How do you start reviewing something that’s basically the same as everything else a company has released, just in a different form factor? Frankly, I couldn’t tell ya. I’m just rambling a bit, waiting for the writer’s block to pass. Actually, hang on a second. let me see if I can beat Ban’s Celeste scoring using the RG CubeXX.
Welp. Still have to figure out how to shave 20 seconds off my time. So much for that. On the bright side, if I were on the podcast, I would have beat out good ole’ Team Retrogue. Oh well, just means I need to keep practicing. Anyway, let’s see if I can make this review more coherent than Nick rambling about controllers nobody should buy (but him.)
[wpdatatable id=12]Anbernic RG CubeXX: What I Like
March of the Cubes
Not many know this, but after picking up the RG353V, my next retro handheld was the RGB30. It was the first time I used a device with a 1:1 display, which was both fantastic and intriguing as I didn’t know what I was getting into. Since then, we’ve seen a surprising array of 1:1 handhelds being released, and it’s a form factor that I’ve rather enjoyed.
Anbernic’s venture began with the RG Cube, which is powered by the Unisoc T820 while running Android. I can only presume that, with a bit of help from Russ at Retro Game Corps, Anbernic decided to release a cheaper version of the Cube, bringing us the RG CubeXX. It’s powered by the same Allwinner H700 chip that we all know and love, while also sharing the same list of specs as the others in Anbernic’s H700 lineup.
After seeing the hot water that Anbernic got into with the light bleed issues on the original RG Cube, I was relieved to see that this wasn’t an issue with the CubeXX. I’d argue that the screen actually looks better on the cheaper handheld, which isn’t something that we can say very often.
In terms of performance, I mean, what more do you want me to say? It’s the same as every other Anbernic handheld released this year. The only difference is that the battery varies depending on which handheld you end up getting. Well, that’s not the only difference, as you can’t take out your microSD card from the RG40XX V running muOS, and toss it into the RG CubeXX.
However, you likely won’t have to wait long before your favorite custom firmware is made available for the RG Cube XX. A few of these options are working on fresh builds, including Knulli, bringing support for the 1:1 aspect ratio. So it’s just a matter of being patient until the time arrives.
Circling back to why I mentioned the RGB30 before, it’s because this also introduced me to the world of PortMaster games. Basically, these are games that have been ported to work on Linux-based handhelds. You’ll find everything from modded versions of Zelda and Minecraft to Stardew Valley and practically everything in between. However, for as flexible and powerful as Android can be, you can’t play PortMaster games from an Android handheld.
So while I love my RG Cube and ZPG A1 Unicorn, it misses out on the ability to play even more games that I want to play. Thankfully, the RG CubeXX is here to pick up the slack, and it’s been an absolute delight. Ergonomics are excellent, squashing any potential complaints about how much my wrists hurt after playing games for less than 30 minutes.
Something else I noticed was just how much lighter the RG CubeXX is compared to its more expensive brethren. Not that it feels cheap, but it’s just something that I wanted to point out in case it’s something that might matter to you.
Anbernic RG CubeXX: What I Don’t
My second biggest complaint about the CubeXX is that Anbernic seemed to have forgotten how to have fun with the color options. Which really sucks considering that we just saw the RG35XXSP get a swath of transparent colors. Instead, Anbernic opted to release the CubeXX in plain ole’ Black, White, and DMG/Gray.
There’s nothing wrong with these colors, but IÂ really would’ve liked something a bit more exciting. And if you try to tell me that it can’t be done with a cheap handheld, I’ll direct you to the image below of the CubeXX and my recently acquired R46S.
My biggest complaint shouldn’t come as much of a surprise and it’s that I’m tired of H700 handhelds. Yes, it’s great for the development of custom firmware, but I’m sure Anbernic can get its hands on something with a bit more power. Do we need more power in these handhelds? That’s an answer that will vary from person to person.
But after seeing supposed leaks of the RG ArcXX, I think that it’s definitely time for Anbernic to try something else. What’s the point of selling a handheld that pays homage to a retro system that it can’t even comfortably emulate? Not to mention that the RG40XX H was supposedly going to be the “final H700,” only to see the RG40XXV and RG CubeXX still using the same chip.
There’s one more thing that I wanted to point out. If your RG CubeXX arrives, you load up your ROMs and Pico-8 library and find that you can’t get Pico-8 games to work, you didn’t do anything wrong. For some reason, it seems that with the stock OS, you need to use .P8 files, and not .PNG files to play those games. We aren’t sure why this is the case, but it’s something that Ban discovered so we’re letting you know in case you run into similar issues.
Should You Buy the RG CubeXX?
So here’s the thing. There are only two reasons why you should buy the RG CubeXX. The first of which is if you’re like us and have an affinity for collecting every retro handheld you can get your hands on. (Seriously, I recently surpassed 50 handhelds and don’t know how it happened.)
The other reason why you should buy this handheld is if you’re a fan of the RGB30 and RGB20SX, but need something with better ergonomics. Anbernic nailed the design of the grips, it’s simply comfortable to use and get lost in some games.
It’s not like you’re paying the same price for the RG CubeXX as you would for the RG Cube. Plus, there’s still time left before the price goes up on the CubeXX, so hit one of the links below and grab one, saving yourself a few bucks in the process.
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