Sorry for the delay, the battery life tests took way longer than I expected. Note: I used the Retro-8 core to play the Pico 8 games featured in the "What this does well" section.
This is what worries me and the reason I'm reluctant to buying any handheld just yet (except maybe Steamdeck OLED but I might be willing to wait until their next upgraded SteamDeck 2); because it reminds me of the smartphone company Xiaomi and it's phones that sure, it releases so many with incredible high specs and "affordable prices", BUT...poor unknowing people that gets them then has to suffer so many issues with it and I'm not even talking about low quality hardware malfunction due to cheap components, but software related things that rely on VERY high alert software developers updates to fix and since they're SO busy releasing 5 different devices every 2 days, this urgent update is almost never gonna happen and they have to either become software engineers themselves to fix their system by their own hands tweaking and jailbreaking it, or just literally give up. I know it sounds too farfetched and exaggerated, but I've honestly been there as one of those ignorant buyers...and only after many buys like that did I learn that it's not always about the specs but the quality of their reliance on software security and OS updates. So I'm not saying these devices like the many handheld gaming systems out there are bad, just that, I'm not "rich enough" to buy something that may or may not give me trouble and I can just brush it off and buy another or something like that. I'm so poor I need the closest thing to 99% reassurance of quality that will last me a good while without any further spending.
@@B3nG420 I mean, it's easy for an RGB30 to have no light bleed since there's no pressure on the screen...because the internals of it are pretty empty. I've taken mine apart several times to reset the battery and it's literally a screen, single board, and a battery being used as a heatsink.
complaining about light bleed makes you sound like a spoiled kid lol. What handheld out there plays wii and ps2? I would be excited to own one of these.
@@CheeseshredderI mean there are choices now. To each their own, if it bothers him then so be it! It'll help him narrow down the handheld he'll buy. That's what reviews of devices like this are for.
This is a super niche comment for a super niche device…. But the Rgb30 can handle Caves bullet hell library up to about Ketsui and Dodonpachi DOJ (2003 ish) with little issues…. And the rg cube can handle their entire library including up to Dodonpachi Saidaiojou which I believe was released in 2012 and was their last bullet hell…. That is so cool and exciting to me
Looks great! If the d-pad was digging into my thumb because of the ridges, I would very CAREFULLY file it down a bit, just to take the edges off. No biggie.
The thing I like most about this device is that Anbernic is finally doing step ups in quality. This device alone looks like if they keep this way, more beautifully crafted handhelds are coming from them. Though, I will never agree with clicky shoulders, those are not nice to press or hear.
The more I watch of your reviews of these kinds of devices, the more impressed I am with how significantly better they are compared to others. You're extremely thorough, but also succinct. That's an incredibly hard balance to achieve. Thank you for your continued work on this channel!
Got this a couple of days ago, no mayor screen bleed issues and LOVING it so far… not a big fan of Android and considering just having everything but Dolphin for GC and Cintra for 3DS run through Retoarch Thank you for your awesome review
I’ve already ordered one, I’m mostly interested in 3DS, but also a few GameCube and Wii titles as well. I guess I’ll have to toy around with it to find my preferred settings.
@@PS3ClassicGamesHD Yea. Sorry, it's a big eye roll hearing people talk about the price of an emulation device at their expense when I'm pretty sure most of them aren't dumping games they already own.
Thank you very much for your candidness and your attention to detail. Its unfortunate that you have to QA these things for the company in the field, they would stand to benefit a lot if they just worked with (and paid) people like you for the effort.
On balance I prefer the RBG30. It runs the same 1:1 systems (GB, GBC, NGPC), systems that look fine at 8:7 (NES, PCE, SNES) and the only vert screen console, Vectrex, all at the full frame-rate just like the Cube does. It may not run every DS game at the full frame-rate but its half the price of the Cube and their screen is practically too small to be seeing DS's two screens very well anyway. Sure, the Cube can run DC games at the full frame-rate and it can also run some PS2 and 3DS games but with mixed results. However, playing 4:3 systems on this screen is far from ideal so the extra power will be a moot point to many gamers. As for vert screen arcade games then the RGB30 runs the vast majority of them at the full frame-rate as long as it's left at the default setting of no shader being applied. So overall the RGB30 seems the more sensible choice when it comes to what devices a 1:1 handheld is actually good for. Plus it doesn't have the same light bleed issues as the Cube does and it also benefits from the simplicity of being a Linux-based handheld which will be a huge positive for those who wish to avoid using Android.
I'd be so much more interested in this if it were a 4:3 aspect ratio. Maybe I'm nitpicking, but I really just don't like those borders. I love the look of this handheld but I have others with much better screen real estate.
Totally. The square aspect ratio makes this a really tough buy. You're limited to older games despite the beefier hardware which makes this handheld full of lost potential.
@@Mr.GuGuGaCucaSnooch I don't even think Game Boy is going to be perfect on this as it's 720x720 while integer scaled Game Boy/Game Gear will be 768x720 or 640x576
Only thing I wish is that all these handhelds had a built-in kickstand in the back so I can bring it to my kitchen and watch stuff while eating, then quickly switch to gaming whenever.
I'm willing to put in the effort to fix minor issues, so I'm happy with this. It will be my second dedicated retro handheld device, and I'm confident that I will be very satisfied with it. The form factor is just right to where it's nearly the size of a controller. I expect we will see a fix for display out, whether it be from anbernic or 3rd party, and at that point I can see this as my favorite device to use with AR Glasses while on a train, bus, or just lying in bed. -As much as I love my Steam Deck, I will definitely grab something more controller-sized for streaming if it's a better fit for the task.
i love so much the design of this console, i'm using rp3+ with handgrip at the moment but i love so much 1by1 aspect ratio and this ergonomics. Looks like they have made this console for me, it fit's so well. I think it's time to buy another handheld...
That was a fair review. I think it's enough of an upgrade that I'd buy it over the RGB30, but the price has to be more competitive, especially given the major flaws of light bleed and improper video out. I will keep my eyes open for sales but I'd probably lean more towards the RG556.
I'm looking to replace my RG552 due to poor battery life and was considering this, but I think i'll wait for the handheld FPGA OLED that is coming out this year.
3:39 I think that's the core of the issue with these emulation devices since the beginning. Many of these companies churn out these devices without really thinking about them any deeper than the initial face value they present. If given more time, and perhaps allowing iterations of some of these models, i'm sure they would knock all preferences out of the park and maybe give maximum value for their given price brackets. I stopped buying these handhelds a long time ago but I enjoy seeing these iterations. RG35XXSP was SO close to being the perfect console for me.... the battery is what ruined it for me.... it had everything I wanted, except that one crucial thing got overlooked and it ruined the entire experience for me.
I want the 406v Coming soon.... Same chipset ... 4 inch screen... But in a vertical form factor... I was going to get the 405v...until I heard the 406 is coming... can't wait.
I was able to get it under $150 shipped from their eBay store last week with the site wide coupon they had. I didn't think I would have paid more than that for this, especially if I have to try and fix the video out myself.
20:39 The most liked controller layout in the world has to be the Xbox layout and it uses this layout. I’m looking to get a handheld that’s in the $200-300 range and my first priority is playing Dreamcast games and i can’t find one that has this layout that the Dreamcast also used
I would be super interested in a dedicated video about hacking 1:1 resolution for 3D games on PS1, PS2, Gamecube, etc. Your video is the only one so far I've seen even mention it and all I can find on RU-vid are videos for widescreen hacks to enable 16:9.
Thank you for the in-depth review. I think after seeing 3ds performance and lack of gyro, I'm less likely to pick one of these up. And console mode not working, that's a HUGE downside. Thanks for the info.
My wallet weeps and My heart sings of joy. I already got the scheme to custom paint this and other mods planned out. I love the over all look of this. As Russ would Say it's Very Pocketable.
This is the first Anbernic device I've bought at release $160 on ebay. I own their RG351MP and RG28xx from Amazon. Ive been patiently waiting for a compact handheld that can reliably play up to GC/PS2. The 405M was close but didnt hit this level of power. The 556 is great but not compact. I think people are forgetting that while the 1:1 screen gets you black bars on top and bottom you're also getting a taller device which allows for the better ergonomics.
@@fillerbunnyninjashark271I don't think you're going to convince anyone that has the FOMO bug to pass on this device. It's everything we've been yearning for in a 4:3 screen device, while only forcing distortion and other compromises through a1:1 screen. It will be a poor seller but these glowing comments prove there's lid for every pot.
Thanks for doing the investigation on the cause of the light bleed! Bummer to know every unit will have it unless they change the structure (they won't, cuz it's shipping soon).
after watching this review, and many other handheld videos here and elsewhere, i have this opinion as a very new person to these tiny handhelds. if one of the major companies that makes these doesn't ever reach out to you as a product advisor then none of the companies who make these devices care at all about their consumers. it's clear to see that you would correct any issues during design through to pre release production with ease. so, if none of these companies ever reach out to get your opinion at any stage of product development, none of these companies care about the consumers and are only going to make less than perfect devices to keep people in the buying circle.
Oh crap SON!!!! You just sold me on that thing with video out and Bluetooth. I needed something for Pico 8 and if this has the Video out the way you say it may not be as big but the picture should be awesome. Thanks. ETA Prime kind of missed the Video out thing. For the price though I just still need to think about it. IDK. Hmmmmmm
I'll buy the RG Cube even with its flaws, its one of the better anbernic handhelds and let me tell you, 3DS is gonna be my main thing so having a device that play it and play my favourite other system is my ideal.
I sort of wish there's a version of this but with a 4:3 screen. someone should do a video explaining what's the niche about the 1:1 display because i don't really understand it....
Idk why they would go by 1:1 instead of 4:3 aspect ratio due to more games being 4:3 especially if it has more power then that means higher consoles can run which all have 4:3
I wanted to get this but I already seen the light bleed issues and no chance you'll get one without it. It's a shame as it would have made a great portable ps2. If it was a 4:3 screen it would be perfect.
Hey ! Thank you for the quality of your videos, you are doing an amazing job 🙏 Can you help me to chose between the RG CUBE and the RP4 Pro ? My goal is to play N64 / Dreamcast / CG
This is the device i want. It plays what i want and more. My one issue? Screen size. Its too small for my taste. I dont wan a huge screen, just prefer rectangular shaped. If anyones got a recommendation lol ill take it. Bet a new device will come out in a few months and fix my issue though lol
I'm def interested in this one! Bought a Retroid Pocket 2+ but I want something so bad that can run Gamecube and PS2 Need for Speed games. Seems like this is the one but Ill be waiting for that video out support forsure.
Id like you to know that Anbernic sent me your video as a response when I told them I had light bleed, asking if they'd send me a replacement or give a refund. They asked me if I could "remove the LCD" (which you don't do here) and "see if that helps" and sent me this. I'm waiting for a response on a guarantee if I damage anything if they will replace it, since they are asking me to do it!
Can you explain the difference of having two different channels with a voice changer the differentiate between the two of essentially the same content?
As a RG556 owner, I can say that I would skip this and get an RGB30 if you mainly game 16 bit games and want this screen size. People want this for 3DS and above. From my experience with the 556, it plays most games but you still need to tinker stuff around. I would go with the 556 with the current deals. You get more for the money and the screen is gorgeous. You can still play 3Ds games and do more but of course it’s bulky.
Rgb30 was known and praised for pico8. As far as I know Android still does not have native pico8 so it is not the best 1:1 screen device just for that particular reason.
I was interested initially for the compact nature if it while doing n64 great and having ps2 on there. I think i may need to hold out a little longer. Especially for poscketable ps2 gaming. Odin 2 is a good one just pricey for only ps2 though!
They started developing this device to compete with the ZPG A1 Unicorn, and they released it even before its competitor… I find it kind of ugly but I can’t help but be impressed by Anbernic’s speed here.
Thank you for looking at the light bleed issue. I was going to get this to replace my RGB30 since the RG Cube has touch controls so better DS/3DS usage, but that d-pad position is less than ideal for my needs. I use my RGB30 a lot for the Game Boys/MD/SNES/Neo/DS etc thanks to that 1:1 screen but does anyone have any experience with long play sessions on the RG Cube with that bottom d-pad?
I’m just watching this 3 weeks later and looking through the comments and I still can’t find the answer lol I want it and I don’t even know what it is 😂
Whenever a system gets up near $200, I say just go with a Steamdeck or Windows based handheld in the $399 price point instead. You get so much more out of those systems, they can play newer games and actual pc games, and run ps2 and gamecube era and earlier magnificently well
I've been waiting for a more expensive 1:1 device like this because I prefer distorted gaming visuals, with the possible exception of 3DS. I could obviously buy a cheaper 1:1 device for GB, GBC and Pico-8 but why not spend more whenever you can? The FOMO is even beginning to convince my lying eyes that black bars look better on top and bottom. So with absolutely no good reason to buy this, I'm buying two for my FOMO shelf so the dust collects on these instead.
Question: Is this device suitable for Ds / 3DS out of the box? Or does that require a lot of tinkering and setting up? Because that's my main draw, due to the 1:1 screen making the dual screen games feasible.
@@Eragonfrost that's great to hear. Some ppl seem to think that 3ds doesn't run well on this device. Seems odd, especially since you specifically mention boosting the res...
@@pernstar yea they have 3DS in almost every video review of the Cube and all the games I tested run flawlessly including Wario Ware Gold, Super Mario 3D Land and even Mario Kart 7, just watch a few videos for reference
but zelda windwaker has a 2-player coop mode with tingletuner, so i stay with my gamecube and the original game + zelda sp for player 2 and enjoy the fullgame together instead of playing alone on this thing and missing alot of features and gamemodes.
Just bought mine (except as a Guest like a dummy) so now I don't know how to track my Cube 😭 hopefully it'll get here on time before I travel August 4th
