BOYHOM X6

The BOYHOM X6 is a compact vertical retro handheld released in 2023, built for players who want simple, nostalgic gaming without complicated setup. It sits in the $0–50 budget bracket, around 25 USD, making it an accessible entry point into classic 8-bit and early 16-bit gaming.

Inside is the Actions Semiconductor ATJ2273S, a single-core MIPS32 chip running at 450 MHz with DDR memory and a dedicated video engine. That is enough for CHIP-8, ColecoVision, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Sega Master System, Game Gear and Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. Game Boy Advance and SNES are mostly playable, though some titles show display glitches or fail to start, while PS1 and anything newer is out of reach.

The 3.5-inch IPS panel runs at 640 x 480 with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 60 Hz refresh, which suits pixel-art classics without awkward stretching. With around 228 PPI the image looks sharp and colours are pleasant, although viewing angles are not the strongest, so holding the device at the right angle matters. The screen sits behind a plastic lens.

Controls include a cross D-pad placed in the lower position, four face buttons, L1 and R1 shoulder buttons, and dual symmetric thumbsticks with L3/R3 clicks. Dedicated Menu, Power, Reset and volume buttons are also present, along with a built-in microphone. There is no rumble, and some owners report that shoulder buttons must be remapped per game through the menu.

Power comes from a 2000 mAh battery charged via a top-facing USB-C port. Audio is handled by a single front-facing mono speaker, and there is AV Out for connecting to a TV. Games are stored on microSD, and the plastic body keeps the device light.

The system runs a Linux / RTOS firmware that boots quickly and uses simple, large icons. Modding is permitted, but in practice the stock software is closed: adding or changing emulators is not possible and firmware updates are hard to find. The microSD card also contains a hidden system partition, so making a full image backup of the card before formatting it is strongly recommended.

Ideal for: budget-conscious players and retro beginners who want a cheap, straightforward vertical handheld for 8-bit and 16-bit classics, and who are comfortable with its limitations.