We have finally seen videos, first impressions, and detailed looks at the upcoming RG Slide, a sliding-screen handheld inspired by the beloved PSP Go. It’s sleek, it’s clean, and it’s packing real power under the hood, but one thing is turning heads more than anything else: The size.
What was once thought to be a compact clamshell-style device is turning out to be one of Anbernic’s largest handhelds to date. Initial renders gave the impression of something small enough to toss in a pocket or carry around like a phone. But now that in-hand photos and early reviews are circulating, it’s clear the RG Slide is a bit of a unit.
Take a Gander
Over on the RH YouTube channel, Stubbs, along with Retro Tech Dad and Russ from Retro Game Corps, took a look at the device during a recent livestream. The device ultimately maintains the same commonality we see with other retro handhelds from the company: tight controls, good build quality, and an overall expected emulation experience. However, the size does share the shine alongside the overall hype for what seems to be the first sliding handheld we’ve seen in the retro handheld space.
The device features a horizontally sliding screen that reveals standard gaming controls, D-pad, ABXY, dual analog sticks, and in-line shoulder buttons, all laid out in a configuration that bears a striking resemblance to the PSP Go.
The sliding action appears smooth and well-built, adding a nostalgic flair without sacrificing functionality. Still, when fully opened, the RG Slide’s footprint appears to be about double the size of other chunkier Anbernic handhelds like the RG406V.
For a company that’s previously prioritized compact form factors, like with the RG353V or the RG405M, this is a noticeable shift. It’s not just tall, but thick and wide as well, especially when the screen is slid upward. This isn’t a pocketable handheld unless you’re rocking cargo shorts or your pockets tend to be inspired by the JNCO craze popularized by mid to late 90s goths.
Bigger is Better
That said, the added size does come with benefits. The RG Slide features a 4.7-inch touchscreen, ample space for heat dissipation, and what’s expected to be a generous battery.
Combined with its Unisoc T820, the device should have no trouble running systems up to PSP, Dreamcast, and maybe even some GameCube or PS2 titles, all with that extra screen real estate making the experience more immersive.
The RG Slide also features the fabled 1280 x 960 resolution that was originally said to have been in the Retroid Pocket Mini. While that screen was OLED, this one has an IPS panel. More improbably, the 960p resolution offers between 2x and 4x integer scaling on classic retro titles.
Older consoles typically have a resolution of 240p, while slightly newer ones can venture up to 480p before jumping into the HD range. With 480p, the RG Slide can handle 2x integer scaling, 240p gets 4x.
Reactions have been mixed but curious. Some users love the premium look and nostalgic slide design. Others are surprised by how chunky the device looks in side-by-side comparisons. Still, most agree it’s one of the more creative handhelds Anbernic has released in a while.
The RG Slide may not be the ultra-compact retro console some were hoping for, but it brings flair, function, and a fresh design to the table — and in today’s crowded handheld market, that’s something to celebrate.
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