Well, I’m sure most know by now that I’ve been reviewing handhelds for a good while. Anbernic sent over the 12GB/256GB ‘RG 477V’ handheld they released (this stands for ‘Retro Gaming’ - 4.7" Vertical and the other 7 denotes their higher tier set inside), which runs Android 14, for me to review. And…well, I did so.
It’s a much bigger handheld, and a vertical (the kind I have the least experience using), which was newish to me.
This is capable of upscaling PS2 games around 5x, playing full PC games via GameHub Lite (but…not all games, they’ll have to be lil fellows), and even some Switch games. Its a very powerful handheld. I went into it not expecting to love it, but…yeah I got won over.
In the end (since I finished my review), it’s just been playing original Game Boy games. The solid, thunky d-pad makes playing all the ollllllld games just so satisfying.
Or, as I always do, just…ask me something here about it, if you’re curious but don’t want to read a long review!
You must log in or register to comment.
That screen looks incredible. I’d love to have something like this, I just can’t really justify it to myself. My phone already will play pretty much anything I want to emulate, the only hassle is needing to lug a controller around (one day I’ll buy one of those backbone controllers or something).
Still, as a lover of tech and games, this kind of product speaks to me. I just WANT it. I don’t need it.
Oh I know what you mean! There’s something nice and…IDK self-contained when you have something like this. It’s so well made (Anbernic’s buttons are a lovely thing), but the screen is the shining star here. I love that its 4:3 and forced me to focus on older systems.
The most I’ve played have been Nintendo’s old Game Boy games! Oh and PS1. I’m sure there will be sales with the January discounts coming on Aliexpress, if you do get tempted though!
Tempting. Thanks for the review!
How do you feel about it running android instead of whatever version of linux like the other handhelds they offer? I have been looking at the rg35xx Pro. I currently have an original rg35xx from before the chip upgrade.
It has pros and cons I love how Linux has SO many options, and community builds are almost endless. But then again, Android gives you so many advantages. Emulation is a breeze, and if you adopt a front-end like Beacon, it can launch straight into that.
Android made me download a ton of 4:3 cartoons (looked amazing on the screen!), listen to music, and emulators are so very easy to use on there.
I think it’ll come down to preference, but to me Android is an asset on this one. Thinking of GameHub Lite, for example.
This was a really nice write-up, and I’ve poked around your site some, because it’s so inviting to do so. It reminds me of the last really wonderful time on the Internet before the start of the dark ages, where people were figuring out how to bring some usability and visual class to their websites, but not everything on earth had moved to platforms like social media and microblogging sites. Bravo to you for being one of the beacons that we can still turn this thing around.
While poking around I found your review of the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini, which I look forward to reading presently (since I just ordered one like two days ago after my Anbernic RG 35XX H went belly-up on me).
Oh thank you! So very much!
Especially for the compliments on the site. Which I should add is actually created and ran by Gardiner Bryant who you might recognize from YouTube?!, but I’m an author on the site. And his good friend. So the fact you pivoted and read through other posts, and enjoyed it?
I can’t tell you how happy that makes me (us!) :)
And you’ll love the AIR Mini, though AYANEO is currently being put through the wringer for promising the world and being very slack with deliveries. So I do hope yours get posted and delivered soon.
Thank you again!
I got a knock off(and much lower powered) version of this guy! Called an r36s.i love it so much! Plays up to most Dreamcast and psp and a handful of n64 games.
Dunno what it is about the form factor that make me like it more than my switch form factor guys.
The R36S is so popular that it transcended being a niche hobby product. They’re curated, bought and sold everywhere! Even throughout places like Instagram and TikTok. So you’re well and truly holding the most popular of the handhelds!
But do watch out, because the relative cheapness of some of these handhelds can be a dangerously slipperly slope to collecting them :P
Lol. You’re absolutely right. But I’m buying sub $100 ones cause I’m not so flush. So far I got like 5 I think. But I spend the most time on the r36s. Recently just went through all the GBA Castlevanias on 2 charges! 2! I’m talking dozens of hours and only needed to charge it once! But that was on an upgraded battery. When I replaced it I accidentally ripped the wires out of the micro jst connector, and just shoved them back in and it still works!
All that praise aside, the start button is becoming less responsive. So your mileage may vary if any other person is considering one. Also if you do get one, replace the sd card immediately! I didn’t have an issue, but have heard it is very common.
Also if you do get one, replace the sd card immediately! I didn’t have an issue, but have heard it is very common.
ABSOLUTELY replace it! They’re ticking time bombs (in a not so flash bang fashion). It will die, the question isn’t if, but when. Also the USB cable they supply? Not trustworthy for the R36S!
…that said, I’m loving that you’re so happy playing older games. The best retro handheld is the one you already own and love, after all!
