The new generation of cheap retro consoles is here to take over the market
The rise of cheap retro consoles: are these Chinese devices worth buying, or is a phone a better option? Analysis and debate on Burbuja.info.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The rise of Chinese retro consoles: bargain or toy?
The handheld emulation console market has taken a radical turn with the arrival of devices like the gameMT EX8. For around 75 euros, we are now seeing hardware capable of running PS2, Wii and 3DS games with a smoothness that makes older devices based on the RK3326 chip look ridiculous. The key is not magic, but the use of low-end 2022 components, such as the Helio G99, which Chinese manufacturers buy at rock-bottom prices while the industry fights over advanced AI nodes.
Why buy a Chinese console instead of using your phone?
The debate on the forum is split between those who defend specialization and those who see it as a pointless expense. Enthusiasts argue that the gaming experience is unmatched: dedicated physical controls, no touch latency, and the peace of mind of not mixing banking data with emulators of dubious origin. On the other hand, skeptics point out that for 40 euros you can attach a controller to any old phone and get similar performance, dismissing the 4.9-inch screens as too small for the eyes.
The technical reality behind the price
Beyond nostalgia, the sticking point is long-term viability. While some celebrate the democratization of retro gaming, others point out that the warranty is a question mark and that optimization for Mali GPUs remains the great Achilles' heel of these devices. The question that remains is whether we are witnessing a revolution in responsible consumption or simply a new way of accumulating electronic junk that will end up in the drawer of memories in less than a year.
Related forum debates
The handheld emulation console market has taken a radical turn with the arrival of devices like the gameMT EX8. For around 75 euros, we are now seeing hardware capable of running PS2, Wii and 3DS games with a smoothness that makes older devices based on the RK3326 chip look ridiculous. The key is not magic, but the use of low-end 2022 components, such as the Helio G99, which Chinese manufacturers buy at rock-bottom prices while the industry fights over advanced AI nodes.
Why buy a Chinese console instead of using your phone?
The debate on the forum is split between those who defend specialization and those who see it as a pointless expense. Enthusiasts argue that the gaming experience is unmatched: dedicated physical controls, no touch latency, and the peace of mind of not mixing banking data with emulators of dubious origin. On the other hand, skeptics point out that for 40 euros you can attach a controller to any old phone and get similar performance, dismissing the 4.9-inch screens as too small for the eyes.
The technical reality behind the price
Beyond nostalgia, the sticking point is long-term viability. While some celebrate the democratization of retro gaming, others point out that the warranty is a question mark and that optimization for Mali GPUs remains the great Achilles' heel of these devices. The question that remains is whether we are witnessing a revolution in responsible consumption or simply a new way of accumulating electronic junk that will end up in the drawer of memories in less than a year.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (30 replies).
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