Android TV Box as a Retro Game Machine! (HK1 Box 4GB)

Today we're going to check out how to take a cheap Android TV box and set it up as a dedicated gaming device. For less than $50, this machine is the best value you can find for retro gaming on your TV.

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:17 tech specs
02:34 unboxing and impressions
03:47 Android game performance
08:47 installing EmuELEC
13:06 EmuELEC game performance
21:57 summary (likes and dislikes)
26:26 conclusion

Note that this description may contain affiliate links. By clicking on an affiliate link and buying something, I may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you.

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

Intro theme song sampled from "Hexadecimal Genome" by Bit Shifter:

#AndroidTV #EmuELEC #RetroGaming

[manicminer]

I've had this TV box for months now and I'm very happy with it.

[WickedGamerCollector]

Love your new retro intro 👌
Dreamcast & PSP is a problem for cheap boxes indeed 🙃

[fabiofabiobio]

Very nice! I picked up the T95 max awhile back after seeing ETA Prime's video on it and I've been really happy with EmuELEC so far! The android box is slowly replacing the PS Classic & SNES Classic, there's just so many added perks to enjoy once you get into the customization aspects of the firmware. And nothing beats chillin out and enjoying those scraped video screensavers you put me onto!

[guardianbeardizer]

Just bought a T95 android tv box for $3 yesterday & I'm gonna add Emuelec to it

[Binighted]

The android side can be a bit better as you mentioned, DIG is a great option for that. Excellent tutorial! I find myself dancing to the intro every time I put one of your videos 😅

[LilSirAxolotl]

I have to get me one so I'm looking forward to the other reviews. I wanted to go for the Console X Pro because it was plug and play. But I spent all night yesterday setting up DIG on my phone with an ipega controller and it's all working fine so far. Setting up an android box like this suddenly doesn't seem so confusing anymore

[TheRealJPhillips]

Turning the resolution down to 720p 60hz in emuelec menu makes a difference in many games performance

[baltimorebigman]

I have to admit you’re the only channel I watch on YouTube lately 👍🏽👾😎 (Russ Rocks)

[davidmateus]

Firstly thank you for the great usual quality of any of your reviews.
To me, the HK1 is one of the best ATV at the moment!
And of course the interesting price upgrade the interest in this compact wonderful machine! 🙂
Thanks and congratulations for this video! 👍👏

[eldontyrellcorp]

I happened to buy it 2 months ago.
Very happy with it. I can even play some N64 titles such as super Mario in 2x or 3x resolution and the result is beautiful ! It's another game.
For the price, it's a very good android box. I highly recommend it. I wonder if it's not even more powerful than the pi4.

[SonicLoveEmulation]

For the price it’s not to shabby at all

[ronch]

Russ helped me put together an emulation box using an X96 Air TV box. S905X3 and 2GB of RAM. Cost me $25. Plus EasySMX KC-8236 wireless gamepads and 128GB microSD. Total cost $76.

Btw EasySMX is a great brand if you don't wanna spend too much on a wireless controller. Got mine for just ~$18.50 each including the dongle and shipping. I don't think it's Bluetooth though; you really need that dongle it comes with. Works with no fuss. Very solid and responsive. The only thing I don't like is that it follows the Xbox ABXY arrangement.. Emuelec follows the SNES arrangement. If you configure the buttons as it says on the buttons your games will have flipped ABXY controls. I dunno if you can make Emuelec follow the Xbox ABXY button layout while still playing like you're using an SNES gamepad though, but for me, what the heck I followed the SNES-style layout anyway. It's hard to play games like Streets of Rage and Punch-Out!! with flipped buttons, especially if you're used to the SNES key mappings.

[morencia]

Hi Ross! A useful Android app to help with OS swapping is "Reboot to LibreELEC" (also works with CoreELEC/EmuELEC). On EmuELEC you already have "Reboot from NAND" option to boot Android without ejecting SD card every now and then. Happy gaming! ;-)

[Agent_Eli]

seems pretty nifty! I'm thinknig about doing Uber for some extra cash, but also was toying around with the idea of setting up an EmulationStation based device up for passengers. This little box seems perfect for that.

[nelson]

Wow i purchase x96 years ago i didnt know it play game i have Aladin in my phone thank u for the info stay safe

[ridsama]

Would love to see a review of the X88 King box that you suggested in your written guide. And then compare the S905X3 (HK1) vs the S922X (X88 King).

[samariter]

Please do more of these android box reviews

[nauikunart]

we asains don't peel that plastic cover until it changes color. hahaha, nice in-dept review and tutorial

[RGGeek]

I had this box and upgraded to the GT-King (S922x chip) because I wanted more power to run N64, Saturn and PSP better and it’s been working great! A few months ago I wanted to sell my HK1, but it just won’t start anymore. 😭 Oh well, at least I’m super happy with GT-King running EmuELEC!

[sheldon]

Thanks for doing this, bought mine a few months ago but hadn't set it up for gaming yet.