X53 Handheld Game Console – A Budget-Friendly 5-Inch Retro Gaming Option Under $40!

Hey fam! 👋

It’s P’Nick here again from P’Nick’s Handhelds, and today we’re checking out another fun little budget handheld that might be perfect for those of you looking for an affordable way into retro gaming. Introducing the X53 Handheld Game Console, a device that delivers a big screen experience without breaking the bank!

📌 Overview: What is the X53?

The X53 is another wallet-friendly retro handheld coming out of China, sitting at around US$35 to US$40 depending on where you buy it and which storage option you pick. It’s rocking a 5.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800x480, giving you a decent jump in screen size compared to many 3.5-inch retro handhelds in the same price bracket.

This device runs a non-specified open-source Linux OS and comes preloaded with over 7,000 classic games across 10+ built-in emulators. Think NES, GBA, SNES, MAME, and other retro systems.

🎨 Color Options

For those who care about aesthetics (and let’s face it… who doesn’t?), the X53 comes in five colors:

• Black 🖤

• Purple 💜

• Red ❤️

• White 🤍

• Blue 💙

Plenty of choices whether you want something bold or low-key.

🎮 Controls and Build

From a design standpoint, it features dual thumb sticks, with the left stick above the D-pad and the right stick below the ABXY buttons—kind of like a hybrid between older PSP-style and more modern layouts.

It has L1 and R1 shoulder buttons, but keep in mind that L2 and R2 are more for looks (faux buttons) and don’t offer functional inputs for gameplay. Still, the layout is comfortable for casual retro gaming.

🔊 Dual Speakers and Multimedia Features

One standout for the X53 at this price point is the dual rear-firing speakers, giving you better-than-expected sound for games and media.

Besides gaming, the X53 also supports:

• MP3 music playback

• Video playback

• Ebook reading (txt format)

• Native voice recording thanks to its built-in microphone (Just don’t expect studio quality here 😅)

There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is great for private gaming sessions.

📺 Video Output and Expandability

Want to consolize your handheld for couch gaming? The X53 offers composite AV-out so you can hook it up to your TV for some big-screen retro fun.

Storage-wise, it comes with 8GB internal storage, but supports up to 256GB via microSD (TF) card for game and media expansion.

And yes, WiFi is supported via a USB-C OTG dongle, but you'll need to purchase that separately.

⚡ Battery Life

The X53 features a 3000mAh battery, providing approximately 4–6 hours of gameplay, depending on the emulator and brightness settings.

Charging is handled via a USB-C port, and a USB-A to USB-C charging/data cable is included in the box.

📦 What’s in the Box?

• 1x X53 Handheld Game Console

• 1x User Manual

• 1x Composite AV Cable

• 1x USB-A to USB-C Data/Charging Cable

• 1x Pair of Wired Earphones (Looks like those classic early iPhone-style ones)

✅ Quick Specs Recap

Feature	Detail
Display	5.1-inch IPS LCD (800x480)
CPU	Not officially specified
OS	Open-source Linux
Storage	8GB internal, supports up to 256GB microSD
Battery	3000mAh
Connectivity	USB-C (for charging and OTG WiFi dongle support)
Audio	Dual rear speakers + 3.5mm headphone jack
Emulators	10+ (NES, GBA, SNES, MAME, etc.)
Multimedia	MP3, Video playback, EBook reader, Voice recording
Colors	Black, Purple, Red, White, Blue

🛒 Thinking About Picking One Up?

If you’re thinking about grabbing the X53 for yourself, you can check it out on AliExpress here (non-affiliate link):👉 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009078938152.html

🗨️ What Do You Think About the X53?

Have you tried this device or are you considering picking one up? Let me know in the comments section below! 👇

Or, if you want to have a longer chat with me and other handheld fans, come and post your thoughts over in the "สุ่มศูนย์ของ Handheld Hodgepodge" section of our forum:👉 https://www.pnicks-handhelds.com/forum/handheld-hodgepodge

Until next time! 👋

P'Nick ✨