The constant onslaught of handhelds continues. Anbernic releases another monthly device. AYANEO and AYN release two pairs of directly competing handhelds onto the market for preorder. Abxylute is doing something with a PC handheld, and PC handheld prices in general are going way up out of nowhere.
With that in mind, let’s take a step back to Anbernic. They’re putting out another T820 this year in the form of the RG476H. This one’s essentially a best hits of the past year of Anbernic crammed into one device. And while it’s the best T820, is it the handheld you should buy? Let’s figure that out.
Anbernic RG476H Specs
When it comes to pricing, you’re looking at a “retail” price of $165. On Anbernic’s website, you can already find it for $158 before shipping, and on AliExpress, you’ll be able to nab it for even less if you use the right coupons. For that high price, you get a handheld you saw in 2024, but bigger and better.
- CPU: Unisoc T820
- GPU: Mali-G57
- Display: 4.7” LTPS, 1280×960, 120Hz refresh rate
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB UFS 2.2 + MicroSD
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, USB–C, 3.5mm Jack, microSD Slot
- OS: Android 13
Anbernic RG476H (Direct)Anbernic RG476H (AliExpress)
Build and Display
Looking at the build, you’re getting a plastic body paired with a glass face, something that’s seemingly become more popular over the past year or two. Mostly looking at AYANEO and AYN with the Thor and Odin 3 pre-order campaigns. Of Anbernic’s high-end releases for the year, I would put the build of the RG476H ahead of the RG Slide and RG557, but behind the RG477M. Good for Anbernic, but I might’ve preferred they skip the glass front.
Now the star of the show in my eyes is the larger, high refresh rate, 4:3 display. For everything it can play up through PS2 and GameCube, you’re getting a great image on this panel. Lower-end systems like SNES and Genesis are ready to be upscaled on this panel, and even 16:9 content isn’t too bad in general use. Though if you’re strictly here for Android gaming, I’d pick a 16:9 handheld over this. Suppose all you want is the best 4:3 display on a candybar handheld. I might put this one towards the top.
There is a small black border around the screen on the DMG model of RG476H; however, I very quickly ignore it once I really get into the game.
Ergonomics and Controls
The controls are standard Anbernic affairs. Glossy buttons and a dpad with a good pivot. All placed above a pair of barely recessed Ginful sticks. I can continue to say it needs to be recessed, but here, it may not be completely possible. The analog triggers are a little stiff, but they work well. The biggest issue is L1 and R1, which are quite loud and a clicky pair of buttons. Only a dealbreaker if you plan to play this in bed with someone else. But why?
Ergonomics are the same as most Anbernic slabs. It’s thin, easy to grab, and not bad for D-pad-centric games. If you’re planning to do mostly racing games or twinstick shooters, this may be a stretch if you need the triggers as well. If not? You’ll be completely fine there as well. They’re not perfect, but they’re still solid controls.
Performance
When it comes to performance, you’re looking at a lot of what we’ve seen before. Everything up through PSP, Dreamcast, and N64 is going to end up being completely playable. Minimal, if any tweaking will need to be done for these. If you ask me, though, I would try to bump up the resolution to take more advantage of a great panel like this one.
The issue comes in the next step up with GameCube and PS2 performance. Despite having analog triggers, the RG476H has a weaker chip than its predecessor, the RG477M.
What that means for you is you’re likely looking at a majority of GameCube at native resolution, as well as a good chunk of PS2 at native resolution, also. Depending on what system you really want to play could determine if this is a handheld you should be buying. Just don’t expect full compatibility across the board with the T820.
Android Experience
Not something I always want to talk about, but the Android experience is worth mentioning if you’re planning to do more than just emulate. Anbernic preloads their own launcher as well as their own cacophony of emulators onto each device in order to help get you set up quicker. In my mind, I say delete all of those and only get the emulators you want. Rather than Anbernic’s RG Launcher, I recommend Daijisho, Beacon, or ES-DE.
Outside of emulation comes your games. In testing, I found some of my favorite games to run well with minimal issues. Evoland, AK-xolotl, Vampire Survivors, and Dicey Dungeons all gave me no hiccups, crashes, or issues during that time. I was even able to download Wreckfest to do a bit of gameplay. And while not perfect, I can at least download it without spoofing devices, unlike on something like the AYANEO Pocket Evo.
Anbernic’s Android isn’t perfect. It’s barely even good, but I can say for sure that it still works. I would just use this device more for emulation than anything.
Competition and Final Thoughts
At $165, you’re looking at a premium-feeling Anbernic that sits right in the middle of a lot of competition. The Retroid Pocket Mini V2 is a little more, and comes with the more powerful Snapdragon 865. Until they go out of stock, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is about the same price but features a stronger Dimensity D1100. Going on the cheaper end, this will beat out some competition like the Antec Pocket Micro with the aging and hated, by me, Helio G99.
It’s not perfect, it has some issues, but I feel like in the $100-$200 handheld scene, it lands in a goldilocks zone of just enough, at just enough of a price tag. It’s not perfect, and it has better competition, but it brings a lot to the table. It’s the best T820 Anbernic has made yet. Because I bet there’s another coming. However, if your needs only slightly differ from what the RG476H offers, you might need to try something else.
Or find a used market T820. On the Retro Handhelds Discord, they’re regularly $100-$120 for an RG406H or even an RG Slide as of recently. But new? This is the one to beat. For Anbernic. For the T820.
Anbernic RG476H (Direct)Anbernic RG476H (AliExpress)
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