RG35XX SP Review: Shut up & Take My Money

The GBA SP released over 20 years ago, and it took all of that time for another company to come in and create a good clone. In this video, we review the new RG35XX SP from Anbernic.

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00:00 - Intro & Unboxing
01:12 - Specs & Pricing
01:59- RG35XX SP vs. GBA SP
04:46 - Controls
06:56 - Screen
08:01 - Wireless Co-Op
09:15 - Bluetooth & Console Mode
10:59 - Input Latency
11:34 - Sound Test
12:10 - Hinge
14:01 - Thermals
16:21 - Type C to C Charging
17:04 - Software Introduction
20:17 - Software Issues
21:50 - Custom Firmware
22:44 - GB, GBC, Game Gear, NGP, WS Emulation
23:19 - GBA Emulation
24:06 - NDS / PSP Emulation
25:53 - NES, SNES, Genesis, 32X Emulation
27:17 - PS1 / Dreamcast Emulation
28:46 - N64 Emulation
29:44 - Battery Life
30:13 - Pros / Cons
30:58 - Recommendations

Disclaimer: This review includes affiliate links. Anything you purchase from those links helps support the channel.

[TakiUdon]

Taki Jr. zeroed out my calipers when they were open, and I didn't notice 😂

Real data:
GBA SP DPAD = 17.85mm
RG SP DPAD = 21.35mm

GBA SP ABXY = 7.7mm
RG SP ABXY = 8mm

[OmairArif]

The fact that we are nearly a decade into USB-C and companies still can't bother to include the two resistors required to properly follow the USB-C Spec and support C to C charging is ridiculous. It is literally just two resistors that need to be connected between the CC1 and CC2 pins of the connector and ground. When the charger sees that it knows to output 5V.

[joec-PC]

The temptation to buy a silver one and stick some tribal black stickers on it for the nostalgia trip.

[ardnehsan]

I can't wait to see a DS/3DS clone

Edit: I own a modded 3ds XL already. Personally I'd like an emulator with this form factor to take advantage of fast forward and save states for RPGs. Also not spending $1000 on on the Aya neo flip...

[rabiroden]

So surreal to see PS1 and Dreamcast running on a device with this form factor.

[damiengrief]

That transparent model is so pretty. I was so tempted but ended up going with the silver for that pure nostalgia. Excited to get my hands on this thing.

[alyx]

I think its a good thing it is a bit chunkier. I have fairly average sized hands for a european and the og SP gives me cramps these days. It was great when I was 14 but not now. The Anbernic is an SP for those of us that grew in size but not mentally lol

[PokeMixr]

I hope one day soon they'll consider making Oled versions of this, just recently got an AMOLED GBC kit and let me tell you GB/GBC games look absolutely stunning on it! Other than that this console looks really, really solid!

[Frizan]

hey taki, the temp readings of the silver case console are likely different due to the reflectivity of the paint. light based thermometers aren't reliable on reflective surfaces. a piece of paper tape on the surface would give a much better reading. another great vid btw

[spydersoda]

you know a handheld is good when taki finally makes another handheld-focused video about it

[ivanm]

I've seen all the first impressions videos i can for this device and your's always come with all the relevant information for me. Thanks for your hard work.

[jamiecal]

Quality of handhelds for 50-70 bucks is amazing.

Same is true of NGC/PS2 capable machines but I'd love the price difference not to be so great between the 2.

[MrPotatoPoo]

most professional, detailed, and concise video review i’ve seen. instant sub. well done dude.

[CrowScareify]

I might just be paranoid but that battery issue seems like it could be a bigger problem in the future. Crappy buttons I can do, funky software I can do…. But battery heat issues stress me out….

[dominikcech]

Hi Taki, thanks for the great review! Btw, regarding sleep mode issues on stock - for newer systems like Dreamcast, N64 and PSP, stock OS has an analog to dpad toggle which is mapped to power button. So the power button does not put the device to sleep on these systems. The other thing about taking long to get into and out of sleep - you had the quick shutdown enabled. In this case the power button doesn't put the device to sleep, but instead it does a "fake" sleep like Onion does in Miyoo mini - save state and turn off. So the long time getting back to the game is actually turning on the device and loading last played game with auto load state turned on. Bato/Knulli don't have either of these features so the sleep there is real, however device energy consumption is about 5% per hour since kernel is not open source and proper sleep is not reachable for cfw devs at this time. Stock OS with quick shutdown turned off, does behave the same regarding sleep (including the energy consumption)

[mrwoodcat]

Taki video is the one I waited the most on this handheld

[vlesmeries]

who needs the case? the whole point of having a flip is so you can just shove it in your pocket and flip open when you need to game. ordered the blue. I never thought I'd ever say it but well done, Anbernic.

[antgue]

Ive been waiting for this. A decently powerful handheld in a gba sp form factor without any sticks to get in the way. That can also basically become an emulator console with bluetooth. Fantastic.

[livinlicious]

I think Anbernic realizes they have a killer lineup right now with the XX series, 35xx, 35xx plus, 35xx h, 28xx, 35xxsp.
All interchangeably using the same software (muOS is great by the way, works day one on the 35xxsp).
Anbernic will probably pump out more of these, this is an insane cashcow.

[wadekirby]

I'm definitely going to get one of these. I'm on my 2nd Powkiddy v90 because I love the format. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.