Anbernic has been rumored to be working on a clamshell handheld for months. After psyching us out with the RG35XX 2024 and RG28XX, the RG35XXSP is so close Stubbs can taste it.
We’ve already covered a lot of what Anbernic had to share when the first teasers began appearing. Since then, we’ve learned so much more, so if you’re trying to figure out what the hype is all about, you’ve come to the right place!
RG35XXSP Design
Source: Anbernic
Let’s get the obvious stuff out of the way first.
When videos of the RG35XXSP first appeared, there was a ghastly logo on the top lid, leading to many groans from the community. Thankfully, Anbernic came to its senses and ditched the logo on the top, making the RG35XXSP almost identical to the original GBA SP.
Source: ETA Prime
As for buttons and ports, we have dual left and right shoulder buttons, along with power and reset on the right, and a volume rocker on the left. On the bottom, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack in addition to the dual microSD card slots. Those hoping for a clamshell with joysticks will have to wait for Miyoo’s potential competitor, as you won’t find them on the RG35XXSP. Instead, there are four action buttons, a D-Pad, and then your Start and Select buttons.
MAGNETS
Another great decision that Anbernic makes was to include magnets in the top and bottom casing. In doing so, it ensures that the RG35XXSP will actually stay shut. This is rather important as the RG35XXSP features Quick Resume so you can just flip the top open and pick up where you left off.
Lastly, the RG35XXSP comes in four different colors, which include Transparent Blue, Transparent Black, Silver, and of course, DMG.
RG35XXSP Specs and Performance
Under the hood, Anbernic is sticking with the Allwinner H700 SoC, paired with the Mali G31 GPU. This is the same combination found in the rest of Anbernic’s RG-XX lineup, so we already know what to expect. You can enjoy up to PSP and Dreamcast and some PS1 tossed in there.
- Display: 3.5-inch, OCA, 640 x 480
- Processor: Allwinner H700, Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.5GHz
- GPU: Dual-core Mali G31 MP2
- RAM: 1GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 64GB TF/MicroSD, Dual microSD card slot, Supports up to 512GB
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 2.4G wireless controller, HDMI-out
- Battery: 3,300mAh, rated for up to 8 hours
- Charging: 5V/1.5A, supports C-to-C charger
- Extras: Magnets in the upper and lower casing to support magnetic closing.
- Dimensions: 8.9cm x 8.5cm 2.7cm
- Weight: 0.192kg = ~192g
- Software: Linux
Provided that Anbernic properly implements the Quick Sleep function, the RG35XXSP could just end up as the battery champ. Not to mention that custom firmware options will start showing up as soon as the developers can get their hands on the RG35XXSP.
RG35XXSP: Price, Deals, and Release Date
Now for the two questions that we’ve all been asking — how much does it cost, and when can I get one? Well, despite what we heard during the RH Podcast, the RG35XXSP does not cost $150. It retails for just $64.99, which is honestly cheaper than we expected. And, it will go on sale starting at 3 AM PDT on May 17.
With that, Anbernic includes a 64GB microSD card, screen protector, and USB-C charging cable. Those who want a second microSD card can get a 64GB+128GB combo for $79.99.
But that’s not even the best part! When the RG35XXSP goes on sale, Anbernic is already offering $6 off any configuration! That brings the price down to under $60, which is absolutely mind-boggling. This deal will only last for three days, so you’ll want to jump on this quick.
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