The main difference between the PowKiddy X55 and the RG-35XX is size.
The RG-35XX measures 81 x 117 x 20 mm and weighs 175 g; the PowKiddy X55 measures 212.5 x 94.5 x 19 mm and weighs 293 g.
Other differences
- The PowKiddy X55 is a horizontal, the RG-35XX is a vertical, Game Boy shaped.
- The RG-35XX launched at about $50 and the PowKiddy X55 at about $90.
- The PowKiddy X55 has two analog sticks; the RG-35XX has none.
- The PowKiddy X55 has a 16:9 screen and the RG-35XX a 4:3 one, so different systems fill each.
Which is better
Which fits in a pocket better?
RG-35XXThe RG-35XX (81 x 117 x 20 mm, 175 g). The PowKiddy X55 is 212.5 x 94.5 x 19 mm, 293 g. Only the RG-35XX fits a jeans pocket.
Which is better for PS2 games, the PowKiddy X55 or the RG-35XX?
NeitherNeither is built for PS2. They score 10 and 0 out of 100.
Which costs less?
RG-35XXThe RG-35XX, at about $50 at launch against $90. Prices today vary by store and the used market.
Which is better for GBA games?
PowKiddy X55The PowKiddy X55. GBA games fill 67% of the PowKiddy X55's screen at 4x with even pixels, against 50% of the RG-35XX's screen at 2x.
Which has the bigger battery?
PowKiddy X55The PowKiddy X55, at 4,000 mAh against 2,600 mAh. That is capacity only: the chips differ, and the heavier the system you play, the faster either one drains.
Side by side
| PowKiddy X55 | RG-35XX | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $90 | $50 |
| Released | May 2023 | Mar 2024 |
| Plays well up to | Dreamcast | Dreamcast |
| Shape | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Software | Linux | Linux |
| Chip | RockChip RK3566 | Allwinner H700 |
| Memory | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Screen | 5.5 inch IPS 16:9 | 3.5 inch IPS 4:3 |
| Resolution | 1280 x 720 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 2,600 mAh |
| Weight | 293 g | 175 g |
| Size | 212.5 x 94.5 x 19 mm | 81 x 117 x 20 mm |
| Analog sticks | Double, asymmetrical | None |
| L2 and R2 | Yes, stacked | Yes, side by side |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Video out | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
Green marks the better value where one is clearly better. Prices are launch prices.
Emulation
- PowKiddy X55RG-35XX
- Game Boy
- NES
- Genesis
- GBA
- SNES
- PS1
- DS
- N64
- Dreamcast
- PSP
- Saturn
- GameCube
- 3DS
- PS2
100 means the system runs at full speed with no known issues.
Full details
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links.
More comparisons
Why this pair: buyers weigh these two against each other. 29 comments by 17 different people compare them in community discussions, and 3 post titles name both. Specs, emulation scores and launch prices from the retrocatalog.com handheld database.