Hot off the heels of their confusing 35XX refresh, Anbernic has posted a video announcing yet another handheld in their ever-growing XX line – the RG28XX.
With a tiny horizontal form factor and a 2.8-inch screen, the RG28XX appears to be a follow-up to the small but mighty RG280M, a device which released nearly four years ago. Its diminutive size also puts it in competition with the upcoming Miyoo A30, as well as the TrimUI Smart.
Two new interesting colourways this time round. Always good to see more fun colours! (Source: Anbernic)
The buttons seem to have been pulled straight from the RG Nano; while they might work great for smaller thumbs, those of us with larger hands may find these controls a bit too small and cramped.
A promo render of the RG28XX in bright orange, showing the front and back of the device.
The two sets of shoulder buttons are separated with this interesting design. It may look odd, but the gap might help differentiate L1 from L2, especially with how densely packed together the whole device is.
The device unfortunately lacks any WiFi or Bluetooth capability, meaning our beloved RetroAchievements will be out of reach. The 28XX does support outputting to a TV though, as well as external USB controllers.
Nice dongle tower you got there. (Source: Anbernic)
As for pricing – $47.99 is the retail price, but for the first 48 hours, you’ll be able to save $5 and get it for $43.99. It will go up for sale April 25th at 6pm Beijing time. We have units for review, and we’ll be telling you all about it shortly!
Update! Specs and a New Promo Video
UPDATE: Anbernic has recently released the spec sheet for the RG28XX – as speculated, the device will sport the same Allwinner H700 that powers the 35XX+ and 35XX H, along with 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM and a 3100mAh battery. That’s a bit less juice than the XX Plus and H, but substantially more than the 35XX 2024’s 2600mAh. Anbernic claims you’ll get 8 hours of battery life, and when you’re done you can charge up with USB C-to-C charger support. Here’s a list of what has been revealed:
- Display: 2.83-inch IPS, 640 x 480 resolution
- CPU: H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.53GHz
- GPU: Dual-core Mali-G31 MP2
- RAM: LPDDR4 1GB
- Software: Linux
- Battery: 3,100mAh, ~8 hours
- Extras: HDMI Connection to TV, Supports 2.4GHz Wireless Controller and Wired Controller Connection, Vibration Moto
- Supported Game Formats: Ported Games, PSP, PS1, DC, ARCADE, GBA, GBC, GB, SFC, FC, MAME, MD and other format games.
Anbernic also released an “official promo” video for the RG28XX, giving us a closer look at the upcoming handheld from just about every angle. This includes the Power and Reset buttons on the right, dual microSD card slots and 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom, the volume rocker on the left, along with the USB-C charging port, “M” button, and HDMI port on the top.
ANOTHER UPDATE: With the RG28XX beginning to arrive in the hands of some reviews (looking at you Russ), you’re probably wondering when you’ll be able to buy one for yourself. Well, you’re in luck, as we’ve learned that Anbernic will launch the 28XX on April 25th at 6 AM ET, or 6 PM in Beijing.
Anbernic’s latest device will set you back $47.99 but for the first 48 hours (starting April 25th at 6pm Beijing time), you’ll be able to save $5 and get it for $43.99. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay a few extra bucks for shipping, but that’s just part of the schtick. In any event, bookmark one of the links below so that you’ll be all set.
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If it does end up having Wi-Fi, I’m absolutely sold. I like my RG35XX H, but it’s too big and I do NOT need these stupid analog sticks for my GBA/SNES emulation needs.
If it gets wi fi I’m in