The S600 is a recent handheld that has everything it needs to carve out its place in the market, combining a high‑quality screen with full controls that promise a comfortable and functional experience. The question is whether it truly stands as a viable option among today’s portable consoles — something explored in detail throughout this analysis.
Design
The S600 features a compact design clearly inspired by the classic Nintendo Game Boy, adopting the traditional vertical layout beloved by retro handheld fans. The shell also includes small aesthetic details reminiscent of the Batman symbol, giving the console a unique visual touch without straying from its nostalgic appeal.
The model also stands out for its wide range of colors, including black, blue, red, orange, and purple, allowing each user to pick the version that best matches their style.
Controls
The controls are well‑rounded and work great for systems ranging from Atari to PS1, offering the precision retro games demand. The console includes a cross‑shaped D‑pad, ideal for 2D titles, along with two analog sticks similar to those on the Nintendo Switch. The ABXY buttons, along with Select, Start, and FN, complete the front layout, keeping navigation simple and familiar.
On the back, the S600 includes L1, L2, R1, and R2, positioned to balance comfort and portability, making long gaming sessions easy to handle.
Connectivity
Connectivity is one of the S600’s pleasant surprises for its price range. The console includes built‑in Wi‑Fi, enabling features like online play via Netplay and RetroAchievements, something rarely seen in handhelds this cheap.
It also includes a USB‑C port for easy charging and data transfer, plus a headphone jack, essential for immersive or quiet gaming sessions.
Display
The 4‑inch IPS screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio is one of the S600’s biggest highlights, offering a 720×720 resolution with excellent sharpness and vibrant colors.
This square format is perfect for systems like the Nintendo Game Boy and Neo Geo, which use the same layout. The result is gameplay displayed with greater fidelity, without black bars or distortion, preserving the original aesthetic and delivering a much more authentic retro experience.
Battery
The 3500mAh battery provides a reasonable runtime, offering 3 to 6 hours of continuous gameplay depending on brightness and game type.
Charging through USB‑C takes around 2 to 3 hours, keeping things convenient.
Processor and Storage
The S600 uses the well‑known RK3326 Quad‑Core chipset paired with 1GB of RAM, a setup capable of running PS1, Dreamcast, most of Nintendo 64, and even some PSP titles with smooth performance.
For storage, it relies on a 64GB microSD card, already loaded with thousands of games.
Operating System + Emulable Platforms
The S600 runs a Linux‑based system focused on simplicity and efficiency, offering quick navigation and easy access to games and settings. Everything stays organized and intuitive, even for users who have never owned a retro handheld before.
Platforms that run perfectly:
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- 8‑ and 16‑bit consoles: NES, Master System, Super Nintendo, Mega Drive
- 32‑bit: PlayStation 1
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- And more
Platforms that run some titles:
- Dreamcast (DC)
- Nintendo 64 (N64)
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Price
The S600 is usually found for $30 to $45 on AliExpress.
Is the S600 worth it in 2026? Final Analysis and Alternatives
The S600 stands out as a perfect entry‑level handheld for anyone wanting to relive the classics of the 80s and 90s in a portable and practical way. With the added benefit of Wi‑Fi support, it blends nostalgia and modern features, delivering an accessible and up‑to‑date experience for retro gaming fans.
Alternatives to the S600
- R36 Ultra: The best value‑for‑money among vertical models, with a square screen, full connectivity, and solid build.
- Trimui Smart Brick: A compact handheld with metal parts, a quality display, and a design focused on portability.
- Miyoo Mini Plus: Known for its active community, good build quality, sharp screen, and full connectivity — ideal for total portability.
- R36T Max: One of the best cost‑benefit models, featuring a screen that simulates CRT TVs, enhancing immersion and authenticity.
