Say what you will about Anbernic’s continued commitment to the Allwinner H700 chip, but this has turned out to be one of the best chips for retro handhelds. Don’t believe me? Check out the latest video from Rob the Retro Tech Dad, where he manages to get GameCube games running on an Anbernic RG34XXSP.
But before we can continue, a word of caution: Temper your expectations. While it’s possible to play GameCube games, performance will vary.
This isn’t something that everyone will be able to do, even with the latest build of muOS installed. Instead, it requires a custom build of muOS Pixie, along with a fast microSD card, and a custom build of Dolphin that has been modified for the H700 chip.
After walking us through the installation process, Rob further explains how this was made possible, before diving into his patented Games Showcase. Here’s how each game fared during the showcase:
- Aggressive Inline: 10-25fps
- Cubivore: 35-55fps
- Frogger Ancient Shadow: 42-59fps
- Gotcha Force: 22-34fps
- Pac-Man World 2: 16-25fps (5fps or worse in cut scenes)
- Pac-Man World Rally: 11-25fps
- PC Genjin: 46-60fps
- Pikmin: 6-24fps
- Puyo Puyo Fever: 22-33fps
- Rampage Total Destruction: 25-30fps
- Rayman 3 Hoodlum Havoc: 16-25fps
- Serious Sam Next Encounter: 16-25fps (may drop to 0fps with many enemies or explosions)
- Wario World: 20-47fps
- Warioware Inc. Mega Party Games: 46-50fps
- X-Men Legends II: 9-17fps
- X2: Wolverine’s Revenge: 16-25fps
As you can see, there’s a lot of variance when it comes to performance. But that’s not the point of this video, as it’s really to talk about how a ~$60 retro handheld is capable of playing GameCube. Not just boot into a game, but actually play games. It’s absolutely mind-boggling.
For chuckles, I followed along with Rob’s video to get Dolphin running on my own RG34XXSP. I’ve only tried one game so far, Backyard Baseball, and now I’m going to be up all night focusing on this, instead of trying (and failing) to match Zu going 3/3 in Games of the Month.
Just like the Surface Duo, thanks a lot, Rob.
Those interested in doing this for themselves can follow along with Rob’s video, and I’ll have a written guide here on RH in the next day or two. In the meantime, there’s a Compatibility List that you can check out if you want to see if your favorite GameCube (and Wii) games will run.
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.
Ok, so it can run GameCube games. But can it run Crysis?
Even pensionists like me is keen in retro consoles. I’ve startet about 1978 to play computer games. Present day, at age 67, I’ll take my turn at my handhelds every single day. I’ve have about 15 different. From Evercade to Anbernic, PowKiddy to Retroid and etc etc I’m never lonely. Here in Norway it’s easy to purchase either from Aliexpress or directly from producer. I’ve have RG35XX series, the new RG34XXSP, RG556, RG557, RG Slide and will definitely get the coming RG477M. It’s easy to modd and set every single unit up to give them all my special way to play. This website is also one of my favorites.
Thanks a lot and God bless you all 🙏
Can it run Def Jam Fight For NY ??