Released in late 2023, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus quickly became a benchmark in its category, thanks to significant upgrades over its predecessor, the RG35XX. Its success lies in the blend of portability, performance, and affordability, making it a highly attractive option for those looking to relive classic gaming with ease and solid execution. With support for multiple emulators, a quality screen, and robust build, it won over both beginners and enthusiasts. But in 2025, does it still hold up against newer rivals? Here's a full breakdown of this compact beast.
Design: Compact and Lightweight
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus retains the retro aesthetic that has defined Anbernic’s charm, with a compact, ergonomic body inspired by the classic Game Boy. Measuring 117mm wide by 81mm tall and weighing just 186 grams, it’s ideal for extended play without discomfort. The grip is firm and comfortable, allowing for hours of gameplay with excellent control and precision, even in demanding titles.
Made from ABS plastic, the build feels durable without sacrificing the lightweight nature that defines the model. The finish is clean, with smooth edges and tight fittings that convey quality despite its budget-friendly positioning. Available in white, gray, and transparent black, it caters to both lovers of classic looks and those seeking a more modern flair.
Controls: Optimized for 16-Bit Gaming
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus features well-designed controls that deliver a responsive tactile experience, with all buttons ergonomically placed. The Select, Start, Menu, A, B, X, and Y buttons offer good resistance and firm feedback, ensuring accuracy during gameplay. The digital D-pad stands out for its sensitivity and precision—perfect for platformers and fighters where every move matters. The L1/L2 and R1/R2 triggers, though compact, perform well in emulations of newer consoles.
The menu button and integrated shortcuts work intuitively, allowing users to switch systems and access settings with ease. This smooth navigation enhances the overall experience, especially for those who enjoy exploring different platforms. In short, the controls deliver accuracy, comfort, and consistency—key ingredients for long, frustration-free sessions.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
One of the Anbernic RG35XX Plus’s biggest upgrades is its connectivity, which has evolved significantly from previous models. Now equipped with Wi-Fi 5GHz and Bluetooth 4.2, it supports OTA updates, file transfers, RetroAchievements, Netplay, and external controller pairing. These features greatly expand its usability, making the device more versatile and modern. You can, for instance, play on a big screen with a wireless controller or sync saves across devices—enhancing its practicality and integration.
It also includes a USB-C port for fast charging and stable PC connection, simplifying both continuous use and data transfer. The mini HDMI output lets you hook it up to monitors or TVs, turning it into a retro desktop hub. And the headphone jack offers a more immersive audio experience, perfect for those who value sound quality during gameplay.
Display: 3.5-Inch IPS, 640x480 Resolution
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus’s 3.5-inch IPS screen is a standout feature, delivering a crisp and immersive visual experience. With a resolution of 640x480, it offers vibrant colors, strong contrast, and wide viewing angles, ensuring great visibility even in bright environments.
Its 4:3 aspect ratio is another highlight, tailored for retro gaming to avoid the distortion common in widescreen displays. This means games are shown in their original format, preserving the visual fidelity of past generations.
Battery: 3300mAh for Up to 8 Hours
Powered by a 3300mAh battery, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus offers up to 8 hours of playtime, making it ideal for long gaming sessions without frequent recharging. Battery life may vary depending on emulator type and screen brightness, but overall, its energy performance is reliable and satisfying.
A full charge takes about 2 hours via USB-C, which is reasonable for its capacity. The USB-C port also supports modern chargers, adding convenience.
Processor and Storage: Allwinner H700 and 1GB RAM
At its core, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus runs on the Allwinner H700 quad-core chip, paired with a G31 MP2 dual-core GPU and 1GB LPDDR4 RAM—a setup that ensures smooth performance across most emulated platforms. It can handle systems like PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, and even Dreamcast with decent stability, offering a consistent experience even in more demanding titles.
It comes with 64GB of internal storage preloaded with thousands of games, allowing users to start playing right away. Storage is expandable via microSD up to 256GB, giving you the freedom to build a vast game library tailored to your preferences.
Operating System and Emulation Platforms
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus runs GarlicOS 2.0 by default—a lightweight, functional, and retro-optimized interface with excellent performance and platform organization.
Fully supported platforms:
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- 8 and 16-bit consoles: NES, Master System, Super Nintendo, Mega Drive
- 32 and 64-bit consoles: PlayStation 1
- Portables: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- And more
Partially supported platforms:
- Nintendo GameCube (NGC)
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
- Dreamcast (DC)
- Nintendo 64 (N64)
Price
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is available on AliExpress for prices ranging from $70 to $90.
Is the RG35XX Plus Still Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
In 2025, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus remains a compelling choice for those seeking a portable console with solid retro emulation, compact design, and affordable pricing. However, with the arrival of the Anbernic RG35XX Pro, which offers better compatibility, superior controls, and a more refined feature set at a similar price, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is only a smart buy when found in the $45 to $55 range. Outside that bracket, it loses ground to newer, more complete options—even within Anbernic’s own lineup.
Alternatives to the RG35XX Plus
- Anbernic RG35XX Pro: Same H700 chip, but with dual analog sticks, ideal for 3D games. Features better ergonomics and a more refined shell.
- R36 Ultra: Equipped with RK3326 chip, 1GB RAM, and supports Nintendo 64 and Saturn with superior performance. Includes Wi-Fi and a 4-inch screen.
- R36S: Also powered by RK3326, 1GB RAM, and handles PlayStation 1 and Dreamcast with stability. Has a simpler design, 3.5-inch screen, and costs significantly less.
