Anbernic RG28XX 2025: Complete Horizontal Retro Handheld Guide

Anbernic has just unveiled their latest addition to the retro gaming handheld market with the RG28XX, marking a significant shift from their vertical form factor designs to a horizontal layout reminiscent of Nintendo’s Game Boy Micro.

The Anbernic RG28XX is a compact horizontal retro handheld gaming console featuring a 2.8-inch IPS screen and capable of emulating games up to Dreamcast and PSP systems, announced in April 2024 as part of Anbernic’s expanding product lineup.

This announcement represents Anbernic’s strategic expansion into the horizontal form factor market, targeting retro gaming enthusiasts who prefer traditional handheld layouts while maintaining the budget-friendly pricing that has made the brand popular in the emulation community.

What makes this release particularly interesting is how Anbernic has managed to pack substantial gaming power into an extremely compact package while keeping costs low enough to appeal to budget-conscious gamers.

What is the Anbernic RG28XX?

The Anbernic RG28XX is a pocket-sized retro gaming handheld that combines nostalgic design with modern emulation capabilities, offering players access to decades of gaming history in a device that fits comfortably in your pocket.

At its core, the RG28XX features the proven H700 quad-core chipset that powers many successful Anbernic devices, providing enough processing power to handle demanding emulators like Dreamcast and PSP while maintaining smooth performance for classic systems.

The device represents Anbernic’s answer to growing demand for horizontal format handhelds, which many users find more comfortable for extended gaming sessions compared to vertical layouts like those found in the RG35XX series.

With its Game Boy Micro-inspired design, the RG28XX appeals to both retro gaming purists who appreciate nostalgic aesthetics and modern users who need portable emulation solutions without the bulk of larger handhelds.

RG28XX Technical Specifications

The technical specifications of the RG28XX reveal a carefully balanced approach to performance and cost, featuring hardware that delivers solid emulation capabilities while maintaining an affordable price point.

The H700 chipset has proven itself in previous Anbernic models, offering reliable performance for emulators up to sixth-generation consoles while maintaining excellent battery efficiency.

The 2.8-inch IPS screen, while smaller than many competitors, provides vibrant colors and good viewing angles, making it suitable for gaming sessions despite its compact size.

With 3100mAh of battery capacity, users report 6-8 hours of real-world gaming time, exceeding manufacturer estimates and providing enough power for extended retro gaming sessions.

Design and Color Variants

The RG28XX’s design philosophy combines nostalgic aesthetics with practical considerations, resulting in a device that feels both familiar and fresh to retro gaming enthusiasts.

The horizontal form factor follows the classic Game Boy Micro layout, with controls positioned for comfortable thumb access during extended gaming sessions, a design choice that many users prefer over vertical layouts.

Anbernic offers the RG28XX in four distinct color variants, each targeting different aesthetic preferences within the retro gaming community:

• Beige White: Classic retro computer aesthetic reminiscent of 80s gaming hardware
• Black Transparent: Modern transparent design showing internal components
• Grey: Professional, understated option for serious gamers
• Orange: Vibrant, eye-catching option for those wanting a distinctive look

The compact 125-gram weight makes the RG28XX extremely portable, easily fitting into pockets or small bags without adding significant bulk, addressing the needs of gamers who prioritize portability above all else.

While the build quality features plastic construction typical of budget devices, users report that the materials feel sturdy enough for regular use, though some mention concerns about long-term durability at this price point.

Gaming and Emulation Performance

The RG28XX delivers impressive emulation performance for its size and price point, handling decades of gaming history with varying degrees of success across different console systems.

The device excels at emulating classic systems like NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance, delivering perfect performance with minimal configuration required from users.

For more demanding systems, the RG28XX handles PlayStation 1 games flawlessly, while Nintendo DS emulation works well for many titles, though some dual-screen intensive games may struggle with the single-screen layout.

The real test comes with sixth-generation systems, where the H700 chipset shows its capabilities: Dreamcast games run at playable frame rates with some optimization, while PSP emulation works surprisingly well for less demanding titles.

Based on community feedback, here are some of the best-performing systems on the RG28XX:

1. Perfect Performance: NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance
2. Excellent Performance: PlayStation 1, Sega CD, Nintendo 64
3. Good Performance: Nintendo DS (many titles), Dreamcast (optimized games)
4. Playable Performance: PSP (less demanding titles), Sega Saturn

Users report successfully completing demanding games like Final Fantasy VII on the device, demonstrating that the small screen doesn’t prevent enjoyable gaming experiences with RPGs and strategy titles.

Market Position and Pricing

The RG28XX positions itself strategically in the budget retro handheld market, offering features and performance that compete well against devices in the $32.99-$69.99 price range.

When compared to Anbernic’s own product lineup, the RG28XX serves as a horizontal alternative to the popular RG35XX series, targeting users who prefer traditional handheld layouts while maintaining similar performance capabilities.

Competition comes from various Chinese manufacturers producing budget handhelds, but Anbernic’s established reputation and proven H700 chipset give the RG28XX an advantage in brand recognition and reliability.

The pricing strategy positions the RG28XX as an entry-level device for those new to retro handheld gaming, while still offering enough features to appeal to experienced users looking for a portable secondary device.

Market analysis suggests the RG28XX appeals to several consumer segments: retro gaming enthusiasts seeking portability, budget-conscious gamers wanting affordable emulation, and collectors interested in Anbernic’s expanding product ecosystem.

The competitive landscape shows increasing market saturation in the budget handheld space, but the RG28XX’s horizontal form factor and Game Boy Micro-inspired design help it stand out from predominantly vertical competitors.

Final Thoughts

The Anbernic RG28XX represents an important strategic move for the company, demonstrating their ability to adapt to market demands while maintaining their commitment to affordable retro gaming solutions.

For consumers, the RG28XX offers an accessible entry point into retro handheld gaming, providing enough power to handle decades of gaming history in an extremely portable package that won’t break the bank.

While the small screen size and plastic build quality represent compromises at this price point, the overall value proposition remains strong, especially for gamers who prioritize portability and budget over premium features.

As the retro handheld market continues to evolve, the RG28XX shows that there’s still room for innovation in the budget segment, with Anbernic successfully balancing nostalgia, performance, and affordability in this compact horizontal package.