Powkiddy X55 Review — An initially terrible handheld is rescued by open-source developers and a mid-production hardware swap, transforming into a top-tier budget contender

Powkiddy’s X55 was almost a disaster, but a silent hardware revision and open-source software saved it from the bargain bin. It’s a classic case of a company shipping a half-baked product and letting the community finish the job, resulting in a handheld that feels like a Frankenstein experiment—but one that actually plays games beautifully.

What you're actually getting

If you’re looking for a premium device that feels like a piece of high-end tech, look elsewhere. The X55 is a budget handheld through and through, wrapped in a plastic shell that flexes if you grip it too hard. It’s light, it’s hollow, and the back panel is a magnet for every fingerprint you’ve ever produced. As Taki Udon bluntly noted, "Very rarely do I get a product for review that I don't want to review because it's so bad." He wasn't wrong about the initial state of the device, but that sentiment ignores the massive transformation the X55 underwent once the JELOS firmware hit the scene.

Once you swap out the stock OS for JELOS, the device stops being a clunky toy and starts being a legitimate retro machine. You’re getting a 5.5-inch 720p IPS display that is, frankly, the star of the show. It’s vibrant, sharp, and makes playing 16-bit classics or even some lighter PSP titles feel significantly more immersive than on the smaller, lower-resolution screens found on other sub-$100 devices.

However, you have to be willing to put in the work. If you aren't comfortable flashing an SD card or navigating custom firmware menus, you’re going to have a miserable time. The stock experience is a mess of broken settings and questionable ROMs. But for those who don't mind a little tinkering, the X55 offers a level of visual fidelity that punches well above its weight class. Retro Game Corps hit the nail on the head when they called it "one of my biggest surprises of 2023."

Performance — what reviewers actually measured

The X55 isn't a powerhouse, but it’s consistent once you get the software dialed in. Here is how the hardware stacks up in the real world:

Where it actually wins

The ergonomics are the X55’s secret weapon. While other budget handhelds force your hands into cramped, claw-like positions, the X55 features genuine grips that make it comfortable for hours of play. It’s a device designed for the couch, not just for short bursts on the bus.

The audio is another pleasant surprise. The stereo speakers are surprisingly crisp and clear, avoiding that tinny, distorted sound that plagues most cheap handhelds. When you combine those speakers with that gorgeous 5.5-inch screen, you get a device that is genuinely enjoyable for playing through longer RPGs or cinematic platformers. It’s a budget device that doesn't feel like a budget experience once you’re actually in the middle of a game.

Where it falls short

The build quality is where the "cheap" label really sticks. The shoulder buttons are, without exaggeration, an acoustic nightmare. As TechDweeb put it, "You'd be embarrassed to play this thing in public with the sound that these buttons make." They are loud, clicky, and feel like they might snap off if you’re too aggressive during a boss fight. Bo Knows Gaming echoed this, noting that "the triggers are almost unacceptable."

Then there’s the design oversight regarding the volume buttons. Placing 'Up' on the left and 'Down' on the right is a baffling choice that will have you constantly adjusting the volume in the wrong direction out of pure muscle memory. Add in the fact that it refuses to charge with a standard USB-C to USB-C cable—requiring an old-school USB-A brick—and you have a device that feels like it was designed by someone who hasn't used a modern piece of technology in a decade.

Should you buy it?

Buy if you

• Prioritize a large, vibrant 720p screen over premium build materials.
• Want a comfortable, ergonomic device for long, multi-hour play sessions.
• Are comfortable flashing custom firmware like JELOS to unlock the device's true potential.

Skip if you

• Play in bed next to a partner who will be driven insane by the clicky shoulder buttons.
• Expect a "plug-and-play" experience without needing to tinker with software.
• Value build quality and premium plastics over screen size.

The Powkiddy X55 overcomes a rocky launch to deliver an unbeatable 5.5-inch screen and solid ergonomics for under $100.

Sources consulted

• Retro Game Corps — The Best Retro Handheld Under $90 Right Now [PowKiddy X55]
• Taki Udon — I Originally Didn't Want to Review This... Powkiddy X55
• TechDweeb — The New BEST $100 Retro Handheld! (PowKiddy X55 Review)
• Bo Knows Gaming — Is the Powkiddy X55 for YOU? Unboxing & Review! 🎮

Synthesis combines independent reviews above. Verdicts and quotes attributed to original creators. Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.