In the world of gaming, few things evoke as much nostalgia as retro games. Whether it’s the classic platformers, RPGs, or arcade titles, retro gaming continues to captivate a broad audience of gamers. If you’re looking for the ultimate handheld gaming experience that brings back those nostalgic vibes, the Anbernic RG35XX is an excellent choice. This compact, versatile device has gained a loyal following for its perfect blend of modern technology and old-school charm.

In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Anbernic RG35XX 2023, explore its features, compare it with other retro gaming consoles, and show why it’s the perfect addition to your collection.

1. Overview of Anbernic RG35XX

The Anbernic RG35XX is a handheld retro gaming console designed for enthusiasts who appreciate the convenience of a pocket-sized device. With its ability to emulate a wide range of classic gaming systems, it brings thousands of titles from consoles like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and PlayStation right into the palm of your hand. The console is perfect for anyone who grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s and still has a soft spot for their favorite games from that era.

Some of its key specifications include:

• Color: Gray/ Transparent Black/ Transparent white/ Transparent purple
• Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9
• RAM: 256MB DDR3
• Display: 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, OCA full lamination/ 640*480
• Storage: 64GB TF/MicroSD
• TF card: Dual card slots, support TF card expansion, maximum 512GB
• 64GB SD card (compatible 5000+ games)
• 64GB+128GB SD card (compatible total 8000+ games)
• 64GB+256GB SD card (compatible total 16000+ games)
• Battery: 2100mAh Li-polymer (up to 6 hours of playtime)
• Charging: 5V/1.5A Type C port
• Operating System: Linux Dual OS: (Official system+GarlicOS)
• Supported Platforms: NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, PlayStation 1, and more.
• Other function: Support OTG wired gamepad connection, HD output TV, vibrating motor

Most popular Nostalgic Games You Can Play on the RG35XX:

• Super Mario Bros. (NES): The timeless platformer that started it all for many gamers, helping to define the platformer genre.
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES): A legendary action-adventure game filled with puzzles, combat, and exploration.
• Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis): Speed through levels as Sega’s iconic blue hedgehog in this fast-paced platformer.
• Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow (Game Boy): Relive the magic of catching, training, and battling Pokémon in the original games that sparked a global phenomenon.
• Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation 1): Dive into the epic RPG that redefined storytelling and world-building for its generation.
• Street Fighter II (SNES): Challenge your friends in this classic fighting game that introduced the world to memorable characters and combos.
• Mega Man X (SNES): Test your skills in this challenging action-platformer where you play as the iconic Mega Man battling formidable bosses.
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PlayStation 1): One of the greatest Metroidvania-style games ever made, full of exploration, combat, and RPG elements.
• Metroid: Zero Mission (Game Boy Advance): A remake of the original Metroid game, enhanced with modern graphics and gameplay improvements.
• Tetris (Game Boy): The simple yet endlessly addictive puzzle game that has become a global classic.

2. Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of a handheld gaming console are critical factors that contribute to both the usability and longevity of the device. The Anbernic RG35XX stands out for its nostalgic yet modern design, reminiscent of classic consoles while incorporating the best of modern tech. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gaming enthusiast or a newcomer, the RG35XX offers a blend of comfort, portability, and durability that enhances the overall gaming experience.

2.1. Retro-Inspired, Modern Appeal

At first glance, the Anbernic RG35XX evokes memories of iconic handheld consoles like the Nintendo Game Boy, with its vertical layout and minimalist button placement. However, this is where the similarities end, as Anbernic has carefully designed the RG35XX with modern enhancements that make it both visually appealing and highly functional.

2.2. Size and Portability

With its dimensions measuring 117mm x 81mm x 20mm and only 165 grams, the RG35XX strikes a balance between portability and ergonomics. Its compact size ensures it easily slips into your pocket or bag, making it a perfect companion for gaming on the go. Despite its small size, it doesn’t feel flimsy or fragile. Instead, the console exudes a solid, well-constructed feel that inspires confidence in its durability.

For gamers who prefer extended gaming sessions, the lightweight design is ideal as it minimizes hand fatigue. You can comfortably hold the device for hours without strain, making it a great option for long trips, commutes, or even casual gaming at home.

2.3 Button Layout and Ergonomics

The button layout on the RG35XX has been meticulously designed to ensure easy and comfortable access. It features a classic (D-pad) on the left side, which is essential for precise movement, particularly in platformers and action games. The D-pad is responsive, with a nice tactile feel that ensures accurate inputs without feeling too stiff or mushy.

On the right side, you’ll find four action buttons (A, B, X, Y), which are comfortably spaced and sized to allow for smooth transitions between them during gameplay. This layout mimics the classic arrangement seen in many retro consoles, which will feel familiar to seasoned gamers. The buttons offer a firm and responsive click, giving a satisfying feedback that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Shoulder Buttons: On the top edge of the console, there are two shoulder buttons (L1, R1). While some other handhelds include additional shoulder buttons (L2, R2), the RG35XX keeps things simple. The placement of these buttons is designed for easy reach, and they are responsive without requiring excessive pressure. This layout works particularly well for 8-bit and 16-bit games, where complex button combinations are less common.

Start/Select buttons are placed below the D-pad and action buttons, maintaining the classic design ethos. These buttons are easy to press without being accidentally triggered, a crucial aspect for games that require quick inputs during gameplay.

2.4 Durability and Build Quality

Materials: The RG35XX is constructed from high-quality ABS plastic, a durable material known for its resistance to impacts and scratches. This makes the device sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear, as well as accidental drops. Unlike cheaper plastic builds, the ABS material gives the RG35XX a premium feel, ensuring that the device will maintain its integrity even after extended use.

Scratch Resistance: The front panel of the console, which houses the screen, is designed to resist minor scratches and scuffs. This is particularly important for a portable device that is likely to be exposed to different environments. While it’s always a good idea to store the console in a protective case, the scratch-resistant finish offers an added layer of protection, keeping the console looking sleek even after months of use.

Solid Construction: The assembly of the device is tight, with no loose parts or creaky sections. The buttons, while easy to press, are securely affixed, so they won’t feel wobbly or get stuck over time. The seams of the device are clean and precise, with no rough edges or gaps, which adds to the overall premium feel of the RG35XX.

USB-C Charging Port: Another modern feature of the RG35XX is the USB-C port for charging. This is a significant upgrade over older devices that used micro-USB. The USB-C port is known for its durability and faster charging speeds, and it ensures that you won’t have to deal with the frustration of plugging in the charger the wrong way around, as it’s reversible. USB-C also adds future-proofing to the device, as this standard is likely to be supported for years to come.

2.5 Aesthetic Choices and Color Options

While function is paramount in any gaming console, form is equally important to many users. Anbernic has paid attention to aesthetics, offering the RG35XX in a variety of colors and finishes to cater to different tastes.

Color Choices: The RG35XX is available in a few color options, such as Gray, transparent white, transparent black and transparent purple. The transparent versions are especially appealing to retro fans who fondly remember translucent electronics of the late 90s and early 2000s, like the Game Boy Color or iMac G3. These designs give a glimpse into the inner workings of the console, adding a nostalgic, playful touch to the device. For those who prefer a more modern or understated look, the solid black option is sleek and professional.

Matte vs. Glossy Finish: The device is finished in a matte texture, which not only feels great in hand but also helps reduce fingerprints and smudges, keeping the console looking clean even after extended use. The matte finish also provides a slightly better grip compared to glossy surfaces, minimizing the risk of the device slipping from your hand.

2.6 Cooling and Heat Management

One common issue with handheld gaming consoles is heat management, especially during long gaming sessions. The Anbernic RG35XX is designed with a thoughtful internal layout that helps disperse heat efficiently. While the device does warm up slightly after extended periods of use, it does not become uncomfortably hot. The passive cooling system ensures that the internal components remain at an optimal temperature, preventing performance drops due to overheating.

This attention to thermal management is crucial for a device intended to emulate games from various platforms, some of which can be more demanding on the processor. Even after hours of continuous gaming, the RG35XX remains cool enough to hold comfortably.

3. Display and Performance

The 3.5-inch IPS display is one of the standout features of the Anbernic RG35XX. Its high-resolution screen delivers sharp, vibrant visuals, providing an optimal viewing experience for retro games, most of which were originally designed for lower resolutions. It is important to say that some reviewers claim that the display has light bleed at a sharp angle of sight.

Key Display and Performance Features:

• Full-View IPS Screen: The RG35XX’s IPS screen allows for wide viewing angles and bright, vivid colors that bring old games to life. Whether you’re playing classic RPGs or side-scrollers, the 640×480 resolution offers great clarity and depth.
• Responsive Gameplay: The Quad-Core ARM Cortex A9 processor, combined with 256MB DDR3 RAM, handles most retro titles with ease. Games load quickly, and there’s minimal lag or stuttering, even with more demanding titles like those on the PlayStation 1.

While some other handheld consoles may offer larger screens or more RAM, the RG35XX’s balance of performance and portability makes it a great pick for retro gaming enthusiasts.

4. Software and Game Compatibility

One of the most important aspects of a retro gaming console is its ability to emulate various platforms accurately. The Anbernic RG35XX excels in this area, offering compatibility with a wide array of systems, including:

• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
• Sega Genesis
• Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance
• PlayStation 1
• Neo Geo

It runs on a Linux-based operating system, which provides a stable and flexible environment for retro gaming. The interface is simple to navigate, and you can easily switch between games and platforms.

Emulation Performance:

The RG35XX handles 8-bit and 16-bit games like a champ, delivering smooth performance for the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy platforms. PlayStation 1 emulation is generally good, though certain graphically intensive games might experience minor frame drops. However, this is par for the course with devices in this price range.

You can load games onto the device through the MicroSD card slot, and with support for up to 256GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of space to store your favorite retro titles.

5. Battery Life

The 2100mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of playtime, which is decent for a handheld of this size. Charging is done via a USB-C port, and it takes approximately 2 hours to fully recharge the device.

While this battery life might not compare to modern handhelds like the Nintendo Switch, it’s more than enough for extended gaming sessions. If you’re planning a long trip, you can always bring along a power bank to keep the fun going.

6. Comparison with Other Retro Consoles

The Anbernic RG35XX is a solid choice in the retro handheld gaming market, but how does it stack up against other popular devices? In this section, we’ll compare it to other well-known retro handheld consoles, such as the Anbernic RG351P, Powkiddy RGB20S, Miyoo Mini Plus, Retroid Pocket 3+, Ambernic RG405M, and the Aya Neo Air.

6.1. Anbernic RG35XX vs. Anbernic RG351P

• Display: The RG351P has a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 480×320, whereas the RG35XX offers a slightly sharper 640×480 resolution on the same 3.5-inch screen. The higher resolution gives the RG35XX an edge in image clarity, especially for text-heavy games like RPGs.
• Performance: The RG351P is equipped with a more powerful RK3326 Quad-Core processor and 1GB RAM, enabling it to emulate more demanding platforms like N64, PSP, and Dreamcast. The RG35XX, on the other hand, is primarily focused on 8-bit and 16-bit systems with basic PlayStation 1 support.
• Software and Interface: Both devices run on Linux-based operating systems, but the RG351P comes with the highly customizable EmuELEC OS, while the RG35XX runs a simpler interface designed for ease of use and children specially.
• Conclusion: If you are into higher-end retro emulation, the RG351P might be more suitable. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and straightforward console to play classic titles, the RG35XX is ideal.

6.2. Anbernic RG35XX vs. Powkiddy RGB20S

• Design: The RGB20S has a more unique, vertical design, but it’s bulkier and less portable compared to the slim RG35XX.
• Display: Both consoles feature a 3.5-inch screen, but the RGB20S falls behind in terms of display quality, offering a lower resolution than the RG35XX’s crisp 640×480 IPS screen.
• Emulation: The RGB20S handles more advanced emulation like N64 and PSP, but it struggles with performance consistency, particularly in demanding games. In contrast, the RG35XX excels in 8-bit and 16-bit gaming.
• Conclusion: The RG35XX is a more reliable and portable option for those who focus on early retro games, while the RGB20S is better suited for users who want to experiment with higher-end emulation, though it comes with performance trade-offs.

6.3. Anbernic RG35XX vs. Miyoo Mini Plus

• Size: The Miyoo Mini Plus is one of the smallest retro handhelds available, making it extremely portable, even more so than the RG35XX. However, the smaller form factor can be less comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
• Display: Both have excellent screens, with the Miyoo Mini Plus offering a 2.8-inch IPS screen compared to the RG35XX’s 3.5-inch screen. The larger screen on the RG35XX provides a more immersive gaming experience, especially for text-heavy games.
• Battery Life: The Miyoo Mini Plus has a slightly longer battery life, but the difference is marginal, with both devices offering around 4-5 hours of playtime.
• Conclusion: If extreme portability is your priority, go for the Miyoo Mini Plus. For a larger screen and more comfortable form factor, the RG35XX is the better option.

6.4 Anbernic RG35XX vs. Retroid Pocket 3+

• Display: The Retroid Pocket 3+ boasts a 4.7-inch IPS touchscreen with a 750×1334 resolution, making it far superior in terms of display quality. The RG35XX, with its 3.5-inch screen, is smaller and lacks touchscreen capability.
• Performance: The Retroid Pocket 3+ runs on a more powerful Unisoc Tiger T310 chip and comes with 4GB RAM, allowing it to handle much more demanding games, including those on systems like the GameCube, Wii, and PS2. The RG35XX focuses primarily on simpler retro games from earlier systems.
• Operating System: The Retroid Pocket 3+ runs Android, giving it access to a wide range of apps, games, and emulators, whereas the RG35XX uses a Linux-based OS tailored for retro gaming.
• Conclusion: The Retroid Pocket 3+ is a much more powerful and versatile device, but it also comes with a higher price tag. The RG35XX is perfect for gamers who want simplicity and affordability, while the Retroid Pocket 3+ is ideal for those seeking more advanced emulation and broader system support.

6.5. Anbernic RG35XX vs. Anbernic RG405M

• Build Quality: The RG405M features a premium metal shell, whereas the RG35XX is made from durable ABS plastic. The metal build of the RG405M offers a more premium feel, but the RG35XX is more lightweight and portable.
• Display: The RG405M has a 4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640×480, making it slightly larger than the RG35XX’s screen but maintaining the same sharp resolution.
• Performance: The RG405M is powered by a RK3566 Quad-Core processor, offering more advanced emulation capabilities. The RG35XX’s ARM Cortex A7 is more focused on earlier, less demanding platforms.
• Conclusion: The RG405M is more suited for gamers who want a premium feel and more powerful emulation. The RG35XX remains a top choice for budget-conscious users looking for a reliable retro gaming experience without the frills.

6.6 Anbernic RG35XX vs. Aya Neo Air

• Performance: The Aya Neo Air is in a completely different league in terms of performance, powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5560U CPU, allowing it to emulate even AAA PC games. The RG35XX, with its focus on 8-bit and 16-bit emulation, simply can’t compete in terms of raw power.
• Display: The Aya Neo Air features a stunning 5.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920×1080, offering much deeper colors and sharper visuals than the RG35XX’s 640×480 IPS screen.
• Battery Life: The RG35XX, with its simpler hardware, offers longer battery life for retro gaming at around 5 hours of playtime. The Aya Neo Air, with its powerful internals, can last around 2-3 hours depending on the game being played.

Conclusion: The Aya Neo Air is for gamers who want cutting-edge hardware capable of running modern games. In contrast, the RG35XX is a dedicated retro gaming device, perfect for those who want an affordable and portable option for classic games.

6.7 Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing between the Anbernic RG35XX and other popular handheld retro consoles, it ultimately boils down to your specific needs:

• If you’re primarily interested in affordable retro gaming with a focus on 8-bit and 16-bit platforms, the RG35XX is an excellent choice, offering a great balance between performance, design, and price.
• For those who want more advanced emulation capabilities, consoles like the Anbernic RG351P or the Retroid Pocket 3+ may be better suited.
• If you prioritize a premium build and performance, the RG405M or Aya Neo Air are top-tier options, albeit at a significantly higher price point.
• For extreme portability, the Miyoo Mini Plus is the most compact, though it sacrifices some screen size and comfort.

Ultimately, the Anbernic RG35XX shines as a cost-effective, highly portable device that delivers excellent retro gaming experiences, making it perfect for those who want to relive the classics without breaking the bank.

7. Why Buy from Us?

At our e-commerce store, we specialize in providing the best electronic gadgets, including retro gaming consoles like the Anbernic RG35XX. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Competitive Pricing: We offer some of the most competitive prices in Dubai, ensuring that you get the best deal on your retro gaming console.
• Fast Delivery: Based in Dubai, we offer fast shipping, so you can start playing your favorite games without long wait times.
• Customer Support: Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch customer support, helping you with any questions or issues you might have with your purchase.

Genuine Products: We guarantee that all our products are 100% authentic and come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind with every purchase.

8. Conclusion

The Anbernic RG35XX is an excellent choice for anyone looking to relive the glory days of retro gaming. Its compact design, sharp display, and smooth emulation performance make it a must-have for gaming enthusiasts. While there are other handheld consoles on the market, the RG35XX strikes the perfect balance between portability, performance, and affordability.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated retro gaming fan, the RG35XX will bring hours of nostalgic fun. Plus, with our competitive pricing and fast delivery in Dubai, there’s no better time to get your hands on this fantastic device.

Shop Now! on our website and rediscover the magic of retro gaming.

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ANBERNIC – RG35XX Handheld Game Console 3.5 inch IPS Retro classic 64GB

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AED208.00