R40S Retro Gaming Handheld Review - The Powkiddy RGB30 Clone featuring broken controls

Summary

The R40s handheld gaming console is critiqued in this video, with a focus on its similarities to the highly praised Pal's RGB3. Despite boasting a budget-friendly price point and a sleek design, the R40s falls short due to its unresponsive controls and a poorly optimized stock firmware. While it offers a decent display and battery life, the out-of-the-box experience is marred by control issues that require DIY fixes with tape, and a confusing firmware setup that detracts from the overall user experience.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The R40s is a budget handheld gaming device with a joystick-centered design and a starting price of $50.
• 🔍 It features the RK3566 chip, which theoretically allows access to some Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast games, but struggles with performance out of the box.
• 📱 The device includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, 1 GB of RAM, and a 4-inch 720x720 display.
• 🔋 It has a 4,000 milliamp battery, weighs over 200 g, and comes with two micro SD card slots for expandable storage.
• 🎨 The R40s has an appealing red and white color scheme but suffers from poor build quality in the controls.
• ❌ The D-pad and face buttons are unresponsive and sink into the shell, causing frequent missed inputs.
• 🛠️ The shoulder buttons R1 and L1 are nearly unusable without modification, such as applying tape to improve their responsiveness.
• 📺 The device comes with a mini HDMI output and lacks front-facing speakers, opting for down-facing ones instead.
• 📱 The stock firmware, based on Aros, has several issues including incorrect screen ratio settings and missing BIOS files.
• 🛠️ Despite the out-of-the-box issues, there is potential for a good handheld if users are willing to modify and optimize the device.
• 🚫 The R40s is not recommended as a budget alternative to the Powkiddy RGB3 due to its control and firmware issues.

Q & A

What is the R40s handheld device and what is its significance in the context of the video?

The R40s is a budget square screen handheld gaming device that is being compared to the Pal's RGB3 in the video. It is significant as it is an attempt to provide a budget-friendly alternative with similar features but has some notable issues with its controls and firmware.

What is the RK3566 chip and why is it important for the R40s?

The RK3566 is a chipset used in the R40s, which in theory should allow it to access some Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast games. It is important because it determines the device's gaming capabilities.

What are the main issues with the R40s's controls according to the video?

The main issues with the R40s's controls are that the D-pad and face buttons sink into the shell with the slightest pressure, causing missed inputs. The R1 and L1 shoulder buttons are nearly unusable out of the box, requiring modification with tape to function properly.

What is the battery capacity of the R40s and how does it perform?

The R40s has a 4,000 milliamp battery, which should provide decent battery life. However, the video does not provide specific details on the battery's performance.

What are the display specifications of the R40s and how is the display quality perceived in the video?

The R40s features a 4-inch 720x720 display. The video mentions that the display is 'admittedly beautiful,' indicating that the quality is perceived positively.

How does the R40s compare to the Pal's RGB3 in terms of control layout and design?

The R40s has a joystick-centered design similar to the RGB3 but with some differences such as the position of the start and select buttons, and the orientation of the speakers. The control layout is flipped compared to the RGB3, and the R40s lacks front-facing speakers.

What are the audio issues mentioned in the video regarding the R40s's firmware?

The video mentions that the R40s has audio issues due to missing BIOS files, which cause emulators to run slow and are not optimized for the Nintendo 64 setups.

What modifications are suggested in the video to improve the R40s's controls?

The video suggests applying layers of tape to the R1 and L1 shoulder buttons to raise them enough to register a button press, as well as potentially applying tape to other controls to improve their responsiveness.

What is the weight of the R40s and how does it feel in terms of build quality?

The R40s weighs just over 200 grams. The video describes the build quality as initially giving a good first impression but feeling 'okay' upon touching the controls due to the issues with the buttons sinking into the shell.

What are the connectivity features of the R40s mentioned in the video?

The R40s has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, which are tucked away in the tools section of the firmware but are relatively easy to set up and use.

What is the reviewer's final verdict on the R40s compared to the Pal's RGB3?

The reviewer concludes that the R40s is a disappointment due to its terrible out-of-the-box controls and confusing stock firmware setup. They suggest that a better alternative would be to get the Pal's RGB3 instead.

Outlines

00:00

🎮 R40s Handheld Gaming Console Overview

The script introduces the R40s handheld gaming console, comparing it to the Pal's RGB3 due to their similar joystick-centered design and color schemes. It highlights the R40s' budget-friendly price point, starting at $50, and its RK3566 chip, which theoretically allows access to some Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast games, though the device struggles with performance out of the box. The R40s comes with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 1GB of RAM, a 4-inch 720x720 display, a 4,000 milliamp battery, and weighs over 200g. The script also notes the unoptimized firmware and the device's physical design, including the control layout and the lack of front-facing speakers.

05:01

🔧 R40s Controls and Firmware Issues

This paragraph delves into the R40s' control issues, describing the unresponsive D-pad and face buttons that sink into the shell, leading to missed inputs. The joysticks are noted as the most reliable controls, while the R1 and L1 shoulder buttons are nearly unusable without modification. The script also criticizes the out-of-the-box firmware, which includes an unoptimized version of Aros with several annoyances and quirks, such as incorrect screen ratio settings and missing BIOS files that affect emulator performance.

10:05

🎵 Audio and Gameplay Experience

The script mentions audio and gameplay elements, though the actual content related to this is missing from the provided text. It seems to suggest that there will be gameplay footage and a return to the discussion of the R40s' features and performance after a segment of applause and music.

15:43

🚫 Disappointments with the R40s Handheld

The final paragraph concludes the review by expressing disappointment in the R40s due to its poor out-of-the-box controls and confusing firmware setup. It suggests that with effort, the device has potential, but a better alternative already exists in Pal's RGB 30. The script ends with a thanks for watching and a sign-off with music.

Keywords

💡R40s

The R40s is the subject of the video, a budget handheld gaming device that the script discusses in detail. It is compared to another device, the Pal's RGB3, indicating that it is a gaming console that can be carried around. The script mentions various aspects of the R40s, from its design and controls to its performance, making it a central concept in the video.

💡Imitation

Imitation is referenced in the context of the R40s being similar to another product, suggesting that it is a form of flattery in the world of product design. The term is used to set the stage for a comparison between the R40s and the RGB3, highlighting the theme of the video as an evaluation of the R40s' design and functionality in relation to another product.

💡RK3566

The RK3566 is a chipset mentioned in the script, which is the same as the one used in the Pal's RGB3. It is significant because it theoretically allows the R40s to access certain game libraries, such as Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast, although the script points out that the R40s struggles with this out of the box. This keyword is crucial for understanding the technical specifications and potential capabilities of the R40s.

💡Budget Handheld

The term 'budget handheld' describes the R40s as an affordable portable gaming device. It is used to set expectations about the product's price point and market positioning. The script mentions the R40s being available for as low as $50, which is an important aspect of its appeal to potential buyers looking for an affordable gaming option.

💡Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are features of the R40s that enable connectivity, which is an important aspect of modern gaming devices. The script notes that these features work well on the R40s, indicating that despite some shortcomings, it does offer some modern conveniences that are expected in handheld gaming devices.

💡720x720 Display

The '720x720 display' refers to the resolution of the R40s' screen, which is a key aspect of the device's visual output quality. The script describes it as 'admittedly beautiful,' suggesting that despite other issues, the display is of high quality and contributes positively to the user experience.

💡Unoptimized

The term 'unoptimized' is used to describe the version of the R OS that comes with the R40s. It implies that the software is not fully refined or efficient, leading to a less than ideal user experience out of the box. This is a significant point of criticism in the script, as it affects the overall performance and usability of the device.

💡Controls

Controls are a central aspect of the video, as they are the primary means of interaction with the R40s. The script discusses the quality and responsiveness of the controls, highlighting issues such as the D-pad sinking into the shell and the shoulder buttons being nearly unusable without modification. The controls are a major point of disappointment in the video's critique of the R40s.

💡Shoulder Buttons

Shoulder buttons are a specific type of control on the R40s that the script criticizes for their poor performance out of the box. They are described as requiring modification with tape to function properly, which is a significant issue that affects the gameplay experience and the overall usability of the device.

💡Aros

Aros is the operating system mentioned in the script that the R40s uses, which has some issues out of the box. The script suggests that while Aros itself is a solid base, the version on the R40s has several annoyances and quirks that need to be addressed. Understanding Aros is important for evaluating the software aspect of the R40s.

💡Gameplay Footage

The term 'gameplay footage' refers to the video clips shown in the script that demonstrate how the R40s performs when playing games. It serves as a visual example of the device's capabilities and issues, such as the responsiveness of the controls and the quality of the display during actual use.

Highlights

The r40s handheld is compared to the Pal's RGB3, suggesting a possible imitation.

It features a joystick-centered design and new color schemes.

The r40s is priced as low as $50 during sales, making it a budget option.

Equipped with the RK3566 chip, it theoretically supports some Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast games.

The handheld struggles with performance right out of the box, particularly with Nintendo DS games.

Includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 1GB of RAM, and a 4-inch 720x720 display.

The battery life is decent with a 4,000 milliamp capacity.

The r40s weighs just over 200g, making it relatively lightweight.

The device comes with an unoptimized version of the R OS.

Control layout is flipped compared to the RGB3, with an emphasis on start and select buttons.

Lacks front-facing speakers, opting for down-facing ones instead.

The shoulder buttons are of poor quality, causing missed inputs.

The face buttons also sink into the shell, affecting responsiveness.

The joysticks are reliable despite the other control issues.

R1 and L1 shoulder buttons are nearly unusable without modification.

The firmware setup is confusing and not optimized out of the box.

Video out works well but requires a restart for external screens.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are functional but located in the tools section.

The r40s is a disappointment due to poor controls and firmware setup.

There is potential for a good handheld if users are willing to modify the controls.

The r40s could have been a budget alternative to the RGB3 but falls short.

Transcripts

[Music]

hey everyone so another day another

handheld with this one being the

r40s as Oscar wild once said imitation

is the sincerest form of flattery and if

that is indeed the case Pal's rgb3 must

be extremely flattered by the r40s here

we do have a joystick centered design

some new color schemes as well as some

other differences here and there one or

two which could potentially be argued

for better I guess while the v majority

being for much much worse we'll cover

all those later but essentially we've

got another budget Square screen

handheld coming in as low as $50 during

the recent Choice Day sales so to the

surprise of No One the r40s sports the

same chip as the paly rgb3 with the RK

3566 this would in theory give us access

to some but not all of the Nintendo 64

and Dreamcast catalogs except for the

fact that the r40s struggles straight

out the box with those capping in around

the Nintendo DS catalog otherwise we've

got Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 1 gig of RAM an

admittedly beautiful 4in 720x 720

display a pretty decent 4,000 milliamp

battery a weight of just over 200 g and

a pretty heavily unoptimized version of

the otherwise great R straight out of

the box so rather than bringing up the

rgb3 comparison over and and over again

I just thought I'd compare them

essentially side by side during my first

impression section we of course have the

control layout flipped as well as a

great emphasis to the start and select

buttons while unfortunately dropping the

front-facing speakers in favor of having

them downfacing here from the top down

view we've got some truly terrible

shoulder buttons as well as the volume

buttons that have been swapped around a

mini HDMI output as well as the reset

and power buttons

from the underneath view we've got the

speaker grills two USBC ports the

headphone jack as well as two micro SD

card slots overall the r40s red and

white color scheme does look great to me

but it does feel okay initially too and

gives a pretty good first impression

that is of course until you actually

touch the controls unfortunately there's

no getting around the fact that the

controls of the r40s are by far the

biggest disappointment of the whole

handheld the D pared while having a good

feel to it physically sinks terribly

into the Shell with the slightest amount

of pressure and this causes missed

inputs on incredibly regular basis

making it feel not very responsive at

all the face buttons suffer from a very

similar fate sinking straight into the

Shell with the tiniest amount of

pressure applied making them near

impossible to react to button mashing

but at the very least feel more

responsive to the d-pad I was still

missing the odd input with the face

buttons but on a much smaller scale when

compared to the

d-pad the joysticks despite being the

standard switch style sticks are easily

the most reliable of all the controls

with the biggest disappointment by far

being the R1 and L1 shoulder buttons

these things straight out of the box

must have registered once every 10 or so

presses and that's being generous

they're that bad and gave no indication

of a button press at all they're

essentially unusable straight out of the

box and pretty much require you to open

the handheld up and apply some layers of

tape to them to be able to raise them

high enough to actually be able to

register a button press how on Earth

this was missed is beyond me and it's

incredibly disappointing as it

completely ruins the control scheme I

actually opened my r40s up as I assumed

mine must have just arrived broken but

unfortunately the switches themselves

are so thin and aimed at such an angle

that the plastic of the button simply

struggles to reach them straight out of

the box what's ridiculous is the

controls fa so much better with some

layers of tape applied to pretty much

all of the inputs and it's such an easy

fix that it's just so frustrating that

this was missed in the first place so

essentially unless you're prepared to

jump in and apply layers of tape to

pretty much all of the controls yourself

the outof the boox controls for the r40s

are absolutely

terrible additionally disappointing is

the out ofthe boox stock firmware this

seems to be a build of Aros which in

itself is a great OS but the version the

r40s come shipped with unfortunately has

a few annoyances and quirks firstly some

of the systems are set up as if the

screen has a 4x3 ratio instead of it's 1

by one so on the one by one systems like

Game Gear or Game Boy Color you've got

to jump into vetro AR and change the

video configs yourself to make the most

out of its good screen otherwise there's

some audio issues all sorts of missing

bias files that causes emulators to

unslow and completely unoptimal jast

Nintendo 64 setups the actual Aros base

is solid at least so those who are

prepared to Tinker can and will get

better results but it's certainly a

disappointing outof the Box experience

initially thankfully the video out works

well although you do need to restart the

handheld or start it up fresh plugged

into your external screen Bluetooth and

Wi-Fi work well although they are tucked

away in the tools section of R but are

relatively easy to set up and play so

I'll cut some gameplay footage now and

suiz back up at the end

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Applause]

let's

[Applause]

go let's go

[Applause]

[Music]

St e

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he

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he

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what

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yeah e

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a

a

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[Applause]

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[Applause]

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ha

take

[Music]

[Laughter]

[Laughter]

ha

get ready fight

wow

black two

[Applause]

up and left up and left

come

[Music]

[Applause]

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on you

okay

get this

so overall the r40s is a disappointment

what could have easily been a budget

friendly alternative to Pal Kitty's rgb3

is absolutely hampered by its terrible

out of the boox controls and the

confusing stock firmware setup just

completely ruins its good first

impressions if you're willing to put in

the work there is a potential for a good

handheld here but you can easily just

get a much better alternative with with

Pal's RGB 30 well that's it for now

thanks so much for watching

[Music]