Anbernic RG40XX H First Impressions

Anbernic isn't cool. Their release of handhelds is unabated. They will keep coming up with as many alternatives as they can once they get their hands on a chip. This could be beneficial in that they have something for everyone, or it could be annoying for someone who recently purchased a new gadget to discover that it is no longer relevant.

Meet the RG40XX H

Anbernic RG40XX H Full Specifications

  • Display: 4-inch IPS display
  • Resolution: 640 x 480
  • Processor: H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.5GHz
  • GPU: Dual-core G31 MP2
  • RAM: LPDDR4 1GB
  • Storage: Dual microSD card slots, supports up to 512GB
  • Battery: Polymer lithium battery 3300mAH, rated for 6 hours
  • Charging: 5V/1.5A supports USB Type-C to Type-C charging
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
  • Software: Linux-based Anbernic Stock OS, 64-bit
  • Extras: RGB LED lighting under analogue sticks, wired controller support, HDMI out via mini-HDMI
  • Colours: Black / Blue / Gray
  • Dimensions: 163 x 79 x 16mm
  • Weight: 208g

The device's 4x3 aspect ratio is its best feature. It is good to have a 4x3 screen after acquiring the RG35XX SP and the RG Cube. The blue model that I received looks really stylish. Compared to the standard black or DMG colours, it is a welcome change of pace.

Since the most recent model is the RG35XX SP, this is once more the same H700 chip that we have recently seen from Anbernic. Wi-Fi is a nice addition, and for a small device like this, the predicted 6-hour battery life is more than enough.

RG40XX H: Device Feel and Buttons

I was shocked at how thin this device was! It is comfortable to hold, and if it weren't for the analogue sticks, it would slide very nicely into the pocket. Since the device can play some Dreamcast, PlayStation, PSP, and N64, the sticks are nice to have, but for a fully pocketable option, this is a small sacrifice you will have to make.

The face buttons have rubber membranes and are shiny. These have a much nicer feel to them than the clicky RG35XX SP buttons. Although it seems sensitive when playing some precision platforming games, the pad feels decent as well. It is more comfortable to grip, thanks to the stacked shoulder buttons, but I don't like how tiny and clicky they are.

Was the pocketability hindered by the analogue sticks I mentioned earlier? The cardinal snapping problem that has beset the RG556 and RG Cube is also present in them. Because of this, moving around in 3D games is really annoying. Be aware that it is challenging to obtain half movements if you intend to use this device for such purpose. You might be distracted from this by the RGB illumination.

The IPS screen is rather vivid and has a lovely appearance. During play, I've noticed that the back gets really hot, especially in the lower right area. After seeing so many images of burned-up RG35XX SPs going around the internet, some of which may have been caused by charging problems, this is a little concerning. To learn more about charging these devices, see our page here.

RG40XX H: Performance

The IPS screen is rather vivid and has a lovely appearance. During play, I've noticed that the back gets really hot, especially in the lower right area. After seeing so many images of burned-up RG35XX SPs going around the internet, some of which may have been caused by charging problems, this is a little concerning. To learn more about charging these devices, see our page here.

This will perform similarly to any other Anbernic RG XX device we have just acquired. The less expensive systems will function flawlessly. Your Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Genesis, and so forth will all work just fine. You will encounter additional problems with the PlayStation, PSP, Dreamcast, and N64.

The PlayStation games I played were good for the most part. However, PSP stumbled a little bit when playing Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles. The standard Chains of Olympus exam for God of War? Even if the opening cutscene was excellent, this thing chugs like a freshman in college attempting to establish himself at a fraternity.

However, PlayStation performs incredibly well. Playing Crash Team Racing in the waiting area was a lot of fun. Additionally, the aspect ratio enhances the visual appeal of PlayStation games. I also had fun playing certain GBA games. If you don't like the Shaders and Overlays that Anbernic pre-applies on the stock firmware, you can disable them in the options, just like I did.

It's never very fun to use the stock firmware. Fortunately, CFW should be working on this soon because this chip has been around. Although Russ from Retro Game Corps had access to MinUi, he tested these and found that they are not currently functional, maybe due to the screen. Hopefully, this will be resolved shortly, so check the website for updates.

RG40XX H: Final Thoughts

There are certain things I like about this Anbernic album, but overall, I wasn't all that thrilled with it. However, that doesn't mean it isn't for you just because it isn't for me. I adore how thin it is, and the size is perfect. Like the majority of Anbernic products, the buttons feel fantastic as well. The screen also appeals greatly to me.

The analogue sticks' cardinal cracking, the heat the gadget produces, and the fact that it serves no function for me in my collection are the factors that make me dislike this. This can be the ideal purchase for you if you're looking for a 4:3 device and don't currently own any RG XX gadgets. Watch the video below to see Stubbs' initial impressions.

The RG40XX H is an excellent value for the money at just $69.99. The gadget below is available for purchase on Anbernic's AliExpress site.

  • Direct from Anbernic
  • RG40XX H at AliExpress