Portable Game Player 5 Review – Budget Big-Screen Retro Gaming That Misses the Mark

P'Nick
Aug 18
4 min read

Hey fam! 👋

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the Portable Game Player 5, a chunky, retro-focused handheld that’s packing a 7-inch display, built-in library, and HDMI output. On paper, it’s the budget PlayStation Portal alternative you’ve never heard of. In reality… well, let’s just say our 0–69 scale tells a pretty revealing story.

Unboxing – 34 / 69

When you first crack open the box, the Portable Game Player 5 greets you with colorful graphics and a reasonably compact layout. The packaging artwork has some personality, but protection is minimal; the device is only lightly cushioned, leaving it vulnerable to knocks during shipping. Inside, you get the handheld itself, a basic USB-C cable, and a 64GB microSD card preloaded with games up to the PS1 era.

The “plug and play” promise is here from the start, but the lack of extras like a proper charger or even a simple screen wipe feels like a missed opportunity.

Internals – 23 / 69

Let’s talk hardware. At the heart is a Rockchip RK3128 paired with a Mali-400 GPU. It’s enough for 8-bit, 16-bit, and most PS1 games, but it’s out of its depth for heavy 3D titles. RAM is a meager 1GB DDR3, which is fine for basic emulation but leaves no room for multitasking or demanding emulators.

The 7-inch display runs at 1024 × 600, which gives us roughly 170 PPI. That’s a huge leap over something like the TrimUI Model S (2-inch, 320 × 240, ~200 PPI), but the Model S’s smaller panel actually looks sharper because of the higher pixel density. The PG5’s screen is immersive but soft-looking when you get up close.

Other specs: no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, USB-C charging at 5V 2A only, a 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, mini HDMI for TV output, and a USB-A port for wired controllers. Oh, and the screen is plastic, so get a protector before you scuff it.

First Impressions – 29 / 69

The PG5 is big, heavy, and surprisingly hollow-sounding when you tap it. That doesn’t inspire confidence in the build quality. The large screen is inviting, but poor viewing angles mean you’ll want to stay centered. The triggers feel cramped and awkward, and the face buttons have a slightly mushy action.

While it tries to channel a “premium retro” vibe, in hand it’s clear this is a budget-first build.

Ease of Use – 39 / 69

Here’s where it wins a few points back. The menu is simple, clean, and easy to navigate, even for someone brand new to retro handhelds. The front-end boots quickly and presents your games clearly, and button prompts are easy to understand. This is the definition of “pick up and play” for someone who just wants to start gaming without tinkering.

Customizability – 20 / 69

Customization is limited to swapping in your own ROMs via microSD. There’s no built-in wireless for downloading content, no custom firmware options worth noting, and the OS itself is locked down. If you’re the type who loves to tweak settings, themes, or emulator options, you’ll hit walls quickly.

Controls – 21 / 69

The joysticks are serviceable for 2D play but lack the refinement for precise 3D control. The R2/L2 triggers are particularly cramped, making longer play sessions uncomfortable. The D-pad is passable but not standout, and overall the control feel reinforces the budget nature of the device.

Value – 28 / 69

This is a tough one. At its low price, the PG5 offers a large screen, TV output, and a preloaded library. For someone who just wants a couch-friendly plug-and-play retro box, it delivers enough to justify itself. But for the more discerning gamer or anyone who values display quality, wireless features, or solid build, the compromises pile up quickly.

Putting It Together

Unboxing (34/69): Fun box art, weak protection, minimal extras.
Internals (23/69): Capable for retro, but weak CPU/GPU and low RAM limit potential.
First Impressions (29/69): Big screen appeal hurt by cheap-feeling build.
Ease of Use (39/69): Straightforward menus and quick setup win points.
Customizability (20/69): Minimal room to make it your own.
Controls (21/69): Functional but awkward for extended play.
Value (28/69): OK for casual retro fans, not for enthusiasts.

Final Score: 28 / 69 — This sits firmly in the “Needs serious improvement” range.

Pros

Large 7-inch display — immersive for casual retro gaming.
Preloaded microSD card — true plug-and-play setup.
HDMI output — turns it into a mini retro console for the TV.

Cons

Low-spec internals — limits beyond the PS1 era.
Cheap build quality — hollow feel, plastic screen, poor viewing angles.
Awkward controls — especially the cramped R2/L2 triggers.

Who Should Consider It

Casual retro gamers who want a cheap, big-screen plug-and-play system for quick nostalgia hits.
Gift buyers looking for an easy-to-use device for kids or non-technical friends.

Who Should Skip It

Enthusiasts who care about high PPI, premium materials, and wireless features.
Tinkerers who want custom firmware, deep emulator settings, or high-end performance.

💬 What do YOU think of the Portable Game Player 5? Let me know in the comment section below or in the correct forum here: สุ่มศูนย์ของ Handheld Hodgepodge.

Until next time! 👋

P’Nick ✨