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Anbernic RG35XX-
The GameBoy-inspired Anbernic RG35XX is a great little retro handheld console.
The handheld gaming console market is dominated by one name: Nintendo Switch.
Understandably so, as the Switch is an excellent console.
What Is the Anbernic RG35XX?
The Anbernic RG35XX is a “mini” retro-gaming handheld.
We’ll get to the selection of games in a moment.
Design and Specs
The first thing you note when you unbox the RG35XX is its size.
You’ll find the RG35XX more similar in size to a GameBoy Pocket.
Screen brightness is good, giving you five levels of brightness to choose from.
I typically kept the brightness on “Level 4,” which brought every game to life with color.
Still, it’s something to be aware of.
It’s also powerful enough to upscale the output to 720p via the Mini HDMI output.
I didn’t have one to hand, but the RG35XX immediately recognized my 128GB card.
As above, the RG35XX has a Mini HDMI output at the top of the unit.
It has a maximum output of 720p, delivering plenty of quality for retro games.
And it just works without any issues, which is great.
Some of the emulators on the RG35XX have the option to change the aspect ratio, but not many.
The gaming time you get from the RG35XX battery depends on the games you play.
As PlayStation 1 games are the most demanding, your battery life will drop off faster.
I played Gran Turismo and clocked between three and three and a half hours of gameplay.
But when playing just original GameBoy titles, the battery life lasted hours longer.
You charge the RG35XX using a 5V/1.5A USB-C cable.
For most, this means plugging into a proper outlet.
The four shoulder buttons at the rear give L1/L2 and R1/R2 controls for games that require them.
All of the buttons work well and are responsive immediately.
The D-Pad is soft and accurate and works well in the full range of games I tried.
However, there are a few issues here.
One is that downloading ROMs you don’t own isn’t legal.
Emulator performance on the Anbernic RG35XX is good.
There are variations between emulators depending on their requirements.
My favorite emulator and games to play on the RG35XX are GameBoy Advanced.
The 3.5-inch screen, aspect ratio, and brightness combine to bring GBA titles to life.
Anbernic RG35XX GarlicOS Custom Firmware
The Anbernic RG35XX firmware (its operating system) is basic.
It’s not specifically bad, but it does lack certain features.
Should You Buy the Anbernic RG35XX?
you’ve got the option to pick theAnbernic RG35XX for $75 on Amazon.
It’s a trade-off, mind.
For my money, the RG35XX is a great little retro gaming handheld.
The beauty of a handheld like the RG35XX is broad appeal.
You just pick it up, and off you go.
