RG35XXSP Review: King Clamshell

Anbernic's new RG35XXSP is a rare feat in the budget handheld space, in that it combines excellent performance, hardware, and software into one package, with very few compromises. In this video we'll take a look at my past several days with the device and why I think it's a no-brainer for clamshell retro handheld enthusiasts.

Buy one here:

This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.

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Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:18 recap and pricing
05:02 size and buttons
08:16 hinge testing
10:26 heat discussion
11:45 screen demo
14:28 ergonomics
15:21 DIY sticker
16:44 HDMI and BT
19:28 stock OS features
23:01 muOS demo
25:34 Knulli demo
27:34 MinUI demo
29:12 performance notes
30:45 summary (heck yes, maybe not)
33:27 conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

^^ use code "RGC10" for 10% off your order

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#Anbernic #RG35XX #RG35XXSP #GBA #GBASP #emulation

[RetroGameCorps]

A couple updates:
- I filmed more USB charging footage but forgot to include it! The charging experience is the same as always -- USB-A to C cables will work, C-to-C cables may work if you use a (non-PD) charger, and some lower PD chargers may work but most won't. Anbernic really needs to add the proper resistors to their board to standardize the charging process.
- You can play HDMI with the shell closed but the device needs to be plugged into power at the same time. Shoutout to The Phawx for figuring that out!
- I said "3.3x integer scale" etc in my scaling/screen section, but that's not correct, I should have just said "3.3x scale". Please don't be mad.

[GurlDreamer]

It's my first "Gameboy". I'm 53 years old and am so excited waiting for my order like a little kid!!!!

[JeffreyGrubb]

This is the thing that will fill that empty hole in my heart

[ImpracticalShield]

Time to watch this entire reveiw after already ordering one

[joepage]

Etsy modders about to blow up with customization options for this 🎉

[TechDweeb]

I honestly didn't think about customizing it with a sticker but now I 100% gotta do it. I think I need the smokey black version for this reason alone!

[goodshowmanythanks]

Gonna have to find an early 2000's cool tribal sticker for my silver one to match the SP I used to have.

[EricCarter]

At 8:20 I was the one that commented on your original video about the clapping sound of the GBA SP. Thanks for listening to my comment!!

[theprofessional]

You saved me 60$. I was going to buy both the silver for nostalgia, and the blue one for customizing the top shell. But since it requires screwing, I changed my mind.

Thank you so much!

[godminnette]

A perfect option for shutting the device would be putting it to sleep with a delayed shut-off. So, if I close the device, it goes to sleep, and if it stays closed for 5 minutes, it turns off, then we can adjust the time frame it stays in sleep before turning off. That way it won't drain the battery too much in sleep, but if I want to close it just for five, ten, or thirty minutes, then when I pick it back up I don't have to wait 20 minutes for it to boot up each time.

[travismarshall]

This channel has every "feel" of a channel that should have north of 1million subs. From production value to overall presentation, I'm always doing a double-take at the sub count with shock and awe that I'm not seeing 1.5million subscribers. I love this channel.

You'll get there, though!

[desoIate]

I ordered 3 of these on launch day haha

One for me to tinker with, and the other 2 will be gifts later in the year to my nephews once a good CFW and other kinks are sorted out.

[fryke]

Got mine yesterday, loving it with MinUI, which has just added the perfect lid-action. It goes to sleep when you close the lid. If you open it within about 2 minutes, it'll be right back. If you let it sleep for longer than that, it saves its state and shuts down. That's perfection. I only miss two things in MinUI: The quick switcher from OnionOS, and a Favorites list. I guess I'll use the recently played list for that, but Favorites would be better.

[djgoatman]

I just ordered a Smokey black one. I’m stoked! I used to have a red SP. so when I see a solid red I’m gonna get that as well. Phenomenal delivery of information 🤟

[kazzerism]

GBA is probably my favourite retro console to play, and I never got to have an SP so this was an insta-buy for me! Seeing a more in-depth review really confirms I'm going to love this thing. I absolutely cannot wait for it to arrive.

[JCMSimon_]

Just got into this whole topic like an hour ago. Wanted to go with the RG35XX but saw the SP version on the website. And now im watching the video uploaded 3 HOURS ago lol. what a timing

[Dairunt]

The first handheld that was truly mine (not borrowed, not a hand-me-down) was the GBA SP so I have a soft spot for it. I've bought an RG351P years ago to scratch that GBA itch, but I think I finally found a successor!

[ADHDreams]

Also, those dual sticks on the H make for a better NDS experience as well. Thanks for the amazing video Russ!

[kaedeshirtoto]

I like that you're always clear that you have a bias for horizontal handhelds for me I have a bias towards vertical I have loved my 35xx to death as well as my 405v.

[FluxFimbulvetr]

I really appreciate you mentioning the lack of bluetooth audio. I was on the fence about it, but learning this is a dealbreaker for me at this stage. I really hope we see bluetooth audio hit these cheaper handhelds soon to compensate for those on-board mono speakers and clicky buttons!