top of page
Search

Powkiddy V90S Review – Retro Magic or Missed Opportunity?

Hey friends 👋


This past week I’ve been using the Powkiddy V90S, and it’s officially my first ever Powkiddy device! It’s been a fun ride testing it out — it’s nostalgic, quirky, and packed with charm, but it also left me with a few raised eyebrows. So let’s dive into my short-term review and see if this retro clamshell deserves a spot in your collection.

ree

🎁 Unboxing – Score: 39/69

The packaging is classic Powkiddy — yellow-dominant, sturdy, but generic. Inside you’ll find a USB-C cable (sadly short), a screen film (not tempered glass), a super basic manual, and the device itself neatly wrapped. It’s a thoughtful presentation with more included than some premium brands, but nothing to rave about.


⚙️ Internals – Score: 34/69

  • CPU: Allwinner A133 Plus

  • RAM: 1GB DDR3

  • Screen: 3.5-inch 640×480 (4:3 aspect ratio)

  • Battery: 3000mAh (5–6 hours)

  • Charging: USB-C, but limited to 5V 2A

  • WiFi: None built-in (requires USB dongle)

  • Storage: Dual SD card slots, with one supporting up to 256GB


No headphone jack, no sleep mode when closed, no Bluetooth and no dual-position hinge. Functional, but falls short of modern expectations.


✨ First Impressions – Score: 40/69

The device feels well-built — not too heavy, not too light. Buttons are on the mushy side (quiet but satisfying), while start/select/menu are oddly clicky. The screen looks great and boots into Batocera — a big win. But sadly, closing the lid doesn’t sleep the device, which feels like a missed opportunity on a clamshell.


🧭 Ease of Use – Score: 49/69

Batocera makes the experience intuitive, with preloaded games, media playback, and even ebook support. You’ll need to remember simple shortcuts like Start+Select to exit games. One downside: only one USB-C port charges, which could confuse new users. It’s easy to use — but could’ve been easier.


🎨 Customizability – Score: 29/69

No alt firmware support yet, limited accessories, and V90/V90S incompatibilities mean customization is quite limited. That said, it has potential, especially if community support grows. Bonus points for including a basic pouch!


🎮 Controls – Score: 44/69

Stacked shoulders are clicky; face buttons are quiet and responsive. But no L3/R3 means some included games are unplayable. While it's missing analog sticks, it’s a comfortable play — especially under a blanket in bed.


💸 Value – Score: 40/69

It’s not overpriced, but it’s also not fully optimized. No WiFi, no headphone jack, and unplayable games preloaded knock it down. Still, it’s fun for GBA and below, and delivers that early 2000s magic.


📊 Final Score: 39 / 69

A true middle-tier handheld — not bad, not amazing, but undeniably charming.


✅ Top 4 Pros:

  • Beautiful 4:3 screen ideal for retro gaming

  • Batocera OS out of the box

  • Respectable battery life

  • Compact and nostalgic clamshell design


❌ Top 4 Cons:

  • No headphone jack or native WiFi

  • Preloaded games not tailored for its control layout

  • Only one charging port

  • Limited accessory and firmware support


🎯 Who Should Buy This:

  • Retro fans who love clamshells and classic titles

  • Beginners looking for a nostalgic, low-cost first handheld


🚫 Who Should Skip This:

  • Multiplayer or online gamers — there’s no native WiFi

  • Audio lovers — no Bluetooth or headphone jack

Thanks for joining me for this short-term review. The Powkiddy V90S might not be perfect, but it offers some retro charm worth exploring — especially if you know what you're getting into.


Until next time, stay nostalgic and game on! 🎮


P’Nick ✨

Comments

bottom of page