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ANBERNIC RG35XX Review: Retro Gaming on the Go

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If you're a fan of retro gaming, you’ve probably come across the ANBERNIC RG35XX series. After seeing countless TikTok videos pushing these handhelds, I finally decided to give one a shot. I have to admit, while there are other options on the market, ANBERNIC’s devices seem to be the most talked about, and after trying one, I can see why.

Of course, I could just emulate the same games on my phone, or even higher-end games since phones are more powerful, but the lack of physical buttons makes mobile gaming a lot less enjoyable for me. The lack of proper feedback from pressing down on a button makes me feel less engaged in games. There are options for controllers that can be connected to your phone, but of course, these are large, the combination of phone and controller is somewhat heavy, and it is not the most portable solution. I have spent too much on various mobile controllers, and I do find some of them very nice to use, but I would never take one with me on the go.

Additionally, while there are higher-end devices available that can play retro games and even more modern titles, they tend to be more expensive and less portable than the RG35XX, making this handheld ideal for gaming on the go.

Design and Build Quality

The ANBERNIC RG35XX series features several models, each with its unique perks. The RG35XX H adds joysticks for games that support them, giving you more control when you need it. Regardless of which model you choose, the build quality is surprisingly good. These devices are compact, reminiscent of classic Nintendo handhelds like the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Game Boy SP. They fit comfortably in your hands, and the matte finish gives them a premium feel. The buttons are satisfyingly clicky, and the D-pad offers enough precision for platformers and fighting games.

Display

The 3.5-inch IPS display is a standout feature. The colors are vibrant, contrast is excellent, and the viewing angles are wide enough for any gaming situation. Whether you’re inside or outside, the screen does a great job of making retro games look good without straying too far from their original charm.

Performance and Emulation

The RG35XX series, powered by a quad-core Cortex-A9 processor, handles a variety of emulators. From NES and SNES to Sega Genesis and PlayStation 1, the performance is solid. Most games run smoothly without noticeable lag, though certain demanding titles might show some hiccups. Still, it’s impressive to see how well it handles emulation.

One standout feature is the fast-forward option in the emulation software. You can assign it to a hotkey, which is a lifesaver for games that involve grinding. Speeding up these sections without having to sit through the monotony is a huge bonus.

Nintendo DS Games

While the device supports Nintendo DS emulation, it might not be the most enjoyable experience. Since the DS relies on two screens, you'll either have to toggle between them or display both at once on the single 3.5-inch screen—neither of which is ideal. Some games also require a touchscreen and microphone, both of which are missing on this device. Although you can control an on-screen stylus, it feels like more effort than it's worth. For these reasons, I’d say playing DS games on the RG35XX isn’t the best use of the device.

Games and Customization

One of the most exciting aspects of this handheld is the pre-loaded library of classic games. When I unboxed my RG35XX H, I was pleasantly surprised to find a variety of titles across multiple consoles. Here’s a breakdown of some of the games that came pre-installed:

Game Boy:

Game Boy Color:

Game Boy Advance:

PlayStation 1:

For a more comprehensive list of games, check out this full list here.

While the game library is impressive, the menus can feel cluttered. There are a lot of random titles that might not interest you, so you may want to spend some time deleting excess games.

It’s also important to note that SD cards in these devices are known to fail, so I highly recommend backing up your data as soon as possible, and perhaps investing in a backup one.

Battery Life

The 2600mAh battery provides around 5-6 hours of gameplay, depending on the brightness setting and how demanding the game is. While it’s a decent runtime for a handheld of this size, a larger battery would have been appreciated for longer gaming sessions.

Audio

The stereo speakers are functional, though lacking a bit in bass. For a better audio experience, the 3.5mm headphone jack is your friend.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. When you consider that modern games cost around $60, having a massive library of retro titles at your fingertips makes the ANBERNIC RG35XX worth every penny. Sure, it’s not built for modern games, but it excels when it comes to nostalgia. And for those familiar with emulation, the ability to add your own games is a huge plus.

If you're interested in purchasing one, check out the ANBERNIC Store for more options.

The price of the RG35XX series ranges from $60 to $70, depending on which version of the device you choose.

Pros:

Cons: