Anbernic RG35XX 2024 Review: Pointless

Anbernic's latest release, the RG35XX 2024, appears to be a halfhearted attempt to clear out old stock, at the expense of its buyers. Let's take a look at why this handheld just doesn't make a lot of sense.

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
01:08 specs and pricing
04:20 unboxing and impressions
06:41 RG35XX hardware comparison
10:27 teardown
12:38 stock OS experience
15:18 custom OS testing
19:20 GarlicOS vs RG35XX 2024
21:24 comparing all RG35XX models
23:50 comparing similar handhelds
25:35 summary and 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 #emulation #retrohandheld #batocera

[KyleRuggles]

Anbernic is getting rid of old shells and sh*t. Dig the title!

[ray]

Anbernic is doing the Skyrim re-re-release tactic

[Agumon]

I think we are bold to assume that Anbernic has any clue or ideas as to what they are actually doing with regard to marketing and positioning their devices. Something tells me there's some guy at the warehouse who looks at the parts inventory and comes up with a random hodgepodge of ideas.

[Demasx]

One possibility is the "decoy effect" or "asymmetric dominance effect"... where a less reasonable product is proffered specifically to make its mainstream offerings more appealing by contrast. It can create a false dilemma of comparing, say, the Plus against the 2024 as good value... rather than comparing it to something not immediately before you, like the Miyoo Mini Plus.

[jarnobot]

Great video! I was so confused when I saw the announcement for this device. The only logical reason I can think of, is that they have a surplus of OG RG35XX (shell) parts and OG RG35XX batteries, and want to fase the old chipset out. Maybe to keep one model (the Plus?) in the end and discontinue the rest after their supplies run out.
Even then the price doesn't make a lot of sense. Unless they only make it more expensive so they can offer a attractive looking discount later.

I'm just speculating though. This is such a weird release at this price point.

[VladNerd]

I absolutely love straight-cut reviews like these. Exceptional video as always, Russ. ❤️

[thatguy]

So excited for the RG35XX SP model. Dying for a new gameboy SP style handheld. Last one was Powkiddy V90 which is dated by today's standards. Miyoo Flilp also on the horizon

[sendoh]

LMAO. Love the title. It really is pointless coming out with a "new" handheld that's essentially the same but I get it... MONEY

[lucsaguiar]

New fear unlocked: having Russ review me and find me pointless ☠️

[ADHDreams]

If it wasn’t for CFW Anbernic would be selling E-bricks

[hynestimothy]

Just as you said, they just have left over chips and understanding Chinese business tactics, and they are the masters, it just makes more sense to make use of what you have

[toasty]

I agree with your assumption on reasoning (manufacturing), but I think there is another play here too. I suspect Anbernic has a vision of the future where this 2024 model replaces the base 35XX, and the teased SP model replaces the plus. Assuming the hinge is good, it will give them another more premium feature to justify higher margins out of that device. It seems possible that it will share subassemblies (ex: PCBA's) with the 2024 non-hinge (in many aspects), which will help them drive cost of that device down towards where the base is today. They can just populate a bigger battery, populate wifi/blueooth antennas, etc. Then, the plus and the current base model go away - now you have a very clear picture of who each device is for. If mfg. topics play out, the 2024 will become more price competitive with MM+ so they can still play in the bottom end, but now they've created a bit of a higher-margin top end market with the SP.

[RyuAkiga]

Awesome review! I appreciate a review that looks at the good and the bad of a console!

[Mia-bixoxo]

i don't know how ambernic can't see how pointless this is. it isn't gonna sell.

[Doser_One]

Appreciate the video's man! I am looking forward to install onionOS on my anbernic rg35xx h, i bought thanks to your video's. Cheers!

[UpsidePotential]

The terrible USB C charging circuit needs to be talked about more with these devices.

[dextervenske]

Love the honesty. This is why I keep watching and trust your opinions.

[juanmgarciah]

Hey great info. Just a few questions.
I just bought the xx h and I want to know if you recommend any OS in specific and if I can use a fast charger with it?
Thx, I made my decision based on your videos, keep going

[valg.]

Thank you Russ for your honesty as always🐰👍🏼

[disconinja]

Russ asked Anbernic do they want to make another RG35XX device?
and Anbernic said "yeah, man, I wanna do it" 🧐