Anbernic RG35XX Impressions — “Mini” Budget Handheld

Anbernic has released yet another new handheld this year, rounding out 2022 with the RG35XX. This is a 3.5" 480p (4:3) handheld device with enough power to play through all systems up to PS1, and at an affordable price ($56 + shipping). So let's take a quick look at the device and see if it's worth considering.

Where to buy the RG35XX:

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.

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:26 color options, price, tech specs
02:30 unboxing and impressions
04:56 size comparisons
07:25 software experience
09:58 game performance testing
15:47 SD card contents
17:35 summary (likes and dislikes)
19:11 conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#Anbernic #RG5XX #emulation

[RetroGameCorps]

Small clarification, you can safely shut down the device by holding the power button, I wasn’t holding it long enough. Please forgive me.

[TeenieTinyTina]

I already ordered it, even if it's not perfect, it's the perfect size and I'm a very casual player so a lot of these quirks are ones I can deal with. :) great video, as always

[fatcheese]

Our only hope is for Anbernic to open the source ASAP for CFW to save this machine

[-dAtA-TRoN-]

Great Preview. You stopped me from buying the thing right away. I'm waiting and hoping that the firmware community will take care of it. But actually I think this device is exactly what I always wanted: a beautiful, modern Gameboy Pocket ❤️‍🔥.

[briansmith]

Another positive is this is in stock while the miyoo always seems to be out whenever I look. All the powers to the modders to break into this one and make it great

[MIDNITE]

If anyone who has one of these and would be kind enough to image the card this ships with, I'd be more than happy to look into it. I've built several of my own Linux environments from scratch, and I believe I could provide tons of insight into those Linux partitions.

[peejae]

I can't believe newly transferred roms don't show up, I mean the first thing that people do when buying these things is replace the memory cards and put their own roms. What is Anbernic thinking.

[adinwalls]

Well… once again stock firmware is less than ideal but this device is destined for some excellent CFW from the devs. Looking forward to it! Great vid, I’m very excited to get my purple one.

[JakeSulinjr]

This is legit the first time I snapped up one of these systems before all you TechTubers do a video and immediately sell them all out! Haha

I got the atomic purple one! A 4-Core processor on a $49 Gameboy style handheld is WILD. We totally live in the future. 🙌

[poemsbypoetry]

Had notifications on waiting for this, thank you Russ! The OS in so bare bones, I really hope the community can work on something. Imagine the Onion OS in it 🥰

[EnjoySynthSounds]

Was looking for this review. It's on a good price point just now.

[Charkhil]

I'm not looking to buy right now, but this is exactly the kind of device I'd be after: something like a miyoo mini but with a 3.5" display and mini hdmi out. Shame the software isn't to par but I'm sure the community will alleviate that soon. Super excited to see the progress!

[JackOusley]

I wish someone would take the next step and make a premium SP form factor handheld. I really dig the design and form factor on this one. Screen looks great

[ProbablySteven]

That's cool, my first Game Boy had a clear case. Really brings me back.

[sambagogo]

Part of the fun of these videos is waiting to see in which way/s they messed up, lol.

[raymondteh]

Adding games is super simple...just put another new micro SD card formatted to fat 32 in the second micro SD card slot ...the system will create all the folders exactly like the stock folders, remove the card, put it in ur pc ..and put your personal ROMs in the correct folder example FC folder is for Famicom and nes ...take out the card from pc and put back into the second slot in the device ...power up the device ...go to games icon...and u will be greeted with internal memory card and external memory card ...once u click on external ....u will see exactly the same menu layout as stock ... select ur added games from the folders ...no need to search for them ...very simple ...as abc

[freezersk]

Thank you for very fast review. Was going to buy it right away as I was waiting for the release, liked the no joystick and overall form factor (Miyoo mini is too small for me and RG353V has joysticks, and is litter bigger) but the software is huge letdown from what I saw and you said and main reason for me to wait little more.

[skippyb.coyote]

I love the size and overall design, but not being able to play your games in the correct aspect ratio is a total deal breaker and I'd rather play on the smaller Miyoo Mini with the correct aspect ratio. If Anbernic fixes that issue, adds the option to play Game Boy games in green and black, and fixes the SNES clock speed and Genesis scrolling problems (which is admittedly quite a lot of problems) I'd definitely consider picking up an RG35XX though!

[MarkFryGuitar]

Thanks for this review….My RG280V with the Adam Image is just a PERFECT Retro device…Many thanks for the Guide! 😊 👍

[blidosawr]

Thanks we are all waiting for your indepth review! We are hoping for new community driven firmware, let's see if this device can do it better than miyoo mini! 👍