The Powkiddy V20 arrives in 2025 as the brand’s bet on an affordable handheld, offering a good display, a massive battery, and solid performance at a competitive price. Its goal is to combine practicality and value for those who want to relive classic games without spending much. But does the V20 really deliver everything it promises? That’s what we’ll explore in this full review.
Design: Compact and Nostalgic
The Powkiddy V20 features a compact and lightweight design, measuring 133 x 85.3 x 23 mm, making it easy to use daily and carry around. The rounded corners provide a comfortable grip and directly recall the classic Game Boy, reinforcing the nostalgic appeal while maintaining a modern touch.
It comes in solid colors like white and yellow, as well as a transparent black version that enhances the retro look with a contemporary style.
Controls: Classic and Versatile
The controls follow a traditional handheld layout, with a cross-shaped D-pad for precision in 2D games. The ABXY action buttons, inspired by Nintendo’s design, are well-defined and responsive, while the two small analog sticks add versatility for more recent platforms.
On the back, the R1, R2, L1, and L2 triggers are strategically positioned to ensure a comfortable and firm grip during gameplay.
Connectivity: Dual USB-C and Expandable Storage
The Powkiddy V20 stands out by offering two USB-C ports—one for charging and another for data transfer and OTG support, increasing its versatility.
It also includes two microSD slots: one for the operating system and another for game storage, making it easy to expand and organize your retro library. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also present for wired audio.
Display: IPS with Retro Accuracy
The IPS panel offers a 640x480p resolution, ensuring clear and sharp visuals. It delivers vivid colors, wide viewing angles, and excellent fidelity, allowing retro games to be displayed without black bars, preserving their original experience.
The compact size enhances portability, while the 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for classic console emulation, keeping the authentic look of 8, 16, and 32-bit generations.
Battery: Massive and Reliable
The 5000mAh battery is impressive for its category, offering 6 to 8 hours of continuous use depending on brightness and emulator load. This allows for long gaming sessions without constant recharging.
Charging via USB-C takes about 2.5 hours, balancing long autonomy with reasonable recharge time, making the Powkiddy V20 a practical and reliable option for portable fun.
Performance and Storage: Consistent for Retro Gaming
The Powkiddy V20 is powered by the Allwinner A133 Plus quad-core Cortex-A53 processor with 1GB DDR3 RAM, delivering satisfactory performance for classic emulation. It runs smoothly from Atari up to PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64, and even supports some PSP titles, offering a consistent retro experience.
For storage, it uses dedicated microSD cards—one for the system and another for ROMs and data—available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and even 512GB versions, all preloaded with a large selection of retro games.
Operating System + Emulation Support
The Linux-based OS is customized for retro gaming, offering a simple and practical interface that organizes titles by console and game, making navigation intuitive and hassle-free.
Platforms That Run Perfectly:
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- 8 & 16-bit consoles: NES, Master System, SNES, Mega Drive
- 32 & 64-bit consoles: PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- And more
Platforms That Run Some Titles:
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
- Dreamcast
Price: Affordable and Competitive
The Powkiddy V20 is priced between US$35 and US$45, making it one of the cheapest handhelds of 2025 for those seeking solid performance and a huge battery.
Is the Powkiddy V20 Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
The Powkiddy V20 is an affordable handheld with good ergonomics, a quality IPS screen, satisfactory performance, and a large battery. However, it’s best suited for those who prioritize low cost and long battery life, since its focus is on delivering the essentials without advanced features.
Notable Alternatives to the Powkiddy V20:
- Powkiddy X55: Offers a larger screen, good ergonomics, and solid performance for versatility.
- Trimui Smart Pro: Features a compact design, integrated Wi-Fi, and smooth performance in classic games.
- R46H: A recent horizontal model with complete controls and support for multiple retro platforms.
- R36 Ultra: Delivers the best value among vertical models, with a square screen and solid build quality.
