PowKiddy A20 Review: A Budget Android Handheld for Retro Gaming

Overview

The PowKiddy A20 is a vertical handheld gaming device running Android, designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 640x480 resolution, powered by an Amlogic S905D3 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 1.91 GHz, paired with a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU and 2 GB of DDR4 RAM. The device includes 8 GB of internal storage, expandable via MicroSD, and a 3000 mAh battery. Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C OTG, and Micro HDMI output. It supports emulation up to N64, PSP, and Dreamcast.

Key Specs Highlights

• Processor: Amlogic S905D3 (4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.91 GHz)
• GPU: Mali-G31 MP2 @ 800 MHz
• RAM: 2 GB DDR4
• Storage: 8 GB internal + MicroSD expansion
• Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 640x480, 4:3, 60Hz
• Battery: 3000 mAh
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C OTG, Micro HDMI
• Audio: Mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
• OS: Android
• Dimensions: 87 x 140 x 19 mm, 185 g

Who It Is For

The PowKiddy A20 is ideal for retro gamers looking for an affordable, portable Android handheld that can handle classic systems up to N64, PSP, and Dreamcast. Its vertical form factor and 4:3 screen make it particularly suitable for older console and arcade games. It's a good choice for those who prefer Android's flexibility and app ecosystem.

Buying Notes

The PowKiddy A20 was released in November 2021 with a launch price of $110, typically retailing between $100 and $150. It is made of plastic and available in black. Note that the device has a mono speaker and no active cooling. For better performance in higher-end emulation, consider devices with more powerful chipsets, but for its price range, the A20 offers good value.