35
Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.5 x 0.8 cm
Battery: 200 mAh
Connector: USB-C
Screen: Color
A budget-friendly retro gaming console recently sold at Lidl is drawing criticism for a frustrating user experience and lackluster game library. Despite boasting USB-C charging and a compact design with 300 built-in titles, reviewers found the Mad Monkey Retro Slim Console falls far short of expectations, even compared to basic handheld options. Our review details the design flaws and poor quality of games that render this console a disappointing purchase.
Despite its compact size, USB-C charging, and a library of 300 built-in games, the Mad Monkey Retro Slim Console fails to deliver a satisfying gaming experience. In fact, it falls short of even the most basic handheld gaming devices. This budget-friendly console, recently available at Lidl, may not be the gift you’re hoping for – unless you’re looking to disappoint.
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Console Design and Ergonomics
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<p>The Retro Slim Console boasts a surprisingly sleek design. It features generously sized buttons and a remarkably slim profile – measuring just 10.1 x 6.5 x 0.8 cm, it easily slips into a pocket. The inclusion of a USB-C port on the side is a welcome addition, though its placement could potentially interfere with gameplay while charging. However, given the console’s shortcomings, extended play sessions are unlikely.</p>
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<img src="data:image/png;base64,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" alt="Lidl przekręcił mnie na 65 zł. Kupiłem to i szkoda słów" fetchpriority="" data-lazy="1" data-controller="lazy-image symfony--ux-lazy-image--lazy-image" data-symfony--ux-lazy-image--lazy-image-src-value="https://pliki.telepolis.pl/file/242869/original.jpg" class="image" width="100%" height="auto"/>
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<p>However, the initial impression quickly fades. While the screen appears decent, the image quality leaves much to be desired. Notably, the screen is protected by *two* layers of protective film. The reasoning behind this is unclear, but having a spare layer readily available extends the device’s lifespan – a surprisingly thoughtful touch.</p>
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<img src="data:image/png;base64,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" alt="Lidl przekręcił mnie na 65 zł. Kupiłem to i szkoda słów" fetchpriority="" data-lazy="1" data-controller="lazy-image symfony--ux-lazy-image--lazy-image" data-symfony--ux-lazy-image--lazy-image-src-value="https://pliki.telepolis.pl/file/244604/original.jpg" class="image" width="100%" height="auto"/>
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<p>The console’s design flaws become apparent upon handling it. While the back is nicely rounded, the front edges dig uncomfortably into the hands. A simple chamfer could have resolved this issue. The device’s slimness isn’t to blame for the discomfort; it’s simply an awkward shape. The buttons are also stiff and unresponsive, making each press feel like a chore. Enjoying a game is difficult when the controls are so clunky. Even powering on the device is a struggle, requiring a firm press with a fingernail.</p>
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<h3>Specifications</h3>
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Games
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<img src="data:image/png;base64,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" alt="Lidl przekręcił mnie na 65 zł. Kupiłem to i szkoda słów" fetchpriority="" data-lazy="1" data-controller="lazy-image symfony--ux-lazy-image--lazy-image" data-symfony--ux-lazy-image--lazy-image-src-value="https://pliki.telepolis.pl/file/242870/original.jpg" class="image" width="100%" height="auto"/>
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<p>Recently, we criticized Biedronka for selling consoles with pirated games. We anticipated a similar issue with Lidl’s Retro Slim Console. However, the 300 included games are all original – and that’s not a positive. The titles are remarkably poor and clunky. It’s genuinely difficult to find any enjoyment in them. They resemble simple, amateur-made games, prioritizing quantity over quality.</p>
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<p>Furthermore, many of the games are simply variations of the same concept with slightly different graphics. It’s hard to estimate the actual number of unique games, but it’s likely closer to a few dozen, and none of them are remotely enjoyable. </p>
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<p>I briefly held hope for a game called Diamond, an Arkanoid clone. Unfortunately, the controls were terrible. The paddle moved sluggishly and couldn’t keep up with the ball, resulting in inevitable and frustrating defeats. This one glimmer of potential was quickly extinguished. The rest of the library is digital filler.</p>
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<h3>Battery Life</h3>
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<p>The manufacturer claims a battery capacity of just 200 mAh. Despite this, I wasn’t able to fully drain the battery in a single evening. The fact that the console’s biggest strength is its ability to run out of power is telling. However, I would consider this a minor positive. Charging is unnoticeable, as is the battery level indicator.</p>
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<h3>Verdict</h3>
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<p>If you’re looking for an affordable gaming gift, a classic brick game is a far better option. It offers superior ergonomics and a more enjoyable selection of games. While the Retro Slim Console’s racing and Arkanoid games look better, they are virtually unplayable due to the unresponsive and sluggish controls. This isn’t a matter of difficulty; it’s a fundamental flaw in the hardware.</p>
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<p>And if you’re craving a retro gaming experience, opt for a genuine retro console with authentic retro games. Even if it has fewer titles, they’ll at least be games that provide enjoyment, not boredom and frustration. Purchasing a cartload of matches, building a model settlement, and then burning it would be a more rewarding experience. The console is only available in Lidl stores, but we strongly advise against it.</p>
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<span class="article-review__title">Gaming Disappointment in Retro Packaging: 2/10</span>
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<span>Cons</span>
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Sharp edges
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Uncomfortable buttons
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Repetitive games
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Very low quality titles
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Worse choice than the cheapest brick game
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Would have preferred pirated games, or even just one well-developed title
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Price is far too high
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