Hello everyone! I hope you join me on this adventure as I tackle my first review for Retro Handhelds with the Anbernic RG35XX 2024. Without burying the lede, I wish something else had come out for me to review instead.
The handheld market is starting to heat up, as both Anbernic and Miyoo are getting things rolling with the RG28XX and A30, respectively. But, the RG35XX 2024 comes at a time when there’s really not much reason for it to exist. Well, other than Anbernic wanting to expand its product line even more.
RG35XX 2024: What Works
muOS Settings on the Anbernic RG35XX 2024
I’m not going to dive too deep into the performance of the RG35XX 2024 here. That’s simply because it’s powered by the same Allwinner H700 found in the RG35XX Plus and RG35XX H. Needless to say, even using the stock firmware, it’ll be able to handle most games up to the PSP and Sega Saturn.
I was pleasantly surprised to fire up some Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 for the PSP and didn’t run into any issues at all. The same can’t be said for attempting to play God of War: Chains of Olympus. But honestly, I just wanted to see whether the RG35XX would spontaneously combust. Nope, I just couldn’t get more than 10fps, which is to be expected.
RG35XX 2024 Specs
Anbernic RG35XX 2024 on muOS Main Screen
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS; 640×480
- Processor: H700 Quad-Core
- GPU: Dual-Core G31 MP2
- RAM: 1GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 64GB microSD card w/ Dual Card Slots (Maximum 512GB)
- Battery: 2,600mAh (Up to 7 hours)
- Charging: 5V/1.5A with support for USB-C to USB-C charging
- Extra features: No WiFi, but 2.4GHz Wireless and Wired Controller support (via dongle), HDMI Output, Vibration Motor
- Software: Linux
- Dimensions: 117mm x 81mm x 22mm
- Weight: 186g
One big surprise with the RG35XX 2024 comes in the form of custom firmware support. I’m able to basically hot-swap my muOS microSD Card between the 2024 and the Plus. I frankly wasn’t sure what to expect, but it definitely wasn’t this. But, if you were hoping to get Garlic OS up and running, you’re out of luck.
Something else I’m a fan of is that the RG35XX 2024 sticks with dual microSD card slots. Although you’re not going to play much in the way of PS1, or Dreamcast games, it’s still nice to have more space. This opens the door for the ability to install more supported PortMaster games. Or you can fire up some PICO-8 games with the help of muOS.
RG35XX 2024: What Doesn’t
God of War Chains of Olympus on the Anbernic RG35XX 2024
The biggest hindrance of the RG35XX 2024 is a self-inflicted wound from Anbernic. At the time of writing, the RG35XX Plus is actually $2 cheaper than the 2024 model ($63 vs. $61.) And that’s only if you ignore various AliExpress sales, where you can actually get the Plus for under $48.
With that, you’re getting a better-looking DMG model with a black border instead of the grey one. But more importantly, the RG35XX Plus offers Wi-Fi connectivity. This is obviously important if you’re wanting to rack up those RetroAchievements, something you can’t do with the RG35XX 2024.
Close-up on Anbernic RG35XX 2024 back label
Another annoyance is that Anbernic went back to the “old” shoulder buttons. It’s a big disappointment after seeing the stacked shoulders finally arrive on the RG35XX Plus and H. After spending time with the Plus, it definitely feels odd to pick up this “newer” version.
Anbernic also missed the mark in the battery life department. Despite sharing practically the same case size as the Plus, the RG35XX 2024 has a smaller 2,600mAh battery. Not to mention that you can’t easily access it, as there’s no battery door to be found. Instead, you’ll have to take the entire rear shell off in the event that you need to swap it out.
RG35XX 2024: Should You Buy It?
Anbernic RG35XX 2024 with Miyoo Mini Plus and R33s running TLOZ The Minish Cap
Look, I understand why Anbernic made many of the choices that it did when it comes to the RG35XX 2024. Well, let me rephrase that. I could have understood why these choices were made. But, the problem comes down to price. The RG35XX Plus includes Wi-Fi, better shoulder buttons, and a bigger battery, and costs about the same.
It’s a smart business move to release the 2024 model and phase out the original RG35XX. I just really think that Anbernic should have priced it around $40-$45. Hell, even at $50, that’s enough of a price difference to make you think twice about whether to go for the Plus or not.
There’s only one scenario that makes sense for buying the RG35XX 2024. If you’re looking to gift a friend or loved one a retro handheld, and they have no interest in custom firmware or RetroAchievements, then it works. There’s still an argument to be made that something like the R33s or even the Miyoo Mini Plus makes more sense.
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