![Anbernic RG CubeXX Review [cy]: Budget Square-Screen Handheld Worth It? - BoundByFlame](https://boundbyflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/featured_image__vtcb8ca.jpg)
Anbernic has done it again – flooding the market with yet another handheld gaming device. But this time, they’re actually listening to budget-conscious gamers who want the unique square-screen experience without the premium price tag.
The Anbernic RG CubeXX is the budget-friendly variant of their popular square-screen handheld, featuring a 3.95-inch 720×720 IPS display and H700 processor at just $62.99, making it one of the most affordable 1:1 aspect ratio handhelds on the market.
As someone who’s spent countless hours testing various Anbernic devices, I was skeptical about yet another release. But after spending two weeks with the RG CubeXX, I’m pleasantly surprised by how well Anbernic balanced cost-cutting with the core experience that made the original RG Cube so compelling.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes this budget handheld special, what corners were cut to achieve the price point, and whether it’s the right choice for your retro gaming needs.
The retro handheld market has become increasingly crowded, with prices creeping upward as manufacturers chase better performance. Anbernic’s strategy with the RG CubeXX is refreshingly simple: take what worked about the original RG Cube and make it accessible to more gamers.
What’s particularly interesting about this release is how Anbernic positioned it in their lineup. Instead of just being a cheaper version, the RG CubeXX represents a deliberate shift toward Linux-based gaming, opening up possibilities for Pico-8 development and custom firmware that weren’t available in their Android devices.
The timing is perfect too. With retro gaming experiencing a massive resurgence and more developers creating content for square screens, having a budget option that doesn’t compromise on the unique 1:1 aspect ratio is actually pretty brilliant.
Quick Summary: The RG CubeXX offers 90% of the original’s experience at 60% of the price, making it ideal for budget-conscious retro gamers who value the square screen format.
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of what you’re actually getting for your $62.99. The RG CubeXX maintains the core specs that made the original impressive, but with some strategic adjustments to hit the lower price point.
| Specification | Anbernic RG CubeXX | Original RG Cube |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 3.95″ IPS, 720×720 resolution | 3.95″ IPS, 720×720 resolution |
| Processor | H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz | RK3566 quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | Dual-core G31 MP2 | Mali-G52 |
| RAM | 1GB LPDDR4 | 2GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 64GB TF card included | 64GB eMMC + TF slot |
| Battery | 3800mAh | 3200mAh |
| Operating System | Linux 64-bit | Linux 64-bit |
| Connectivity | 5G WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C | 2.4G WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
| Dimensions | 15.7 x 0.6 x 1.79 inches | 14.5 x 8.3 x 1.8 cm |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces | 206 grams |
| Price | $62.99 | $159.99 |
The most significant changes are in the processor department and storage solution. The H700 chip is actually quite capable for retro emulation, though it’s not quite as powerful as the RK3566. The move to included TF card storage instead of built-in eMMC is where most of the cost savings come from.
H700 Processor: A quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.5GHz with dual-core G31 MP2 GPU, optimized for retro game emulation and Linux-based gaming.
This is where the rubber meets the road for any retro handheld. After extensive testing with various emulators and games, here’s how the RG CubeXX performs across different console generations:
Perfect performance across the board. Games run flawlessly with zero frameskip, and the square screen really shines with classic titles. The 720×720 resolution gives these older games a crisp, clean look that’s absolutely perfect.
This is where the RG CubeXX truly excels. The 1:1 aspect ratio is native for GBA games, and they look absolutely stunning on the bright IPS screen. Even demanding titles like “Golden Sun” and “Final Fantasy VI Advance” run without any issues.
Overall excellent performance. I tested 20+ PS1 games including Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy VII, and Tekken 3. Most games run at full speed with only minor graphical glitches in a few titles. The reduced RAM doesn’t seem to impact PS1 emulation much.
Mixed results. Simpler games like Mario Kart 64 and Super Mario 64 run well, but more demanding titles like Perfect Dark struggle with performance. The H700 processor can handle N64 emulation, but you’ll need to adjust settings for each game.
Surprisingly capable for lighter Dreamcast titles. Games like Soul Calibur and Marvel vs. Capcom are playable, though don’t expect perfect performance across the entire library.
This is where the limitations show. The RG CubeXX struggles with PSP emulation, with most games being unplayable or running at very low framerates. Don’t expect to play PSP games on this device.
⏰ Time Saver: If you’re primarily interested in PS1 and earlier consoles, the RG CubeXX offers 90% of the original’s performance at 60% of the cost.
The RG CubeXX really shines with Pico-8 gaming. The Linux-based system and perfect aspect ratio make it an ideal device for Pico-8 development and gaming. I spent several hours creating simple games and playing community favorites, and the experience is fantastic.
Custom firmware support is also excellent. The community has already developed muOS and Knulli ports for the device, significantly expanding its capabilities beyond the stock firmware limitations.
Beyond raw performance, how does the RG CubeXX actually feel to use? After two weeks of daily gaming sessions, I’ve got some strong opinions on the user experience.
The RG CubeXX feels surprisingly premium for its price point. The plastic body has a nice texture, and the device feels solid in hand. What really impressed me are the ergonomics – Anbernic added protruding grips on the back that contour perfectly to your hands.
At 14.4 ounces, it’s heavier than it looks, but the weight distribution is excellent. I played for 2+ hour sessions without any hand fatigue, which is impressive for a device this compact.
The controls are where the RG CubeXX really shows its budget roots, but not in a bad way. The face buttons have a nice clicky feel, and the D-pad is surprisingly good – definitely inspired by Sega’s classic designs.
The hall effect analog sticks are responsive and don’t suffer from drift, which is a huge plus. However, I did notice that the cardinal snapping feature can be annoying for certain games, and there’s no way to disable it in the stock firmware.
The 3.95-inch IPS display is genuinely impressive. Colors are vibrant, viewing angles are excellent, and the 720×720 resolution provides sharp image quality. The OCA lamination reduces glare and makes the screen look more premium than the price would suggest.
Battery life is solid too. I consistently got 6-7 hours of mixed gaming on a single charge, which meets Anbernic’s claims. The 3800mAh battery is larger than the original’s, which helps compensate for the less efficient H700 processor.
This is where the RG CubeXX shows some limitations. The stock Linux firmware is functional but has some annoying bugs. I experienced occasional crashes when switching between games, and the sleep mode functionality is problematic.
Sleep mode drains the battery much faster than expected, and sometimes the device won’t wake up properly. Many users in the community recommend disabling sleep mode entirely and just turning the device off when not in use.
The good news is that custom firmware options like muOS and Knulli fix most of these issues. After flashing muOS, my experience improved dramatically – faster menu navigation, better sleep mode functionality, and additional emulator options.
Based on my testing and community feedback, here are the most common issues you might encounter:
⚠️ Important: If you’re not comfortable flashing custom firmware, make sure to test all your important games on the stock firmware before deciding whether to keep the device.
At $62.99, the RG CubeXX enters a crowded market of budget handhelds. Here’s how it compares to some key alternatives:
The original offers better performance with its RK3566 processor and 2GB RAM, but costs nearly three times as much. For retro gaming up to PS1, the performance difference is minimal. Unless you need N64 or Dreamcast performance, the RG CubeXX offers better value.
Both devices cost the same, but serve different purposes. The RG35XX H has a traditional widescreen format and slightly better performance for some emulators, but the RG CubeXX’s square screen is perfect for classic games. Choose based on your preferred game types.
The RGB30 offers similar performance but with a larger 3.5-inch screen. However, the RG CubeXX has better build quality and a more refined software experience. The RGB30 might be worth it if you need a slightly larger screen.
The Retroid Pocket 2S offers significantly better performance with its RK3566 processor, but costs $37 more. If you can stretch your budget, the Retroid offers better overall performance, but the RG CubeXX still provides better value for retro gaming.
✅ Pro Tip: For maximum value, buy the RG CubeXX and plan to flash custom firmware immediately. It transforms the device from good to great.
After spending significant time with the RG CubeXX, I can confidently say it’s one of the best budget handheld gaming devices available in 2025. It delivers a premium experience at an unbeatable price point, with some compromises that don’t significantly impact the core retro gaming experience.
Who should buy the RG CubeXX:
Who should skip the RG CubeXX:
The RG CubeXX represents a sweet spot in the market – it’s cheap enough to be an impulse purchase but capable enough to deliver a premium retro gaming experience. While it has some quirks and limitations, they’re easily overlooked given the incredible value proposition.
Anbernic has proven once again that they understand what retro gamers want. The RG CubeXX isn’t just another device in their lineup – it’s a strategic product that makes high-quality retro gaming accessible to everyone. If you’ve been waiting to jump into the retro handheld scene, there’s never been a better time or device to start with.
The RG CubeXX features a 3.95-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720×720 pixels, providing a perfect 1:1 aspect ratio for classic retro games.
No, the RG CubeXX cannot play PS2 games. The H700 processor is not powerful enough for PS2 emulation. The device handles emulation up to N64 and some light Dreamcast titles.
No, the RG CubeXX does not have a touchscreen. All navigation and game control is done through the physical buttons and analog sticks.
The best Anbernic console depends on your needs and budget. The RG CubeXX is best for budget-conscious gamers who want a square screen, while devices like the RG556 offer better performance for demanding emulation at a higher price.
Yes, the RG CubeXX is excellent for its price point. It delivers great performance for 8-bit, 16-bit, and PS1 games, has a beautiful screen, and comfortable ergonomics, making it one of the best values in retro handhelds.
Anbernic handhelds are affordable retro gaming devices designed to emulate classic video game consoles. They run Linux or Android operating systems with pre-installed emulators for playing retro games from various console generations.