If there’s one problem with retro handhelds, it’s that most of them look the same. That’s why the ZPG A1 Unicorn is currently taking the scene by storm.
It’s not your standard Anbernic or Retroid design. Instead of blocky bricks, the ZPG A1 Unicorn takes a more rounded approach at the edges. Not just that, but it’s a console that isn’t afraid to use color to make the device stand out. When was the last time you’ve seen a retro handheld this colorful?
What’s especially unique about this device is it uses a square 720 by 720 screen. That translates to a 1:1 ratio rather than the standard 4:3 or 16:9. Is that a good idea? We’ll get into that in a bit.
RetroCN – a site that acts as a bridge between Chinese companies and the Western market – was the first to showcase the latest ZPG A1 Unicorn tease. Not much else was revealed, although after some digging I was able to find out the screen size mentioned above, the fact the Unicorn will use Hall effect sticks and triggers, and it will be up for order at the end of December.
In terms of size, I’ve been told it’ll be roughly the same size as the SnowCake LG-Wing Round-6, so that’s truly pocket-sized rather than marketed as pocket-sized but needs a carry case.
As for emulation, RetroCN says the device should play up to PS2. We do get a very brief look at some PS2 games in action in the video, but it’s way too early to tell how well that claim will hold up. Without knowing what’s powering the device, there’s no way to say anything with certainty.
Frustratingly, RetroCN did release an image in Chinese on Discord that says: “Processor: Qualcomm? MediaTek? Ziguang?” Yeah, thanks for that.
Lastly, the Unicorn will make use of a 4500 mAh battery, which should put it in the six to seven hours of usage mark, and will be available in black, purple, and white.
If you’re interested in ordering one, check out the RetroCN site at the end of December, 2023.
Analysis.
One of the things that stands out to me is that the size of the ZPG A1 Unicorn is roughly the same as the SnowCake LG-Wing Round-6. In fact, the Unicorn looks to be very closely inspired by the SnowCake Android DIY gaming kit.
There’s a lot to take from that. Given both systems utilize a 1:1 screen, does that mean the Unicorn will also shrink the emulated screen size down to fit it and add borders like on the SnowCake? If that is the case, then what’s the point of a 1:1 screen? Most 8 and 16-bit consoles use a 4:3 ratio, PS2 and GameCube use both a 4:3 and 16:9, and Game Boy Advance makes use of a 3:2 ratio. Even the original Game Boy uses an odd 10:9.
The point I’m getting at here is the Unicorn isn’t going to be able to have many systems that will make use of its 1:1 aspect ratio without massively stretching the image or chopping parts off.
That said, I’m also wildly intrigued by this. The design looks lush, the coloring of the device really steps things up, and if the price is right, it could be worth keeping an eye on. Even if the 1:1 ratio seems like a bizarre decision, I’m absolutely dying to pick one up so I can check it out for myself.
