Anbernic RG35XX SP Review: It's the One

One item was lacking for someone who already owns a number of handhelds: a clamshell. Even though I'm not as attached to the Game Boy Advance SP as most people are, I nevertheless bought one from a friend last year. In an attempt to use the SP more, I even went so far as to purchase a flash cart from AliExpress. However, because I was unable to get it to function the first time, it ended up in my backlog of side projects. In this RG35XX SP review, I'll explain why it could simply remain in that pile.

RG35XX SP: The Basics

You already know a lot of this material so that I won't bore you with it. The first clamshell handheld since the Retroid Pocket Flip, the RG35XX SP, was released into the market. It's more of a spiritual replacement for the Powkiddy V90. Powkiddy seemed more satisfied with continuing to use other form factors, such as the RGB30 and RGB20SX since that was released back in 2020.

In any case, the RG35XX SP and the other RG35XX devices aren't all that different. It also uses the Allwinner H700, which has a 3.5-inch screen, two microSD card slots, and 1GB of RAM. Anbernic even managed to fit a small HDMI connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Two factors likely make it more significant than the Game Boy Advance SP.

In contrast to the Miyoo Mini Flip, which is on the horizon, the RG35XX SP is devoid of dual analog sticks. I've been conflicted about this, but Anbernic made the correct choice.

RG35XX SP: Design and Ergonomics

One issue I frequently experience with most of my handhelds is that my hands start to cramp after only 15 to 20 minutes. As a result of this and continuing discussions in the RH Discord, I ultimately purchased a 3D printer. It was initially planned, but I blame Ban and Retro Tech Dad. I locate a model on Thingiverse or Printables and print off grips for the handhelds I use most frequently.

I don't have nearly as many problems using the RG35XX SP for gaming, and I wasn't really sure why this was the case. When I took my Miyoo Mini Plus, RG35XX Plus, and RG353V out to compare, they were all on the shelf. Although it is just a tiny amount, the RG35XX SP is broader than all three, including the RG353V. As of right now, I haven't even felt the need to print a grip.

Click Buttons are Clicky!

Another issue that disturbed me was the divergent views regarding the buttons. According to some, it would not be a pleasant experience because they are highly clicky and require too much energy to push down. But they're ideal, at least with my RG35XX SP.

My Logitech G915 keyboard, with its low-profile clicky switches, is the closest analogy I could think of. Pressing a key produces a tactile sensation, and pressing a button on the RG35XX SP produces a similar feeling. However, you may be let down if it isn't really your thing.

Room for Stickers

The only major issue I have with the design is how time-consuming it is to put and take the lid off. I mean, it's hardly a huge deal—just five screws with rubber pads covering them. When you have sausage fingers and are attempting to reassemble everything after throwing a sticker inside the top lid, however, it rapidly gets tiresome.

I wish Anbernic had included some inserts or simplified this process. Nonetheless, it's convenient to customize the RG35XX SP without applying stickers to the casing itself, provided that you choose one of the transparent colors.

RG35XX SP: Playing Games

All OK, all right. When it comes to playing games, really? We already know, however, that the RG35XX SP can handle Dreamcast, N64, and DS. There is a small amount of PSP included, but we wouldn't strongly advise it. You won't notice any differences if you've used any of the more modern RG35XX devices. Just keep in mind that if you want to play anything that requires a thumbstick, you'll need to remap your controls.

I started playing Wario Land 4 as soon as I had loaded all of my ROMs into the RG35XX SP. Although Wario is presently one of the RH Games of the Month, I don't particularly like it. Given that it is a Game Boy Advance game, that is appropriate.

This part may appear paradoxical if you've already read the next section.

I don't understand why Anbernic is so adamant about including the RA Game and the Game Room. The standalone PPSSPP emulator is superior to the RetroArch core, so you should only consider the Game Room if you're attempting to play PSP games. I would instead that Anbernic add it to the "Apps" subdirectory or something similar.

I don't get Anbernic's insistence on including the RA Game and the Game Room. You should only consider the Game Room if you're trying to play PSP games because the standalone PPSSPP emulator is better than the RetroArch core. Anbernic could just put it in the "Apps" subdirectory or anything like that, in my opinion.

RG35XX SP: Anbernic Is Getting Better at Software

As much as I hate Anbernic for incorporating their Game Room, the truth is that Anbernic improves the software experience on almost every single gadget. With the RG35XX SP, this pattern is maintained in two ways. The first is the option to activate the Quick Shutdown function. Your portable will automatically save your gaming progress and put the 35XX SP to sleep when you close the lid.

For someone like myself (or Jalanimal) who has babies and may need to quit playing right away without being able to save our game, it's fantastic. The only thing that baffles me is why those hilariously terrible button sounds are still activated right out of the box, even though this isn't enabled by default. I'm getting off-topic, though.

The fact that overlays don't require any action on your part is another excellent feature. An overlay that mimics the appearance of a real GBA SP appears when you launch a Game Boy Advance game on your 35XX SP. I wasn't particularly expecting to see overlays for other systems, though.

Additionally, the RG35XX SP has a few "quality-of-life" features that encourage more playing and less tinkering. The first is pressing the Power Button while playing games on the Dreamcast. This recognizes the D-Pad as an analog stick, eliminating the requirement for you to perform tasks by hand. Simply pressing R2 on the N64 will change the face buttons to C-Buttons.

RG35XX SP: Custom Firmware

Compared to other vintage handhelds, the RG35XX SP's bespoke firmware is the one feature that has me even more thrilled about using it. You can already make use of several custom firmware choices because this wave of Anbernic devices is based on the H700.

The RG35XX SP already supports applications like Knulli, MinUI, and muOS (BEANS). Additionally, a Stock OS Modification build is available even though Anbernic has not yet released the Stock OS for you to re-flash if necessary. A few items will occasionally be absent, with the exception of the Stock OS Mod.

The Quick Save feature when shutting the lid is the most crucial. Depending on the CFW you're using, there are a few workarounds. However, your experience with the 35XX SP may differ until developers have a chance to test it out.

As the developers obtain the SP, all of that will change over the upcoming months. I'm settling into muOS BEANS for the time being, but it will not last long. Please keep checking back, as I also intend to compare the various CFW alternatives for the SP.

RG35XX SP: Final Thoughts

I am aware that I have bounced about a lot and rambled in this evaluation. To put it another way, this is the vintage handheld that you ought to purchase. It has already replaced all of my other non-Android and non-x86 handhelds. With custom firmware, the already excellent RG35XX SP will only get better.

Many factors were at play when Anbernic set the pricing. Because of the hinge alone, I was expecting it to cost at least $99, if not more. However, the RG35XX SP meets all requirements and then some for less than $70. Although it won't be able to play every game, this is the ideal retro portable that you can carry with you wherever you go.

If I've succeeded in persuading you to purchase the RG35XX SP for yourself, you have a few choices. However, Anbernic advises customers to "expect 3-5 extra days for processing" if they choose to deal with them directly. You can guess why.

• Anbernic RG35XXSP at AliExpress
• RG35XXSP at eBay
• Direct from Anbernic