Portable gaming console manufacturer XU Retro has confirmed significant changes to its XU Retro new models 2025 lineup through announcements made on Discord. The changes affect the XU40 H55, XU35 H40, and XU35 H50 models, all horizontal handheld devices featuring dual joystick controls and ABXY buttons in Nintendo’s preferred layout.
The biggest change concerns the XU40 H55 model, which will no longer use the originally planned 12nm Allwinner A733 chipset. Instead, the device will be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, which is over twice as powerful as the Allwinner A733 in benchmark tests.
XU Retro is gradually building a reputation for delivering affordable yet versatile gaming handhelds. The company’s XU20 V32 model competes with the popular TrimUI Brick device with similar hardware but runs Android 10 instead of a Linux distribution that costs around $73 on Amazon.
The company recently teased the Retro 45 and Touch One 35 models (the latter through associated company MagicX), and has now revealed that the XU40 H55, XU35 H40, and XU35 H50 are in development as XU Retro new models 2025.
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XU Retro New Models 2025: XU40 H55 Gets Major Upgrade
The MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset in the flagship model will enable PlayStation 2 and GameCube game emulation with minor tweaks and adjustments, while the previous A733 processor would struggle with such demanding emulators. PSP and Nintendo 3DS emulation will be possible with relative ease on the new chipset.
XU Retro has released complete specifications for the device: 5,300 mAh battery, 4GB LPDDR4x RAM, 128GB expandable storage, and a 60Hz touchscreen display that outputs at 1080p with a 5.5-inch diagonal. The device will run Android 15 operating system, which is a much newer version of Android than the XU20 V32 model uses.
The handheld will support Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, Google Play store, and Over-the-Air updates. The device’s design resembles the Nintendo Switch Lite console but with repositioned d-pad controls and left joystick.
XU35 Series Uses MediaTek Helio P65 Processor
XU Retro confirmed that the XU35 H40 and XU35 H50 models will use the slower MediaTek Helio P65 chipset. This processor is comparable to the Allwinner A133P chip and can handle emulation up to Nintendo 64 consoles, but will struggle with more modern systems.
Although exact specifications for this pair of models are not yet known, renders shared by XU Retro reveal key design differences. Following the naming convention of other devices, the H40 and H50 designations symbolize two different versions with 4-inch and 5-inch screens respectively. The larger model will feature a wider 16:9 format display, while the XU35 H40 will use a more traditional 4:3 ratio screen. Both handheld devices feature the same control layout according to the accompanying images.
XU Retro and associated company MagicX have been continuously working together on releasing niche handheld devices over the past year. MagicX with its Touch 40 model and recent XU30 V32 with budget orientations aim to capture a small part of the retro handheld market.
The company has not announced launch dates or prices for the XU Retro new models 2025, but previously announced that it targets the budget segment of the market where quality Android devices are lacking.
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