You’re not alone if you’ve been wondering what the next Linux-focused chip will supplant the Allwinner H700 in Anbernic’s lineup. However, it’s been over a year since this chip was first used in an RGXX handheld, and we’re still learning about new capabilities.
The latest of which comes via the muOS team and community, which has managed to make it possible to play GameCube on Anbernic RGXX handhelds. We learned about this thanks to Rob the Retro Tech Dad, and as such am basing this tutorial on his video.
What You Need
- Custom Build of muOS Pixie
- Custom Version of Dolphin
- Necessary Update Files
- Raspberry Pi Imager (or similar flashing utility)
- 64GB microSD Card (SanDisk, Samsung, PNY, etc.)
- Anbernic RGXX Handheld (Except RG28XX)
Play GameCube on Anbernic RGXX Handhelds: Setup muOS and Dolphin
Before getting started, there are a few things we need to point out. The first of which is that this method will work on all Anbernic RGXX handhelds, except for the RG28XX. Beyond that, you’ll also want to make sure that you have a fast microSD card from a reputable brand, such as SanDisk, PNY, or Samsung.
For the purposes of this tutorial, we’re using the RG34XXSP, in part, due to it being the only RGXX device to include 2GB of RAM.
- Hit the link below to download a ZIP file containing all of the files that you need.
- Download and install the Raspberry Pi Imager app.
- Once downloaded, extract the files to a separate folder.
- Insert the microSD card into your computer and open Raspberry Pi Imager.
- Click the Choose OS button and select Use custom.
- From the file picker, navigate to and select the custom build of muOS Pixie.
- Click the Choose Storage button.
- Select your connected microSD card from the list of storage devices.
Pay close attention to which drive you select
- Click the NEXT button.
- When prompted about existing data being erased, click the YES button.
- After the process is complete, safely eject the microSD card from your PC.
- Grab your Anbernic RGXX handheld, and insert the microSD card into the TF1 slot.
- Wait for the muOS installation process to complete.
- After muOS is finished installing and you are on the Main Menu, shut down the handheld and remove the microSD card.
- Connect the microSD card to your computer and open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the folder that you extracted from the first step.
- Copy and paste the following files into the Archive folder on the microSD card:
- Dolphin for muOS.muxupd
- muOS-RG34XX-SP-Unofficial_v1.1-2502.0.muxupd
- Once transferred, navigate to the ROMS folder on the muOS microSD card.
- Create a new folder, naming it “gc”.
- Locate the GameCube ROMs that you want to play or try and copy them to the “gc” folder on your microSD card.
- Safely remove the card from your computer and plug it into the TF1 slot on your Anbernic RGXX handheld.
- Boot up your handheld, then open the Apps section.
View Your Apps
- Open the Archive Manager app.
Select Archive Manager
- Highlight and select the muOS Update file, and wait for it to finish being installed.
Install the muOS Update First
- Once that’s complete, open the Archive Manager app again, this time selecting the Dolphin for muOS file.
Then, Install the Dolphin Emulator
- After it’s installed, reboot your Anbernic RGXX device.
- Once it’s started back up, head into the GameCube folder and choose the game that you want to try.
- When picking a game for the first time, you’ll be prompted to select a core. By default, we recommend selecting the External,defaultgfx core, but check out the Compatibility List just to make sure.
- Once selected, select your GameCube game again and start playing!
Compatibility Will Vary
Although it’s possible to play GameCube games on Anbernic RGXX handhelds, don’t expect much. There’s a lovely compatibility spreadsheet available, with almost 200 games already being tested.
So, before you try to play something like Wind Waker or Smash Bros. Melee, check out the spreadsheet first. Plus, while some games are technically playable, that doesn’t mean you won’t still experience frame drops.
This entire project is more about pushing the H700 and these sub-$70 handhelds to the maximum limits. But if you want to take it for a spin yourself, let us know what games you tried and how they fared.
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
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