Skip to content
All comparisons
Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG35XX Plus vs Powkiddy X55

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Powkiddy X55 (~$80-140) go head-to-head in this Linux handheld comparison. Anbernic RG35XX Plus averages higher across our benchmarks, while Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins on price.

Anbernic RG35XX Plus handheld

Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Best budget retro handheld
Price~$85
VS
Powkiddy X55 handheld

Powkiddy X55

Large screen budget option
Price~$80-140
Key differences
What sets these handhelds apart
  • Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Powkiddy X55 (~$80-140) sit at nearly the same price.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG35XX Plus runs a H700 Quad-core ARM vs Rockchip RK3566 in the Powkiddy X55.
  • RAM: 1GB vs 2GB LPDDR4X — Powkiddy X55 has the memory advantage for multitasking and heavier emulators.
  • Battery: 3,300mAh vs 4,000mAh — Powkiddy X55 lasts longer between charges.
  • Display: 3.5" IPS 640x480 vs 5.5" IPS 1280x720 16:9.
  • Weight: ~180g vs ~293g — Anbernic RG35XX Plus is more pocketable.

Specs comparison

Side-by-side technical details. The glowing value wins its row.

SpecAnbernic RG35XX PlusPowkiddy X55
Price~$85(best)~$80-140
Display3.5" IPS 640x4805.5" IPS 1280x720 16:9
ProcessorH700 Quad-core ARMRockchip RK3566
RAM1GB2GB LPDDR4X(best)
Storage64GB + microSD(best)16GB + dual microSD
Battery3,300mAh4,000mAh(best)
Weight~180g(best)~293g
OSLinux / GarlicOSLinux / ROCKNIX
Performance comparison
How they stack up in real-world use

Portability

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
92
Powkiddy X55
72

Value

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
96
Powkiddy X55
85

Anbernic RG35XX Plus is best for

  • Retro purists wanting Game Boy vibes
  • Maximum portability in pocketable size
  • 30+ hour battery life on a charge

Powkiddy X55 is best for

  • Larger screen for PSP/Dreamcast
  • Comfortable ergonomic design
  • Linux open-source ecosystem

Anbernic RG35XX Plus watch outs

  • No analog sticks limit some games
  • Screen is small by modern standards
  • Build quality is budget-appropriate

Powkiddy X55 watch outs

  • D-pad accuracy could be better
  • Noisy trigger buttons
  • Slow 8W charging speed
The verdict

Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the stronger buy here — it outperforms the Powkiddy X55 without a meaningful price premium.

Winner: Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Still unsure?

Let our picker quiz find your perfect handheld in 60 seconds.

Take the quiz

Anbernic RG35XX Plus vs Powkiddy X55 FAQ

Which is better, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or the Powkiddy X55?

Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the stronger buy here — it outperforms the Powkiddy X55 without a meaningful price premium.

What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG35XX Plus and the Powkiddy X55?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus costs $85 while the Powkiddy X55 is $99 — a $14 difference. Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the value pick; Powkiddy X55 justifies the premium with 5.5" 720p display.

Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or Powkiddy X55?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a H700 Quad-core ARM chip with 1GB RAM. The Powkiddy X55 uses a Rockchip RK3566 and still handles most emulation workloads competently.

How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG35XX Plus and Powkiddy X55?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus ships with a 3,300mAh battery. The Powkiddy X55 has a 4,000mAh. Real-world runtime depends on workload: retro emulation typically gets double the runtime of native Android or PS2 emulation.

Which is more portable, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or Powkiddy X55?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus weighs ~180g, while the Powkiddy X55 weighs ~293g. Lighter devices are easier for pocket carry and long sessions but often tradeoff battery capacity or grip comfort.

Should I buy the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or wait for the Powkiddy X55?

Both are currently in market. If your use case fits retro purists wanting game boy vibes, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus delivers today. If you prioritize larger screen for psp/dreamcast, the Powkiddy X55 is the stronger long-term pick. Neither is about to be replaced — both vendors have 12+ month refresh cycles.

More comparisons

The Miyoo Mini Plus and Anbernic RG35XX Plus are the two best budget retro handhelds under $100. The...
The Anbernic RG35XX H (~$85) and Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) are closely matched Linux handhelds. Th...
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) are closely matched Linux handhelds. T...