The Funkey S is a retro-inspired system that was launched again in 2020 and has been some tiny-sized waves (pun supposed) within the retro gaming neighborhood.
It’s a mini Gameboy Advance SP-styled foldable handheld console created by a gifted but passionate workforce that may emulate video games as much as the PS1. The system has a fairly simple-to-use UI, though some issues have been raised concerning the handheld’s battery life.
Up till this level, the opinions on the little gadget have been overwhelmingly constructive, however does this little system maintain as much as the hype or is it only a advertising gimmick? Let’s get into it!
Gadget Specs

We already talked about a bit about this system’s measurement, nevertheless it actually is small! Its dimensions are 42.5mm x 44.5mm x 13.8 mm, making this mini handheld the last word pocket retro gaming system.
Whereas it will not be the #1 finest handheld emulator available on the market, it’s powered by an ARM Cortex-A7 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz and comes stacked with 64 MB DDR2 RAM. The SD card slot can help as much as 128GB of storage, greater than sufficient for a stable library of retro titles.
There’s an LCD IPS display that’s 1.52 inches with a decision of 240×240 px. The speaker on the system is respectable, nevertheless it’s not precisely something to write down dwelling about. That’s to be anticipated for a tool this measurement although. There’s additionally a helpful LED charging gentle that makes it straightforward to know when the system has been totally charged.
What Video games Can It Emulate?
The Funkey S can emulate and cargo video games from a good number of totally different methods. It might deal with taking part in video video games from the PS1, GameGear, NES, SuperNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Colour, Gameboy Advance, Sega Grasp System, Sega Genesis, Atari, Neo Geo Pocket, and even the lesser-known Wonderswan.
Whereas it will probably’t actually deal with any video games previous the PS1 period, for a tool this tiny, it’s fairly succesful. For the quantity of methods this will emulate, you’ll have a wholesome backlog to play by way of on the go for a very long time.
How Does It Really feel?

The eye to element on this little handheld is fairly uncanny. Whereas small, it doesn’t really feel low cost. It has a sturdy protecting shell that may face up to scuffing and being dropped occasionally. It even has that satisfying snap sound while you shut the system that you simply’ll get with the unique GameBoy Advance SP and DSdue to its lively spring powered hinge.
The clamshell design actually is the right thought for a tool like this. It’s remniscent to the GBA SP, but in addition the older clamshell cellphones that was actually standard. Whereas the buttons are fairly small, you’ll surprisingly end up not by chance urgent buttons that usually.
That being mentioned, clearly, this system isn’t for everybody. It’s extremely small and whereas it is vitally cool, it’s not precisely the form of factor that you simply’d be utilizing for on a regular basis gaming classes. It’s extra of a novelty that’s accessible and could be introduced practically anyplace round attributable to its measurement.
Your fingers are prone to get considerably uncomfortable if taking part in on this for lengthy intervals of time. It’s extra meant for random gaming classes whereas out and about. You merely pull out your keyring, energy this little man on, and get down on some gaming whereas ready in line to your espresso.
The D-pad and motion buttons all work reasonably properly and are straightforward to make use of. They’ve the identical clicky suggestions when pressed in as trendy controllers. You’ll additionally discover the mandatory Begin and Choice buttons together with a MENU button for fast entry to the a number of settings menus. The shoulder buttons additionally really feel good to the press, however take into account that there are solely 2 complete and a few PS1 video games would possibly require a full 4.
On the aspect, you’ll discover the indicator micro USB port for charging. The display is reasonably prime quality and isn’t dim and boring trying like another low cost gadgets. It’s good and brilliant and the colours look improbable.
There’s additionally a lanyard attachment on the system that you should use to connect this little man to your keychain for simpler entry.
How Does It Carry out?

The small 600MAH battery doesn’t final very lengthy and you may count on to get about 2 hours of gameplay max relying on the brightness settings and video games you play. It really works finest for situations the place you’re ready and wish one thing to tinker with and play to cross the time.
As beforehand talked about, this little system can emulate Sega Sport Gear, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, and SNES video games, and plenty of extra. Video games from these gadgets will run properly and also you gained’t discover any efficiency points. For its measurement, it truly is a strong handheld console for taking part in retro video games.
You would possibly discover some slight points when emulating PS1 video games relying on which title you select, nonetheless, it was stunning simply how properly this system was capable of run most PS1 titles that had been thrown its method.
Abstract
The Funkey S could also be small, however that’s the attract of this system. It’s meant to be for informal gaming classes on the go and shouldn’t be the primary handheld retro system you purchase to play your entire video games day by day. You’ll seemingly wish to choose up one other one of many present gen retro consoles out there just like the Ayn Odin.
It’s extra of a novelty system than your normal go-to handheld emulator, however that’s essentially the most unimaginable facet. It might deal with emulating video games as much as the Ps 1 gaming console, though its tiny 1.5″ display isn’t one of the best measurement for lengthy gaming classes. If you happen to’re searching for a tiny little system to connect to your keychain and have round when it’s good to kill a while taking part in all of your favourite classics, it’s an important possibility to select up.
It’s an important addition to any handheld gaming assortment. It’s an important dialog starter and can impress most individuals you let strive it out. For apparent causes, this handheld garnered a lot sudden and overwhelming consideration for the corporate that designed it.
Steadily Requested Questions
What are the specs of the FunKey S?
The FunKey S is a handheld gaming system that comes with a 1.54-inch IPS show that has a decision of 240×240 pixels. It’s powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor and internally has 1GB of RAM. It runs a customized set up of Linux and helps emulation for a lot of totally different retro gaming consoles.
How lengthy does the battery final on the FunKey S?
The 700mAh battery on the FunKey S usually will final for round 2 hours max relying on the brightness of the display and the video games you’re emulating. The system could be charged with its micro-USB port.
How does the FunKey S evaluate to the RG Nano?
The FunKey S and the RG Nano are each handheld gaming gadgets that help retro gaming emulation, nonetheless, the FunKey S has a smaller display measurement and is extra compact than the Nano. The RG Nano additionally has a extra highly effective processor and extra RAM, which can lead to higher efficiency for some video games.
Is the FunKey S out there within the USA?
Sure, the FunKey S is out there for buy within the USA
What’s the measurement of the display on the FunKey S?
The FunKey S has a 1.54-inch IPS show with a decision of 240×240 pixels.