Anbernic RG35XXSP Review 2025: Complete Hands-On Analysis

The Anbernic RG35XXSP is the retro gaming handheld I’ve been waiting for – a perfect blend of nostalgic Game Boy Advance SP design with modern internals that can actually deliver the performance retro gamers crave.

This clamshell device packs an H700 quad-core processor, 3.5-inch IPS display, and 8 hours of battery life into a pocket-sized package that feels remarkably similar to Nintendo’s classic folding handheld, but with enough power to emulate everything from NES to PSP with impressive performance.

After spending three weeks with the RG35XXSP as my daily retro gaming companion, testing everything from 8-bit classics to PS1 RPGs, I can tell you this device delivers on its promises – with some important caveats you need to know before spending your $70.

From the satisfying magnetic snap of the clamshell closure to the surprisingly vibrant display that makes retro games pop, the RG35XXSP nails the essentials while leaving room for improvement in areas like button feel and stock software polish.

First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

Unboxing the RG35XXSP immediately brings back memories of opening a Game Boy Advance SP in 2003. The compact box contains the console itself, a USB-C charging cable, a pre-loaded 64GB microSD card with 5,532 games, and a basic instruction manual that’s frankly inadequate.

The console feels substantial in hand – not cheap like some knockoff handhelds I’ve tested over the years. The silver variant I reviewed has a premium brushed finish that looks more expensive than its $70 price tag suggests.

Customer photos confirm the premium build quality right out of the box. The packaging includes everything needed to start gaming immediately, though I recommend picking up a larger microSD card since the included 64GB fills up quickly when you start adding your own ROM collection.

First boot-up takes about 30 seconds, and you’re greeted with a familiar retro gaming interface that’s functional but lacks the polish of modern gaming OS interfaces. The pre-loaded games work immediately, but setup requires some technical know-how to organize and optimize your library.

Design and Build Quality: Modern Tech in a Nostalgic Package

Anbernic nailed the clamshell design inspiration. The RG35XXSP measures just 3.5″ x 3.35″ x 1.06″ when closed, making it incredibly pocketable – exactly what I want from a retro handheld for commuting and travel.

The build quality impresses with sturdy plastic construction that doesn’t feel flimsy. The magnetic closure is a nice touch – it snaps shut with a satisfying click and stays closed in my bag without any accidental openings during two weeks of daily carry.

However, the hinge mechanism raises concerns after extended use. While it feels solid initially, I’ve noticed slight creaking developing after intensive gaming sessions, and customer reviews confirm hinge durability issues developing after a month of regular use.

The button layout will be familiar to anyone who’s owned a Nintendo handheld. The D-pad and face buttons are responsive with a clicky feel that some find loud but I appreciate for the tactile feedback. Shoulder buttons are the weak point – positioned too low for comfortable extended gaming sessions.

Real-world photos from buyers show how the device holds up over time. The plastic chassis resists scratches well, though the screen picks up fingerprints easily – a common issue with glossy displays on handheld devices.

Display Analysis: Is the 3.5-inch Screen Good Enough?

Yes, the 3.5-inch IPS display is genuinely impressive for this price point. The 640×480 resolution might seem modest by modern standards, but it’s perfect for retro games designed for lower resolutions.

The OCA lamination and tempered glass protection create a vibrant, clear display that makes colors pop. I tested it in various lighting conditions, and while direct sunlight causes some glare, indoor gaming looks fantastic with deep blacks and bright colors that really bring retro games to life.

Viewing angles are excellent thanks to the IPS panel technology – no color shifting when viewing from the side, which is great for when friends want to watch you play. The 4:3 aspect ratio is perfect for most retro games, though some widescreen PSP games show black bars.

Customer images demonstrate the display quality in real-world use. Games look sharp and colorful, with pixel art rendered crisply without the blurriness I’ve experienced on cheaper handhelds with inferior screens.

The Hall switch that automatically turns the screen on/off when opening/closing the clamshell is a thoughtful touch that preserves battery life and adds to the premium feel of the device.

Gaming Performance: What Systems Can RG35XXSP Actually Play?

The H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor with 1GB LPDDR4 RAM provides excellent performance for retro gaming. I tested dozens of systems and here’s how it performs across different eras:

8-bit systems (NES, Game Boy, Master System): Perfect performance – no frames dropped, instant load times, and accurate emulation with features like save states working flawlessly.

16-bit systems (SNES, Genesis, Game Boy Advance): Excellent performance with only minor slowdown in intensive games like Star Fox or Mode 7 titles. Most games run at full speed with perfect audio synchronization.

32-bit systems (PS1, Sega Saturn): Surprisingly good performance. Most PS1 games run at full speed with proper configuration. I tested Final Fantasy VII, Crash Bandicoot, and Tekken 3 – all playable with minor graphical glitches in some titles.

Portable systems (PSP, Nintendo DS): Mixed results. 2D PSP games and simpler 3D titles run well, but intensive games like God of War struggle. Nintendo DS emulation works but requires touchscreen input mapping that isn’t ideal.

64-bit systems (N64, Dreamcast): Limited performance. Simple N64 games like Mario Kart 64 run at playable speeds with some tweaking, but most titles struggle. Dreamcast emulation is mostly experimental.

Real customer photos show the device handling various games smoothly. The performance is genuinely impressive for a $70 handheld, easily beating smartphones for dedicated retro gaming thanks to physical controls and optimized software.

The key is finding the right emulator cores and settings. With proper configuration, most systems up to PS1 run flawlessly, making this an excellent all-in-one retro gaming solution.

Software and OS: Stock vs Custom Firmware

The stock operating system is functional but dated. While it gets the job done with basic game launching and settings management, the interface feels clunky and lacks modern polish. I experienced occasional crashes when navigating large game libraries.

The good news is the RG35XXSP has excellent custom firmware support. After testing both stock and custom options, I highly recommend installing either Knulli or MuOS for a dramatically improved experience.

Custom firmware offers better performance, more emulator options, improved UI, and additional features like better save state management and themes. Installation requires some technical skill but pays dividends in daily use.

Game organization is another area where the stock OS falls short. With 5,532 pre-loaded games, finding what you want to play becomes challenging without proper categorization – something custom firmware handles much better.

Dual SD card support is a standout feature. I use one card for the operating system and another for games, which improves performance and makes managing large libraries much easier than a single card solution.

Battery Life and Connectivity: How Long Does It Last?

The 3300mAh battery delivers solid performance. In my testing with mixed retro gaming at medium brightness, I consistently got 7-8 hours of gameplay – easily enough for a full day of gaming or several days of casual play.

Charging takes about 2 hours via the USB-C port, which is conveniently positioned at the bottom of the device. The battery maintains its charge well when not in use, losing minimal power over several days of standby.

Connectivity options include 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2. WiFi works well for downloading games and updates, though I found it drains the battery faster than I’d like when left enabled. Bluetooth connects easily to wireless controllers, though I preferred using the built-in controls for portability.

The HDMI output support is a nice bonus for playing on larger screens. I tested it with a 1080p monitor and was impressed with the upscaled quality – retro games look great on modern displays with the RG35XXSP handling the scaling well.

One downside is the speaker quality – while functional, the mono speaker produces tinny sound with noticeable crackling at higher volumes. Headphones are strongly recommended for the best audio experience.

The Bottom Line: Pros and Cons

What I love about the RG35XXSP:

• Excellent hardware quality and premium build for the price
• Beautiful 3.5-inch IPS display with vibrant colors
• Powerful H700 processor handles most retro systems flawlessly
• Great battery life (7-8 hours of real gaming)
• Authentic clamshell design with satisfying magnetic closure
• Excellent custom firmware support improves the experience
• Compact pocket-sized form factor perfect for travel

What concerns me about the RG35XXSP:

• Hinge durability issues reported after extended use
• Clicky buttons can be loud in quiet environments
• Stock OS interface feels dated and clunky
• Shoulder button positioning isn’t ideal for extended gaming
• Speaker quality is poor – headphones required
• Learning curve for non-technical users
• Inconsistent quality control based on customer reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Anbernic RG35XXSP?

After three weeks of intensive testing, I can confidently recommend the RG35XXSP to retro gaming enthusiasts who value portability and authentic design. The combination of nostalgic clamshell form factor with genuinely capable modern hardware creates a compelling package that delivers on its promises.

The RG35XXSP excels at what matters most: playing retro games well. From NES classics through PlayStation 1 gems, this device handles the vast majority of retro gaming history with impressive performance that puts smartphone emulation to shame.

At $70, it represents excellent value for the hardware you get – an H700 processor, quality IPS display, and 8-hour battery life in a premium-feeling clamshell package that’s perfect for retro gaming on the go.

While it’s not perfect – hinge durability concerns, dated stock software, and loud buttons keep it from being flawless – the overall package is compelling enough that I’d buy it again for my retro gaming needs. The custom firmware community support also ensures the device will only get better over time.

If you’re a nostalgic gamer who grew up with the Game Boy Advance SP and want a modern device that captures that magic while delivering the performance to handle your entire retro collection, the RG35XXSP is absolutely worth your money.