GKD Pixel 2 review!

Review for the micro retro handheld, the GKD Pixel 2. Shown alongside an RG Nano and other Anbernic devices.

Systems / Performance:
This is essentially an R36s in a smaller / all-metal shell. It will play everything from NES/Gameboy all the way up to PS1 with perfect emulation. Up to N64/PSP/Dreamcast but not the more demanding titles. Portmaster.

OS:
It comes with a custom OS based on Rocknix. I don’t think there are any third party firmwares at this time. The default IUX menu leaves much to be desired but it also comes with Emulation Station which can be enabled by default and that works pretty well.

Controls / Grip:
Controls are good, grip is decent using two hands. A little too big for one handed play unless you have larger hands maybe. Device is a bit thick/blocky for its size, so you’ll feel it in your hands over time, but it’s manageable.

Screen:
640x480 IPS. Beautiful, no complaints, but it does not have the raised glassy exterior as Anbernic devices do, so I worry this isn’t as durable.

Portmaster:
Despite not having built in WiFi, you can install Portmaster games using a WiFi usb adapter, or by copying over your Portmaster games from another Rocknix device because the OS on this is based on Rocknix, so the Portmaster game scripts are fully compatible. It may work from a Knulli device too (haven’t tried) but you’ll run into issues if you try from a MuOS device. For reference, I copied over Portmaster games from my Powkiddy RGB30 running Rocknix.