Square Screen
Anbernic RG Cube XX vs PowKiddy RGB30
Two budget square-screen Linux handhelds, compared on chipset, screen, and which one is the better value for arcade and retro play.
| Spec | RG Cube XX | PowKiddy RGB30 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | PowKiddy |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Linux | Linux (JELOS) |
| Chipset | Allwinner H700 | RockChip RK3566 |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 | 1 GB LPDDR4 |
| Screen | 3.95 inch | 4.0 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 720 | 720 x 720 |
| Battery | 3800 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| Price | $60 (Early Bird) $67 (Retail) + shipping | 90.0 |
The RG Cube XX and PowKiddy RGB30 are both budget Linux handhelds with square screens. They are aimed at the same audience, but they use different chips.
Performance
The RG Cube XX runs on an Allwinner H700 with 1 GB of RAM. The RGB30 runs on a RockChip RK3566 with 1 GB of RAM. The RK3566 in the RGB30 is the stronger chip, reaching N64, PSP, and Dreamcast as mostly playable, while the RG Cube XX tops out around N64 and Dreamcast as mostly playable with less headroom.
Screen
The RG Cube XX has a 3.95 inch 720x720 IPS panel. The RGB30 has a 4.0 inch 720x720 IPS panel. They are essentially the same square display, great for arcade and vertical shooters but letterboxing widescreen content.
Price
The RG Cube XX is around $60 to $67. The RGB30 is around $90. The RG Cube XX is cheaper, but the RGB30 has the stronger chip.
Which should you buy?
Choose the RG Cube XX if you want the cheapest square-screen device and your library is mostly Game Boy through PS1. Choose the RGB30 if you want the stronger RK3566 chip and a bit more N64, PSP, and Dreamcast capability, and you are willing to pay a little more.