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G33 Handheld Preview: $31 Retro-Inspired Gaming with RGB Flair

Hey fam! 👋


Every now and then, a handheld pops up that is not trying to outgun a Steam Deck or an ROG Ally. Instead, it is just here to be fun, affordable, and maybe a little bit flashy. That is the G33 in a nutshell: a $31 retro machine that mixes bright RGB lighting, classic gaming vibes, and a surprisingly thoughtful design.


First Impressions & Colors

You get three flavors here: green, white, and black.

  • Green has that “game room in the 90s” energy — bold, slightly loud, and perfect for standing out on a crowded shelf.

  • White gives off a clean, minimalist vibe that feels more modern and Apple-esque.

  • Black? That’s the stealth gamer look — blends in anywhere but still lets the RGB lighting show off when the lights go down.

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Front and center is a 4.3 inch IPS display with an 800×480 resolution. It is crisp enough for retro gaming and has good viewing angles for couch co-op or passing the device to a friend.


Running EmuELEC 4.7, the G33 boots straight into a retro-focused interface, making it beginner friendly.


Specs That Fit the Price

Inside, we have the Rockchip RK3128 processor paired with 4 GB RAM and 4 GB internal storage (just enough for the OS). You will rely on the microSD card slot for games, supporting up to 256 GB cards — plenty for retro collections.

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Battery life is handled by a 2000 mAh pack, charged via USB-C at 5V/2A. You even get Wi-Fi support, though the listing does not confirm the speed. It is probably 2.4 GHz, which is fine for scraping box art or grabbing game metadata without wires.

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Controls & Comfort

This is where the G33 starts to feel like a throwback:

  • 4 way D-pad that feels like it belongs on an old-school PlayStation

  • ABXY face buttons for those SNES-style layouts

  • Dual analog sticks placed below, PlayStation-style, for better ergonomics

  • Stacked L1/L2 and R1/R2 buttons (non-analog) on the shoulders — classic PS1 layout vibes

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You also get Start and Select tucked neatly above and inward from the main buttons, and downward firing stereo speakers for sound that actually points toward you instead of your lap.

The back panel rocks a carbon fiber texture (fake but still cool) and slightly ergonomic grips, so it does not feel like holding a flat brick during long sessions.


Ports & Extra Surprises

The top edge is where the action is:

  • Volume up and down buttons

  • Mini HDMI port for TV or monitor play

  • Two USB-C ports — one for OTG/DC, one for Host

  • Power switch

  • MicroSD card slot

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The sides and bottom? Clean and port-free.


Now here’s the bonus that made me do a double-take: in the box, you get a full-size HDMI to HDMI cable. At this price point, that is wild. In fact, I cannot remember another handheld under $50 that ships with one.

Also included:

  • G33 handheld wrapped in a protective white bag

  • Small manual

  • USB-A to USB-C cable for charging

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Value & Who This is For

At $31.14 (non affiliate AliExpress link), the G33 is not going to run Dreamcast or PSP at full speed. But if you want NES, SNES, Genesis, and PlayStation 1 with a side of RGB flair, it is a fun pickup. It is also small enough to toss in a bag without worrying too much about damage.


💬 Join the conversation in the Handheld Hodgepodge and let us know which color you would grab and what games you would load first.


Until next time! 👋


P’Nick ✨

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