The new RG CubeXX has split some hairs in the community. There is one camp who is tired of the XX product line and then there is another camp who is excited as they thought the RG Cube was too powerful/expensive. I am in the camp of I like choice and no one is making you buy every handheld. Just wait a month and you may see a handheld you like. Also seems interesting AYN is making revisions with the same chip lately, and people are praising them. That is a different conversation for another day.
I really enjoyed the RG Cube when I got it. It was my first 1×1 screen and I enjoyed my time with it. I was excited to also try out the new RG CubeXX as well because I agree, to take advantage of that screen, you don’t need all that extra power. Though stretching some GameCube games was an interesting experience. Which one is the more for you?
What’s Different
The biggest difference is of course the chip and the price. The new RG Cube XX shares the same chip as the RG40XXV, RG35XX SP, and so on. The original RG Cube had the Unisoc T820 that was shared in the RG406V and RG556. This means the XX will be running Linux while the original Cube will be running Android.
Another subtle change is that the RG CubeXX has the power and volume buttons on the top rather than on the right-hand side like the original. I never ran into an issue pressing those anyways, but I think the top is a much more practical spot. Speaking of button placement, D-pad on top folks can rejoice that the RG CubeXX has the D-pad located on the top instead of the bottom like the original. This is also more practical for the chipset and games it can play.
The triggers are also very different on these two devices. The new RG CubeXX has a smaller R1/L1, which is not great for me and my big hands. Also instead of the hall triggers that go straight down, these press in outward instead. I absolutely hate it. I thought they were broken at first and that is not something I like. Again, you probably won’t be playing many games that need both triggers with this chip and 1×1 screen though.
Comparing Them
I have the off-white RG Cube and the black RG CubeXX and I don’t know if this is for all the XX models, but the bezel is much less noticeable on the XX and I prefer that. The white of the original has a white bezel around the screen that does not look as good.
The D-Pads are slightly different. I feel like I get more of a pivot on the new RG CubeXX and it has more of a click to it. They both are nice Sega-style D-pads, though I prefer the more click of the new XX. I already said that I prefer the triggers on the original Cube, but maybe these new style R2/L2 buttons are for someone.
Both the original and new XX models have the cardinal snapping issue with the analog sticks. I have come to learn that some people actually enjoy this, especially for arcade games. Since they both have a 1×1 screen that is great for some vertical shooters, perhaps this is a pro for both of them.
It is hard to compare the performance as the XX model is not meant to outperform the original. It just comes to if you would rather have a Linux experience that has a great CFW on it or Android. Do you want to play some GameCube or PS2 games or are you content with PS1 and lower? It is all a preference thing with performance.
In hand, both of the devices feel very similar. Same grips and the same feel. I can’t really tell a big difference in that regard which is great because I thought the original RG Cube was surprisingly comfortable.
Which Should You Get?
It is hard to recommend one of these over the other because it all comes down to what you want to use this device for. Do you just want a really comfortable 1×1 device to play GBC games on? Well then just save yourself some money and get the new RG Cube XX. Do you prefer Android and want to have some higher-end systems to play as well? Get the RG Cube.
I am having a hard time understanding and relating to all the anger about this device. There is a want and need for it because all I heard when the original was released was that it was too expensive and too powerful. Anbernic heard the complaints and made a cheaper and weaker option. Both of these are good devices and the Cube is still probably my surprise hit of the year. The new Cube XX just makes it more accessible for people on a budget and that is a win-win in my book. Order both below!
RG CubeXX
RG Cube
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