RG35XX 2024 Review: Makes No Sense

Hi everyone! As I take on the Anbernic RG35XX 2024 for my first Retro Handhelds review, I hope you come along for the ride. I wish something else had been released so I could review it instead of burying the lede.

As Anbernic and Miyoo get things going with the RG28XX and A30, respectively, the portable market is beginning to heat up. However, the RG35XX 2024 is released at a time when its existence is essentially moot—aside from Anbernic's desire to broaden its range of products further.

RG35XX 2024: What Works

I won't go into too much detail on the RG35XX 2024's performance here. Its power comes from the same Allwinner H700 that powers the RG35XX Plus and RG35XX H. It goes without saying that it can run the majority of games up to the PSP and Sega Saturn, even with the factory firmware.

Playing Tony Hawk's Underground 2 on the PSP was a pleasant surprise, and I encountered no problems at all. Trying to play God of War: Chains of Olympus is no exception. Though, I wanted to see if the RG35XX would catch fire on its own. Nope, as was to be expected, I was only able to achieve 10 frames per second.

RG35XX 2024 Specs

  • Display: 3.5-inch IPS; 640×480
  • Processor: H700 Quad-Core
  • GPU: Dual-Core G31 MP2
  • RAM: 1GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: 64GB microSD card w/ Dual Card Slots (Maximum 512GB)
  • Battery: 2,600mAh (Up to 7 hours)
  • Charging: 5V/1.5A with support for USB-C to USB-C charging
  • Extra features: No WiFi, but 2.4GHz Wireless and Wired Controller support (via dongle), HDMI Output, Vibration Motor
  • Software: Linux
  • Dimensions: 117mm x 81mm x 22mm
  • Weight: 186g

The RG35XX 2024's support for custom firmware is one major surprise. I can switch my muOS microSD card from the 2024 to the Plus. I had no idea what to anticipate, but this was absolutely not it. However, you're out of luck if you were hoping to get Garlic OS up and running.

Another feature I like is that the RG35XX 2024 sticks have two microSD card slots. Even though you won't be playing many PS1 or Dreamcast games, having more room is still pleasant. This makes it possible to install more supported PortMaster games. You can also use music to launch various PICO-8 games.

RG35XX 2024: What Doesn't

The RG35XX 2024's most significant obstacle is Anbernic's self-inflicted wound. The RG35XX Plus is currently $2 less expensive than the 2024 model ($63 vs. $61), but this is only if you disregard different AliExpress sales, where you can indeed purchase the Plus for less than $48.

This will give you a more attractive DMG model with a black border rather than a grey one. More significantly, though, the RG35XX Plus has WiFi connectivity. Since the RG35XX 2024 does not allow you to rack up those Retro Achievements, this is obviously crucial.

The fact that Anbernic returned to the "old" shoulder buttons is another irritation. When the stacked shoulders of the RG35XX Plus and H eventually appear, it's a huge letdown. It feels strange to take up this "newer" version after using the Plus for a while.

In terms of battery life, Anbernic also fell short. The RG35XX 2024 has a smaller 2,600mAh battery than the Plus, even though their cases are nearly identical. Not to mention that there is no battery door, making it difficult to reach. If you need to replace it, you will instead need to remove the entire rear shell.

RG35XX 2024: Should You Buy It?

Look, I can see why Anbernic chose the RG35XX 2024 in many ways. Let me put it another way: I could have comprehended the rationale behind these decisions. However, cost is the crux of the issue. The RG35XX Plus costs almost the same and has WiFi, improved shoulder buttons, and a larger battery.

The decision to phase out the original RG35XX and release the 2024 model is a wise financial decision. I believe that Anbernic ought to have set the pricing between $40 and $45 for it. Hell, even at $50, that's a significant enough price difference to make you reconsider getting the Plus.

Purchasing the RG35XX 2024 makes sense in precisely one situation. It works if you want to give a friend or loved one a vintage handheld, and they don't care about Retro Achievements or custom firmware. Something like the Miyoo Mini Plus or perhaps the R33s makes more sense.