I just finished this upgrade with the exact same parts. I had no issues with the buttons or wires, but ran into a major issue when trying to remove the mounting plate on the Sanwa joystick. I’m not sure if Sanwa doesn’t want customers doing this mod anymore, but the Sanwa joystick I got had pretty strong Loctite screw adhesives holding the mounting plate in strongly enough that I stripped two of the screw heads trying to take them out. I finally gave up on your method because of this and put the screws back in tightly and used a Dremel tool to grind away enough space on the outer plate holes so that it would fit into the case properly. This turned out to work perfectly and the upgrade is complete and so much better than the cheap buttons and joystick it shipped with. Thanks for the detailed instructions on doing this! Just thought you should know of complications others might come across with new hardware from Sanwa.
@MashTec
3 жыл бұрын
Wow...your A13 looks gorgeous! Very nice mod dude. Thanks for the video.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
My pleasure MashTec, can't wait to see what you do with yours!
@risingdawn5259
3 жыл бұрын
I think this is going to be my next project! If I could get all those components out of the case I may use my airbrush to change the colouring and give it a matt varnish with acrylics, then find some decals to finish it off
@Adam-rw4xk
3 жыл бұрын
This video is so useful to anyone modding this. Can't thank you enough!
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@Beavernator
3 жыл бұрын
Welp... Looks like this is what I will be getting and modding for my daughter for her birthday...
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
It's a lot of fun to mess with!
@Beavernator
3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroGameCorps These are much more fun to tinker with... The M.A.M.E. machine I built like 10 years ago took me like 6 months to finish... Built a racing simulator for my daughter for her 10th birthday last year and that thing was way harder to setup than I anticipated... These are great learning items to really get inside the machine without worrying about breaking a thousand dollar item... Man, how time flies...
@sashahenriksen
3 жыл бұрын
youve convinced me to buy it, i am a big fan of beatemups and i feel like this would be perfect to play those on especially with the software and hardware mods. Your channel rocks
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
The new hardware really elevates the experience - you're going to love it!
@Mandinforever
3 жыл бұрын
Man your reviews are so enjoyable and detailed
@andydavidson1278
3 жыл бұрын
Just finished doing these mods😖😅😝 Was fiddly at times, and I was really concerned it wouldn’t turn on again after, but it worked!😃 Went for Ash(grey), Blue, Pink buttons and a green ball top😃
@MoreTechSir
3 жыл бұрын
The channel that just keeps on giving :D
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I try my best :)
@twoodall88
3 жыл бұрын
Super clean look with the mods. Well done
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@brownranger1797
3 жыл бұрын
Love the mods, I think hitting the small start select and volume control buttons with of coat of blue or black spray paint would help to break up the redness as well. Keep up the great content 👏
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I've been thinking about painting it, my wife just bought some nice black matte spraypaint that may just do the trick...
@jar768jake
3 жыл бұрын
Using the old metal plate to allow the new joystick to fit in the device, or in general, installing something new, but using a piece from the old part, in order to help it function properly, is called "Retro Fitting" which is very appropriate in this situation.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Ah, that's the word! Thank you.
@TriEdgeGaming
3 жыл бұрын
sanwa's are my favorite. they provide such a satisfying feel.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed!
@jasonshiers5771
3 жыл бұрын
Pimped up, looks brilliant.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I hope it'll look even better with a new custom sticker!
@xl_9
3 жыл бұрын
I feel that soon you will be experimenting more with mods and maybe even 3D printing, imagine a new case with compartments for all the parts :D Ideas go wild!
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I definitely don't have the room for a 3D printer, but that would totally be awesome :)
@kimble02
3 жыл бұрын
Even light up clear buttons would be cool for this unit. Love the form factor!
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
@@kimble02 That would be very nice!
@cooolpotato
3 жыл бұрын
I think you really hit the nail on the head with this colour combo - scrolling through components I'm having a hard time finding another combination to rival it.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I just tried to take away as much red as possible.
@TacticalHamburger
3 жыл бұрын
Nice. It's also good to see that asides from the non-standard joystick mounting plate, it's all fairly standard sized stuff inside. Personally, instead of going the Sanwa JLFD-TP-8YT detachable lever route, I would have tried using a standard Sanwa JLF joystick (or just kept the stock joystick assuming that it is just a JLF clone) in combination with a Phreakmods EX-Groove Link quick release shaft, assuming that it would still fit in the holder (the Link shaft diameter is equivalent to a standard JLF shaft + normal shaft cover, whereas the overall diameter of the Sanwa detachable shaft + detchable shaft-specific cover appears to be larger than that). The shaft itself costs about as much as the entire detachable lever Sanwa joystick, so that may make it a little more cost prohibitive given what it would be going in, but it's attachment/detachment mechanism is much faster, although it's installation may be a bit tricky for someone inexperienced with joystick modding. As for the buttons, I think I would go with Crown 202 MX buttons, which make use of Cherry MX keyboard switches inside, and are hotswap compatible with a wide variety of other MX or MX-compatible switches, allowing you to really dial in the feel you want.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I was looking at that Phreakmods shaft, maybe I will go that route some other time. Thanks for the notes re: buttons!
@kimble02
3 жыл бұрын
Ha! I just posted the same thing. I have a EX Groove I was going to try out. It does hold the dust cover though. I guess I’ll just take it off. Hopefully it fits in the compartment. Eagerly waiting for my unit to arrive!
@robknott1597
3 жыл бұрын
love it! things amazing another great video!
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rob!
@tiagohermangameplays
Жыл бұрын
Loved
@TN_AU
3 жыл бұрын
This device is really growing on me now with the mods. EDIT: As of this edit, the detachable joystick are all sold out.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah unfortunately they're out of stock -- hopefully they restock soon!
@kimble02
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe look at a normal sanwa stick with a Phreak Mods The Link. The latest version holds the dust cover in place with the stick, so you’d need an older version of you want to store it. Oh, and I haven’t tested the shaft yet to see if it fits in the compartment either so it’s a risk either way. I’ll post my findings here once I get my A13!
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
@@kimble02 Looking forward to seeing what you come up with, thanks! That Phreak Mods one looks nice.
@kimble02
3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroGameCorps well... got my unit and man oh man is that wiggly stick wiggly. Tried the Phreak Mods and it’s too wide to fit in the storage compartment.😞 I was thinking about doing a stick tear down and swapping out the shafts but found another site where the detachable screw tops are available. So I went the easy route. I’m doing the EZ mods but planning a pi install. The battery pack is the one part that’s getting me. Not sure if I’ll have to use a voltage drop down module. Seems like that’s a heavy possibility.
@JamesLoweryHypnotherapy
3 жыл бұрын
I'm planning on doing this with my favorite Sanwa setup which uses the JLF but adds an octoganal gate, two pound spring, and a Kowal oversized actuator.
@ultramaster.
Жыл бұрын
Tip: I successfully removed the button cables with a bent tweezer without damaging it.
@cheatsheet3325
3 жыл бұрын
How are the weights working out? Does the unit stay in place during fighting game inputs, etc?
@systemshocker2875
3 жыл бұрын
Aparently,Sonic Love is modding his powkiddy. He's putting in a Pi4.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah there's a video of someone doing it already. It was a BEAST of a mod, way above my skill range. Hope Sonic Love can pull it off!
@mkonji8522
3 жыл бұрын
I got one of these and also hated the red. I ended up getting some black Rit liquid dye from Walmart and dyed it black in a large pot with the heated-up dye.
@JamesLoweryHypnotherapy
3 жыл бұрын
Okay. I might as well mention it on here since this video encouraged me to mod the device to begin with. Sadly I do believe the power button has broken, and I'm not quite sure if it's the switch attached to the motherboard or if its the plastic pushbutton giving me issues. The pushbutton will not "lock" in place once pressed nor will it turn on the device unless pressed in extremely hard. Also, unfortunately the sd card fell out and broke in half. Now, I know you can buy the motherboard for the device separately on Aliexpress and that it supposedly comes preloaded with 9000 games but do I even need to do this? Would it solve anything or is there a simpler solution? Help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.
@SanchezS
3 жыл бұрын
Well done you’re great. 👍
@ejpmonline
3 жыл бұрын
I hope powkiddy would release an android version of this with an upgraded cpu maybe 1.5ghz quadcore then it'll be an amazing portable android arcade! WAO! XD amazing video!
@mzterzi
3 жыл бұрын
Good job👍👏
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@kimble02
3 жыл бұрын
To avoid losing the plastic cover I wonder if you can just buy a normal sanwa stick and use a Phreak Mods unit to make the stick detachable? It shoullld fit in the compartment. And the shaft won’t spin out. Just ordered my A13 and already have a Phreak Mods shaft so I’ll test it and post when I find out.👍🏼
@JerryZhani
3 жыл бұрын
Great! Please show some PS1 gaming and how it works with the arcade stick/ button controls.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Will do!
@michaels-h5539
2 жыл бұрын
Hey, nice video, thanks. Thinking about buying this device but it'd be mainly to play vertical shoot them up games. Do you think it'd be possible to open the top part (where the screen is) to see if the screen can be rotate somehow? I was thinking about maybe cutting the top part of the plastic so that the screen could go outside with no problem (not too neat but really looking for a vertical screen, I just wonder if it seems that top part could be easily opened?)
@jsuritz1
3 жыл бұрын
Is there a reason why I can't get this device delivered to me in Illinois from the link tour provided us?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Hmmm, that is odd. Maybe try the official PowKiddy store on AliExpress?
@kimble02
3 жыл бұрын
A seller just started selling them on Amazon as well. I scooped one up today after watching the firmware update vid. Retro game Corps should be getting royalties. I think he’s helping Powkiddy sell a bunch of units!!!!
@cooolpotato
3 жыл бұрын
Aliexpress has a large selection of them.
@domokun87
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome job! Do you have to use a low-profile button? Wondering if you could recommend some alternatives.
@MaximoToro
2 жыл бұрын
Any mods to keep it stable while playing fighting games? As in a suction cup mod or maybe drill holes to screw it down on a table, or clamp it down somehow, etc
@ousha5011
2 жыл бұрын
Hi, Can 2 of those machines linked together for some local multipler for some Neo-Geo beat em up games, like on the real old school arcade machine?
@FernandoLagunes
3 жыл бұрын
I'm having issues with my A13 overheating and it stops after about an hour or so. Do you have the same issue? I'm thinking on putting some heat sinks and even a small fan and some holes.
@penismightier9278
3 жыл бұрын
I was actually expecting that to be one of the mods he did. Good to know someone else is (was?) thinking about doing it. How'd it turn out if you did it?
@FernandoLagunes
3 жыл бұрын
@@penismightier9278 it turned out pretty good. I did both mods (heat sinks for raspberry pi and a small 5V fan) and even though it still gets warm, I can play a lot longer without issues.
@penismightier9278
3 жыл бұрын
@@FernandoLagunes Now that you've installed a fan on it, how is the battery life? How difficult was it to add the fan? Any soldering required?
@FernandoLagunes
3 жыл бұрын
@@penismightier9278 I don't see any significant difference in the battery. You do have to solder, but it's easy. If you want, send me an email and I'll send you some pictures. f_lag23 hotmail
@chunkydunkydiabetic1187
11 ай бұрын
"...but hey, it works" I fell off my chair, the way you trailed off with that one 😂 you're funny as hell, bro, I subbed from that alone✊️. Just finished loading everything from ps1-genesis on my new RS-07, it was a test to see if I'd enjoy one of these. I definitely do, I'll be ordering an a13 soon. Did you ever think of shitting custom-RGB all over one of these? 💩 😂
@trinicade7574
3 жыл бұрын
Well done. For me, the A13 has been a pain to mod. I broke the power button and might not receive the replacement part from China. You might want to add rubber foam to the bottom for better grip. Cheers.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Good point on the foam, sorry to hear you've had issues. I had heard about the power button so I was super careful with mine.
@Profound79
Ай бұрын
I just got my PowKiddy A13 and I am ready to mod it. However, my on/ off power button is different to the one you have. I believe it is called a "rocker switch" with a red button housed in a square black plastic base. Do you know of anyone that has tried dismantling the case with this type of switch and would it be easier and less of a risk? Please let me know if you have any advice. It would be appreciated. Thanks for doing the video.
@Curryking32000
3 жыл бұрын
received my yesterday and it only took 7 days to arrive in the UK. I love it but yes, the games list if very messy and shame there's no favourites list. Was wondering about the posiblity of spray painting it black
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I'm thinking about doing the same thing.
@endoflevelboss
3 жыл бұрын
Careful not to snap your SD card opening the case. I was taking care with the power button and my 256GB EVO got snapped in half. Should have took it out before really.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Oh crap! Sorry to hear that.
@GMANIFESS
2 жыл бұрын
Mine won't power on. The screen just blinks. Any suggestions?
@wishuwerehere
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Russ! Would you still consider this the best bartop in its price range with the mods?
@lkhoe23
3 жыл бұрын
Hi. Is it necessary to remove the board if I just wanna swap out the joystick?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I think you could probably do it without removing the board, just be sure to unhook the battery cable.
@DJ_Aviles
2 жыл бұрын
Pésimo como poner la tapa de nuevo… el botón rojo del on off se puede poner por fuera… por insertarlo por cómo sale en el video ahora se me desarmó y no se como volver a instalar el mecanismo…. Ayuda si alguien sabe gracias
@robumphrey1344
3 жыл бұрын
As i was following your video the sd card came out on mine. I put it back in but now all the files and emulators are not listed. I click on games and it doesn't show any emulators, it just starts up the same 1 game every time. Any ideas?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Rob, it sounds like your SD card was damaged or just plain failed. Send me an email at retrogamecorps (at) gmail, I can help.
@evanpatterson8487
2 жыл бұрын
Are the buttons 24mm. Or 30mmm???
@Vitorlean
3 жыл бұрын
retro I still see a lot of people in doubt about which firmware to install for rg351p. Can you compare performance on arkos and 351elec games? Currently 351elec has more updates and is in version 1.0.8. Another question, do you know why 351elec no longer support halflife?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Hi, they weren't able to port over HL in the new exFAT partition of 351ELEC. Hopefully they can bring it back. Performance across the board is the same for ArkOS and 351ELEC, maybe a bit better N64 on ArkOS but everything else is virtually equal. I'll try my best to put something together that showcases something.
@Adalwolf17
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Can you use jlf parts on the stock stick? I think its a jlf clone
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I think they'll work.
@SmallJack81
3 жыл бұрын
And is it possible to change the software ? Can we install Batocera for example ?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
There is a custom firmware for the device, I'll do a video on it soon!
@Guitario666
3 жыл бұрын
That's awesome! Could you put a raspberry pie in it?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Someone already did it on KZitem (the video is in Korean but with English subtitles). It's well beyond my skill level at this point, but definitely something I want to tackle someday!
@ultramaster.
Жыл бұрын
I broke the power button today 😢 I forgot to take off the cover with the button on.. I spent 40 us plus 40 us shipping for my sanwa jlfd then this ... Facepalm
@bluepaintsmells
2 жыл бұрын
This a13 got *DRIP*
@gne08
3 жыл бұрын
Do you know where to buy a replacement screen?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Hi, you'll probably have to message PowKiddy directly via AliExpress so they can request one from the factory.
@racheysdad
3 жыл бұрын
Can you plug in game controller into the USB ports for so you can do 2 or more players?
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, definitely.
@foodoon
3 жыл бұрын
WARNING: DO NOT attempt to mod your Pow Kiddy A-13. It is trivial to break many things (such as the power button). I followed this video very carefully and ended up with a broken power button. It's just not worth it. I will have to buy another now and throw this in the trash. The thing basically self-destructs if you open it. I think the guy who did this video was just very lucky with his power button. DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS YOU ARE HAPPY WITH HIGH CHANCE OF DESTROYING YOUR DEVICE.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear this happened to you. I've opened up two of these devices at least a dozen times each without issue, but yes I've heard of a lot of people breaking the power button -- that's why I make note of it in the video. I would recommend asking in the Team Ruka channel on Telegram, several people have figured out how to fix a broken button, or how to order that specific part. The only rub is the channel is in Spanish, but if you ask in there someone will help you out. t.me/joinchat/B5SjM1OVlW0eD-0Tv5GrmA
@shagstars
2 жыл бұрын
seeing that this is not cooled at all explains why it shutsdown with batocera 34 and ppsspp on.
@chriswarrington9353
2 жыл бұрын
Yeahhhh busted my power button putting this back together :/
@endoflevelboss
3 жыл бұрын
What kind of heatsink should I fit? Having bought one I found out it overheats a lot and dies during any emulator that stresses it out e.g. Amiga P-UAE.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I'd have to look inside and see how much room we have to work with. It has definitely gotten hot when I play it, but to me it feels like the battery.
@endoflevelboss
3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroGameCorps On mine the heat is very much below the joystick compartment. Judging by your disassembly there, it seems to be from the main board. Are you able to play the more taxing emulators for >1hr? I find stuff like Amiga and certain arcades (e.g. ddragon one on MAME not Neo Geo) for, say 30 mins+ will push it over the edge and make it freeze up or sit on a black screen. I'm getting a raspberry PI copper heatsink tomorrow although I think it might need a fan. Cool machine though, just needs some love :D
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
@@endoflevelboss Honestly, I’ve never played it for more than 20 minutes at a stretch. I hope a heatsink helps, let me know how it goes!
@endoflevelboss
3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroGameCorps Fixed the issue, with perfectly fitting copper heatsink from PiHut (with adhesive tape already applied). Tested and it's no longer bailing under heavy load. PiHut part = 103181 👍👍👍🥳
@DJDanceClassic
3 жыл бұрын
paint it black
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve been thinking about it.
@kimble02
3 жыл бұрын
What sort of paint would be best to use? Seems like an excellent idea!
@DJDanceClassic
3 жыл бұрын
Just regular spray in a can
@JasonFTFW
3 жыл бұрын
The way you went at the wires for the buttons... Cringe 😖 Never pull a crimped connector at the crimp point. You want to grab by the portion that is metal on metal.
@RetroGameCorps
3 жыл бұрын
Haha, sorry for the cringe. That makes sense, thanks for the tip.
@ainamaree
3 жыл бұрын
First 😁
@horrorpaingoredeath
5 ай бұрын
Will the A13 be powerful enough to play Marvel Vs. Capcom 2?
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