Is the Anbernic RG556 better than the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro? 

I just watched 26 minutes of the Anbernic RG556 review waiting for a teardown with the pocket knife in the thumbnail. I left with a better understanding the performance and the gameplay of instead. It's such a great review I can't say that I'm disappointed.

thank you for this comparison, even though I’ve seen tons of these videos and I already have the RG556. This video is super cool and informative. Thank you for putting in the time 🙌🏽

I absolutely adore that transparent blue

I have to say, you have my favorite intro to any of the emulation RU-vidr channels.

I've been watching you and TechDweeb for the last week or so, learning about starting handheld emulation, I have decided on the Miyoo Mini +, if I get into emulation i'll probs get more, but tbd. :D Keep up the awesome content.

Would love to see measurements of how much force the buttons + dpad require to activate. Some devices make my hands get tired really fast just because the buttons are too firm. Like, a RG35XX-H requires about 150g while a MM+ only needs 70g, so I can play a MM+ for a lot longer.

Awesome review, thank you. My beloved GPD XD+ is getting a bit dated so I started looking for an upgrade. I just want my handheld to do retro games and GooglePlay, I prefer high end graphics at home on the big screen. It came down to the Anbernic RG556 and the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. After nerding out to a ton of review content on both I went with the RG556 and I can't love this thing enough. The size is perfect, not too big, not too small, just right. The PS2 emulation is flawless. The 5.48" 1080p AMOLED screen is 15% larger and has 30% more resolution than the Pocket 4 Pro screen, that was a big factor. And I can't overstate how comfortable the 556 is to hold and play. Much better sound than I was expecting too.

Seen a lot of reviews, all the reviews points the analog sticks. And I can live with that. Number 1 reason I would get the RG556 is the price in my region, I can get it for low as $170 (discounts). The RP4 Pro cost $245 and Odin cost $300, that's $75 and $130 difference. And also the OLED screen. I would namely use it for Android native games. Setting up emulators would be easy for me, already used to tinkering on android phone and tablets. Edit: All prices are in my region

I fall under scenario #3, so you got a good laugh out of me on that one. 😂 I had the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and was a little underwhelmed so I sold it. I have the RG556 in the mail and I'm looking forward to it.

For me, the choice was an easy one to make - both. If I want something to play at home, I have the RG556. If I want something to play on the go, I have the RP4P. That way, I can have the best of both worlds. I can have that bigger screen where I can really make use of it, and I have the extra portability where it's more important. Both are excellent devices! Emulation is absolutely incredible.

I bought the 556 last month and have not got it to full potential but can say it's a fantastic device for the price. I was torn between that and the Rp4 pro but am really glad I chose what I felt was the best handheld for me. Your video has confirmed it too. Thank you!

I love the Anbernic 556, I’ll have 2X of these because I always buy 2 of everything for parts so I have a spare. I also bought the RG35XX-H for my disability clients to use as this looks EASY to repair if anything ever happens to it!

You really captured it. I wish the rp4 pro was a different device, just a bit bigger. That screen on the rp4 is pretty small once you see it in person..

Love these vids and your input about these devices. If you had to pick between keychain devices: Fun Key S or RG Nano, which would you pick? I valuable your opinion a lot, feel free to ignore my comment if you don't know much about them

Awaiting my own 556 and i fit the buyer of the scenario 1 and came to the exact conclusion. Have my Rg35xx for my on the go, quick sessions but the ergonomics did no favors for home game play. The 556 offers affordable pricing for a robust experience. Good content

Awesome review! I am looking for a Handheld with android. Would you recomend the rg556 or the powkiddy x28?

In fact we have already got 2 devices from Retroid Pocket: RP4 pro and Odin 2 (they are under the same umbrella). For bigger screen, more powerful chips, and ergonomic, you go for Odin2; otherwise just get RP4 or RP4pro

Personally I’m glad that the RP4 and RP4 Pro are the same size. I wanted more power in the same form factor. If I wanted a bigger screen, I’d have probably looked at the Odin 2 instead.

for a pro rp4 i would have liked two micro sd slots a oled screen and make the small fan better idk how but that would have been perfect. still love my rp4 pro though would buy another one

Great review! The RG556 is really an awesome device, but you basically hit the nail on the head on all the reasons why I chose the RP4P over it. The sheer power and portability are the biggest factors for me. I think it's just insane to have a device I can throw in my pocket or sling bag that can play GC/PS2 games. Unfortunately, the RG556 is just a tad too big for me to carry as easily. So I'd just be playing with the RG556 primarily at home. But I fall in #2 of your buyer scenarios where I already own a Steam Deck OLED so it really doesn't make any sense for me to have another handheld that I would only play with in my house.

It's very hard to go back to switch sticks after using the Odin and Retroid sticks. Othwrwise though, unless you want pocketability, the 556 is a great device.

I still went with the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. Couldn't be happier

Great video!

Funny part is I’m torn between whether or not to get either the 556 or RP4P, an Odin2 Pro, or Steam Deck. Decisions decisions.

I wouldn't have got the RP4pro if it was bigger. It's exactly what I was looking for size/performance wise.

Great comparison mate! I keep holding off on doing one as I keep changing my mind about the 556 😅 I agree 💯 with all the points you make though 👍

If the rumors are true both GoRetroid and AYN are parts of same mother company Moorechip. Rp4 and Odin 2 has same standardized D-pad and new hall sensor analog sticks when competitors still using Joy cons. In that case bigger version of Rp4 is Odin 2. Market is splited: Retroid - cheaper more pocketable mass devices when AYN - bigger and more powerful top tier units. If you want sth between you are going for Rg556

What if I only wanted to hook this or the Retroid 4pro up to a TV and use a bluetooth controller. Which route would you take?

My guy brought a knife to a screen fight. Could have ended badly.

Im a tech savvy person and really into gaming and retro handhelds Im actually practicing my english listening skills and I really dig your voice and accent. Youre eloquent af dude Cheers from brazil mate 👍 you got one more sub

I like that tac folder, but hoo wee using it to point out features next to these two beauties gave me a slight panic attack lol

I agree about the sticks. I bought this device thinking that maybe they aren't so bad, but it's become a deal-breaker for me since I primarily want to play N64 on my retro gaming handheld. That and there is no way to charge the battery and do video output at the same time, so it's not even a decent console experience. I was really hoping this was going to be my do-all device, but I'll be packing it up this weekend and returning it. The screen is amazing though, and if you're only playing pre-N64 games and don't plan to use it as a console, I think it would be a good pick.

I put the grip backwards on my RP3+ and it fits in my fanny bag that i wear crossbody, take it with me everywhere i go. Can you do that with the 4/4pro? RG556 is too big for me, not portable, its more of a couch device, Retroid is perfect for my use. Own a MM+ for PS1 and below, RP3+ everything above that, but i do put some ps1 and below favorite games.

I will never look at Hugh Jackman the same way - brilliant and HILARIOUS! Thanks for another great video. I am still not sure if I want one of these so I appreciate very much the in depth comparison.

We need to get a revised KTR1 to you, Adin. I'd love to see your opinions on it. Especially given your concerns with the 556.

I have a hard time to trust the triggers on spendier anbernic devices after returning one. Time will tell , hopefully it improves and maybe I'm defensive as I just bought the RP4P !

RG556 have a better and bigger screen with minimum perfomance costs... I will buy the RG556

Would love to see how 3DS games play on these. That's my main use case plus maybe switch. Will these be able to handle it? Also i don't get the issue you keep talking about the sticks? I don't care about streaming games just playing in the device. What's bad about them in the ambernic? Great review. 👍

Yep, I been teeling people dont sleep on the 556. i like the RP4 Pro, I really do, but the 556 makes it a little harder to resist. Awesome video Adin, you make some great points as usual.

I feel it’s stuck in between a RP4 pro and an Odin 2. It doesn’t have the portability of the former, nor the screen size and power of the latter.

I just want a RP4 with left stick on top. No more, no less.

How do you turn off the on screen controls when playing ps2 games?

i have probelm Pocket 4 Pro when i turn off ppsspp all game gone and ps1 too the only Issues

Thats why i always make grips for all my devices that are not good ergonomically and i make them from Nintendo Switch Grips i made some for the RRP4 Pro and its way better than the RRP4 Pro Grips

If Sophie's choice had been about the decision between a 556 and an RP4 pro it would have been a far more intense and emotional watch! 😂

Sonic generations 3DS on rp4pro plays fine for me with citra canary. Can’t remember what power profile I play on tho.

Thank you Harry Potter for the review! Can I have the cactus behind you sir?

This is your niche, Adin. Device vs device videos. Most people are stuck between 2-3 devices at a specific price point. Not many videos compare them directly. Just keep up the good work and don't worry about metrics.

Anbernic RG556 or Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for psp games? :)

I went with the RG556 after watching your previous review on it. Can’t wait for mine to arrive. 😊

You literally described my situation at the end with scenario 1. I already have a Miyoo Mini+ for traveling and I was thinking about getting the Ambernic RG556 because I wanted something bigger. This confirms it! When I get them money, that's what I'll go for! Thank you!

i have a question since is an android device can you instal steam link on it?

I think I have enough of handhelds already, so no buy for me. But still is it still enjoyable to watch new reviews sometimes👌🏻 The only handheld I could probably buy is aya neo ds, but it's a bit too expensive though 👀

I'm kinda glad that the RP4pro didn't go "bigger". I specifically didn't want an odin 2 sized device. I wanted the RP3 form factor. I have a steam deck for the bigger handheld/streaming device. I wanted something smaller and lighter that was still backpack-tossable to bridge between the 35xx/miyoo mini plus in my uniform pocket and the large device of the steam deck. *edit* Lololol you even predicted I exist at the end. Well played. I do wish the performance was a HAIR better, I still find struggles with some 3ds and PS2 titles on the RP4pro that aren't insurmountable but are obnoxious when I just want them to be more or less just plug and play, and I do wish it had a larger screen with smaller bezels in the same form factor. But that's really splitting hairs. I like that retroid sells buttons and back shells, I was able to turn my beige model into a super nintendo color and then buy all the back shells for super, super cheap, a clear grip, and make my own custom two tone watermelon/beige model with a custom dyed grip to match, and 3d printed cover for it with the grip, it's just been such a versatile little device. But in the end, I am still a vertical form factor person. Going to be ordering the new vertical version of the RGB30 next payday.

Having had a device with the retroid button layout for ps2 and GameCube stuff it just isn’t really for me. I totally get why others may prefer it but I love my 556 and I’m really hopeful about the next few years of these devices

One thing I'd point out on Aether not getting much development, it's plenty good enough to play almost every game I've thrown at it on my S20+. Yes, maybe optimizations aren't coming, but do you think the RG556 can handle PS2 as well as the RP4Pro? Because I think there are many many games that run great on Aether on platforms where performance isn't an issue. Asked with respect :)

I love my RG556, and for the cost (£121 direct from Anbernic's AliExpress store) for that OLED screen and power (never thought I'd get Wii, 3DS and Vita working so smoothly on a handheld like this) is madness.

How about a video about taking care of your emulators..." Wicked " !!!

I like the bigger screen of the 556❤

Imagine if they had a baby, bigger screen, better triggers, oled, ergonomic, better analog, I would definitely buy it!

Hello Bro, I am planning to gift an anbernic device to my son who is 7 years old. I am looking for an anbernic device which has preloaded popular retro games. My son cannot download roms and do the initial setup for the device. So I am looking for a device which is ready to use. Can you please suggest any device from anbernic. Thankyou.

As a Psn fan, how i wish the thumb stick were same as the Pocket4. It would be perfect if Rg556 did, imo.

You can tell this man takes handheld gaming seriously. He just compared 2 handhelds to Sophie's Choice.

I think we gonna get better devices this year for the same price. I would say nether the rp4 pro and rg556 are perfect, but for now I prefer rp4 pro

It’s funny, I have a retroid pocket 3+, and it’s such a pain in the ass to try to run stuff through android that I don’t use it.

Rp4 pro's shitty QC made it a hard choice for me. My GF's little bro had nightmares trying to repair it. Thing broke down in first 48 hours.

I would've bought an RG556 by now if not for all the negative reviews about its thumbsticks. If I could swap out the thumbsticks on the RG556, I would do it, but apparently, that doesn't fix the problem. I also would've bought an RP4 Pro but its screen is just too small for my preferences. I want to buy, and the price of both units is fine by me, but why must these devices always have a show-stopping flaw???

So at the beginning you're talking about the Odin 2 bigger screen more power, great ergonomics, great buttons, amazing joysticks everyone that has owned one has not said anything bad about the Odin 2 unless they had a random manufacturer error that got replaced fast. So top tier for Anbernic sure, but does this company even have a real R&D team? The only thing I personally said this device had going for it is the size sure is good and the OLED well not playing AAA games on this I'm barely playing 3DS games at 2x resolution WELL. I like that you compared the LCD though because the 4 really does have a nice screen I even think it's a bit better than the Odin 2. The brightness test when you had it all the way up the picture looks washed out just like my experience it looked washed out to me as well. The joysticks are literally DPAD joysticks but they smash against the edges of the bezel with games that require them. Spend an extra $0.50 China because we know how much you can get those nice Odin 2 joysticks for price wise. If buying for streaming expect WiFi drops I can't even get a signal to my router in my kitchen on this device where all of my other devices even my TV in my kitchen have never had this issue. Speakers could have even had a vent angular design to point the speaker to the front. The 4 failed the 4 should have looked and felt like the 2S but more power. Instead the 4 is still the 3S to me. Check the DPAD in your button test app the dpad has so many major flaws 😂. Look for that amazing false diagonals they have people despise this and I could feel it before I even tested it. The ABXY buttons way to smashed together space them out and they'd be good. The volume/start/select/home/back buttons are terrible. Mind you I didn't like at first the 4 Pro button placement but I actually got used to it. I'm glad you gave an honest opinion though about everything I have the black model of this and the plastic feels cheap maybe I should have tried the one everyone else keeps buying or getting. I won't give away your opinion but what I despise about other reviewers that get devices sent to them, is that they seem to hype up the device they got no matter what. I'll be honest in my reviews because these companies need to hear the flaws otherwise the company isn't going to learn where they need to change things the next time.

Hi does the rg556 have a storefront to download games from like the older Retriod devices , I don’t have a pc and don’t like buying pre loaded sd cards they never have the games you want

the pocket knife in the thumbnail always concerns me what did these handhelds ever do to you ):

He looks like Harry potter with those glasses and hair.

AetherSx2 is still an amazing Emulator and I think 95% of the Games are playable so in my opinion it doesnt really need any Updates. Also there are other developers who continuing the Work of citra (for example Luigis Mansion dark moon is now playable with citra enhanced with 60fps on most phones), sudachi continuing yuzu and If it gets canceld there is a Hope that ryjinux will come to Android some day. So thats the reason i prefer the rp4 pro to get a little bit more Power of the device and also it's tiny enough Ton of it Info your Pocket.

Anbernic, Odin and Retroid Pocket handholds are from the same company located in Shenzhen China.

I love you videos. But I really have to say that the knive makes me feel uncomfortable. I wish you would use something cosy instead.

If shipping is so expensive to where you live why don't you consider becoming a local distributor for these type of devices?

I have always wanted a Retroid since the RP2 but the shipping cost is something that has always been a deterrent for me to get one (not to mention the extra taxes when arriving here in Mexico)

I love the south african context to things whereit doesn't make sense to buy this when the price is so high when accounted for shipping, I have seen the 556 on Takealot but it's clocking R7000...

The anbernic just looks so cheaply made and the only good thing I see on it is the OLED screen. I have the RP4 pro and I love it and it's so well made. Also the ergonomics on the RP4 are not bad and all. I actually like using the device without the case especially for older game emulation and the grip is cheap and works well when emulating games that use the analogs more

Yes

and how many years of Anbernic do we have left these emulator things are going to keep being made - Retroid Pocket 4 pro - same one as yours - 1 terabyte card AliExpress...!! South Africa huh ...GodSpeed!!:D

Cool Hugh... nice. lol However you are making me nervous having your trusty Crocodile Dundee blade next to your precious handhelds. PLLLEEEAAASSSEEE don't slip and hurt the screens. Oh yeah... or yourself. Handhelds first tho. (just kidding)

Rog ally z1 was 250 at best buy

Why kind of a psychopath uses a knife as a pointer? Liked the vid, thanks.

what is the gucci inspired case ahaaha that looks SICK

Ah downward facing speakers...I blame Nintendo and the switch for that particular problem. The good news is that because these are both android devices its not that big a deal because I can just use Bluetooth headphones instead.

lol, you know why android games will not let you use a bluetooth controller? because you have to turn off the built in buttons in the anbernic software WHICH IT DOES NOT HAVE THE OPTION FOR while the Retroid Pocket 4 pro does since Retroid DOES refine the android experience for you unlike shitty anbernic android.... I have both devices and I DESPISE the RG556. Want to place the RP4 pro in your pocket and take a walk to the park? no problem, it fits while the anbernic does not... want to hook up your RP4 pro to a monitor and play some Rigid Force Redux for android? no problem, just go into the settings of the RP4 pro and turn off the built in buttons and use your bluetooth controller which the RG556 CAN NOT do... I am pretty sure there are more disastrous things I am missing about the RG556 but that;s all I can remember for now.

I just bought RG35XXH. Now looking to upgrade to play Gamecube games. Been watching RP4P videos, and decided that would be my next device. But last few days videos praising RG556 over RP4P popping up. Now I'm really torn apart.

I'm scenario 3 and I regret nothing.

dude where are you from you have english-german accent, no?

I cant get behind this constant push from people for a larger retroid console, if you want something bigger get an ayn device. its called retroid pocket not retroid bag or backpack. not to mention its absolutely ridiculous to even suggest that they should limit the pro to a larger model. the argument that you get more for your dollar with a bigger system is arguably the opposite of true. also the shipping is not ridiculous, I have to assume you are fairly new to global shipping as 2 weeks for what is essentially 10-15 dollars is pretty average these days, at one point in time when making online orders it used to take 2-3+ months to get products ordered from china. also the end of the video comments to get the worse power spec device for people that dont own a more powerful device already just is mind boggling. the biggest apeal of the 556 would be the larger and nicer screen that the system cant really take that much advantage of natively but thats not to say it doesnt have good usecases, infact it is arguably a much better in home streaming device. if you have a desktop/playstation/xbox device that you can stream games from, it makes it a better option than the 4/pro, but based on performance differences alone if you are going to buy something for higher end emulation, it falls flat when you cant even take advantage of upscaling. to its full resolution like you get with the retroid which actually can push more games to run at its full 720p resolution.

the pocket 4 pro is great. we dont neeed to keep going bigger and bigger. these arent meant to be big. if you want big get an ROG ally/ steam deck. I got a pocket 4 pro because carrying the ROG Ally is to cumbersome, it might as well be a laptop. The rg556 isn't pocketable with its ergonomics..... Also youre not playing mario wonder in a playable state, that is going incredibly slow.

The only thing that RG556 better is the screen. Everything else RP 4 Pro wins by a mile.

For my Retroid POket 4 pro is better

all other reviewers say that 556 has terrible sticks. So this is paid ad...

I dont like the rg556 analog sticks to small the retro pocket 4 has better sticks

I would pick the RG 556, over retroid pocket 4+ , because of the OLED. the cpu might be slightly weaker, but from my experience unisoc gpus, overheat less than dimensity, when playing stuff like genshin and wuthering waves.

It frustrates me that reviewers don't talk about how bad the ghosting on the Retroid's screen is. It's some of the worst I've ever seen in a handheld. I'm about to sell it and get a 556.

556 all the way

There's no way it's better than the 4 pro. Playstation layout and plays almost everything. Just save up or wait a year and you'll find it for a closer price if you are that broke.