Best RK3566 Handhelds of 2025: Ranked

As 2025 draws to a close, the RK3566 is, for better or worse, as well-liked as ever. The 3566, which was first released on a few devices, has taken off and is now available in WAY more devices than anticipated in the previous year. Although it's not nearly as popular as the 3326, it's a suitable substitute that now comes in various form factors.

I can help with it. I will present you with the most accurate and excellent list of the top ten you have likely ever seen. What is the top number? What is the tenth? What lies in the center? You will soon discover. As of December 2025, these are the top ten RK3566 gadgets!

Before we begin, let me clarify that I bought all of the handhelds I used to prepare this post; my opinions, along with the clearly accurate rankings, are my own.

#10 The GKD Mini Plus Classic (Linked Here)

The GKD Mini Plus Classic comes first. It has the standard 3.5-inch 480p display and is powered by the RK3566, just like all the other handhelds on our list. This is housed in a fantastic metal casing with the anticipated controls. It sounds like the ideal vertical 3566. Well, no.

The cost is a problem, to start with. You would need to spend more than $180 to purchase one. It is, therefore, the priciest handheld device on this list. It is also one of the heaviest items on this list because it is made of metal. You would still be forced to use the subpar operating system even if you could afford the cost and weight. In case you haven't been paying attention, the GKD Mini Plus Classic (and Mini Plus) runs an unofficial build of JELOS. The OS version was not designed with the Western market in mind. This makes it difficult to use, and I wouldn't suggest it. For this reason, it is positioned at the bottom of the list, immediately adjacent to:

#9 The GKD Mini Plus (Linked Here)

The GKD Mini Plus still has many of the same drawbacks as the Classic. This one, however, is slightly superior to its larger brother due to a few additional features. Compared to most devices here, it is more portable because of its petite frame caused by the lack of sticks. A joystick attachment is also available, though some users have complained that it may harm the primary device's frame.

This is a less expensive and lighter version of the GKD Mini Plus Classic. It was available for $110 for a while but isn't as common these days. You might purchase item #8 on the list to save some money.

#8 The Powkiddy X55 (Linked Here)

The Powkiddy X55. It is one of three Powkiddy releases and just two 16:9 handhelds on this list. The large, blue, ergonomic portion of a 3566 gadget is called the X55. With a full 2GB of RAM, a 5.5-inch 720p display, and a 4,000mAh battery, the X55 is designed to last a long time, and it does. It is one of the most comfortable gadgets I've ever used, and it would likely rank much higher on the list overall if it weren't for its drawbacks.

The controls are primarily the source of the X55's drawbacks. The switch sticks were fine, though nothing particularly noteworthy, and the face buttons and d-pad are also functional. The menu and shoulder buttons are where the x55 falters. The buttons on the shoulders are loud. If you've watched any videos on the X55, you're aware that its volume has been likened to a set of drums. I didn't like their click, which was too loud for everyday use. Although the JelOS firmware is suitable, the other 16:9 handheld on this list is recommended unless you only want to play trigger-less games.

#7 The Anbernic RG503 (Linked Here)

In April 2022, the RG503 was the first RK3566 device released. It had a 3500mAh battery, 1GB of RAM, and the standard Anbernic button layout. The screen was the element that made this unique. The PS Vita 1000 also used the 4.96-inch OLED screen. Even though it was dim then, this screen looked good. OS support in Retro Arena, JelOS, and ArkOS was paired with this. Since it was first criticized, the 503 has gained support.

There are not many drawbacks to this gadget. Its appearance is — strange. Some 503s had a problem where the buttons were a little too big for their hole and would scratch paint off until they fit, and the stick placement was a little low. The present pricing is the problem that ranks 503 at number seven.

If you want one, the 503 is about $20 more expensive than the X55, at about $111. Other gadgets deserve more consideration in terms of price. Although $111 is much more than the $130 this device initially cost, that money would be better used for another gadget.

#6 The Anbernic RG353M (Linked Here)

Everything from the 503 is crammed into a metal casing with a 3.5-inch screen, hall-sensor sticks, and an additional GB of RAM. Oh, and allow Linux and Android to boot up simultaneously. That's about it. The 353M combined all of the features of the 503 into a more conventional body for Anbernic devices. It has a good screen for a 3.5-inch device, inline shoulder buttons, and bottom hall-sticks. Place the M above the 503 value. For a metal device, the 353M was lighter than its predecessors, such as the 350M, 351MP, and 351M. But like the 503, the 353M had a significant drawback: the cost.

One of the most costly 3566 handhelds is this one, too. Currently available on Anbernic's website for $137, there are better devices overall at the same price and better 3566 devices that are less expensive. For $137, you may get a device that can play up to a Gamecube or this tiny metal brick. You can easily acquire a plastic device for half the price at the same screen size.

#5 The Powkiddy RK2025 (Linked Here)

The findings of Powkiddy's initial effort at a 3566 were not entirely positive. Indeed, it's a low-cost 3566 with a brilliant screen and buttons that don't make me want to check for carpal tunnel syndrome. It has a great JelOS build and is a completely functioning gadget. However, it also includes a few dubious choices despite such courtesy.

First, a model with built-in Wi-Fi was released barely three months after the first model, even though you could "get a professional to solder on a Wi-Fi chip" onto it. Depending on the user, the d-pad produced varying outcomes. Though it won't cut you like specific metal devices, some people find it "too long" or "sharp." For others, it's just fine. All things considered, the RK2025 is the most mediocre handheld 3566 device available. It is ideal for the center slot because of this idea.

#4 The Anbernic 353P/PS (Linked Here)

Things start to become contentious at this point. I'm placing the Anbernic RG353P and PS in the fourth position and combining them into a single device. This is a pretty good device for what it is: a 3566 in a shell fashioned like an SNES controller. Unbelievably, it was an excellent game for the SNES! Like the 353M, the 353P also had access to the Android operating system; however, this feature was removed when the 353PS was released. It is a suitable 3566 device all around, but the other devices still in use are superior.

Oh, and the ergonomics of this device are, of course, a drawback. However, it's excellent and among the finest on the 3566 line. It was unpleasant for me and others to hold, and other devices felt more comfortable. This includes the following items on the list.

#3 The Anbernic ARC (Linked Here)

As of this writing, the most recent 3566 is the Anbernic ARC. This handheld was designed primarily for one market and excels at catering to it: Sega systems. In essence, this gadget was made for the Genesis. Although Saturn doesn't function well on the 3566, it has some excellent features.

The 4-inch screen is sharp, and the buttons are suitable. Although firmware is already being developed, even the basic Anbernic OS is ideal for first-time users. The D-pad they made for this portable, however, is excellent. It has suitable actuation and accuracy and may be better than the original Genesis controller. Although this is one of my favorite 3566 devices, other solutions are more well-rounded because they cater to a specific niche.

#2 The Powkiddy RGB30 (Linked Here)

The Powkiddy RGB30 is the next in line. a gadget that performs admirably but falls short of the top spot. To begin with, this gadget has an excellent screen. A 4-inch 1:1, 720p screen that was ideal for the handheld's dimensions. 4:3 material? Comparable in size to the 3.5-inch gadgets. Gameboy, Gameboy Color, and other systems that are nearly square? It was an excellent experience for those systems because they occupied most of the screen. Pico-8? Indeed. With Wi-Fi built right in, you can enjoy a fantastic Splore experience with this 1:1 system. With $85 as the beginning price, the price isn't too bad either. Why, therefore, is it ranked number two instead of first?

Powkiddy's build quality and ergonomics ruin the experience. Some users say that the device is a little too tall, and others find the distance between the stick and the inline shoulder buttons to be a deal breaker. Additionally, there were some charging problems with the RGB30, and you might not get precisely what was advertised. In my instance, I was given a gadget with two A buttons. Although this may have been my favorite 3566, there is one gadget that performs slightly better overall for the majority of consumers.

#1 The Anbernic 353V/VS (Linked Here)

Yes, exactly. The Anbernic 353V and VS, the other vertical 3566. Because of its ergonomic issues, placing a vertical at the top may be contentious, but it is the most versatile gadget. It boasts the same lovely 3.5-inch display that Anbernic is known for, is the right size for portability, and has firmware support from several developers. If you were to lay out all 3566 devices, this would be the one I would choose to take home with me.

Naturally, as previously said, not everyone is a good fit for a vertical handheld. However, most people can be advised to use this kind of mobile device. The 353V and VS are unquestionably tops due to their price-to-performance ratio, ease of use, and general build quality.

Final Thoughts

I understand you might disagree with me, and that's all right! If you would like to share your own list, please leave a comment below or debate with me on the Retro Handhelds Discord (a cool place to be).

The new RK3566 gadgets will soon be coming to an end. The Powkiddy RGB10 Max 3 and the Miyoo Flip are 3566 handhelds on the horizon, but they will struggle to stay competitive. Additionally, they could have problems, whether it's a hinge's durability or a subpar stock operating system. This is the list to choose from right now, and if you're looking for a 3566, you can't go wrong with any of the devices on it. Please don't purchase anything other than the GKD alternatives.