Despite the RG35XXSP being so popular that Anbernic released more colors for it, the company still felt the need to respond to the arrival of the Miyoo Flip. As such, we started hearing about a new clamshell back in January, and it’s finally here, giving me a nice surprise to kick off my weekend. That being said, these are just my first impressions, so stay tuned as we’ll have more RG34XXSP coverage in the coming days.

Anbernic RG34XXSP Specs

• Display: 3.4-inch, IPS
• Resolution: 720 x 480
• Processor: Allwinner H700
• GPU: Dual-Core Mali-G31 MP2
• RAM: 2GB LPDDR4
• Storage: 2x microSD Cards
• Battery: 3300mAh, ~6 hours
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Extras: mini HDMI, Vibration Motor, Magnetic Lid
• Colors: Yellow, Gray, Black, Indigo
• Dimensions: 83 x 82 x 25mm
• Weight: 178 grams

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That’s Definitely a Forehead

Surprisingly, the forehead on the screen wasn’t the first thing that I noticed when I unboxed the RG34XXSP. Nope, it was the fake-out from the packaging, which shows the Yellow model paired with the red buttons. I was kind of hoping that Anbernic would send me the Yellow model, simply because I have the PKMN Retroid Pocket Classic, and it would have been fun to match. Nevertheless, I ended up with the SNES North America color way with the Gray shell and two-tone purple buttons.

OH, and Anbernic included its faux leather (pleather) “case,” which includes a couple of D-rings for a shoulder strap, but doesn’t actually include said shoulder strap. I’m also a bit confused about the little pocket on the front, as it doesn’t really serve much of a purpose besides just being there.

Okay, so yeah. The RG34XXSP has a massive forehead, and it’ll probably take me a bit of time to get used to it. The first thing I did after starting it up was to turn off that awful button sound that Anbernic refuses to get rid of. Then, I fired up Alien Crush, which is one of the RH Games of the Month and has been my obsession when I have just a couple of minutes of downtime.

It’s not a particularly intense game, but I did notice that there are bezels to the left and right of the game. I can only assume this has to do with the PC Engine’s 256 x 239 resolution, which doesn’t exactly scale nicely with the 720 x 480 screen on the RG34XXSP. Although I usually just stick to either black bars or stretching the game, I appreciate the effort Anbernic put forth by including it.

Sticks With a Catch

What can I really say about the joysticks other than that they work as you’d expect? However, I will say that our Anbernic rep tossed in a couple of joystick covers for the RG557, and they just so happen to also fit the RG34XXSP. It’s really pretty comical when you think about it.

There’s nothing really to write home about when it comes to the rest of the controls. The ABXY buttons and D-pad are pretty quiet, even quieter than my RG35XXSP, which I honestly didn’t expect.

The buttons themselves feel good to press without feeling too “mushy” as compared to other handhelds. The shoulders and triggers also get the job done, even if I am slightly worried about the corners getting stuck on the edge of my pocket.

Miyoo Should Take Notes

I wasn’t going to bring this up, but seeing as it’s still a point of contention, AND there are now rumors of Miyoo Mini Flip, it’s kind of necessary. Without burying the lede, Miyoo should either give up on clamshells or contract Anbernic to make them.

The hinge on the RG34XXSP is so quiet and smooth that I didn’t even think about it at first. It feels better than the RG35XXSP, and the Miyoo Flip isn’t even in the same galaxy.

There are no awkward snapping noises, and I can’t see the plastic separate when I open or close it. That alone is enough of a reason for you to get this over the Miyoo Flip, even with the “Ban-head.”

Final Thoughts

All-in-all, the RG34XXSP is exactly what I was hoping that the Miyoo Flip would be — a more compact RG35XXSP with joysticks. Who knows, my opinion might change, something might spontaneously combust, and I’ll be back sharing my thoughts.

Incoming Shill Alert: Anbernic knocked this out of the park. If you don’t believe me, get one for yourself and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Or, stay tuned to the Retro Handhelds YouTube channel, as I hear Stubbs might just be firing up the good ole’ Live Stream machine.

Lastly, if you think there’s something missing here, it’s because there is. After having more than a dozen handhelds all powered by the same H700 chip, I’d like to think that everyone has a good idea of what’s possible.

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