Retro computing with a touch of modern and the home for all things, retroCombs (aka Steven Combs).
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by Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
In my last handheld gaming console post, I continue to describe my Amazon Prime day 2021 experience and the purchase of four retro handheld gaming consoles. The second handheld was the LiNKFOR handheld gaming console.
As a reminder, I chose four different handheld game units that range in price from $10 to $50. I had ≈$120 of affiliate funds that became my budget for this experiment (Thanks to everyone who supports the blog and the YouTube channel!). These include:
🕹️ Want to extend your gameplay for items 1 through 4? Purchase additional BL-5C 3.7V 1020mAh Rechargeable Batteries.
🕹️ Items 1 to 3 include RCA out. If your TV doesn’t support RCA out, use this RCA to HDMI Convertor.
NOTE: This page uses Amazon Affiliate Links. Thanks for your continued support of this blog and companion videos.
In part three of my four part retro-computing handheld series, I open the box, power up, and play games on the “FateFan Retro Game Console with 500 Classic Games, Handheld Game Console Supporting 2 Players TV Connection, 1020 mAh Rechargeable Battery (Green)”; an almost identical model to the LiNKFOR. Or is it? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Each unit has unique features and I found it difficult to compare them without a table. My table is in the embedded Google Sheet below or view directly by clicking here.
The Amazon Prime Day price was $12.59 compared to the normal price of $20.99. The unit was unique in that several colors are available. I choose green to distinguish it from the red LiNKFOR from the last post. I was excited about this model, despite the form-factor, because of the number of games (which you will soon find it a bait and switch), large second controller, and interesting layout of the controller (which I will be sorry for later). Let’s open the box, turn on, and try out this latest purchase.
🕹️ Purchase the FateFan Retro Game Console
Watch the companion video below and then continue to read my thoughts on this device.
Time Codes:
00:00 Video introduction
01:01 FAST LOAD Bumper
01:20 Unboxing
01:42 Battery
02:10 Second controller
02:31 Audio/Video cable
02:37 USB charging cable
02:45 Instructions
02:57 Power up
03:36 Games main menu
03:52 Star Fighter demo
04:29 Tear down
04:53 PCB review
04:49 Processor and companion blog post
05:08 PCB comparison to LiNKFOR
05:28 Assembly
06:00 Test assembly
06:28 SUBSCRIBE!
06:34 Contact: retrocombs@icloud.com
06:48 FateFan menu of 500 games
07:16 Contra
07:48 Gradius
08:22 Lifeforce
09:05 Lode Runner
09:51 Donkey Kong
10:35 Arkanoid
11:23 Nintendo Baseball
12:29 F-1 Race
13:33 Space Invaders
14:33 End Screen
This is the second unit I look at that has the Gameboy’s vertical form factor, in other words, the hand cramper! I still don’t like it after two units.
As shown in the video, the FateFan uses a STMicroelectronics–M36L0T7050BZAQ Processor that includes a: 128Mbit (Multiple Bank, Multi-Level, Burst) Flash Memory 32Mbit (2M x16) PSRAM, Multi-Chip Package. The link above is to the specification sheet.
Below is a table of my favorite retro game titles (1989 and earlier in most cases) on the FateFan. This list includes the game number to locate each game since they are not in alphabetical order. An *
next to a menu number (#) indicates a game I game I demonstrate in the companion video.
03* Contra
04 Super Contra 6
10 Super Contra 7
11 Super Contra 8
12 Super Contra 2
14 Super Mario Brothers
30* Gradius
31* Life Force
45 Goonies
55 1942
59* Lode Runner
62* Donkey Kong
65* Arkanoid
87* Baseball
106/306 Burger Time
128/328 Defender 2
139/339 Dig Dug
152/352* F-1 Race
169/369 Galaga
170/370 Galaxian
197/397 Joust
202/402* Space Invaders
215 Mario Brothers
220/440 Millipede
231 Pac-Man
445 Popeye
* Demo included in companion video.
Things to like about the FateFan include:
This unit would make a good stocking stuffer or holiday party gift exchange item; especially if you knew there was a retro game fan in the mix.
Things to improve the FateFan include:
NOTE: I understand this is a $20 device and improvements may not be possible at that price point but with regard to one item, the duplication of games, it is unacceptable. I can’t recommend this unit when there are others for the same cost, same form-factor, and include “technically” more games.
That concludes my first look at the FateFan. Up next is the TRIMUI/Powkiddy with unlimited games, but limited console emulation. You won’t want to miss this final installment and my summary of all four-units.
I’ll compare all four of the handhelds and make a final recommendation in the final video (link coming soon). For now, I hope you enjoy this fun experiment. While not every handheld is a winner, trying them out makes every experience like Christmas morning!
Want to suggest a model, or better yet, send me one to feature or as a, “Thank you!” Drop me an email and let’s start the discussion.