Revo K101 (new GBA hardware clone)

[Dr. BaconStein]

Remember the GameBox Advance SP (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?158858-Good-place-to-buy-a-gamebox-advance-sp)? Well, there's another GBA clone that's been floating around lately:

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/5633/1354597864376.jpg

This one seems to be modeled after the original GBA and the DS Lite. I don't know much about it other than it has A/V out, plays MP3's, comes with a flash-type cart, and supposedly has a really good screen. I did find this review about it, though: http://obscurehandhelds.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/revo-k101-a-short-review/

(I apologize if this has already been discussed, did a quick search and couldn't find a thread about it)

[buzz_n64]

This is the first I've heard of this clone. Thanks for the info!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Wow, that's a really good review and the device looks nice.

Currently I've got the SuperCard DSTwo for 3DS and that runs most GBA games like a champ via the onboard emulation hardware/software & I've also got a Dingoo which also performs the task amicably.

If I didn't have either I'd strongly consider one of these!

[Greg2600]

I think it looks cheap.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I think it looks cheap.

Looks better in the review than the pictures in this thread ... but for $60, I'm not expecting a solid state build. Probably mid-grade plastic.

[kedawa]

I've seen dozens of different GBA clones, but ever one of these.
So far the best I've used is modeled after a GBA SP and has an SD slot.

I just checked the review, and it uses the DS button layout. How in the hell can someone smart enough to build a GBA clone make such a stupid mistake?

[Tupin]

This looks interesting. I was ultimately dissapointed in what my Dingoo had to offer, so I may decide between this and just getting a Caanoo.

[Leo_A]

Too bad it lacks a port for something like a USB gamepad. If past history is any indication, the internals of this thing will outlast the d-pad and buttons.

I don't see why they had to screw up the button layout for something meant to play GBA games.

[ApolloBoy]

No original GB or GBC support? Pass.

[Steve W]

So, why exactly is this necessary? What market are they trying to fill? There's millions of GBAs out there, in garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and clogging up eBay. What was the point in cloning something that the original had completely oversaturated the marketplace with? I could see making flash carts or something, but not pirating entire consoles that will just end up being a cheaper build than the original. This isn't a troll post or anything, I just don't see the point. Only if the GBA didn't come out in China due to rampant piracy would this thing be worthwhile to retool a factory to build, but even then why sell it outside the country to the rest of the world that's choked with old GBAs sitting idle now that everybody's jumped two generations ahead and don't care anymore?

[kedawa]

Yeah, I'd much rather see a monochrome OLED mini GameBoy that takes original GB games. That's something we don't already have.

[Pedro Lambrini]

Well, I ordered one a while back and I'm just waiting on it arriving.

The main reasons I want one are

a) Convenient TV output
b) Drag and drop ROM support
c) Form factor

I love my GBA Player. In fact, it's my first console of choice but it's not portable. Being able to play all the games I like on the go and then being able to plug the unit into any telly anywhere is a great thing for me.

I have a couple of flash carts for my GBA but the proprietary software is flaky at best and it's dated and annoying. Drag and drop functionality has been a long time coming in my opinion.

I also loved the layout and size of the original GBA and this unit is as close as it gets but also has a decent screen and a rechargeable battery. About the only downside I foresee in the unit is that the AV output is only in mono but I can live with that.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

So, why exactly is this necessary? What market are they trying to fill? There's millions of GBAs out there, in garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and clogging up eBay. What was the point in cloning something that the original had completely oversaturated the marketplace with? I could see making flash carts or something, but not pirating entire consoles that will just end up being a cheaper build than the original. This isn't a troll post or anything, I just don't see the point. Only if the GBA didn't come out in China due to rampant piracy would this thing be worthwhile to retool a factory to build, but even then why sell it outside the country to the rest of the world that's choked with old GBAs sitting idle now that everybody's jumped two generations ahead and don't care anymore?

Well, nothing is ever "necessary" in this hobby, this is clearly a product made to fill needs of price, convenience, or pure novelty.

But if you're looking for a few reasonable reasons why somebody would want something like this...

The original form factor GBAs have non-back-lit screens that are a notorious pain in the ass to enjoy in any room that doesn't have lamps or lights generating the power of 100 suns.

Also, some people looking to fill a need to play GBA games might prefer to purchase fresh new hardware vs. decade-old used hardware. Yes, there are a ton of original form factor GBAs and GBASPs out there, but can you get one brand new for $60?

Also also, as it has been mentioned, existing GBA flash cards, IF you can find them have some really shitty interface software that typically involves rom conversion and limits on how many games can be displayed in a selection menu.

TV out is a nice option too, though I'm sure it's not going to look great via composite on a modern flat-screen (these things never do).


Yeah, I'd much rather see a monochrome OLED mini GameBoy that takes original GB games. That's something we don't already have.

Yes. Me too. I'd also still like to see that 2600 Flashback portable that never made it beyond prototype.