RetroCompass
RetroCompass

X55 — Firmware update

Quick answer

Button combo

balenaEtcherwrite RK3566 imagemicroSD in TF1 slot

Steps

  1. 1Download the latest X55 OS image (stock JELOS, or ROCKNIX which succeeds it) as an .img.gz file from the project's releases page.
  2. 2Insert a 16GB+ microSD card into your PC with a card reader and open balenaEtcher.
  3. 3Choose Flash from file, select the X55 image, pick the microSD card, then click Flash.
  4. 4Power the X55 off, place the card in the TF1 (OS) slot, and power on to boot the updated image.
  5. 5If you run an up-to-date ROCKNIX build, you can instead connect Wi-Fi and use the in-OS online update.
Last verified: 2026-06-20Source: rocknix.org

The Powkiddy X55 is an RK3566 Linux handheld with no locked stock firmware in the usual sense: the OS runs from a microSD card (or the internal eMMC), so updating firmware means writing a fresh OS image. Download the RK3566-X55 image, write it to a card with balenaEtcher, and boot from the TF1 slot. Current ROCKNIX builds also offer an over-the-air update from the system menu once Wi-Fi is connected.

FAQ

Which microSD slot holds the OS?
The TF1 slot holds the OS image. The second slot, TF2, is for your ROMs and games.
Do I have to re-flash for every update?
No. Once ROCKNIX is installed it can update itself over Wi-Fi from the system menu; re-flashing is only needed to switch OS or recover a broken card.

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