Pandora's Box Buying Guide: How Versions Compare and What to Look for in an Arcade Console

What is an official Pandora’s Box arcade gaming console?

Pandora’s Box is a home arcade and console games board pre-loaded with built-in retro games. These gameboards are found across a wide range of Pandora’s Box arcade machines — from tabletop and upright cabinets to portable dual-screen units and fight sticks that connect directly to your TV.

The same gameboard is sold under dozens of different brand names and model numbers. This guide helps you identify the board inside any unit you’re considering or have already purchased, and understand where it sits in the performance hierarchy.

Game counts range from 99 to over 10,000. Better units play both 2D arcade and 3D console games (N64, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Game Boy) smoothly. Cheaper units play the classics fine but struggle with anything more demanding. Model numbers tell you almost nothing — the motherboard specs tell you everything.

Buyer beware. With manufacturers, wholesalers, and resellers on AliExpress, eBay, Alibaba, and local retailers all selling similar-looking units, machines that appear identical can differ dramatically in performance. Many sellers don’t know what board they’re actually selling. Always ask for motherboard ID and specs before purchasing.

Quick Board Comparison — 2026

Not sure which board you have or which to buy? Start here. Three tiers, three chipsets — everything else is naming noise.

Board ID / Chip	Common Name	Performance Level	Best For
RK3566 🆕	Alpha Max+ (2025 Revision)	Ultra — Latest	PSP, Dreamcast, N64 & 3D Arcade
S812-WJ / A17	Saga EX2 / Alpha 3D	High	PS1, N64, Stable Emulation
GB2000 / H3	Game on Friends / 11s	Entry	80s & 90s 2D Classics

See the full specification table further down the page for all boards, CPUs, GPUs, save state support, light gun compatibility, and motherboard IDs.

🆕 New for 2026 — Alpha Max+ RK3566

The Alpha Max+ 2025 Revision is now the fastest Pandora-compatible board available. Built on the Rockchip RK3566 — a 2020 64-bit ARMv8 chip, it overtakes the Amlogic S812 (2014, 32-bit ARMv7) that has powered performance-tier boards since the 18s. The RK3566 brings a faster architecture, quicker boot times, and expanded compatibility including 4-player gamepad support. Full spec breakdown below ↓

Frequently Asked Questions — 2026 Edition

🚀 Performance & Hardware

What is the fastest Pandora’s Box board in 2026?

The Alpha Max+ (2025 Revision) with the Rockchip RK3566 chipset. Released in Q2 2020, the RK3566 is a 64-bit ARMv8 chip that’s a full generation ahead of the Amlogic S812 (2014, 32-bit ARMv7) used in the Saga EX2 3D boards. Real-world result: smoother emulation of demanding 3D titles — PSP, Dreamcast, N64 — that could show frame drops on older EX or DX models.

What is the latest version of Pandora’s Box?

Names like “Pandora Box 50S” or “100S” are marketing — the number does not correlate with hardware generation. The Rockchip RK3566 processor defines the genuine latest revision. If a seller cannot confirm the chipset or provide a motherboard ID, assume older stock regardless of what model number is on the box.

Who made the original Pandora’s Box?

The original creator was 3A Games. Since 2014, the clone market — specifically boards like the Saga, Alpha, and Austar lines — has surpassed the original manufacturer in raw performance and features. As of 2024, 3A Games ceased production of the 10th Anniversary, their last new release, and has no new product currently in the market. Older 3A boards, including the CX and DX, remain available through various online sources, but spec-wise, they sit well below the leading clone boards. It’s an unfortunate position for the brand that started the category, though the clones had moved past what 3A was offering long before that point. None of the following model numbers were ever made by 3A Games: 7, 9, 9D, 9H, X, X+, 11, 11s, 12, 12s, 18s, 19, 28, Saga.

What is screen tearing/lag?

When the emulated game exceeds the hardware’s processing capacity, the result is sound clipping, page tearing, frame skipping, freezing, or crashing. Most Pandora Boxes don’t provide access to emulator settings such as frame skip, which makes board selection critical — you cannot compensate in software for underpowered hardware.

Do more games mean a better unit?

No. “10,000 in 1” lists are routinely padded with duplicates, multiple regional versions (Japanese, Chinese, Korean), and titles that don’t run well on the installed hardware. A curated library of 3,000 games on a fast board is consistently better than 10,000 poorly emulated ones. Once you own a unit, you will likely delete games that don’t perform.

Does a higher model number mean a better console?

No. Model numbers are marketing, not specifications. The Pro, Plus, 28s, and 30s boards regressed to entry-level A7 specs despite their higher numbers. Always verify the motherboard ID — it is the only reliable identifier.

🦘 Australian Retailers & Buying

Is a Pandora’s Box worth buying?

Yes — if you buy the right one. They are low maintenance, plug-and-play, and well-priced for what they offer. Entry-level boards handle classics like Galaga, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Moon Patrol without issue. For more demanding titles like Ridge Racer, Mario Kart 64, or Tekken, you need a mid-tier board minimum. Before purchasing, request the motherboard ID or a video of the interface in use.

Is the Jaycar “Game on Friends” console good for 3D games?

No. The Jaycar unit and similar units sold through Betta Home Living, Kogan, and Catch are 11s spec (GB2000/H3 chipset). They handle 80s and 90s 2D classics reliably — Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Double Dragon — but lack a Search function and will struggle significantly with 3D titles like Mario Kart 64 or Tekken. At AUD $249 for entry-level spec, they are overpriced for what they deliver.

Where can I buy a verified Pandora’s Box in Australia?

Buying from eBay or AliExpress frequently results in version inflation — an older board in a new case. Buying from a local specialist means verified motherboard specs, Australian warranty, and pre-configured software that resolves the stretched image issues common on import units. Always confirm chipset and board ID regardless of where you buy.

What is a Pandora’s Box clone and should I avoid them?

Clones started as inferior copies of the 3A product. After a decade of development, the leading clones — the Saga EX2/EX3 and Alpha 3D-Max/Max+ — now lead the market in performance and features. Avoiding clones entirely means missing the best available hardware. The distinction that matters is not genuine vs. clone — it is chipset quality.

What does a Pandora’s Box cost in Australia?

Gameboard only: AUD $90–$140. Fight stick with built-in board connecting to your TV: AUD $149–$460. Full arcade machine (bartop or upright): AUD $900–$2,900.

🛠️ Technical & Customisation

What can Pandora’s Box boards be used in?

Pandora’s Box boards suit a wide range of arcade setups — from fight sticks and bartop cabinets through to full-size arcade machines. Despite their versatility, the boards are locked down out of the box, so settings can’t be accidentally altered. No complex configuration required; just turn on and play.

How do I fix the stretched image on my widescreen TV?

Most Pandora Boxes output 16:9 by default, stretching old 4:3 arcade games across the full screen. The majority of boards have no built-in fix for this. Electro Arcade patches their Saga and Alpha boards with a 4:3 default setting, so the image is correctly proportioned out of the box. The Alpha Max+ goes further — it includes a user-selectable option to switch between 4:3 and 16:9 depending on the game or preference. If you’re buying from another source, check whether the board has any aspect ratio control before purchasing, or plan to manually set your TV to 4:3 picture mode as a workaround.

Can I use a Pandora’s Box with light guns or a trackball?

Yes, but compatibility is board-specific. The Alpha Max+ (RK3566) and Alpha 3D-Max are the primary boards that support these accessories. Note that V1 light gun sensors may not be compatible with V2 sensors — confirm the gun and board version are matched before purchasing. Look for a “Gun Max” bundle to ensure synchronisation.

Can I use a Pandora Box as a fight stick controller?

Some gameboards support this function, including the Sage EX2 and EX3. While the Alpha range of boards excel in other areas, they are a dedicated retro gaming machine and cannot be used as a fightstick controller to play games on your PC or PS3.

How do I add more games?

This depends on whether your board is locked or unlocked:

Saga EX2/EX3 (locked): Adding games relies on the Wi-Fi store — an overseas service with an unreliable connection, a download cap, and incorrectly translated game names that make finding specific titles frustrating. It works, but barely, and delivers far less than the marketing implies.

Alpha 3D-Max / Alpha Max+ (unlocked): Adding games requires editing the database — more involved, but you have genuine control over emulator settings, ROM configuration, and which titles appear. No Wi-Fi needed. The extra effort yields better results and fewer compatibility surprises.

Is there an official Pandora’s Box website?

No. 3A Games has an AliExpress store but has been stepping back from this market. There is no authoritative single source for version information. Many sellers don’t know what version or board they’re selling. Treat all model number claims with scepticism and verify specs independently.

🎮 Gaming Experience

Which Pandora’s Box plays arcade and console games smoothly?

The Alpha Max+ (RK3566) is the current top performer. The EX2/EX3 and Alpha 3D-Max are strong performers on demanding titles including Ridge Racer, Mario Kart 64, Tekken, and NBA JAM. For most buyers the Alpha 3D-Max remains the best balance of performance, compatibility, and unlocked configuration access.

Can I save my game progress?

Only on mid-to-high-tier boards (12s spec and above). Look for Save State and Load State in the game menu. This is essential for long PlayStation or N64 RPGs. Entry-level boards (11s, PB9, Game on Friends) do not support save state.

Are there light gun-compatible Pandora Boxes currently available?

The Alpha Max+ and Alpha 3D-Max both support light guns (AimTrak). Neither board includes Wi-Fi — games are managed directly, which is more reliable than the Wi-Fi store approach. 3A Games removed all games from their boards in 2024 and ceased production of the 10th Anniversary board. Retro Shooter (Canada) no longer sells Pandora Gameboards with light guns. Old stock circulates on AliExpress.

Version Comparison Table

Sorted by performance tier. Confirm the motherboard ID before purchasing any unit — the board ID is the only reliable identifier.

Board / Model	Tier	CPU	GPU	RAM	Output	Save State	3D Console Games	Light Gun	Unlocked	Motherboard ID
Alpha Max+ 2025 Rev. 🆕⭐ Recommended	Ultra — Latest	RK3566 Cortex-A55 Quad @ 2.0GHz (64-bit ARMv8)	Mali-G52	1GB LPDDR4	720P	✅ Reliable	✅ PSP, Dreamcast, N64	✅ AimTrak	✅ Yes	GBX109-V01
Alpha 3D-Max	Performance	8-core Cortex-A17 @ 1.8GHz	Mali-T764 @ 600MHz	1GB	720P	✅ Reliable	✅ Yes	✅ AimTrak	✅ Yes	—
Saga EX2	Performance	12-core A9 (4+8) @ 2.0GHz	Mali-450MP8	2GB	720P	⚠️ Hit & miss	✅ Yes	❌	❌ Locked	S812-WJ-025
Saga EX3	Performance	12-core A9 (4+8) @ 2.0GHz	Mali-450MP8	2GB	720P	⚠️ Hit & miss	✅ Yes	❌	❌ Locked	S812-WJ-025
18s / Saga	Performance	12-core A9 (4+8) @ 2.0GHz	Mali-450MP8	2GB	1080P	⚠️ Hit & miss	✅ Yes	❌	❌ Locked	PSA-S812-004 / S001
9D / GB3000	Performance	A9 Quad-core	Mali-450	2GB	720P	❌	✅ Yes	❌	❌ OS on board	GJ.GME.GB3000.REV1.2
3A EX (Green)	Mid — Incomplete	Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz	Mali-G31 MP2	8GB DDR4	720P / 1080P	⚠️	⚠️ Poor software	❌	❌	—
10th Anniversary / Retro Shooter	Mid	Cortex-A55 @ 2.2GHz	Mali-G52 (dual-core)	2GB DDR4	—	⚠️	⚠️	✅ (discontinued)	❌ Locked	RK3566
Pandora DX	Mid (3A Official)	Cortex-A7 Quad @ 1.5GHz	Mali-450MP2	2GB DDR3	720P	✅	❌ Struggles	❌	⚠️ Patch required	—
Pandora CX	Mid (3A Official)	Cortex-A7 Quad @ 1.5GHz	Mali-450MP2	2GB DDR3	720P	✅	❌ Struggles	❌	❌	—
Pandora 12 / 12s	Mid	H3 Quad @ 1.5GHz	Mali-450MP2	2GB	720P	✅	⚠️ Some lag	❌	❌ Locked	PSA-H3MM-002
Pandora 11s / PB9	Entry	Cortex-A7 Quad @ 1.2GHz	Mali-400MP2	—	720P	❌	❌	❌	❌	SG.GB2000S.REV2_32
Alpha Fight (original)	Entry	Cortex-A7 Quad @ 1.3GHz	Mali-400MP2	256MB	720P	❌	❌	❌	❌	—
Pro / Plus / 28s / 30s ⛔ Avoid	Entry — Regressed	RK3128 Cortex-A7 Quad @ 1.3GHz	Mali-400MP2	—	720P	❌	❌	❌	❌	RKS128_LITE_V1d2
Capcom Home Arcade	Entry (16 titles only)	—	—	4GB NAND	1080P	—	N/A	❌	❌	RetroArch / Linux

🆕⭐ = Current top-recommended board | ⛔ = Avoid despite higher model numbers | Always confirm motherboard ID with seller before purchasing.

Does a bigger number mean a better console?

No. The model number system is marketing, not a performance hierarchy. A PB28 can run a slower chipset than a PB12. The Pro, Plus, 28s, and 30s boards use the RK3128 — an entry-level A7 chip typically found in budget Android TV boxes — despite their higher numbers implying a newer, better product.

3A Games named their 2020 release “DX” rather than continuing the number sequence precisely to cut through this confusion. It didn’t work — the clone market continued numbering products well beyond DX with no correlation to performance.

When was the last time you played 1,300 games and wished you had 8,000? Game count is not a performance metric. On many boards, more games means more games that don’t run well.

How to identify your board

The only reliable method is the motherboard ID printed on the PCB itself. If a seller cannot or will not provide this, do not buy.

Quick interface check: If the unit does not show All / Category / Recent / Search filtering and Save / Load game progress, it is 11s spec or older — regardless of what number it’s sold under.

YouTube reviews: Reviews that don’t show the gameboard are unreliable for purchasing decisions. The same model name has been applied to boards with different chipsets in different production runs — a positive review of a “12s” may have been filmed with a faster S812 board, not the A7 H3 board you’ll receive. If the reviewer opens the case, check the board ID yourself against the table above.

A Pandora Box 12s review by Chigz Tech Reviews (286,000+ combined views) praised both a genuine H3 12s and an S812-004 unit — which is actually an 18s/Saga — as equal performers. They are not comparable. Buying on the review alone would result in a significantly slower machine.

Below: the two boards reviewed as identical. Left is the PSA-H3-H001 (A7 Quad-core / 12s). Right is the PSA-S812-004 (A9 12-core / 18s). Night and day in performance.

Pandora Box interface showing All Category Recent Search Save State features

The below eBay listings show Pandora X, X Plus, and PB12 — all are 11s spec despite the varied branding.

Older Pandora Box clone 11s spec eBay listings

Version-by-Version Breakdown

Alpha Max+ 2025 Revision — RK3566 🆕⭐ Current Top Board

🆕 New for 2026: The RK3566 chipset represents a full architectural generation over the S812. Released Q2 2020 vs Q2 2014. 64-bit ARMv8 vs 32-bit ARMv7. 22nm vs 28nm. Same 4-core design, faster and more efficient execution.

Chipset: Rockchip RK3566 | CPU: Quad-core Cortex-A55 up to 2.0GHz (64-bit ARMv8.2) | GPU: Mali-G52
RAM: 1GB LPDDR4 | Output: 720P | Architecture: 22nm (vs S812’s 28nm HKmG)
Motherboard ID: GBX109-V01

The Alpha Max+ runs the same game library and refined software as the Alpha 3D-Max — the difference is entirely in the hardware. The RK3566 chipset gives the Max+ a meaningful performance edge, and adds features not available on any previous Alpha board:

Faster boot time — quicker from power-on to game selection
Smoother 3D emulation — PSP, Dreamcast, and N64 titles that showed frame drops on S812 boards run more consistently
4-player gamepad support — gamepads can be assigned to players 1 & 2 or players 3 & 4
Single-game kiosk mode — hide all games in the library, leaving one visible; the console boots directly into that game on startup
AimTrak light gun support
Trackball support
Unlocked — access to per-game and per-console configuration files
Reliable save/load state across most games and consoles

The RK3566 vs S812 comparison in context: the S812 (Amlogic) was a TV box chip designed primarily for media playback. The RK3566 (Rockchip) targets single-board computing with a more capable CPU microarchitecture (Cortex-A55 vs Cortex-A9), a more modern GPU (Mali-G52 vs Mali-450MP8), and 64-bit instruction support. For emulation workloads, the difference is real — particularly for 3D console titles that pushed the S812 to its limits.

The kiosk mode (single-game boot) makes the Alpha Max+ well-suited for themed arcade builds — a Street Fighter cabinet that boots directly into Street Fighter, a Time Crisis build that launches straight into the shooter. No menu navigation required for guests.

Alpha 3D Max+ Motherboard

Pandora Alpha 3D-Max

CPU: 8-core Cortex-A17 @ 1.8GHz | GPU: Mali-T764 @ 600MHz | RAM: 1GB | Output: 720P (HDMI & VGA)

The predecessor to the Alpha Max+ and still a strong board. Unlocked, light gun-compatible (AimTrak style), trackball-compatible, with reliable save/load state. No Wi-Fi — games are managed directly, which is more reliable than the Wi-Fi store approach used on Saga boards. All the same software advantages as the Max+. The difference is the RK3566’s faster CPU architecture, quicker boot, and 4-player support. If the Max+ is unavailable or outside budget, the Alpha 3D-Max remains an excellent choice over any S812-based board for buyers who want configuration access and accessory support; otherwise, the S812 is still a decent top-tier board.

Alpha 3D-Max Interface

Alpha 3D-Max Motherboard

Pandora EX2 / EX3

CPU: Amlogic S812, 12-core A9 (4-core CPU + 8-core GPU) @ 2.0GHz | GPU: Mali-450MP8 | RAM: 2GB | Output: 720P
Motherboard ID: S812-WJ-025
Extras: LAN port, digital audio out (optical), passive cooling (no fan)

Performance is identical to the 18s/Saga — same chipset. Key improvements: passive cooling (no fan noise, lower power consumption, no clearance issues), OS stored on-board, and LAN connectivity. The EX2 has 2 rear USB ports; the EX3 has 3 — meaning the EX3 can connect 2 USB controllers without a hub (the EX2 requires a hub since one USB port is reserved for PC/PS3 controller mode).

A dual-board setup means it cannot be removed from its case for tight cabinet fitment. Save/load state is not supported on all games and consoles.

Warning: The same 6,800-in-1 and 8,000-in-1 EX2 branding has been applied to single-board 12s units (PSA-H3MM-002) — a substantially slower board. Open the case or request board photos before purchasing.

EX2 Interface

Pandora Box EX2 10000 in 1 interface menu

EX2 Motherboard — S812-WJ-025

Below: the 12s / Saga XIII imposter being sold as an EX2. This is a PSA-H3MM-002 — a substantially slower board. Do not buy.

Fake Saga EX2 — actually a 12s PSA-H3MM-002 board

Pandora 18s / Saga — Performance Tier

Also sold as: 18s Pro (identical — no difference between the two)
CPU: 12-core ARM Cortex-A9 (4-core CPU + 8-core GPU) @ 2.0GHz | GPU: Mali-450MP8
RAM: 2GB | Output: 1080P | Storage: 64GB / 128GB micro SD
Motherboard ID: PSA-S812-004 (short board) or PSA-S812-S001 (long board)

Plays demanding titles smoothly: Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Mario Kart 64, Initial D. 1080P output. Storage is encrypted — no access to emulator configuration settings. Save/load state and Wi-Fi game store are available but mixed in reliability. No trackball support.

The 18s was discontinued by early 2021 due to reliability and heat dissipation issues. The manufacturer cleared out remaining stock — some was sold as the slower 12s. New S812 single boards continued circulating after the official discontinuation. Verify board ID.

18s Interface

18s Motherboard — PSA-S812-004

The older S812-S001 — longer board, same chipset and performance. The black cable with mini board is the Wi-Fi receiver. We are not fans of the Wi-Fi model for the reasons covered in the Wi-Fi section below.

Pandora Box 18s S812-S001 Wi-Fi motherboard

Pandora Box 18s S812-001 black PCB with square heatsink

Pandora 9D / GB3000

CPU: ARM Cortex-A9 Quad-core | GPU: Mali-450 | RAM: 2GB | Output: 720P
Motherboard ID: GJ.GME.GB3000.REV1.2

Same A9 processor family as the 18s/Saga. Key differences: output is 720P (not 1080P), and the operating system is stored on the motherboard rather than the SD card — meaning it cannot be updated, and a board failure is unrecoverable. Gameplay is comparable to the 18s for most titles. A decent option if priced appropriately.

Note: Some listings for PB9 and PB9D use an A7 processor — always verify the board ID. The naming is unreliable.

9D Interface

9D Motherboard — GJ.GME.GB3000.REV1.2

Pandora 12 / 12s — Mid Tier

Also sold as: X Plus, Saga XIII, Saga XIV, 28s Pro RRTV
CPU: H3 Quad-core @ 1.5GHz | GPU: Mali-450MP2 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 32GB micro SD
Games: 3,188 – 4,800 (approx. 70 3D titles) | Output: 720P
Motherboard ID: PSA-H3MM-002

Introduces game list filtering (All / Category / Recent / Search) and save state. Graphics processing is double the 11s. Plays arcade classics and handles some 3D titles, though demanding games like Mario Kart 64 will show sound chopping and frame skipping. The newer interface skin causes many buyers to mistake this for a faster A9 machine — it is not.

The Mali-450MP2 GPU on the 12s delivers roughly double the GFLOPS of the 11s Mali-400MP2. The 18s/EX boards deliver double the 12s again. That gap in real-world gameplay is significant.

Mali 400 MP2 vs Mali 450 MP4 GPU performance comparison

PB 12s Interface

PB 12s Motherboard — PSA-H3MM-002

Pandora Box 12s motherboard PSA-H3MM-002

Pandora 11s / PB9 — Entry Level

Also sold as: Pandora X, X Plus, Key 7, Treasure, Game on Friends (Jaycar, Betta Home Living, Kogan, Catch)
CPU: Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz | GPU: Mali-400MP2 | Storage: 16GB or 32GB micro SD
Games: 1,299 – 4,710 (varies by seller) | Output: 720P
Motherboard ID: SG.GB2000S.REV2_32

Plays old-school arcade classics well: Galaga, Moon Patrol, Space Invaders, Pac-Man. No save state — cannot store high scores or game progress. Has pause, search, and exit. No 3D console game support worth noting.

The ‘Game on Friends’ single deck sold by Jaycar retails for around AUD $249 with 1,660 games. This is entry-level spec at a mid-range price. If the price is right and you only want classics, it’s adequate. At full retail, look elsewhere.

PB 11s Interface

PB 11s Motherboard — SG.GB2000S.REV2_32

Jaycar Pandora Box 9 Game on Friends 1660 games interface

Pandora Box 9 GB2000 A7 quad core motherboard

Pandora DX & CX — 3A Games Official

CPU: Cortex-A7 Quad @ 1.5GHz | GPU: Mali-450MP2 | RAM: 2GB DDR3 | Output: 720P
DX games: 3,000 | CX games: 2,800

Both the DX and CX are the genuine 3A Games product and the best choice if you need a board that supports 15hz CRT tube screens via JAMMA. For everything else, they sit around 12s spec — well below the leading clone boards. Faster games cause struggle. Many buyers upgrade away from the DX to 18s, Saga, or Alpha boards. The CX added better gamepad support (Xbox 360 controller) over the DX; spec is otherwise near-identical. The DX with a third-party software patch performs better than the stock 3A EX green board.

Original Pandora Box DX 3000 in 1 arcade JAMMA board

3A Games Pandora Box CX 2800 in 1 family board

Pandora EX — 3A Games (Green)

CPU: Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz (Amlogic s905x2) | GPU: Mali-G31 MP2 | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Output: 720P / 1080P

Released late 2021. Fastest hardware 3A has shipped. Screen tearing from earlier models is resolved. However, the software — emulators, interface, and configuration — is incomplete. The 3:9 screen ratio implementation needs work. Despite stronger hardware on paper, a patched DX still performs better in practice. The Saga boards remain substantially ahead as a complete package. Wait for future revisions before considering.

Pandora 10th Anniversary / Retro Shooter (Discontinued)

CPU: Cortex-A55 Quad @ 2.2GHz (RK3566) | GPU: Mali-G52 dual-core | RAM: 2GB DDR4

In 2024, 3A Games removed all games from their boards and shortly after ceased production of the 10th Anniversary board. Retro Shooter (Canada) no longer sells Pandora Gameboards with light guns. Old stock circulates on AliExpress. While older 3A boards including the CX and DX remain available through various online sources, 3A has no new current release — an unfortunate position for the brand that started it all, though by the time the 10th Anniversary was pulled, the clone market had already well and truly surpassed them in performance, features, and value. The Alpha boards are the proof of that.

The board is locked — no emulation settings access. Despite a faster CPU than the Alpha and Saga boards, the higher price does not translate to a better overall gaming experience. Light gun reviews were positive while available.

Retro Shooter Interface

Retro Shooter Motherboard

Pandora Box 10th Anniversary gameboard motherboard

Pro / Plus / 28s / 30s — Avoid ⛔

CPU: RK3128 Cortex-A7 Quad @ 1.3GHz | GPU: Mali-400MP2 | Output: 720P | Storage: 32GB micro SD
Motherboard ID: RKS128_LITE_V1d2

This is the clearest example of regressive spec dressed up as a newer product. Higher model numbers, newer branding — same or worse hardware than the entry-level 11s. The RK3128 is a budget Android TV box chip. Reports of navigation issues and failed SD cards are common. Do not buy based on the model number or game count.

Pro / Plus / 28s / 30s Interface

RK3128 Pandora Box Pro Plus 28s 30s game menu interface

Pro / Plus / 28s / 30s Motherboard — RKS128_LITE_V1d2

RK3128 Cortex A7 Pandora Box Pro Plus 28s 30s motherboard

Capcom Home Arcade Stick

Output: 1080P | Storage: 4GB NAND | Software: RetroArch on Linux
Retail: AUD $199–$299 | Controls: Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT joysticks, Sanwa OBSF buttons
Dimensions: 74cm × 22cm × 11cm

Premium controls, licensed titles, 1080P output. Available in Target, Kogan, and similar retailers. Limitation: only 16 games, all Capcom titles (including Final Fight, Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting, Alien vs. Predator, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Mega Man: The Power Battle). No expansion. Entry-level placement is based on game count and zero expandability — the hardware and build quality are genuinely premium.

Wi-Fi Models and Games Store

Wi-Fi is available on H3-spec boards and above (12s, 18s/Saga, EX2, 9D). The Alpha 3D-Max and Alpha Max+ do not include Wi-Fi — on these unlocked boards, games are managed directly via the file system and database, which is more reliable and gives greater control than the Wi-Fi store approach. For locked S812 boards, the Wi-Fi store is the primary non-technical method of adding titles. Practical limitations of the Wi-Fi store:

Worth stating plainly: Wi-Fi on a Pandora Box is largely a marketing feature. Its sole purpose is accessing an overseas games store that is unreliable, slow, and uses incorrectly translated game names — making it genuinely difficult to find what you’re looking for. The download cap, connection issues, and naming problems mean most users abandon the store quickly. If a seller is using Wi-Fi as a selling point, treat it with the same scepticism as game count.

Downloads are capped — roughly 500 maximum, including failed attempts
Connection speed and reliability is inconsistent
Game title translations are frequently incorrect, making search frustrating
Available downloads are limited by free space on the installed micro SD card
The store does provide an accessible, non-technical method to add games

We stock Wi-Fi models for the EX2 to provide store access, but do not recommend relying on the store as your primary method of game management. There are more reliable alternatives that will save significant time.

Pandora Box Wi-Fi games store category view

Case Types

Once you’ve confirmed the board, select your format. The most common configurations:

All-steel case: Solid and durable. Available in single (P1+P2 combined) or split (separate P1 and P2 units) configurations. Split is our preference — each player gets their own console and can adjust position independently.
Steel base with acrylic top: Allows an LED strip lighting option under the panel. Equally sturdy to all-steel.
Wooden or thick plastic base: Less common. Check build quality carefully — varies significantly between manufacturers.
Fight stick / portable: Self-contained unit that connects to your TV. Compact, stores away easily. Some double as PC/PS3 arcade controllers via USB.

Split console steel case with acrylic top — Mortal Kombat themed Pandora Box arcade

Pandora Box fight stick portable arcade console

Joystick and Button Quality

Stock controls on most Pandora Boxes are functional but there is room for improvement. Priority order for upgrades: joystick first, then buttons.

Brand	Type	Approx. Price (USD)	Notes
Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT	Joystick (original)	~$25 each	Arcade quality. Made in Japan.
Sanwa copy	Joystick + 1 set buttons	~$15	Decent improvement. Low profile fits most cases.
Zippy	Joystick + 1 set buttons	~$16	Solid alternative to Sanwa copy.
Happ	Joystick + buttons	~$26	Check fitment suitability before ordering — longer profile.
Sanwa OBSF	Buttons	Varies	Short profile, clip-in, easy to install. Recommended button choice.

Check barrel width (must fit the hole, not just sit on the lip) and button depth before ordering. Screw-on buttons with external leaf switches can be too long for compact cases.

Classic dimpletop leaf switch arcade buttons for Pandora Box

Standard Pandora Family 40-PIN Wiring Diagram

Most Pandora family boards use the standard 40-PIN connector. Player 1 and Player 2 are on opposing sides of the plug. All buttons share a common ground cable — plan the ground daisy-chain route before connecting. Cable colours vary by manufacturer; pin locations are consistent across most Pandora Boxes. No power is carried on the 40-PIN plug.

Player 1 Function	PIN (P1)	PIN (P2)	Player 2 Function	Cable Colour (ref.)
GND	A18	B18	GND	Black
Coin	A17	B17	Pause	Yellow
1P Start	A16	B16	2P Start	Red
Joystick Up	A15	B15	Joystick Up	Yellow
Joystick Down	A14	B14	Joystick Down	Orange
Joystick Left	A13	B13	Joystick Left	Red
Joystick Right	A12	B12	Joystick Right	Brown
Button A	A11	B11	Button A	Pink
Button B	A10	B10	Button B	White
Button C	A9	B9	Button C	Grey
Button D	A8	B8	Button D	Purple
Button E	A7	B7	Button E	Blue
Button F	A6	B6	Button F	Green

Cable colours are for reference only and vary per loom depending on manufacturer. A JAMMA-to-family 48-to-28-PIN converter is available if you need to interchange arcade and family versions.

Other Consoles for Retro Gaming

Portable handheld: Anbernic RG40XXV and RG35XXH — our preferred portable options.

Android TV box: Super Console X3 Max+ — uses the same emulator as the Anbernic range. Stores out of the way, varied gamepad options from wired to wireless.

Raspberry Pi / PC: An X-Arcade stick (Tankstick or Solo) provides the genuine arcade feel when paired with a Raspberry Pi 3/4 or PC running RetroArch or similar.

Questions about which board or setup is right for your situation — contact us here or via Facebook.

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