Anbernic RG35XX Plus Review: Budget vertical handheld with great potential
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus has emerged as a compelling upgrade to its predecessor, the original RG35XX. For those contemplating the decision to either upgrade from the previous version or make an initial purchase, this article aims to shed light on the key differentiators and whether the additional investment in the Plus variant is justified.
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus stands out as a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the RG35XX, featuring a substantially more powerful System on Chip (SoC). The heart of RG35XX Plus handheld gaming device is the built-in H700 SoC, which boasts four Cortex A53 computing cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. Complementing this is an LPDDR4 RAM with a capacity of one gigabyte, providing a significant boost in performance. According to the manufacturer Anbernic, the RG35XX Plus can emulate over 30 different retro gaming platforms, encompassing systems up to the PSP, including iconic consoles like the first PlayStation and various Nintendo handhelds.
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The device’s 3.5-inch screen, with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, ensures a visually satisfying experience for a myriad of compatible retro titles. Compact and lightweight, measuring 11.7 x 8.1 centimeters and 2.2 centimeters in thickness, and weighing just 186 grams, the RG35XX Plus is designed for on-the-go gaming. In addition, the cell is now larger (3300 vs 2600 mAh). That promises an impressive runtime of up to eight hours, allowing extended gaming sessions without constant recharging.
One notable feature is the RG35XX Plus’s ability to connect to a television via HDMI, expanding the gaming experience to a larger screen. Additionally, the device supports WiFi multiplayer battles, enhancing the social and competitive aspects of gaming. For PC enthusiasts, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus offers the capability to stream PC titles via Moonlight, further broadening its gaming repertoire.
Facilitating the influx of emulated titles are two memory card slots, providing ample storage for a diverse collection of games. This versatility experience allows users to tailor their gaming by easily swapping memory cards with different sets of games.
Anbernic RG35XX Plus: Video Review
| Specs | Anbernic RG35XX Plus |
| Screen | 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, OCA full lamination/ 640*480 |
| CPU | H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.5GHz frequency |
| GPU | dual- core G31 MP2 |
| RAM | 1GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 64GB TF/MicroSD |
| OS | Linux |
| WIFI | 2.4/5G WIFI 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Games | Support: ported games,PSP,PS1,DC,ARCAD,GBA,GBC,GB,SFC,FC,MAME,MD,GG, |
| PCE,NGPC,SMS,WSC and other games in various formats. | |
| Support users to download games in relevant formats. | |
| Speaker | High-fidelity speaker |
| TF card | Dual card slots, support TF card expansion, maximum 512GB |
| Battery | Li-polymer battery 3300mAh, lasting 8 hours |
| Charging | 5V/1.5A, support C2C charger |
| Other function | Support 2.4G wireless and wired controller, Bluetooth Handle Connection， |
| HDMI output TV, vibration motor. | |
| WIFI online pairing, streaming | |
| Console size | 11,7 х 8,1 х 2,2 см |
| Console Weight | 0.186 kg |
| Color | Transparent black/Gray/ White |
Anbernic RG35XX Plus: Design
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is a handheld gaming device that has generated excitement among gaming enthusiasts. Upon receiving the device, the packaging may differ slightly from its predecessor, the RG35XX. The package contains a screen protector, wipes, a charger, and a user manual.
When choosing the white version, I admire its clean and sleek appearance. While acknowledging that the white color might not be the best choice for rugged outdoor use or for children, the personal preference for aesthetics takes precedence. This particular color was not available on the original RG35XX, which prompted my decision to go with something special.
Comparing the Anbernic RG35XX Plus to its predecessor, one notices an almost identical external design. Anbernic intentionally designed them to be nearly indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Both handhelds share common features such as start and select buttons, a function menu button, ABXY buttons, and a D-pad. However, a notable change on the RG35XX Plus is the printing of ABXY on the buttons themselves instead of beneath them.
Examining the back of the device reveals the introduction of curved shoulder buttons. Despite initial reservations about their appearance, I find them surprisingly comfortable, offering a more ergonomic grip compared to the flat design of the original RG35XX. The battery compartment is another notable improvement, easily accessible with just one screw, providing a secure and worry-free experience during gameplay.
Flipping to the sides, the device maintains consistency with two microSD card slots, a power button, a reset button, and volume keys. I notice a subtle design change in the volume keys’ indentation but expresses indifference, as the functionality remains satisfactory.
Topside, a mini HDMI port is present, while the bottom houses a USB-C port and a headphone jack—features that mirror those of the original RG35XX. These elements contribute to a familiar and user-friendly design, ensuring compatibility with various accessories.
In essence, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, while visually similar to its predecessor, introduces subtle yet impactful improvements in ergonomics and ease of use.
Software
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus brings a host of improvements, both in terms of hardware and features, setting it apart from its predecessor, the original RG35XX. As we power it on, the familiar Anbernic OS greets us, but with a crucial note: this isn’t the exact firmware shipped initially. An update has been released, enhancing the overall user experience and introducing new features. However, obtaining this update requires a manual process involving downloading a sizable file and flashing it onto a microSD card—a minor inconvenience for those seeking the latest enhancements.
The device maintains a user-friendly interface, reminiscent of the original RG35XX, showcasing the game room section for running emulators. However, a notable distinction lies in the recommendation to use the “ra game” section for launching games, allowing access to RetroArch settings within the game—an invaluable customization feature not available if launched through the game room.
The menu includes sections such as favorites, search and settings. While most settings remain familiar, new additions include options for Wi-Fi, Retro Achievements support, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless controllers, and Moonlight, providing intriguing possibilities for gaming experiences beyond the device itself. The new firmware addresses some phrasing issues and enhances overall settings, contributing to a smoother user interface.
While both the Anbernic RG35XX and RG35XX Plus handle lower-end emulation similarly, the Plus version shines when it comes to more demanding systems such as N64, Dreamcast, DS, and PSP. The increased power of the RG35XX Plus becomes evident, offering a superior experience in handling games that the original RG35XX struggled with.
Games
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is a portable gaming device that has attracted the attention of enthusiasts for its emulation capabilities, especially in the field of Dreamcast, Nintendo DS and PSP emulation.
I was very impressed with the Dreamcast’s performance, and even experimented with increasing the resolution for some games. However, a word of caution should be given regarding the potential impact on battery life and the fact that not all Dreamcast games may run flawlessly.
I’m not going to say this is the perfect Dreamcast machine, it’s not quite ready yet. So if you want to play every Dreamcast game without any drawbacks, I would recommend paying a little more money and buying something else. But for the most part, this thing can run Dreamcast games very well, and can even, as I said, increase the resolution a bit for some games, so I was very happy with the Dreamcast.
Moving on to Nintendo DS emulation, the device works well, especially after a firmware update that introduced the ability to move the stylus. This improvement is considered crucial for DS games that rely heavily on touchscreen input. I’ll admit there are better DS emulators out there, but the RG35XX Plus’ performance is generally good, with most games running smoothly. However, it should be emphasized that some DS games perform better than others, and some games may have varying levels of performance.
As for PSP emulation on Anbernic RG35XX Plus, it is unsuccessful. The handheld’s screen, which was not originally designed for PSP games, poses a problem. Despite this, lower-end PSP games run fine, providing an acceptable gaming experience. However, performance may be unstable in more demanding PSP games. An example is Ridge Racer, where performance drops significantly at certain points, making the game unplayable in those areas. My guess is that this device may not be an ideal choice for those looking for consistent smooth performance in all PSP games. However, for those interested in less demanding and easier to emulate PSP games, the RG35XX Plus may still be a viable option.
Anbernic RG35XX Plus: Conclusion
Having spent time with the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, I can confidently say that I have no complaints about this upgraded handheld. It’s a definite improvement over its predecessor, and I would readily recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable device for retro gaming on the go. However, the decision to upgrade becomes more nuanced when considering the original RG35XX.
If you already own the original Anbernic RG35XX, the question of whether to invest around $70 in the RG35XX Plus depends on your specific needs and preferences. If there are particular games you’re eager to play that the RG35XX struggles with but the Plus handles seamlessly, then the upgrade might be a worthy investment.
While the RG35XX Plus is a great handheld with improved capabilities, it’s essential to be aware that for a slightly higher cost, you could acquire a device that is more powerful and capable of running a broader range of games with better performance. Devices in this price range often excel in handling PSP, N64, and Dreamcast games, providing a more comprehensive gaming experience.
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The consideration becomes even more significant if you don’t already own either the RG35XX or the Plus model. In such a case, it may be worthwhile to invest the extra $20 or so in a more powerful model that can handle a wider variety of games. However, it’s crucial to assess your gaming preferences. If you primarily enjoy playing Game Boy Color, SNES, or occasional PS1 games, the original RG35XX might still be a solid and budget-friendly choice.
In essence, the decision to upgrade or purchase the Anbernic RG35XX Plus depends on your gaming priorities and budget constraints. While the Plus model offers exciting new features and improvements, the original RG35XX remains a reliable and well-supported handheld in its own right. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific gaming preferences and financial considerations.
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