So, I got this new device a few days ago, and since I am very pleased with it, I decided to make a quick review.
I'll just speak of a few highlights instead of a full pros/cons test (others already did it, just do a quick research on these boards), but I will answer to any questions if you have some.
For a very long review, see
http://gbatemp.net/threads/k101-revo-official-gbatemp-review.339019/- Cost/shipping: the device is quite unexepensive ($70) and the shipping price is included. I got mine in 2-3 weeks, which is quicker than the 15-20 business days they indicated on the website. The cardboard box was a little bit crushed, but the box itself was undamaged.
- Packaging: everything that was included (except the device) was quite flimsy. I broke the lanyard just by trying to put it on the device. The micro-SD - USB adaptor seems very brittle too. The pouch looks like an ugly umbrella pouch, and smells plastic. The cable is ok (it is mini usb, not micro usb), but it doesn't fit very well into the electrical plug. Well, it fits anyway, and I'm sure you already have a ton of mini usb cables. Oh, and I got a 8 Gb card instead of a 4 Gb, which is cool.
- Device and button layout: I am frankly amazed. It is extremely solid. It is, for example, a lot sturdier than the gcw-zero. When holding it, we have the feeling that we can transport it wherever without fear. However, the screen has no protection (and attracts dust on it), so use a pouch and don't push it too much when dusting it.
The buttons are way better than those of the gcw-zero! (even the revised ones). They give the same feeling of a real gba sp, and click pleasantly without squeaking. The shoulder buttons are softer, even flabby, but they work well and seem solid anyway.
- Connectivity: I am yet to test the tv-out, but I must insist on one thing: the link plug is AWESOME. I took my old gba sp and link cable out from my closet, I linked it with the k101, I turned the gba on with mario kart, and launched the mario kart rom on the k101 and played the game with my sister exactly like I played it 12 years ago! This is why it is awesome: you don't have a feeling that you are using an emulator, even if you launch roms from it. You really are using a gba clone.
- Software: the software is very simple, yet efficient enough. Basically, the roms you put on the card are listed, and you select the one you want to play. (Don't forget to put the thumbnails pictures for every rom you have: this is simply done and it is very well explained here:
http://gbatemp.net/threads/k101-revo-official-gbatemp-review.339019/)
Keep something in mind though: this is no emulator! this is a gba hardware, even if it reads roms. So no savestates, no fastforward, nothing! You won't be able to cheat! ;-) (Well actually you can activate cheatcodes, but I was meaning no emulation cheats, such as savestates). The software also have a clock function, so that you can play pokemon without any problem.
- Battery: I think the device uses the actual gba sp battery, but it does not last very long. You can play 5-6 hours, and the charge lasts 2-3 hours. Well, I think I could lower down the backlight in order to play 7-8 hours. Will test it.
- Game cartridges slot: I have nothing special to say. Every game I tested worked well, everything was recognized. But note that the fake cartridge you get (with the micro sd slot in it) does not work on a real gba! So these are no everdrives or whatever. Theydon't even fit well into a gba sp.
Well, that's all I can think of. I'll edit the post if I want to add anything else.
Feel free to ask anthing!
Eug?ne
