Anbernic RG35XX H Review 2025: Best Budget Handheld with Dual Analog Sticks

The retro gaming handheld market has exploded in recent years, but finding a quality device under $70 with dual analog sticks has been nearly impossible – until now.

The Anbernic RG35XX H is the best budget handheld under $70 for retro gaming, featuring dual analog sticks that make it ideal for 3D games from PS1, N64, and Dreamcast eras that other budget handhelds struggle with.

After spending two weeks with this compact handheld, testing everything from NES classics to Dreamcast titles, I’ve discovered a device that punches well above its weight class despite some software shortcomings.

This horizontal-form-factor handheld brings features typically found in $100+ devices down to an accessible price point, making retro gaming on-the-go more attainable than ever.

Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel at Budget Price

The RG35XX H immediately surprises with its solid construction. At just 5.8 ounces and measuring 3.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches, it’s remarkably pocketable while feeling sturdy in hand.

The plastic chassis has minimal flex, and the matte finish resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives. The device comes in several colors including Purple, White, Jet Black, and Transparent variants.

The horizontal layout feels natural for extended gaming sessions, with well-positioned face buttons and shoulder triggers that don’t cause fatigue during longer play sessions.

The dual analog sticks are the star feature here – they’re clicky, responsive, and properly spaced to avoid thumb collisions. Compared to other budget handhelds that omit analog sticks entirely, these feel premium with minimal dead zone.

The D-pad deserves special mention for its crisp, tactile feedback. Eight-way movements feel precise, making it excellent for fighting games and platformers where directional accuracy matters.

Shoulder buttons are the only weak point in the build quality. They’re loud and clicky, which might be disruptive in quiet environments. However, they’re responsive and durable despite the noise.

Overall, the build quality exceeds expectations for a sub-$70 device, feeling more premium than some handhelds costing twice as much.

Technical Specifications: What Powers the RG35XX H

The heart of the RG35XX H is the H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1.5GHz, paired with a Mali-G31 GPU. This combination provides adequate power for emulation up to the Dreamcast era.

The 3.5-inch display uses OCA full lamination technology, delivering crisp visuals at 640×480 resolution. While not HD by modern standards, the pixel density works well for retro games designed for CRT displays.

Storage comes courtesy of a 64GB TF card pre-installed, with support for larger cards up to 256GB. The Linux-based operating system comes preloaded with 10+ emulators, making it ready to game right out of the box.

Connectivity options include 5G WiFi support, Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting controllers, and even HDMI output for playing on your TV. The USB-C port supports fast charging, though the full charge cycle takes approximately 3 hours.

The device also includes dual speakers and vibration motors, adding immersion to compatible games. These features are typically absent from budget handhelds, making the RG35XX H stand out in its price range.

Emulation Performance: Can It Really Run Dreamcast?

The RG35XX H excels at emulating 8-bit and 16-bit systems. NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy games run flawlessly with full speed and accurate emulation.

PlayStation 1 performance is excellent, with most games running at full speed. Titles like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Crash Bandicoot play smoothly without noticeable frame drops.

Nintendo 64 emulation requires some configuration tweaking but works well for most titles. Games like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time run at playable speeds, though more demanding titles like Perfect Dark may experience occasional slowdowns.

The Dreamcast is where the dual analog sticks truly shine. Popular titles like Crazy Taxi, Soul Calibur, and Shenmue run surprisingly well, maintaining playable frame rates that make 3D gaming enjoyable on the small screen.

Performance drops off with more demanding systems. PSP games struggle with frame rate issues, and while some lighter titles work, more graphically intensive games are mostly unplayable.

The Linux-based RetroArch frontend provides customization options for each system, allowing users to tweak settings for optimal performance. Integer scaling options ensure pixels look sharp without distortion.

Operating System & User Experience

The stock Linux operating system is functional but feels underdeveloped. The interface is basic and lacks the polish of more mature handheld operating systems.

The Game Rooms menu, intended to organize games by system, causes performance issues and should be avoided. Many users report that disabling this feature improves overall system responsiveness.

WiFi connectivity can be problematic, with some users reporting connection drops and slow transfer speeds. Ethernet dongles may be necessary for reliable network access.

The software experience is the device’s weakest point. Many users report initial disappointment due to software quirks, though these can be largely resolved through custom firmware installation.

For beginners, the learning curve might be steep. The device assumes some technical knowledge for optimal setup and may frustrate users expecting a plug-and-play experience.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The 3300mAh battery delivers 6-8 hours of continuous gaming, depending on the emulation demands of the system being played. Lighter systems like NES can reach the 8-hour mark, while more intensive Dreamcast gaming drains battery faster.

Charging via USB-C takes approximately 3 hours for a full charge. The device supports fast charging, reaching 50% in about an hour, which is convenient for quick gaming sessions.

Connectivity options include 5G WiFi for network access and Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting wireless controllers. The HDMI output allows playing games on a larger screen, though performance may vary with external displays.

The dual speakers provide adequate sound for gaming, though audiophiles will want to use headphones for the best experience. Volume levels are sufficient for most environments but may struggle in noisy settings.

Vibration motors add haptic feedback to compatible games, enhancing immersion without being overly aggressive. The feature can be toggled off for those who prefer gaming without vibrations.

Price and Value Proposition

At $69.99, the RG35XX H offers exceptional value in the budget handheld market. The inclusion of dual analog sticks at this price point is virtually unmatched by competitors.

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Compared to other handhelds in the $50-80 range, the RG35XX H provides more features and better build quality. Devices from competitors often lack analog sticks or have inferior build quality at similar prices.

The target audience includes retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget, beginners exploring emulation, and collectors seeking a portable secondary device for classic gaming.

While premium handhelds offer better performance and refinement, the RG35XX H hits a sweet spot between affordability and functionality that makes it accessible to a wider audience.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the RG35XX H?

The Anbernic RG35XX H is an impressive budget handheld that delivers exceptional value despite its software shortcomings. The hardware quality, dual analog sticks, and solid emulation performance make it a compelling option for retro gaming on a budget.

Buy it if: You want dual analog sticks under $70, primarily play PS1 and earlier systems, and don’t mind installing custom firmware for the best experience.

Skip it if: You need a plug-and-play experience, want flawless PSP emulation, or prefer premium build quality and polished software.

For retro gaming enthusiasts willing to invest a little time in optimization, the RG35XX H offers an affordable gateway to portable gaming across decades of classic titles.