Last night, Anbernic published a video showcasing yet another new device in their XX lineup. The RG35XX SP will be the first major clamshell handheld release in the retro handheld space since the Retroid Pocket Flip last year, and the first 4:3 clamshell release since the Powkiddy V90.

The design of the SP is very similar to its namesake, the Game Boy Advance SP. The hinge design, the d-pad design, and the buttons all bear a striking resemblance, as well as the shoulder buttons. Given the clamshell design, these buttons will likely have less travel than the other vertical devices in this lineup, but only time will tell how (or if) the controls will suffer for it. It also seems that the device will be a bit wider and thicker than an original GBA SP.

We don’t know much about specs at the moment, but the video linked above shows off some features such as HDMI out and Bluetooth controller connectivity. It’s unlikely that this new device will deviate much from the spec sheet of its other 35XX siblings – that means an Allwinner H700, 1GB of RAM, serviceable WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 3.5 inch 640×480 screen. If you’re happy with the performance you’ve seen from the other XX devices, you’ll be happy with the performance shown here – and with no analog sticks, you probably won’t want to play much above PS1 anyways.

Source: Anbernic

The device comes in four different colorways – DMG, transparent black, transparent blue, and a metallic silver that looks near-identical to the GBA SP model it’s ‘inspired’ by. (Everybody’s opinions on the topic of device colors is equally valid, it just so happens that the metallic silver opinions are more valid.)

All in all, it’s more of the same from Anbernic – the same solid internals in a new form factor, this time targeting an audience that has been underserved for quite some time. So, are you excited about the revival of the classic SP form factor? Does this look like a cramped mess to you? Have you just come to laugh at Anbernic and their inability to stop themselves from releasing new handhelds within weeks(!!!) of each other?

UPDATE: More RG35XXSP Details Revealed

It definitely seems as though Anbernic is going to beat Miyoo to the proverbial punch when it comes to releasing a clamshell retro handheld. After officially announcing the RG35XXSP earlier this week, Anbernic is back again revealing all of the specs. Coming as little surprise, it’s sporting the same internals as the RG35XX Plus and RG35XX H, but in a clamshell form factor. Here’s the full list of specs that Anbernic has provided:

• 3.5-inch IPS Display
• 640 x 480 resolution
• Allwinner H700 Quad-Core ARM CPU, Cortex-A53 clocked at 1.5GHz
• Dual-Core G31 MP2 GPU
• 1GB LPDDR4 RAM
• 3,300mAh battery offering up to 8 hours of battery life
• Magnetic Lid Sensor
• 5GHz Wi-Fi Module, supports Wi-Fi Streaming
• HDMI
• Can play up to N64 and PS1

The only question really left is how much the RG35XXSP is going to cost. Considering that the RG35XX Plus retails for about $64, this is a good starting point. However, we expect this new clamshell handheld to cost a bit more simply due to the form factor and magnets to keep the screen closed. Now, all we have to wait for is Anbernic to tell us all when we’ll be able to throw money at them to actually get our hands on the RG35XXSP.

Let us know in the comments below, or over on our Discord!

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