Rated PG for “Poor-ish Gamers”
by Joe
Ladies and laddies, it’s been an exhausting year. Stubbs needs to sleep and Anbernic just keeps the coffee brewing with every H700 device in the XX line. What started as a lukewarm joke became a dead horse, recontextualized in so many formats it would put the Simpson’s “Hedge-eating Homer” gag to shame.
2025 is an anomaly to us all since our good friends at Anbernic completely coated the market with so many budget-friendly, RGB-induced, low-spec gaming handhelds that we are left puzzled about where they will go from here.
To date, as of November 23, 2024, we have (9) XX device versions with…varying degrees of success and appeal. And some that are definitely better than others. And I’ve touched, scratched, and sniffed just about every single one minus those I had some help on. So…let’s make a tier list! (If any new handhelds under this line come out, I will update the list)
Criteria
The XX series is defined by Anbernic to be any device they make with the H700 processor (minus the first one) and that’s it. That’s the only criterion.
The Allwinner H700 is a low-spec chip that plays similarly to the RK3326 (351 series) chip and is Linux-based, so don’t expect a good N64 but great 2D and PS1 emulation. But you already knew that.
Software-wise we have Anbernic’s home-cooked MP3 player dreary-looking stock OS, ROCKNIX, MuOS, MinUI, a few Batocera builds, etc. So for this list, assume your favorite out of those. Also, note that every device here except the Cube XX has Cardinal snapping issues on the analog sticks.
Anbernic RG35XX (2023)
What started out as an Anbers answer to the Miyoo Mini Plus was also the origin of the undeniable hubris of humanity. The original RG35XX is a modest device that has a weaker chipset than its younger, stiff-membraned brothers. The back buttons are lacking in grip-ability but…I mean for like $30 these days…fine. That’s a solid C-Tier from me.
Anbernic RG35XX+
The color selection for the 35XX+ is slightly different from the original.
What started as Anbers answer to the 35XX was also the continuation of the undeniable hubris of humanity. The RG35XX Plus is a tried and true upgrade to the original in just about every way: Performance (new and shiny H700), smaller and rounded design, ergonomic shoulder buttons, and…. Stiffer buttons? Still an easy recommendation for those looking for a pocketable vertical device. This one is going in the B-Tier.
Anbernic 35XXH
This was honestly a welcome return to form for the horizontal Anbernic line and if the XX series ended with the RG35XX H, I don’t think anyone would have complained. It really has all of the bare necessities of a retro handheld: dual analog sticks, stereo speakers, and the same stiff buttons and D-pad as the XX+. I wouldn’t call it better than the plus, But a solid device to coexist with it. That’s also a B-Tier for me!
Anbernic RG35XX (2024)
Anbernic RG35XX 2024 on muOS Main Screen
Copying the same dumb naming convention from Nintendo, I am equally perplexed as to why this exists. It’s just a 35XX and a more powerful chipset. This gets D-Tier for its sheer audacity. Who bought this?
Anbernic RG28XX
Unexpected but certainly welcome, we got a significantly smaller mini console with unique orange and Aveno baby lotion flavors. The buttons on the RG28XX are slightly too small for comfort and the L&R buttons are…eh. Not the best. Solid GB/GBC/GBA device though, but not as solid and useful as the 35XXH. Easy C-Tier. Don’t worry guys, it’s about to get better.
Anbernic RG35XXSP
Announced after and released before the infamously absent Miyoo Flip, our grand savior of a flippy device successfully sated our itch for a device that flips and flops. With a sturdy build, a familiar 3.5” screen, and clicky-sounding buttons, the RG35XXSP will either be your favorite or just kind of mediocre. I personally don’t like the buttons and that was enough to make me sell it. That being said, this guy deserves AT LEAST an A-Tier for its beloved place among the other XX devices.
Anbernic RG40XXH (By Matt Santiago)
“The 40xxH is the perfect everyday back pack device! I prefer horizontal devices while 3.5 inch screens are the common standard. I just feel it’s too small for me. The 4”, 4:3 aspect ratio screen is the ideal size for pocketable retro gaming. It has stacked shoulder buttons and better ergonomics then it’s little brother 35XXH.
The face buttons and D-Pad feel great. My only feed back is being larger and having stacked shoulder buttons it might not be as pocketable as the 35XXH or the Plus. For that, this guy is getting an A-Tier.”
Anbernic RG40XXV
I have never been so sold by a color choice, but here I am. I’ve been rocking Stubb’s first one for months now and the 4” screen meets Analogue Pocket aesthetic just works for me. The buttons and D-pad are peak Anbernic quality. However, the shoulder buttons ruin the experience due to low actuation leading to accidental inputs. The shoulder issue is significant enough to shuck this puppy in B-Tier (despite my love for it)
Anbernic RG CubeXX (By Andy Peters)
“My new absolute favorite daily driver is this fantastic Anbernic RG CubeXX!* Wait…Andy SURELY You mean the original more powerful Cube correct? No….I do NOT. I leans towards the opinion that the original Cube was simply overpowered. And when you feel the weight of the CubeXX, you will be happy that it shed the unnecessary baggage. Never in my entire life have I felt a more perfectly balanced handheld.
I don’t know who they’ve got over there working day and night to design 5 million of these machines to release daily, but whoever designed this one needs the promotion. It has a more balanced, slightly brighter screen than the original Cube. This screen kicks so much ass it is ridiculous. And the best part is you can do vertical SHMUPS and arcade games the way God intended for you to see them.
Speaking of aspect ratios, you can really choose your own adventure here. Do you want everything to be a gigantic square? Do it. Nobody’s looking. PSX, SNES in 8/7?!? Yes PLEASE! Look. Anyway you slice it, run. Don’t walk to your nearest affiliate link. The RG CubeXX is the bomb and gets an easy S-Tier!
Joe’s Final H700 Rankings
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.