According to a screenshot shared on the Retro Handhelds Discord, Anbernic may be releasing the RG34XX SP sooner than we think.
Throughout 2024, Anbernic released 12 separate handhelds, one during each month of the year. So far in 2025, weeks have only had news regarding one new handheld, the upcoming Anbernic RG557.
After a few days of its announcement, specs and further details were leaked for the device. Following that, the price was finally revealed to be $249. Ironically, by the time the device is released, Anbernic will no longer be shipping devices to the U.S.
RG34XX SP Rumors Drop
With Lamb, a known Anbernic rep, seemingly confirming an RG34XX SP for May.
According to the screenshot, Anbernic is planning to at the very least announce the RG34XX SP during the month of May. This would make it the first handheld to be released after the many tariff changes facing U.S.-based customers would be fully enacted
With Lamb, the user shown in the above screenshot saying “may” is a representative for Anbernic who has, in the past, offered slight insights and information about future Anbernic drops. The rumor of the Anbernic RG34XX SP’s existence was started by the same person.
An SP version of the RG34XX is said to offer gamers the same processing power as the original, as it features the same H700 chipset. Over the past year, the majority of the devices the companies released featured the same chipset, but offered slightly different form factors to highlight and focus on different potential play styles.
Some rumored specs for the RG34XX SP.
The rumored RG34XX SP is highly anticipated among retro gaming enthusiasts. It combines the native 3:2 aspect ratio of the GBA seen in the RG34XX with the beloved clamshell design that has helped cement the RG35XX SP as a top-tier recommendation.
As with any rumor, it’s wise to take it with a grain of salt. But given the ongoing shifts in tariff regulations and how retro handheld manufacturers are adapting, this one warrants even more skepticism. Plans may change, timelines could shift, and some devices might be temporarily delayed until more stable production and distribution strategies are in place.
Anbernic Plans vs an Unknown Future
With Anbernic continuing to push out new handhelds despite looming U.S. tariffs that could make purchasing difficult for a significant part of its customer base, the official announcement of the RG34XX SP may be delayed or withheld until there’s more clarity, especially as the U.S. approaches May 2 when the reciprocal 145% tariff is enacted on imports from China.
The future of retro handhelds doesn’t hinge solely on the presence or absence of tariffs. While manufacturers and communities have traditionally focused on domestic markets, the COVID-19 pandemic gave the hobby a significant global push. As interest surged, U.S. sales quickly became a major driver of the scene’s growing popularity.
Anbernic has officially unveiled the RG557, along with its launch price, positioning it as a premium entry in their lineup of Android-based handhelds. However, with current U.S. shipping suspended due to rising tariffs and ongoing trade complications, it remains unclear how the company plans to manage logistics for future releases. Whether this will involve regional distributors, delayed launches, or revised pricing strategies is still unknown. To get up-to-date information about the tariff situation and how it affects U.S.-based customers, you can find more right here in our Tariff Breakdown.
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.