon (more expensive but faster shipping and easy returns)

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JELOS x86 (PC) Guide

JELOS x86 (PC) Guide

Last updated: 02OCT2023 (see Changelog for details)

JELOS (Just Enough Linux OS) is a custom operating system that is generally associated with lower-end hardware, but they also have an x86 (PC) build that works on any number of PCs, including handhelds. In this guide I’ll walk you through the steps of getting set up, and some of the nuances of this setup.

Our example device for this guide is the Loki Zero.

Buy a Loki Zero

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PowKiddy X55 Starter Guide

PowKiddy X55 Starter Guide

Last updated: 31MAR2024 (see Changelog for details)

The PowKiddy X55 is a surprisingly good handheld, at an affordable price. It features a beautiful 5.5″ 720p display, decent performance up through N64, Saturn, and Dreamcast, and has official custom Linux firmware that makes the device run like a dream. It’s in a magical category where it gets many things right and doesn’t have any dealbreakers.

This guide will help you get set up with the device, from the very basics to some of my favorite advanced settings.

Buy one here:
Official PowKiddy store (use code “retrogamecorps” for 5% off your order)
AliExpress listing

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Anbernic RG552 Epic Retro Gaming Guide

Anbernic RG552 Epic Retro Gaming Guide

Last updated: 31MAR2024

It’s no secret that the Anbernic RG552 is an expensive device. At its initial starting retail price of $227, it can be disappointing that it’s not powerful enough to run GameCube or PlayStation 2 at acceptable levels (thankfully, as of 2024 it can be found for about $175 on sale). Even with that in mind, there are some aspects of this device that really shine — namely its screen and overall feel when it comes to d-pad-centric gaming — and so in this guide I’m going to walk you through all the little tweaks and tricks I use to get the most out of this device.

At the end of the day, the Anbernic RG552 is one of my favorite consoles for RETRO (i.e. 32-bit and below) gaming, and with these tweaks, I think you might agree.

Buy one here (AliExpress)
or via Anbernic.com
or via Amazon Prime (more expensive but fast shipping)

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Anbernic RG552 Custom Firmware Guide

Anbernic RG552 Custom Firmware Guide

Several months into its lifecycle, the Anbernic RG552 finally has some great options when it comes to improving the user experience. Let’s take a look at three different firmware options (two on Linux, and one on Android) which will give you better gameplay performance and some nice quality of life upgrades, too.

Buy one here:
AliExpress ($227 before sales)
Amazon Prime ($249 with fast shipping)

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