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PowKiddy X39Retro / Emulation
Retro / EmulationAvailable now

PowKiddy X39

Powkiddy · Released Jan 2022 ·

The PowKiddy X39 is a 4.3" IPS handheld from PowKiddy powered by the Actions Semiconductor ATM7051. It launched at around $45.

5.7
out of 10
$45
Launch price $45
⚖️ Compare this device

Pros

  • +Very affordable
  • +Can be connected to a larger display

Cons

  • Low resolution screen
  • Black bars when playing older retro systems
  • No Wi-Fi (no RetroAchievements, box art scraping, file transfer etc...)
  • No L3/R3 (button presses on analog sticks aren't mapped to anything)
  • Not powerful enough for higher end emulation
  • No Bluetooth

What can it play?

Emulation performance by platform, based on real-world testing.

Full speedPlayableLimitedNot supported
Game BoyFull speed
Game Boy AdvanceFull speed
NESFull speed
SNESPlayable
Nintendo 64Not supported
GameCubeNot supported
WiiNot supported
Wii UNot supported
Nintendo DSNot supported
Nintendo 3DSNot supported
Nintendo SwitchNot supported
Sega GenesisFull speed
Sega SaturnNot supported
DreamcastNot supported
PlayStationPlayable
PlayStation 2Not supported
PlayStation 3Not supported
PSPNot supported

Full specifications

Hardware

Chipset (SoC)
Actions Semiconductor ATM7051
CPU
Cortex-A9, 4 cores, 900 MHz
GPU
PowerVR SGX540, 500 MHz
RAM
128 MB LPDDR2
Storage
External MicroSD Internal
Weight
190 g
Dimensions
170 x 80 x 18 - 24 mm
Cooling
Passive

Display

Size
4.3″
Resolution
480 x 272
Panel
IPS
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Touchscreen
No

Battery & Connectivity

Battery
2500 mAh
Real-world life
~0 hours
Wi-Fi
None
Bluetooth
None
Ports
USB-C, USB-A, Video out, 3.5mm headphone, microSD
Expandable storage
Yes (microSD)

Controls

Analog sticks
1
D-pad
Yes
Face buttons
Yes
Analog triggers
No
Gyroscope
No
Hall effect sticks
No

Software & custom firmware

Ships with: Linux

Also plays natively: Linux

No third-party custom firmware tracked for this device.

Our verdict

Value10.0
Build5.1
Screen7.0
Performance2.4

The PowKiddy X39 is a 4.3" IPS handheld from PowKiddy powered by the Actions Semiconductor ATM7051. It launched at around $45. It carries 128 MB of RAM and runs Linux. Highlights include: Very affordable; Can be connected to a larger display. Trade-offs to note: Low resolution screen; Black bars when playing older retro systems; No Wi-Fi (no RetroAchievements, box art scraping, file transfer etc...).