January is almost over, and Anbernic has been surprisingly quiet up to this point. However, the company has announced its first new product of the year, and it’s surprisingly not a retro handheld. Instead, the Anbernic RG G01 Smart Controller has been officially introduced, operating as the company’s second controller offering.
Unlike the RG P01 that debuted in late 2024, which was clearly aimed at the budget market, the RG G01 is taking the opposite approach. Right off the bat, the G01 stands out thanks to the display that’s wedged between the left joystick and ABXY buttons.
This will allow you to perform a variety of tasks on the controller itself, as opposed to needing to rely on installing an app on your computer or gaming handheld. From the RG G01 directly, you can do things like setup custom macros and program the various buttons on the controller.
Anbernic RG G01 Key Features
- 2.5D Curved IPS Smart Screen
- Heart Rate Detection w/ Alarm
- 6-axis Gyroscope – Trigger/Joystick/Motion Sensor Calibration
- Custom Macro-Programmable Keys
- Rapid Fire Settings
- “Purple Kirin’s” Electro-inductive Joystick
- Tactile Switch Pivot D-pad
- Two Stage Trigger Locks
- Dual Asymmetric Pendulum Motor – Immersive Haptic Feedback
Releasing a controller with a built-in display isn’t a new concept, as Ban recently checked out the Manba One, and even ASUS got in on the fun with its original ROG Raikiri and Raikiri Pro controllers. But Anbernic has another feature built-in that we have yet to see in a controller, and that’s the ability to measure your heart rate while playing games.
The functionality is made possible by the two sets of sensors that are built into both the left and right sides of the controller, right where your palms rest. So while you’re playing, you can actually see when your heart rate spikes and when it levels back out again.
I never really thought about bringing something like this to a controller, but it kind of makes sense. That being said, I do have a few questions about the data itself. How accurate are the sensors that are being used, can it be accessed anywhere other than from the controller’s screen, and of course, where the information gather is stored?
Since the promo video shows actual products and aren’t just renders, it’s probably safe to assume we won’t have to wait much longer for it to be released.
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