ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console
£19.98
Pros
- Great for Kids
- Bargain
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Cheap
- Wobbly Buttons
- Uncomfortable
- Knock-Off Game Titles
- Annoying Audio
Today I’ll be reviewing the ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console. This small little device has an incredible 218 built-in classic retro games pre-installed.
It has a simple control pad user system and a 2.5″ LCD colour screen.
You have a choice of using the supplied rechargeable battery, or you can use 3x AA batteries.
Is this console any good? What is it like to use? Time to test it out!
Packaging and Contents.
The ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console comes packaged in a White cardboard box with product images and written specifications printed all over it. The box measures 16.0cm x 8.0cm x 4.5cm and weighs 160G.
Upon opening the box you’ll find the following items: 1x Console, 1x Battery, 1x Micro USB Cable, 1x English User Guide.
ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console.
The ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console is Blue in colour (other colours are available including; Red, Pink, Yellow, and White). On the front you’ll see a typical pad control with 4 gaming buttons. There’s also a Reset, Select, and a Start/Pause button too.
On top there’s a Headphone Jack, USB Charging Port, On/Off Button, and a Volume control wheel.
Using the Console.
If you’re planning on using the supplied battery, you’ll need to give it a charge using the supplied Micro USB Cable (Which measures 80.0cm in length). You need to power this cable using any 5V DC power source. It’s best to use a standard USB plug, like what you’ll use to charge your smartphone.
The battery is the same type that fits into a Nokia mobile phone. Although it’s a knock off version and not a genuine Nokia battery. The battery is rated at 3.7V and will probably last a lot longer than using the other power method of 3x AAA batteries.
Once charged (Which takes around 4 hours), or once you’ve installed some AAA batteries, you’ll need to power the console on using the on/off switch located on top of the console. You’re greeted by a very Chinese looking animation and have a choice of both English and Chinese languages to choose from. To select the language, press the Start/Pause button, this is basically a confirmation button for future reference.
Language Setting.
Once language has been set, your next page features a 4×3 screen filled with games, some you’ll be familiar with and others are knock off version of well-known retro games. To select a game, press the Start/Pause button. To go back and select another game, press the Reset button and repeat the whole language process again.
The games are knock-off versions of well-known games, ZHISHAN have changed the names to avoid any potential copyright threats. The spelling of some of the games are terrible.
If the console has not been used for around 60 seconds, it powers itself off completely. To turn it back on you need to press any button on the control area.
Playing Games.
Playing some of the games on the ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console is quite difficult. The buttons are quite clunky and not very responsive to your commands. The control pad feels cheap and wobbly. The built-in audio is also bloody annoying and very tinny, as you’d expect from a cheap and cheerful games console. Although you get 218 built-in games, some of them are repeated games but with a different game title.
It’s also quite uncomfortable to hold and use the console at the same time, there’s no ergonomic shape to assist you and you’re literally holding what can only be described as a brick.
The supplied user guide is also next to useless, although written in English is a poorly translated version from Chinese.
I believe there’re much better portable games consoles on the market, in fact I’ve reviewed some on this very website that are much better in quality.
Technical Specifications.
- Brand: ZHISHAN
- Model: Portable Handheld Console
- Manufacturer Code: BC-19
- Manufacturer Reference: N/A
- EAN: N/A
- ASIN: B07DKJWW32
- Battery: 1x Lithium-Ion Battery (Supplied)
- Other Battery Option: 3x AAA Batteries (Not Supplied)
- Capacity: 600mAh/2.22Wh
- Input: 5V/2.1A or 5V/1A
- Games: 218 (Built-In)
- Compliance: CE, FCC, RoHS
Conclusion.
The ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console is OK, nothing special but certainly more on budget end of the gaming market. The buttons feel cheap and wobbly and the annoying audio will drive you insane.
The badly spelt version of well-known games also brings down the console in terms of quality, surely a basic spell check is a must for any business.
I do believe this console is ideal for younger kids, and perfect for journeys, if you’re an avid gaming fan you’ll be left disappointed.
Overall, it’s a mixed review, but if you’re buying for younger kids then I suppose it’s an ideal investment, It’s cheap enough and apparently there’s a 30-day warranty period. But I’ve seen some comments on the Amazon page saying once messaged ZHISHAN don’t respond to messages, so bear that in mind.
If you want the ZHISHAN Portable Handheld Console for yourself, it’s available for purchase only on Amazon. The RRP for this product is £19.98.
Product sample provided by ZHISHAN in exchange for a detailed, unbiased review.
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