PowKiddy A30 Review: A Budget Retro Handheld for 2D Gaming
PowKiddy · 2021-11-01
The PowKiddy A30 is a compact, budget-friendly retro gaming handheld powered by an Allwinner F1C200S chip with 64 MB RAM. It features a 2.8-inch IPS display (320x240) and runs open-source software. Ideal for 2D retro games up to PS1, but struggles with 3D titles.
Overview
The PowKiddy A30 is a small, horizontal retro gaming handheld released in November 2021. It uses the Allwinner F1C200S processor (ARM926EJ-S, 628 MHz) with a 2D accelerator GPU and 64 MB LPDDR2 RAM. The device runs open-source firmware and stores games on a MicroSD card. Its 2.8-inch IPS screen has a 4:3 aspect ratio and 320x240 resolution. The handheld is made of plastic, weighs 120 grams, and measures 136 x 72 x 19 mm. It has a 1200 mAh battery, mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack, and comes in a white translucent color. No video output, vibration, or connectivity features are included.
Key Specs Highlights
- CPU: Allwinner F1C200S (ARM926EJ-S, 628 MHz, 1 core 1 thread)
- GPU: 2D accelerator
- RAM: 64 MB LPDDR2
- Display: 2.8-inch IPS, 320x240, 60Hz, 142.86 PPI
- Storage: External MicroSD
- Battery: 1200 mAh
- Weight: 120 g
- Price: ~$50
Who It Is For
The PowKiddy A30 is for retro gaming enthusiasts on a tight budget who primarily enjoy 2D games from systems like the SNES (most run at 60 FPS) and 2D PS1 titles (most run well, though not all at full speed). It is not suitable for 3D games, as performance will be poor. The device is also good for tinkerers who like open-source firmware.
Buying Notes
Priced around $50, the PowKiddy A30 is an entry-level handheld. It lacks modern features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or video out. The plastic build is lightweight but may feel less premium. Ensure you have a MicroSD card for game storage. Performance is adequate for 2D retro gaming but limited for anything beyond.
| CPU | ARM926EJ-S |
|---|---|
| GPU | 2D accelerator |
| RAM | 64 MB LPDDR2 |
| Name | PowKiddy A30 |
| Alias | 泡机堂A30 |
| Brand | PowKiddy |
| Weight | 120 g |
| Battery | 1200 mAh |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | External MicroSD |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | Allwinner F1C200S |
| Body Color | White translucent |
| Dimensions | 136 mm x 72 mm x 19 mm |
| Screen PPI | 142.86 |
| Price Range | $0 - $50 |
| Screen Size | 2.8 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Launch Price | $50 |
| Release Date | 2021 / 11 |
| Screen Ratio | 4:3 |
| CPU Frequency | 628 MHz |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Operating System | Open source system |
| Screen Resolution | 320 x 240 |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 1 core 1 thread |
| Emulator Game Support | Most SNES runs at 60 FPS, most 2D PS1 runs well (not all at 60 FPS), but cannot smoothly play 3D games |