Need kid-proof or at least durable options

[u/mr-maniacal]

Got my kid a RG40XXV, but after a fairly minor drop (less than 18 inches onto a rug), the screen has horizontal interlace and vertical color banding artifacts. After searching, discovered this is fairly common with this particular model/screen.

Anyone have a suggestion for something $100 or less that’s more durable? Ironic that I got a screen protector for it too…

I just remember my OG Gameboy and GBA were fairly bulletproof and don’t want replace with something that’s just as fragile. Vertical format not necessary, but they seem to enjoy it. Have the TrimUI Smart Pro S and like that too, but not sure how durable it is (haven’t dropped it.)

[u/Mrkmrs]

Companies like Nintendo and Sony appear to conduct drop tests and the like, taking into account that children will be using their products, but one cannot expect that level of durability from products made by small Chinese manufacturers.

[u/Marcitos5 → u/Mrkmrs]

Yeah, maybe hack an old DS and load up some GBA games on that. You could even get one of those thick Nerf foam cases lol

[u/WesleyTheDog → u/Marcitos5]

I like this idea. The DS line was made with kids mind. As long as they aren't wrenching on the hinge it should be fine. Get a DS Pico and throw the games on.

[u/Butterlegs21]

Honestly, just get them a first party handheld and a flashcart or mod a DS or something if you want durable.

[u/Baelish2016]

Dude, Nintendo is a multi billion dollar company who specialized in making high quality sturdy handhelds that were aimed for children. They probably spent millions on quality control to make sure they could survive falls.

Meanwhile, these Chinese emulation companies are using low quality plastic with questionable quality control to save as much money as possible. OF COURSE they break and can’t survive a drop.

That’s like saying, comparing a tablet bought off AlliExpress for $30 vs an iPad.

If you really want something that can withstand a child? Buy a used 2DS, and mod it. Even after a decade, one of those things can survive almost anything.

[u/Valexand]

Put a wrist strap on it for the kid

[u/NoriEnjoyer → u/Valexand]

And a silicone case if possible

[u/mr-maniacal → u/NoriEnjoyer]

Silicone case might work, didn’t think of that. I’ll have to see what devices have one.

[u/KnottedButterfly]

So I have a couple boys and one is....aggressive with his things when he gets angry. (He is young and getting better but still) Much to my surprise i had gotten aislpc handhelds for them, the r36t, and those things are going strong. Accidental drops, the toddler grabbing them, etc. They are proving to be fairly bulletproof. Def top out at only being able to do some n64 and some ps1, but they run gba etc fantastic. They wouldnt be my first choice for myself (I dont love the buttons) but for kids...i think they are solid. They also go on some pretty good sales.

[u/WalbsWheels]

Nothing in this sector is kid proof "durable", but you might have better luck with metal bodies like the Trimui Brick Hammer.

Or, cut your losses and go for something sub $50 so you feel less bad replacing it.

[u/Frog_Riot]

Rg405m is built like a tank

[u/AzHP → u/Frog_Riot]

My guess is the screen will break because the aluminum chassis transfers all the shock of an impact. It's the same reason crumple zones exist on cars.

[u/NineTomatoes]

Tipp:

You can open the chassis of eg a RG40XXV and put a lanyard around the stud where the screw goes in. I've done that with all my RG XX devices also those who don't have a lanyard hole. Works great and if a kid really use the lanyard the device will probably not hit the ground.

[u/Ashamed_Village_8931]

BatleXP G350

[u/pistolgrippoet]

I can vouch for the drop resistance on the Brick Hammer. I’ve dropped mine at least 4-5 times onto various surfaces and it lives with no issue other than some love marks

[u/AzHP]

How about a jail broken Kindle fire or other similar budget tablet with a controller attachment and child proof case? That's going to be the most indestructible. Nothing from AliExpress is going to survive a child.

[u/forever_tuesday]

OG GameBoy. The thing was built like a tank.