Anbernic RG P01 Review: Half-Price 8BitDo

Anbernic's first controller is not really innovative at all -- in fact, it's basically just a knockoff 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller. But what makes it compelling is its price, about $25-30 after factoring in shipping. And at this price point, the RG P01 just might be the most solid and fully-featured controller in this very crowded segment.

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
01:27 features and specs
03:12 PRICE + SHIPPING = $25 to $30
03:42 unboxing and impressions
07:08 controls and functions
12:55 pairing demos
14:12 triggers, paddles, etc
18:09 game testing
21:30 summary (likes and dislikes)
23:56 comparison with others
26:38 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 #8BitDo #GameSir #controller

[RetroGameCorps]

I'm seeing a lot of great feedback about the price and shipping, as well as 8BitDo's various competing models. Let's break it down:

- Anbernic RG P01: $18 MSRP + $12 avg shipping = $30. I agree that it's dumb they separated the shipping, and it is deceiving. This is why I framed the controller as being around $25-$30 in the video -- this kind of marketing (understandably) rubs customers the wrong way. The shipping also stacks, so $12 shipping for one controller, $24 shipping for two. They should have just marketed it as a $30 controller, and that will likely be its price when it hits Amazon in the next few weeks.
- 8BitDo Ultimate BT = $70. This model is the closest to the Anbernic RG P01 in terms of functionality. X-input, 2.4GHz USB dongle, and Switch compatibility. This one has a larger battery, higher polling rates, and comes with a charging dock, so it's not a perfect 1:1 comparison, but it is also over twice the price of the Anbernic (even after their dumb shipping).
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2C = $30. This is a USB dongle controller, that can work with BT in some circumstances (like with Android), but doesn't have the same wide X-input functionality and isn't compatible with Switch. This is a great controller if you are just looking for PC gaming, since you can use that USB dongle.
- 8BitDo Ultimate C BT = $30. This is a Switch-only controller that has the Switch ABXY pattern, but isn't compatible with PC or Android -- it's still a nice option if you are looking for Switch only.
- GameSir Nova Lite = $25. This one is very close to the Anbernic RG P01, with a hardshell case. It doesn't have full Switch compatibility (no gyro and no wake from sleep), but in all other respects it's very close to the RG P01, and a really great budget controller too.

Of note, after giving my feedback to Anbernic from this review, they have already created a firmware update for the controller that will remember your RGB light setting. They shared the firmware file with me yesterday and it is working as expected, and they will have it up on their software repo soon.

[aymodaslacker]

gotta hand it to Anbernic, they definitely liven up Russ's upload schedule

[RafidW]

Controller market is getting spicy. Hall effect sticks at this price point is so great to see.

[friednoodle]

Already have an 8bitdo ultimate but it's nice to see more affordable competitions.

[AngDawPac]

"not emulated, SHEESH!" may be my favorite easter egg of all time!!

[omulamfibie]

I just snatched one for $20 on sale from Aliexpress on jan 8th, with free shipping and it arrived today. That's a win in my book. I'll get to testing later tonight.

[fathead]

Shipping for one pad $12
Shipping for two $24

That seems pretty preditory, shipping generally does not double if the volume of the order doubles.

This is essentially the same price ase the 8bit do C

[renegadechic]

Your work ethic is genuinely so hard-core, I don't know how you maintain this release schedule! Mad props

[markstephenson]

To save others googling: Shai Hulud is an American metalcore band formed in Pompano Beach, Florida, in 1995, and later based in Poughkeepsie, New York. The band is named after the giant sandworms in Frank Herbert's novel Dune

[mmpsp]

I have a Gamesir Lite and it has been a great experience. No lag, no issues, long battery life.

[ayuchanayuko]

Here I am wishing these controllers were available in the Playstation layout instead of the XBox layout. Having a symmetrical layout for analog sticks is just essential for me and more comfortable.

[doratar]

yes! had my google alert to all news related to this controller, happy my expectations are fulfilled!

[SWPLGAMING]

I noticed the quality right away, this feels pretty comfortable, I was lucky enough to get the radiant purple. Awesome video hub 👍🏾

[MuzKasch]

I was originally going to buy this controller, but I chose the MANBA ONE. To be honest, I really like it, especially considering its big screen haha

[watchmejumpstart]

I liked the price until I added the shipping which doubled the cost and made it pointless to buy

[simply_maple]

I can't believe you risked it by showing Zelda just so you could demo the gyro for us. You're the man, Russ

[anaguma]

Thanks Russ, I wouldn't have know about this without your video. I've been using an old PS4 controller but the battery doesn't charge anymore so have been using a very long cable. Might get one...

[seanwhite]

I picked up two of these for $40 with free shipping from TikTok. I already have a couple of the 8Bitdo controllers but was curious to give these a try. Hard to beat for the price.

[Tepig_V]

I have an 8bitdo in my cart waiting for the 11.11 sales, so I'm very excited to see this review!

[MikaelBCN]

I recently built an arcade cabinet for two players but I was planning on installing a couple normal controllers for 4 players games.
The extra option I was considering was 4 controllers in case I wanted to switch the video output from the cabinet to my projector and play on the sofa.


This controller seems a great opportunity to make it without breaking the bank.