The Anbernic RG-28XX ($48) and PowKiddy V90S ($45) are both entry-level Linux handhelds separated by only a few dollars, but they suit different priorities. The RG-28XX uses an Allwinner H700 in a horizontal form factor and reaches up to Dreamcast emulation. The V90S packs an Allwinner A133 Plus into a clamshell shell with an emulation ceiling around PSP, making it the better pick for portable protection and a nostalgic DS-style carry, while the RG-28XX edges ahead in raw emulation reach.
| RG-28XX | V90S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $48 | $45 |
| Brand | Anbernic | PowKiddy |
| Released | 2024 / 04 | 2025 / 05 |
| Type | Horizontal | Clamshell |
| OS | Linux | Linux |
| Performance | ||
| Chip (SoC) | Allwinner H700 | Allwinner A133 Plus |
| CPU | Cortex-A53 | Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Mali-G31 MP2 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Storage | Dual External MicroSD | Dual External MicroSD |
| Cooling | ❌ | ❌ |
| Power tier | Entry | Entry |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 2.83 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Screen type | IPS | IPS |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Pixel density | 285.71 PPI | 228.57 PPI |
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Body & battery | ||
| Battery | 3100 mAh | 3000 mAh (Swappable) |
| Weight | 123 grams | — |
| Dimensions | 125 mm x 56.5 mm x 16.5 mm | 89 mm x 85 mm x 26.5 mm |
| Shell | Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors | Beige White, Black Transparent, Gray, Orange | Red, Yellow, Gray, Transparent Black |
| Ports & connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ❌ | WiFi support with USB dongle |
| Video out | Mini HDMI Top facing | ❌ |
| Charging port | USB-C Top facing | USB-C x2 Top facing |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone Bottom facing | ❌ |
| Speakers | Single Mono Front facing | Single Mono Front facing |
| RG-28XX | V90S | |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / Color | A | A |
| NES | A | A |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | A | A |
| Game Boy Advance | A | A |
| SNES | A | A |
| PlayStation 1 | A | A |
| Nintendo DS | B+ | A- |
| Nintendo 64 | B | B |
| Dreamcast | B | B |
| PSP | C | B- |
| Sega Saturn | C- | C |
| GameCube | D- | D- |
| Nintendo 3DS | F | F |
| Nintendo Wii | F | F |
| PlayStation 2 | F | F |
| Switch | F | F |
| Wii U | F | F |
| PlayStation 3 | F | F |
Bottom line: The V90S is the cheaper option at $45; the V90S is more powerful and emulates more demanding systems.
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