I bought the Anbernic RG35XX fully expecting it to become one of those gadgets that feels exciting for a few days before getting tossed into a drawer.
Instead, it somehow became the device I reached for more than my actual gaming consoles. There’s something surprisingly satisfying about playing old-school games on a dedicated handheld instead of a phone loaded with notifications, messages, and distractions every few minutes.
What is the Anbernic RG35XX Retro Gaming Console?
The Anbernic RG35XX is a compact retro gaming handheld designed to emulate classic gaming systems like the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation 1, and many others.
The whole concept is simple: take thousands of retro games, put them into a portable handheld with physical buttons and a modern screen, and recreate that old-school gaming experience without having to hunt down aging consoles and cartridges.
It also includes modern features like expandable storage, rechargeable batteries, save states, HDMI output, and custom firmware support for people who enjoy tinkering.
Why I Tried It
The biggest reason was nostalgia. I grew up with handheld gaming, and lately I’ve found myself missing the simplicity of it. Modern games are amazing, but sometimes I don’t want battle passes, online updates, multiplayer lobbies, and fifty different menus before I can start playing.
I wanted something I could pick up, play for twenty minutes, and put back down. The RG35XX seemed like a relatively affordable way to see whether retro handhelds were actually worth all the hype.
My Experience Using It
The first thing that impressed me was the screen. I expected something decent for the price, but the display is genuinely one of the highlights of the device. Older games look sharp, colourful, and surprisingly beautiful on it. Games I remembered looking fairly basic suddenly looked much better than I remembered.
Then came the nostalgia hit. Within a couple of days, I found myself replaying games I hadn’t touched in years. What surprised me most wasn’t just the games themselves… it was how convenient the entire experience felt.
Unlike my phone, there were no incoming notifications. Unlike my console, there was no lengthy startup process. I could simply pick it up and start playing within seconds. That convenience ended up being a much bigger deal than I expected.
The controls also exceeded my expectations. The buttons feel responsive, the directional pad is solid, and the overall experience feels far more polished than many cheap retro gadgets I’ve used before.
The only area where I noticed some limitations was comfort during longer gaming sessions. Because of the compact vertical design, my hands occasionally started feeling cramped after extended play. It wasn’t enough to stop me from using it, but it was noticeable during longer sessions.
I also quickly learned that most experienced owners recommend replacing the included SD card. The handheld itself is reliable, but the bundled storage cards don’t have the best reputation for long-term durability. Swapping to a higher-quality card gave me much more confidence in keeping my games and save files safe.
Another thing I didn’t expect was how much of a hobby the device can become.
If you simply want to play games, the RG35XX works perfectly fine. But if you start exploring custom firmware, themes, emulator settings, and game organization, you can easily spend hours tweaking and customizing everything.
Thankfully, none of that is required to enjoy it.
Build Quality & Feel
The RG35XX feels lightweight without feeling cheap. The plastic shell is sturdy, the buttons have a satisfying click, and the overall construction feels better than its price would suggest. It doesn’t feel premium in the way a high-end smartphone does, but it also doesn’t feel like a disposable gadget.
The transparent versions are especially nice in person and give the handheld a nostalgic charm that fits the retro theme perfectly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent screen quality
- Extremely portable
- Great value for the price
- Strong battery life
- Responsive controls
- Huge library of compatible retro games
- Simple enough for casual users
Cons
- Included SD cards aren’t the most reliable
- Can become uncomfortable during long sessions
- Some charging quirks have been reported
- Advanced customization has a learning curve
- Not designed for demanding modern emulation
Product Claims vs. Reality
For once, I think the reality is pretty close to the marketing.
The RG35XX delivers exactly what most people are buying it for: a portable retro gaming experience that feels authentic, convenient, and surprisingly polished.
The only place expectations need some adjustment is performance with newer gaming systems. Some people see “emulation handheld” and assume it can comfortably handle everything from retro consoles to much newer systems.
That’s not really what this device is built for. Where it shines is classic gaming, and that’s where most of its value comes from.
Is It a Scam?
Not at all. If anything, this is one of those products that tends to exceed expectations because people assume a budget retro handheld will feel cheap or poorly made.
The RG35XX feels like a product built by people who actually understand why retro gaming fans enjoy these devices.
How to Use
I think the RG35XX is best suited for people who want a dedicated gaming device without spending hundreds of dollars. It’s particularly great for travel, bedtime gaming, commuting, and anyone who wants to revisit classic games without digging old consoles out of storage.
And because it’s so compact, it’s the kind of device you’re actually likely to carry with you instead of leaving at home.
Alternatives to Consider
- ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus
- ANBERNIC RG35XX H
- Miyoo Mini Plus
- Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
Conclusion — Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. The Anbernic RG35XX feels like one of those rare gadgets that know exactly what it’s trying to be and executes it well.
It won’t replace a gaming PC. It won’t replace a PlayStation. And it isn’t trying to. What it does offer is a simple, portable, nostalgic gaming experience that’s incredibly easy to pick up and enjoy.
I bought it expecting a temporary novelty. Months later, it’s still sitting within arm’s reach.
Also read my similar review on the Bad Dudes Micro Player