Launched in April 2024, the Anbernic RG28XX hits the market with a bold promise: delivering a full-blown retro gaming experience in a tiny, affordable package without skimping on performance. Its compact size doesn’t hold back its power, and its ability to emulate iconic consoles like the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation 1 is nothing short of impressive. With a blend of portability, efficiency, and a competitive price, the RG28XX has a lot to offer. In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into whether it truly lives up to the hype.
Design: Ultra-Compact and Nostalgic
The Anbernic RG28XX’s design is a love letter to retro gaming fans. Measuring just 125 x 56.5 x 16.5 mm and weighing a featherlight 123 grams, it slips effortlessly into your pocket without compromising ergonomics. Its simple, functional shape channels the golden era of handheld consoles, offering a comfortable grip for both quick sessions and marathon retro gaming.
Despite its small stature, the RG28XX feels sturdy and well-crafted. Built from durable plastic, it comes in vibrant, stylish colors like orange, gray, transparent black, and beige white, making it a visual standout.
Controls: Precise and Comfortable
The Anbernic RG28XX’s controls punch above their weight, delivering precision and tactile feedback despite the limited space. The A, B, X, and Y buttons, with their bold colors, are highly visible and satisfying to press, while the Select and Start buttons, positioned just below the D-Pad, are easily accessible for long gaming sessions.
The directional pad and shoulder buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2) offer firm resistance, giving a sense of durability and precise control—perfect for games that demand quick reflexes. Even with its small size, the RG28XX doesn’t cut corners on control quality.
Connectivity: Mini-HDMI and USB-C
The Anbernic RG28XX keeps connectivity simple but effective, aligning perfectly with its retro, ultra-compact ethos. It features a USB-C port for both charging and data transfer, plus a microSD card slot for expanding your game library and customizing content to your liking.
For a more immersive experience, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for dedicated audio and a mini-HDMI output, letting you connect the console to larger screens like TVs or monitors.
Display: 2.83-Inch IPS Screen
At first glance, the Anbernic RG28XX’s 2.83-inch display might seem modest, but it delivers sharp visuals and vivid colors that bring retro games to life. With a 4:3 aspect ratio, it stays true to the original format of many classic consoles, avoiding distortion and preserving the authentic look of emulated titles.
Thanks to IPS technology, the screen offers great viewing angles and consistent colors, even in varying lighting conditions.
Battery: 3100mAh with Up to 8 Hours of Playtime
The Anbernic RG28XX’s battery is a standout feature, offering up to 5 hours of continuous use—impressive for such a compact device. Battery life varies depending on emulation intensity and screen brightness.
Charging via USB-C is quick and modern, taking about 2 hours for a full charge, ensuring the console is ready for another round of gaming in no time.
Processor and Storage: H700 with 64GB
Powered by the H700 quad-core processor (up to 1.5GHz), the Anbernic RG28XX delivers solid performance, a staple in Anbernic’s lineup. Paired with 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, it handles demanding systems like PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and even some PSP titles with smooth emulation.
For storage, the RG28XX comes with 64GB of internal memory, preloaded with the operating system and around 5,000 games, giving you plenty to dive into right away. A second microSD slot supports up to 512GB, perfect for expanding your game collection.
Operating System and Emulated Platforms
The Anbernic RG28XX runs a custom Linux OS, offering a simple, efficient interface that’s easy to navigate. The lightweight and stable system lets you jump into games and tweak settings with ease, backed by an active community that provides regular updates and improvements.
Platforms That Run Flawlessly:
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- 8- and 16-bit Consoles: NES, Master System, Super Nintendo, Mega Drive
- 32- and 64-bit Consoles: PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- And More
Platforms with Partial Support:
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
- Dreamcast (DC)
Price
Priced between $35 and $45 on AliExpress, the Anbernic RG28XX offers outstanding value for portable emulation, making it a great choice for gamers who want performance without breaking the bank.
Is the Anbernic RG28XX Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
In 2025, the Anbernic RG28XX remains a fantastic pick for anyone craving a compact, affordable portable console. With its H700 quad-core processor, 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, and the ability to run systems like PS1, Dreamcast, and select PSP titles, it delivers a robust experience for its size and price. The 2.83-inch IPS display, responsive controls, and 5-hour battery life make it a practical, nostalgic gem.
For alternatives, the Miyoo A30 is a compelling option with a small screen and an added analog stick, though its performance lags slightly behind. The R36H, with its more traditional design, dual analog sticks, and larger screen, offers similar performance and better build quality—ideal if you’re willing to sacrifice some portability for a slightly lower price.
