Anbernic’s unreleased RG34XX SP prototype has stirred intense discussion in the retro gaming community after new images surfaced showing what could have been. The prototype, which appears to have been scrapped in favor of the officially released version, is being hailed by many fans as superior to what ultimately hit the market, prompting criticism over key design choices that were seemingly abandoned.

Over on the r/SBCGaming subreddit, a user shared what appears to be Max Zhou, a community representative for Anbernic, showing off the initial design of the RG34XXSP. For months, a clamshell version of the RG34XX with its 3:2 aspect ratio screen has been rumored, and late last month, it was rumored to drop this month. Last week, it was officially announced and shown off, but its design left some users confused. Now that the initial design has been shared, many have questions about why Anbernic went with the final design.

“This is what we all wanted lol,” said one user in the /r/SBCGaming thread, summing up a widely shared sentiment. Another added, “Much better,” in response to the prototype’s cleaner, more nostalgic aesthetic.

The Community Speaks

One of the most contentious aspects of the final RG34XXSP is the inclusion of dual analog sticks, which were not present in the prototype. Commenters expressed frustration with the way this decision affected the device’s layout. “Oh no… what if the unfortunate screen placement was done in order to accommodate the unfortunate addition of analog sticks…?” speculated u/BigBayesian. This concern was confirmed by another user: “The screen is placed further down to avoid direct contact between the screen and the sticks.”

Many saw this compromise as a step backward, both functionally and visually. “Call the cops. We were robbed,” joked u/WadeTurtle. The analog sticks not only altered the screen’s placement but arguably broke with the compact, Game Boy Advance SP-inspired design that fans had been hoping for.

Color choices and button design also came under fire. While the prototype featured a more cohesive aesthetic, the final version’s layout and seemingly random colors drew criticism. The SP, as shown off currently,y also lacks the shell-colored X and Y buttons found on the RG34XX, with one user suggesting a slight alteration to the prototype to fit their needs, “preferably with case-colored X and Y buttons.”.

With the announcement of the RG34XX SP, many fans saw it as an odd showing by Anbernic, considering the Miyoo Flip bears the same colorway options, with the exception of Anbernic’s inclusion of a GameCube-inspired variant.

A Dream of Possibilities

For many, the prototype represented a dream device. “They were so close,” wrote u/HighlightDowntown966. “A 1:1 clone of GBA SP with 3.4” screen and same thickness was my dream.” Several users even joked about their emotional investment: “I will never forgive Anbernic until this is released,” said awesomerapta.

In the end, the community’s reaction underscores a broader truth about retro handheld enthusiasts: small design details matter. While Anbernic’s released version of the RG34XX SP may find its audience, the scrapped prototype will likely remain a “what could have been” for many passionate fans who continue to seek the perfect blend of nostalgia and usability.

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