What even IS this thing!? (Pimax Portal REVIEW)
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- RG405M REVIEW: • WAY better than I expe...
The pimax portal is an… interesting… thing... It’s not like any other device out there. I mean, one look at it and you can tell it’s not your normal everyday handheld gaming device. I’ve been living with this thing for about a month now, and it’s taken me this long to really wrap my head around it. The portal has some truly AMAZING things about it, but it still has some truly NOT AMAZING things about it. And there’s not a simple answer of whether or not thing thing is good, or bad, or even what it IS. But one thing I can say for sure, it’s definitely an INTERESTING… thing…
BUY IT HERE: pimax.com/portal/?ref=3y4pjmoe
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Intro: Captive Portal - Intro For A Nonexisting Video Game
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#pimax #pimaxportal #retrohandheld - Věda a technologie
I love my Pimax Portal QLED it plays at least 90% if not 100% of the games I want to play. Plus, I LOVE THE MAGNETS!!!
the lack of d-pad is probably for the same reason the Switch doesnt have it: so you can use any joycon as a horizontal controller
And I never use my Switch that way because it's horrendously uncomfortable. I don't even use the stock joycons because they're terrible ergonomically speaking and my muscle memory wigs out when I play 2D games without a proper d-pad.
I understand why Nintendo did it - it wasn't a good design and not a great idea. Granted - it might work great for kids, but for anyone with grown ass man hands? If I'm propping it up with the kickstand, I'm gonna grab a bluetooth controller.
I couldn't see buying a device like this for a kid over a Switch - companies have no business trying to copy that design unless Switch emulation is a selling point.
I actually REALLY love the idea of being able to swap out custom controllers on a portable system - but rarely is it done well, and unless there's broad compatibility across devices, there's no real point.
It’s a great feature option but being “realistic” it’s not one anyone uses that much. I bought a couple of (unpatched) Switches at launch and the main thing I think is necessary is the Pro controller.
Switch those buttons for a d-pad and let the poor soul using it horizontally cope with it.
And it's terrible because of that
The teardrop shape kf the buttons is pretty awful.
It warms my heart that you too are not a snake in the grass, and have simply been busy making an outstanding video for us to enjoy. I recently picked up a GPD WIN 2 with a 2tb ssd and am in love with it, and was wondering if I made the right call with all that is on the market today. I think for me personally, I did, but, this is a really cool device and your objective review is much appreciated.
I like the flip consoles.
A new *GPD Win* clamshell is in the works.
@adamkane7513 The Classic! Yeah. I'm not sure how pocket friendly that is. The Win 2 is very pocket friendly. A true handheld clamshell. We will see :)
I’d really like to see you review the ayn odin lite. I think dollar for dollar it’s the best emulation device out right now. I love your videos keep up the great work. I really enjoyed your video with the projector and the barn and the vampire bugs lol
I saw a machine that is like the Switch but you use a HDMI Dongle and play whatever system you want. PC, Playstation, X-BOX or whatever. It has Switch type Joycons that are Windows, X-BOX compatible controllers. It just casts it to the Handheld. I thought it was pretty neat.
Wow I was just about to watch your RG353P review then I saw this!
subscribed right away love the voice
Welcome!
Sweet! Though... with what is coming up soon from Ayn.. cheaper and you know... It's a GREAT time for handhelds, I was really thinking bout backing this when it was announced but I already had an Odin.
Great review! But not a handheld for me, seems still kinda in beta.
Wow! It looks neat❤️
I wasn't going to say anything about the gameplay of Sonic Lost World on the 3ds since you only used it once before, but since you used it twice, the right button is the run button. Also, pressing the spindash button after releasing it allows you to continue with it infinitely (or until you let go or hit a wall or something)
the thing that strikes me about this is the display. but now i realised why the display is so good. this thing is meant to be a hybrid pimax vr solution, similar to google cardboard, but with full roomscale tracking and controllers.
This is one of the few reviews I’ve seen that paints the portal in a positive light. It’s actually the one that got me considering buying one over the AYN Odin (1). The removable controllers are enough to consider this over the Odin 2 (not to mention who knows when it’ll actually release)
I think lots of that has to do with the updates, the device has changed substantially over the last few weeks. Just two days ago they released an update that fixed the launcher issue that I complained about. The pimax team seems committed to listening to feedback and making the changes we want.
@@TechDweeb maybe it’s time to support them and the device then… I have an AYN Odin that… It performs well, it ticks all the boxes but I’m a little bit underwhelmed. I like “unconventional” hand helds. That’s why I like the RP2S and the play date. They’re just different enough to be just as fun to use as the games they play. And great performance coupled with the cool Nintendo switch style looks like it would be fun and almost exciting to play.
it's a great handheld honestly, wish they dropped the VR stuff to make it cheaper but without making the controllers non detacheable. The VR stuff did get me to buy it but I don't think I will be using it anytime soon unless they make the experience on par with a Quest.
I picked up a portal and an Ayn Odin recently and while I like the Odin I think the portal is the one for me especially for emulation. Every game I throw at it runs really well, way better than the Odin and being able to detach the controllers and play like a switch and I can also play VR is icing.
Did you get the headset? Are you happy with the VR experience?
@@TechDweeb The headset is not available yet, they decided to redesign it with a much improved strap.. seems to be the same they are using in their high end VR headsets. For the price, the VR set seems really interesting if you already have the device. It should have a bit better performance than quest 2 because it has better lenses.
bro found your channel recently cant wait for more content man
Appreciate it!
@@TechDweeb what is the best handheld for 3D emulation rn budget and best no matter the price looking to play ps2 and GameCube
Thanks for the vid, seems like a cool device. Maybe it was mentioned and I missed it but what’s your insight on the battery life? That’s what’s kept me from checking out some of the other high end devices like the Odin or the Steam Deck
I'm getting about 2-3h of game time during high load stuff, much longer than that at lower load stuff (especially if you lower the resolution and refresh rate). It feels about the same as a standard phone to me, it'll last all day if you don't push it too hard, but it dies within a few hours when you push it a lot.
@@TechDweeb makes a lot of sense! Much appreciated!
I was really interested at first glance, but I think you gave enough reasons to think twice. However I do like the fact that they could eventually release alternative controllers with a dpad and normal buttons. That was my big turning point and the user interface just does not look too great, but it is pretty neat. Great video.
One thing has changed since I made this video, you can now switch to custom launchers ☝️
That is a step in the right direction, I honestly like the concept of the device.@@TechDweeb
Another tempting gadget! 💸
I JUST HAVE ONE QUESTION CAN WE USE THIS AS A TAB LIKE WE CAN DO WITH THE RAZER EDGE REMOVING THE CONTROLLERS AND USING IT LIKE A NORMAL ANDROID CAN WE DO THAT????
Awesome vid and awesome device. Too bad I just preordered the Odin2...
NGL for me after the Pimax Portal and MAYBE the Odin 2 I'll be done with Android Handhelds for at least a decade.
I'm fairly sure you can set the default launcher using simple adb command. You can disable developer mode or just usb debugging from android settings, under system.
No way to disable dev mode or usb debugging from the android settings.
Hey a new update was just released that allows you to set your own launcher! I think a lot will be happy with this
TechDweeb: That's strange the Portal QLED isn't available for purchase right now! What irritates me is that it doesn't have the current version of Android, and that the screen isn't larger. Does it run Original Xbox or Xbox 360 or PC games?
No xbox or PC games, no emulators for those on android :.(
Whats the difference between having a phone with controlers and a fan and the same spects
I'm very pleased to hear someone else say the dpad isn't as horrible as most people say
Can you get replacement buttons akin to key switches and caps to change the "feel" of it?
It’s definitely is not a deal breaker. I love my QLED 4K portal It is stunning and one of a kind.
Looks okay, but at that price you might as well save up for a steam deck or the upcoming Odin.
I think with that price, it's pretty darn close to Steam Deck. I understand they're completely different, but also plenty of people will have to choose one or the other. I think that is the problem for many of these devices - if you try to do somethingn new and exciting, chances are you'll end up going against much more established competitor. I definitely wish them luck to succeed. And not get sued for the controllers. That one feels all too possible.
Yep no point really picking this up when the deck exist
Or oled deck nowa😊
15:33 HOORAY!!!!
Not being able to customize the launcher is a pretty big downside for me
Agreed
"PLAYS LITERALLY ANY GAME"...... NOT!!!
Can u please do a video on how to mod it
I did play Fortnite by enabling developer mode and deactivating usb debuggin, but the annoying part is that it activates itself again after a while or reseting the console.
Which is better Odin 2 or Pimax?
Literally ANY game.
Is this your real voice or a character?
much too far out of my price range for anything but it’s pretty damn good. i remember seeing this thing early on when they were making it and thought “damn i want this” but really don’t need something like that.
I'd go with the RG505 . IT comes WiTh Roms UnLiKe The PiMax .
@@DroidLocks6971 coming with roms preinstalled just guarantees bloat. and thars not necessarily legal either. i prefer retroid and ayn to anbernic anyways.
They have a lite version available now without the VR functions and cameras, 2K display, non-removable controllers for $299 which is pretty reasonable
that's still outta my budget, that's $460 for me which isn't needed considering i don't need anything past a few ps2 and gc games.@@cwakefield4
ok but we need to se if the lcd screen is a high quality one or not
From what I've seen from other reviews it is a very high quality LCD. I hope I can get one to test sometime.
Pinchmax Portal can't wait.
They have a new "Retro" edition with no VR functionality for $299 iirc, which is great, but it doesn't have removable joycons, which I feel like is one of the main draws to this.
I love the concept. I have a poor man's version with a cheap google cardboard headset and can run VR from my PC with Trinus to complement the android vr. But the fact is I'd rather get a steamdeck at that price.
I had an even poorer VR version as a kid.
I had to use my imagination...
Hi there, Mr. Dweeb! As hard as I tried, I never once saw the 1981 film, Stripes flashing across the screen. Am I missing something? Was this one of those optical illusions where I needed to screw up my eyes to see the secret picture 😁
As much as I really want a more powerful emulation device that is smaller than the Steamdeck , Android still cannot emulate the original Xbox. That in itself might mean that I skip the Odin 2 as well.
You need special glasses to see it.
can usb debugging be disabled by disabling dev mode all together? There should be a walkthrough for removing dev mode which will turn off usb debug. Depends on the version its running and it does not work for android "Go" editions.
Nope. No way to do it on the device as far as I could tell (I tried everything I could think of).
Is the $149.99 (on sale) version worth it? I’m really considering it especially considering I’m pretty sure my Trimui Smart Pro from Aliexpress got lost in the twilight zone during shipping.
At that price, DEFINITELY!
@@TechDweebYep that’s what I was thinking. Thanks!
lol what perfect timing. I checked on Aliexpress and my order was canceled for my Trimui Smart Pro about an hour ago.
I picked up a Retro version because of the price. I'd be interested in a review of the Retro version. Was thinking of the Retroid Pocket 4 when it comes out, but this is cheaper and better performance. Really nice deal!
Update: I received my Pimax Retro and it had defective analog sticks. I'm guessing because they are now out of stock according to their website all I can do is return it for a refund. I have to pay for return shipping of course. Oh well.
is the one with no vr but it cost 299 worth it?
Yeah I think so. Solid device for the price.
Are you having any issues running roms through an sdcard?
For example, I ran Spider-man 2 through Aethersx2 and the game randomly pauses for a second every few mins.
Didn't try the SD card tbh.
@TechDweeb No worries! I think this device is literally still in beta man.. I may have to wait for an update to have that issue fixed.
They recently released an update for the system to finally read extFAT from FAT32.
Something in that update code is probably interfering with the card being read properly.
Check the write speed transfers of your SD card...probably its too slow.
@zombee38 Thanks for the tip! All good on read and write speeds.
I used a SanDisk Extreme A2 U3 1TB card, and even purchased a new one for the sake of troubleshooting to no avail; unfortunately, still getting the same result.
Ohhh a fellow 2DS fan! What version or model do you have? I have the crystal blue with gray buttons one with a 16gb storage. Gonna upgrade it into a 128gb soon.
I have the Sea Green one (the non-folding model). One of my favourite handhelds actually, I should probably show it off more often on my channel...
@@TechDweeb dang that model you have is REALLY rare and gorgeous! Would be nice to see that beauty on videos lol
OMG, I was so worried, my heart was skipping beats, there was cold sweat pouring off my furrowed brow... but then BAM!!! it played Burger Time on the GB, crisis averted. I think I'm gonna buy two. It teleports matter right?
It teleports matter over wifi, but it'll depend on the speed of your wifi connection. If you do it over a slower 2.4ghz signal you'll get teleportation anomalies. You ever seen The Fly? Me neither.
It's 549.99 CND.. Is it worth it ? I want to emulate on it.. ps1, ps2 n64, wii
Is it just me or throughout the video there's a diagonal black line going down your screen every few seconds?
Mentioned in the vid near the start. It's an artifact of filming.
@@TechDweeb Oh dang I completely missed that. Thanks for pointing it out.
Dont know if this will fix it. But i would get the same issue with Fortnite while playing on my Redmagic. I believe the way i fixed it was by going to developer mode and turning off the usb debugging mode then turned it back on again and loaded Fortnite. Dont know why it fixed it but that always seemed to get it to load inside a match.
They enabled the developer mode toggle in the latest update :)
Great review, usually i find something redeeming about these handhelds, but for some reason this pimax seems to have no redeeming qualities at all, everything about it seems off.
*this device is on sale right now for $149.00 until the end of the year...really considering getting me one to go along with my Odin Lite & Retroid Pocket 2s*
wait its on sale till the end of 2024?!!??!?!?!??!
@@_str4y $299 from my understanding I haven't heard of this $149 unless and then get it from somewhere special where is just a Spam post.
I hope someone eventually reviews the retro version… does it have the same internals just no removable joysticks and fancy screen?
The comparison chart doesn’t compare the internals, so do we assume it’s the same across the board…
From what I read, the retro's only difference is it doesn't have the cameras necessary for VR mode.
Oh okay thanks, @odin7240
Adding to this, reading another comment says that it's controllers also don't detach. But it keeps the 4K screen
They just released a "retro" version for 299, no VR functions or detachable controllers but it keeps the 4k screen.
It’s too bad it still doesn’t have a real d-pad.
🗑️, also it’s a 2K screen!
Interested in the device. Especially for using only left half controller to play MoBa games and touchscreen for the right side.
Ah neat idea. It'd be good for that.
that's a lottle of gigglebytes of storage
Ok I’m looking for the biggest and best hard drive that is plug and play retro style. Money not a concern. Let me know please 😊
I'd go for the KrisCoolMod Retro Beast ;)
I'd say this is a neat device, but I'm still pretty satisfied with my Steam Deck haha. I might keep using that as my handheld device until the 2nd one comes out or something.
It's really cool to see the handheld resurgence though! I never thought I'd own one myself and yet here I am 😂
January 2024: Greetings from 4 months into the future! Pimax released an update (1.1.5_fu0816) that lets you use alternative launchers.
Yup. Waaaayyyy better now!
Hasnt the Yuzu performance also got better?
an honest review from someone who has neither and is deciding: for anyone thinking this is a steamdeck killer, it is not. this is a portable mobile device with a gaming mode, the steamdeck is a portable gaming focused medium tier pc. the pimax relies on wifi and cloud gaming to run high end games, the steam deck can run them anywhere with enough power to run pretty much anything, and play non steam games with a setup, is way bigger. these are both meant for a very different audience. but dont get me wrong, the pimax is pretty solid. it has its benefits with an extremely high tier screen, the vr mode, magentic controllers, and performs better than a normal android running games, and it is very portable since it is about as small, if not smaller than switch. overall, its your call to decide, depending on what you are looking for. happy shopping gamers :]
edit 1: mobile high tier games will run perfectly fine offline on the pimax
It's finally here the super consulate 5 Pro can you please review it
Console 5 pro it runs launcher its a mini pc and harddrive all in one
What racing game is that at 6:44?
Burnout for PSP
@@TechDweeb Thank you!! Really love your videos. Got my first handheld after watching your channel and I absolutely love it!!
It looks cool, but it’s not really what I’m looking for what I want is something like the king but that can handle PS2 and GameCube and Xbox games that I can attach easily to my TV🤩
But can it play metal of honor vr game
Glad it was your money and not mine. That Steamdeck pricing lad.
I will buy this system just for DIGMON RUMBLE ARENA 2 (on PS2).
Anyone tried it on this device? does it run good?
Thanks!
Looks different but the ayn Odin seems better it just doesn’t have VR.
Does this device come with all the roms?
Nope.
@TechDweeb well I guess ima Just stick with my zfold3 then
Does it run crysis?
Actually yes! You can run the switch port of Crysis. I can't say how well it'd perform but it should in theory work.
It looks really nice, but I don't really understand its inbuilt software limitations. Why android 10? Why the launcher restrictions? I can just clamp some controllers to a pixel 6 pro and install a front end and have a mostly superior device. And I can buy a refurbished pixel for less than the base pimax. Actually, I'd love it if you'd make a video walking through the ultimate DIY android setup.
Yeah you can pretty much do what you're describing. If that setup (including the controller) is less than the cost of this and would be just as powerful, then no reason to go for this unless you like the 4k 120hz display, or the detachable controllers.
Android 10 is basically to keep the android experience with the quest 2, quest pro, and pico 3 and pico 4. They all have similar chips. So for openxr standalone. For compatibility in VR they chose Android 10. Unfortunately when I reached out to ask pimax if they was willing to provide me with VR stuff so I could help them by producing the type of content to help this headset I was ignored and not needed for them. Even with me willing to buy the pimax portal out of pocket. Hope them the best but ya the communication of pimax is bad. And with that I'll move on to other lesser known VR headsets out of china
Dweeb said Piehole...er pimax...heh heh.
The thumbnail font made me do a double take. What is a 9AME?
It's like a game, but with better graphics.
Ahhh the Switch 2 is here LoL
Burnout revenge... ??? On PSP ?? I miss something here 😂
DOH!
Double like and comment for the TD
You have one right? Did I do it justice?
Filled in some gaps earlier through my Mitchell tire gmail.... but yes very nice review looking forward to the next.... also I indiegogo'd an air 1S, jeez... big price tag but I'm excited
Oh strange. I don't see a comment from Mitchell on the video...@@cranmoot3811
Oh and did you see yesterday's OTA update fixed the launcher thing?
@TechDweeb I'll check the new update after work today.... repost of MITS comment strange you can't see it.... Couple quick things TD. If you open the pimax sidebar with the Fn key. You can tap on FPS to bring up a baked in FPS HUD although it appears in a wierd location middle left bottom, but its functional. Next, when you install something or if something updates through google play it will show up first on the main screen ribbon. Until you open these 1 time they will remain first or near first spot on the ribbon. But after you open them it will revert to placing the most recently used App in the first position on the ribbon. I use Daijisho, it just sits in the first spot on the ribbon, but true you cannot make it the primary launcher. The software was not my biggest gripe it was that analog sticks and the L2 R2 triggers. The analog sticks were absolutely terrible when I first got it, but I think after some software updates from Pimax they seemed to have straightened up.... mostly.... they are better but not great. The triggers have too long of a throw and that annoying click at the end. These work fine when you are holding the device squarely in your hands, but if you want to turn your wrists out to better orient to the analogs and balance the device on your pinkies, I feel like I don't have the leverage against my pinkies to fully depress the triggers easily. The performance is great, the VR functionality was the selling point that got me to purchase. If only they would release the headset I could actually use it as intended. It's a decent device great performance and pretty good portability, but not quite everything I was hoping for. You may also want to hit on the fact that only the QLED version will allow VR from PC. Great video btw TD, your production quality continues to improve.
I was going to buy this i emailed them asking if i was to buy this for review if they could include the VR stuff. But never heard back so i may have to pass on the device. Having someone like me that literally helps your device sell. And have no interest in covering at least the vr stuff or even messaging back. Shows i need to point my channel in another direction
I'd be interested in checking out the VR stuff, but I can't see it being that great TBH.
@@TechDweeb exactly I'm not excited because having a link to steam vr is hard I seen this with pico already
The big black borders around the screen makes the screen look ugly in my opinion.
Edit: nvm it looks fantastic while playing WITHOUT the controllers. Only looked ugly with the controllers attached while idle.
I agree. The bezels are pretty chunky. I was confused at first because their video marketing showed way smaller bezels. Kinda misleading there...
$368 starting
Still too high for me but I was expecting $500
Can it do switch?? If it can and the price is right.. count me in
14:24
The price is as much as the switch i think
Thats really cool device, but to be honest i find it difficult to buy those android handhelds when they over 250, thats too close to steam deck
the steamdeck is worse in about every way apart from the operating system. i hate how people absolutely glaze all over the steamdeck for no reason. it’s basically ewaste at this point with handhelds.
@@joogled1839 in what area except maybe a screen is steam deck worse ? It can emulate everything up to PS3 and Xbox 360, a feat no Snapdragon can handle yet
@@theswitcherlite you say “up to ps3 and 360” as if it can actually do it properly. tgat kind of emulation still isnt good enough and cant even run properly on the best igpus.
PS3 is quite playable now, x360 is in works, but even considering those 2 as bonus systems, deck give you full pc library + emulation + all android apps for 400$ and far less used.
Are you trying to be that diffrent guy who knows better, if so you are not.
Deck isnt best handheld on market, there are stronger handheld pcs, yet price is a big factor here, calling steam deck ewaste is just straight up making fool of yourself. I do not know ewaste that can play Halo Master Collection, Tlou2 and Baldurs Gate 3, snd no android device even worth 800$ will offer that.
@@joogled1839
@@joogled1839well the only thing android handhelds are good for is emulation and genshin. No matter how powerful they get, the native library still sucks. The steam deck has access to all of the emulation that android handhelds have, plus a huge library of native games that run well on it. It’s definitely not e-waste
My 150 quid phone from Asda does all this just fine with a clip on controller
I actually like clicky buttons lol
Honestly, I wonder how it compares to the Ayaneo Pocket Air.
Too many handheld devices to choose from. You'll need to take about 10 advil shopping for one of these. Geez
Give me a controller that has steam decks touch pads and maybe... Just maybe..
My pimax portal retro never ran this good was a waste of money
How much they pay you?
If they paid me I would have said so
intrested clicks on the price sorry im out. looks awsome but just a bit too much
Hi.
Hello
Hey hey
I am a simple man, I see a new TechDweeb video and i click "like".
The world needs more men like you
Not for me. Too expensive for me. I have a steam deck so it's not as good as that.
Oh yeah, everything wrong all at once in one device. A Jack-Ass of all trades. 😅 BTW: Can i buy these "Kickstarter Handhelds" and have them shipped within a week or three?
World: No.
Shut up and take my money as the saying goes. Only problem is I keep saying it.
Not every game
Totally. Kinda misleading marketing there.
@@TechDweeb lmao
🤓👆
Tech dweebs hands say 45 years old and his goofy voice says 30
Somewhere between the two
Two important questions:
1: Does it run Doom?
2: Does it run Crysis?
I can't buy it without knowing that information.
No and no!
It´s my birthday, please send it to me as a gift
At least i tried
Ewe
Why you sound like Donald Trump??