Yesterday we learned about a brand new handheld emulator – the Powkiddy x55. And it’s one we didn’t even realize was in development.
Actually, to be fair… we knew zero. But luckily, we’ve got friends in high places. Or more specifically, we’ve got friends who work directly with Powkiddy.
So we got a bit of background about the new x55, and we learned that it was a device in development for quite a while.
But after learning about the specs, it might be fair to say that the Powkiddy x55 is quite late to the party.
Powkiddy x55 Details
The Powkiddy x55 is a pretty nice looking device. The design of the horizontal console is well thought out. It’s a big reason why Powkiddy really wanted to get this one out.
But once we start looking at the internal specs, we can see that this was likely in the works for a while. Probably too long.
The Powkiddy x55 has an RK3566 CPU inside. Which you’d be familiar with if you’ve purchased any of the best handheld emulators in the past year or so.
That’s the same chip inside the Anbernic RG353M (yay) and the GKD Plus Classic (nay).
It’s also the same chip in Powkiddy’s own most recent release, the RK2023. Which we be reviewing soon.
With a lot of console makers making their way into T618 CPUs or whatever will become the next standard… the 3566 is sounding like old news.
Perhaps the only thing that might knock your socks off about the new Powkiddy is that stunning 5.5 inch screen.
And if that weren’t large enough for you, it also has micro HDMI video out.
That’s a feature I’d like to see be standard in today’s handhelds. And one that I think doesn’t get enough credit. So good job there, Powkiddy.
Surprisingly, the device only comes in one colorway – that gorgeous blue that we know Anbernic for using quite a bit.
More colors would be nice, but this is definitely a pleasing color for a handheld.
We were hoping that it was a metal shell too, to help add to its saving graces. But it’s just regular old boring plastic.
Powkiddy x55 Impressions
Gripes aside about the RK3566 being 6-12 months late to the scene… this ain’t a bad looking device.
We’re quite spoiled in the handheld emulation scene. We’ve got devices for under $300 that can play up to PS2 and Game Cube quite comfortably.
So when a new device like this drops, and it’s only spec’d out to play some (not all) Game Cube and PS2 titles… we scoff.
To give credit where credit is due, the x55 certainly LOOKS very nice. It looks like it will be a dream to hold. Ergonomics look great, and the face is simple. No clutter.
It’s got stacked shoulder buttons, HDMI out, and it runs on Linux. Which I think is the most convenient way to manage your game library on an emulator with this kind of power.
Even the OS that comes shipped on the device (as seen in the Youtube video at the bottom of this page) looks pretty nice and easy to understand.
If your gaming tastes are not all that high, and you’re just looking for a device that feels premium and can play your Super Nintendo, N64, Playstation, PSP, Arcade, ect… this could work well for you.
I’ve been playing on a Pimax Portal lately. That thing does PS2, Game Cube, Wii, and some Switch. So the Powkiddy x55 definitely don’t add anything new to my toolbelt.
The more I think about it, a newcomer would probably be blown away by what the x55 can do. That’s going to be the best target market for the x55.
Somebody who would be impressed by the aesthetics of the device. And somebody who would be very happy to have 8-64 bit era games in their hands.
Powkiddy x55 Specifications
- CPU: Rock-chips RK3566, Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55, CPU Clock Speed: 1.8GHZ
- GPU: ARM Mali-G52
- RAM: LPDDR4X, 2GB
- Display: 5.5-inch IPS RGB Screen 60HZ (720×1280)
- System: Linux System
- TF Card: Support double TF card to expand up to 256GB
- Battery: 4000 mAh, charged for 2 hours and last 4hours
- Misc: USB-C fast charging, TV HDMI display, OTG-USB, 3.5mm stereo headset, Bluetooth and Wifi
- Material: ABS (Blue)
- Dimensions: 21.25 x 9.45 x 1.9cm
- Weight: 293g
The Powkiddy x55 is currently available for presale through MechDIY starting at $139.99usd. And it is said that they should start shipping on May 10th.
It seems like MechDIY might have broke the story on the Powkiddy x55, so shout out to them. Below is their video they posted unboxing the device.
