If you’re a fan of retro gaming or simply looking for a compact, budget-friendly handheld console, you might want to check out the PO Kitty V10. Recently, I purchased this device from a store called Go Game Geek, which specializes in portable retro gaming consoles. They offer a wide range of options, and PO Kitty, along with brands like Anbernic, is one of the few Chinese companies competing in the retro gaming console market at an affordable price point.
Unboxing the PO Kitty V10
When you open the package, the first thing you’ll notice is the bubble-wrapped box with the label “PO Kitty.” Inside, you’ll find the PO Kitty V10 portable gaming console, along with a USB Type-C charging cable and an instruction booklet. While the contents are minimal, they get the job done. If you want to take your retro gaming experience to the next level, you can choose to purchase an SD card pre-loaded with games, though you don’t necessarily need to go that route.
I decided to opt for the complete package since I was gifting the device to a young child and didn’t want the hassle of setting anything up myself. The PO Kitty V10 offers several color and case material options. I went with the solid gray version, which reminded me of the nostalgic consoles from the ’80s and early ’90s, like the Nintendo Game Boy and Super Nintendo. This retro-inspired color choice enhances the throwback experience.
Design and Display
The PO Kitty V10’s design is reminiscent of the classic Game Boy, except for the landscape screen. It features a 3:2 IPS screen with a resolution of 480×320, which provides nice, accurate colors and decent viewing angles. However, I found the screen to be a bit dim, especially in bright outdoor settings. It works fine indoors or in low-light environments, but you may struggle to see the screen in direct sunlight.
On the right of the screen, there’s a small LED indicator that changes colors based on the console’s current status. The D-pad, along with the four action buttons, start and select buttons, and mono speaker, are all located beneath the screen. The D-pad is surprisingly responsive and comfortable to use, making gameplay much more enjoyable.
In addition to the standard buttons, there are two small buttons labeled minus and plus, which allow you to adjust the volume, brightness, and other functions. On the back of the device, there are four shoulder buttons that are positioned slightly awkwardly but feel comfortable once you get used to them. The V10 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket or bag, which is ideal for a portable gaming experience.
Ports and Features
The PO Kitty V10 has a few notable features on its sides. At the top, you’ll find a power button, a reset button, and two USB ports. One of the USB ports is used solely for charging, while the other is an OTG (On-The-Go) port, allowing you to connect external USB devices. This is a great feature since it lets you charge the device while using other peripherals.
The device supports stereo sound through the 3.5mm headphone jack, though it only has a single mono speaker built-in. If you’re serious about audio, you can easily plug in a pair of headphones for a more immersive experience.
Another important aspect is the SD card slot. The PO Kitty V10 doesn’t come with internal memory, meaning you’ll need an SD card with a boot manager and operating system to get started. The minimum size required is 16GB, with support for cards up to 256GB. I opted for a 128GB card, and it came pre-partitioned with three sections: the boot manager, the operating system, and a ROM section with games (most of them in zip archives). While you can buy the device with the SD card, it’s also possible to create your own setup by downloading the necessary files from torrents or other sources. Just be mindful that downloading ROMs may violate piracy laws in some countries, so be sure to check the regulations before proceeding.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the PO Kitty V10 is powered by the Rockchip 3326 chipset, paired with 1GB of RAM—specs that are typical for most portable retro consoles. This setup allows the device to run emulators for older games, including those from home consoles and arcade cabinets up to the PlayStation 1 and PlayStation Portable. However, the lack of analog sticks might hinder the gameplay experience for certain games that require them.
The device uses the ArcOS emulation software, which runs smoothly and doesn’t require any additional tweaks. The built-in rechargeable lithium battery has a capacity of 3000mAh, providing up to 8 hours of gameplay on a single charge. The battery is replaceable, so you can swap it out when it eventually degrades or even upgrade it to a larger capacity for longer playtime.
One downside to the PO Kitty V10 is that it doesn’t feature a touchscreen. Instead, you’ll navigate menus and select games using the D-pad and physical buttons. While it may feel old-school, it’s a more authentic retro gaming experience.
Connectivity and Expansion
While the device doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the OTG port allows for a USB Wi-Fi adapter if you need internet access for online features. However, this isn’t really necessary for most users, as the primary focus of the PO Kitty V10 is offline gaming. You also won’t be able to connect it to an external display, but given its compact size, I don’t think you’ll miss that feature.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the PO Kitty V10 is a fantastic option for anyone looking to relive the glory days of retro gaming. It’s a no-frills, easy-to-use device that offers a pleasant gaming experience. The controls are comfortable, and it handles emulation well for most games up until the PlayStation 1 era. The build quality is decent, and despite the dim screen, it’s still a solid choice for portable gaming.
If you’re interested in purchasing the PO Kitty V10 or any other portable gaming console, I highly recommend checking out Go Game Geek. They offer a variety of devices at affordable prices, including this one.
Whether you’re buying it for yourself or gifting it to a young gamer, the PO Kitty V10 provides an enjoyable experience and is sure to bring back fond memories of the golden age of video games.