A Deep Dive into the RK2020 Retro Handheld: Power and Compromises

The world of retro gaming handhelds is constantly evolving, with Chinese manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a portable form factor. Emulation of classic consoles, once a dream confined to PCs, is now a reality you can hold in your hand. Among the wave of new devices, the RK2020 stands out as an attempt to deliver N64 emulation on the go, a feat that has historically proven challenging.

The RK2020’s ability to at least partially tackle N64 games is a significant achievement. The N64, with its complex architecture, has always been a difficult console to emulate effectively. While the RK2020 doesn’t offer a perfect experience across the board, its ability to run classics like Super Mario 64 with some degree of playability marks it as a notable entry in the handheld emulator market.

Comparisons are inevitable, and the RK2020 is often pitted against the Anbernic Retro Game 350 (RG350), a previous-generation handheld that remains popular. The RG350 holds its own as a value-oriented option, particularly for those focused on 8-bit and 16-bit titles. It’s also capable of handling PlayStation games reasonably well. However, the RG350’s aging specifications—a 1GHz dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM—are starting to show their limitations.

The RK2020 offers a tangible performance upgrade, boasting a 1.3GHz quad-core ARM processor and a full 1GB of RAM. This translates to smoother emulation of more demanding systems. Given that the RK2020 is often priced similarly to the RG350, the choice between the two boils down to individual priorities. If you prioritize ease of use and primarily play older games, the RG350 remains a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for more horsepower and are willing to tinker a bit, the RK2020 presents a compelling alternative.

The RK2020’s design is slightly smaller than the RG350 in some dimensions, it’s a bit thicker overall. However, the RK2020 manages to maintain pocketability thanks to its low-profile joystick. Build quality, however, is where the RK2020 reveals some cost-cutting measures. The plastic used for the casing feels less premium than that of the RG350. This is likely due to the RK2020’s origin as a clone of the ODROID GO Advance, a handheld from Hardkernel. The plastic screen cover is also more prone to scratching.

Despite these compromises, the RK2020 doesn’t feel flimsy. The hardware is reasonably solid. The analog joystick is a point of contention for some users. Its travel is somewhat limited, and the initial feel isn’t ideal. Fortunately, an included rubber cover improves its usability. The recessed design of the RK2020’s joystick is preferable to the RG350’s sticks, which sit too high. One significant drawback is the RK2020’s single analog joystick. This limits its ability to comfortably play games that rely on dual-analog controls, such as many PlayStation titles.

The RK2020’s D-pad is excellent, with rounded edges that make it comfortable to use for extended gaming sessions. The action buttons, while feeling somewhat loose, are soft and responsive, making them well-suited for button-mashing in classic arcade games. The shoulder button design is a standout feature. The L2 and R2 buttons are positioned slightly higher than the L1 and R1 buttons, making them easy to differentiate by touch. This tiered layout is a welcome improvement.

The RK2020’s power button, a tiny recessed dot on the top of the device, can be difficult to press. The placement of the headphone jack on the top of the device is also less than ideal. The lack of dedicated volume controls, requiring a button combination to adjust the volume, is an annoyance. The inclusion of USB-C charging is a welcome convenience, and the USB-A port allows for connecting peripherals like a Wi-Fi dongle.

The RK2020’s single microSD card slot, located on the bottom of the console, is a key difference from the RG350. The RG350 has a second internal memory card for the operating system, allowing users to easily load ROMs onto the external card. The RK2020, with its single-card setup, requires a more technical approach to transferring ROMs.

Because the operating system and emulators are based on Linux, you can’t simply plug the microSD card into a Windows or macOS computer and copy files directly. The most straightforward method is to use a Wi-Fi dongle and transfer files wirelessly. Alternatively, you can use paid software to mount the Linux file system on your computer. Neither of these methods are overly complex for experienced users, but they are less convenient than the RG350’s dual-card setup.

It’s important to address the legal considerations of using ROM files. Playing games using ROMs, rather than original cartridges or discs, is a legal gray area. Most handheld emulators require users to find and supply their own ROM files. If this is a concern, sticking to official handhelds like the Nintendo Switch or playing original cartridges on a classic console may be a better option.

The RK2020’s screen offers a slight resolution bump over the RG350—480×320 compared to 320×240. The screen is bright, vibrant, and offers excellent viewing angles. While individual pixels are still visible upon close inspection, the increased resolution is a worthwhile improvement.

The RK2020’s performance varies depending on the game and emulator used. Older 8-bit and 16-bit games run flawlessly. PlayStation emulation is generally solid. Emulating more advanced systems like the Dreamcast and PSP is more challenging. Games that pushed the original hardware often suffer from frame rate drops and performance issues.

N64 emulation on the RK2020 is a mixed bag. Super Mario 64 is playable, but it exhibits visual glitches. Mario Kart 64 suffers from slowdown and audio desynchronization. GoldenEye 007 shows promise, but the gameplay becomes choppy during intense action. Further optimization of the emulators is needed for a consistently enjoyable N64 experience.

Even if you primarily stick to 8-bit and 16-bit games, the RK2020 is a viable alternative to the RG350. Its improved ability to handle 3D games is an added bonus. The RK2020’s origins as a clone of the ODROID GO Advance are undeniable. The hardware is nearly identical, and the initial firmware was often the same.

The manufacturers of the RK2020 now claim that it ships without any pre-installed firmware. This potentially makes the device even more challenging to set up and less appealing than the RG350 for those seeking a plug-and-play experience.

In summary, the RK2020 offers a compelling combination of power and affordability. Its ability to handle N64 games, even with some limitations, sets it apart from its predecessors. However, its cloned design, cost-cutting measures, and complex ROM loading process require some compromises.

The RK2020’s 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM make it one of the more powerful handheld emulators currently available. The single analog joystick and the difficulty in playing dual-stick games are disadvantages. The operating system and ROMs being stored on the same memory card is a technical hurdle. Finally, the RK2020’s screen resolution looks sharper than that of the RG350.