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 shared the my Amazon Prime day 2021 experience and the lure of handheld game consoles. In that post, I describe my use of the RetroFlag RPi Case for handheld retro-gaming and use this as a baseline for all other handheld consoles I will share.
You can view my Install Super RetroPie on the Retroflag GPi Case blog post and companion video for more information. The GPi case is a wonderful handheld gaming device when paired with the Super RetroPie distribution.
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 two of my four part retro-computing handheld series, I open the box, turn on, and play games on the LiNKFOR.
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 LiNKFOR advertises ten more games than the Great Boy; however, it came with 500; however there are some duplicates. The Amazon Prime Day price was $8.79 compared to the normal price of $10.90.
A search for LiNKFOR on Amazon reveals the brand is used for audio/video products such as …
🕹️ Purchase the LiNKFOR Retro Mini Game Player
Watch the companion video below and then continue to read my thoughts on this device.
Time Codes:
Time | Content |
---|---|
00:00 | Video introduction |
00:32 | FAST LOAD bumper |
00:41 | Unboxing |
01:29 | The battery |
01:46 | Second controller |
02:05 | Manual |
02:18 | LiNKFOR compared to Fate Fan (Part 3) |
02:45 | Power on and first use |
03:11 | Star Force demo |
03:37 | Tear down |
04:14 | Circuit board |
04:34 | Processor |
04:59 | Reassemble |
05:43 | Star Gate demo |
06:00 | Second controller demo |
06:57 | Conclusion and companion blog post |
08:14 | Contra Force demo |
08:41 | Batman demo |
09:08 | Burger Time demo |
09:33 | Seawolf demo |
10:02 | Spy vs Spy demo |
11:16 | Xevious |
11:48 | Galaga Plus demo |
12:38 | Tetris |
13:08 | End screen |
This is the first unit I look at that has the Gameboy’s vertical form factor, in other words, the hand cramper! Yuck.
Those features are similar to the first unit, save for the vertical form factor and smaller screen. As shown in the video, the LiNKFOR uses a Spansion–71PL256NCOHFW5U Processor. I anticipated this processor would be the same as the Great Boy. Surprisingly, it was different. The link above is to the specification sheet if you want to read more.
Below is a table of my favorite retro game titles on the LiNKFOR. This list includes the game number to locate each game since they are not in alphabetical order. Many of these titles are found on the Great Boy. An *
next to a menu number (#) indicates a game I game I demonstrate in the companion video.
# | Game title |
---|---|
01 | Contra |
02 | Contra 2 |
03* | Contra Force |
04 | Super Contra 7 |
54* | Batman |
83 | Gradius |
85 | Pac Man III |
89* | Tetris |
96 | Bomber Man |
98 | Galaga |
99 | Galaxian |
103 | Lode Runner |
105 | Pacmania |
107 | Vindicators |
108 | RBI Baseball |
109 | 1942 |
182 | Donkey Kong |
209 | Galg |
237 | Joust |
274 | Pac Man |
312 | Pacmania |
313 | Donkey Kong 3 |
314 | Donkey Kong Jr. |
318* | Sea Wolf |
332* | Space Invaders |
339* | Spy vs. Spy |
376* | Xevious |
392 | Burger Time |
405 | F1 Race |
410* | Galaga Plus |
416 | Defender (II) |
* Demo included in companion video.
Game Notes: What’s with Galaga Plus? Small ship and large blasts? Item 285 is not Paperboy, so don’t purchase if you consider this game a must. There are several
Things to like about the LiNKFOR include:
If there are a few games you like of the 500, you are sure to get value. This would make a great 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 LiNKFOR include:
NOTE: I understand this is a $10 device and improvements may not be possible at that price point.
That concludes the look at the LiNKFOR. Up next is the FateFan Retro Game Console; also with 500 games. Let’s see if the same 500 games included with the LiNKFOR are the same in the similar form factor FateFan handheld.
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.