The Super Console X is one of the cheaper retro gaming solutions that came out in 2020. It’s another Chinese brand with a whole list of sibling models, but the Super Console X is one of the cheapest ones that is able to emulate thousands of retro games.
It is not a handheld device like the Retroid Pocket 2 or the Anbernic RG350, and has more of a traditional console design, so you will have to plug in your controllers and a screen separately.
For $50, it does cut a few corners in terms of build quality and questionable controllers, but that is certainly not a deal-breaker given the extremely affordable price tag. The Super Console X is still an easy-to-use console with great performance and a wide variety of retro games to browse through. Even if you will probably need to buy extra controllers to have a more enjoyable experience.
| Product Specs: | Details: |
|---|---|
| CPU | 1.5GHz quad-core CPU and an ARM Mali 450 GPU |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Storage | 64-256 GB |
| Ports | 1 HDMI, 2 USB-A |
| Price | $50-$80 depending on the storage |
Pros
- Remarkable performance
- Easy to use software
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor build quality
- Subpar controllers
Design and Build Quality
Design and build quality are certainly not the strongest points of the Super Console X. The device comes packaged with two wireless controllers, a power adapter, and an HDMI cable. The controllers do not include any AAA batteries so you will have to get your own.
Speaking of the controllers, their build quality is absolutely terrible. They look like cheap knock-offs of the PlayStation 1 controllers and feel like it as well. They are almost like cheap toys you win in a fair. The plastic is thin and weak, the buttons are loose, and shaking the controller sounds like something is broken and loose inside. They will get the job done but we recommend replacing these for a better gaming experience.
The console itself is designed to look like the SNES Mini, but it does not match up with the build quality at all. The design may be appealing for some, but once you pick up the console, it feels like holding an empty shell that could get blown away with a breeze and crack if it falls.
It is worth mentioning that the buttons on the front are just for show. The only functioning button is on the back and it’s for turning the console on and off.
The small grips on the bottom are a welcome addition as they do their job well considering it’s light weight. The console will not slip off your desk and will not jerk around with a bit of movement. There is a lot of ventilation at the bottom which does actually keep the device from overheating.
The console does get warm, but there were never any cases of overheating.
Performance
The Super Console X is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, an ARM Mali 450 GPU, and 1GB RAM. The spec sheet is quite average for a retro gaming console and is even a cut below some of the competition, but it’s still surprisingly impressive.
For only $50, the console can emulate even your best Sega Dreamcast games, and that is nothing short of remarkable at this price point. Games on the smaller consoles including Gameboy, SNES, Gameboy Advance, NES, and Wonderswan work perfectly fine without any hitches.
Even games on the bigger consoles such as the PS1, Nintendo 64, and PSP worked perfectly. The frame rates are consistent and there are no problems like freezing or audio-visual glitches.
It did show a few frame drops in larger Dreamcast games, but it does not ruin the gaming experience entirely. All Dreamcast games are playable, but they are not as smooth as PS1 or GameBoy titles.
Software and UI
The Super Console X boots EMUELEC out of the box, which is quite a reliable software for retro games and is being constantly improved. Booting up the console takes you to a clean library with thousands of games ready to play without any additional setup.
This gives it an edge over some rival consoles like the Retroid Pocket 2. The Retroid Pocket 2 is an Android-based handheld that requires hours of setting up before you can get it to a usable state with all your games ready to go. This is not the case with the Super Console X and a major positive in its favor.
Not just that, but the list of games on the Super Console X is also in alphabetical order with box art, screenshots, and description for each game including its developers and release date.
There are a lot of settings available too. This lets you load and save games, map keys, change resolution and screen settings, add your own box art, change borders, and much more.
Furthermore, these menus are incredibly easy to navigate with a variety of options and settings to go through.
Verdict
The Super Console X is quite a nice surprise for only $50. It originally retailed for $120 but got a massive price cut in early 2021, which is why it is a highly recommended console since it offers a lot for its price.
This is because of its surprisingly impressive emulation performance despite its fairly average internals. It is able to handle smaller console games from the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, SNES, and others with ease and does not have any problems with PS1 or PSP games either.
Furthermore, the software makes it quite easy for anyone to pick up and start playing. It is a fairly simple and straightforward software that anyone can get into even without any retro gaming experience.
However, the build quality is nothing short of awful. The console and the controllers feel like cheap toys that could easily snap in half. A better design, higher quality plastic, and some LEDs would have served the console well. As for the controllers, you are better off replacing these.
Nonetheless, for only $50, the Super Console X is definitely worth it.
FAQs
Where do I get the Super Console X?
The Super Console X is available at a number of major retailers including Amazon and Aliexpress.
Do I need my own controllers?
The console comes with its own set of wired/wireless controllers but you can also attach your own USB A controllers.
Can you add more games to the Super Console X?
The Super Console X comes with EmuELEC as its OS, which means you can customize it to your heart’s desire. And that too fairly easily.
Does the Super Console X come with Zelda?
Yes, and not just one, but multiple games from the franchise. All of which work perfectly.
