Anbernic makes very niche devices that appeal to an audience who really loves the idea of retro gaming on a small screen and on the go. Adding games to any of the Anbernic consoles is usually pretty straightforward by connecting the device or a microSD card to a computer and dragging and dropping the ROM files into the appropriate folder. Anbernic does a great job of improving their devices every year but, for now, the RG552P is the best Anbernic handheld gaming device available.
About Anbernic
Founded in 2018, Anbernic is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in retro handheld gaming devices. They have quickly made a name for themselves by releasing quality devices focused on emulating classic console gaming experiences.
Anbernic consoles run on Android or Linux, allowing flexibility in adding software and games. The active modding and hacking community creates custom firmware for enhanced performance and features. While the base model functionality provides a solid retro gaming platform out of the box.
With options ranging from $50 to $200, screen sizes from 2.8” to 5.5”, and support for 20+ gaming platforms, Anbernic appeals to casual and hardcore retro enthusiasts alike. Their relentless iteration places them at the forefront of nostalgic handheld technology.
Top 9 Anbernic Models
Best Overall: Anbernic RG552
- 5.36-inch HD touchscreen display
- 6400mAh battery
- Hexa-core 64-bit CPU
- Compatible with Android and Linux operating systems
- Dual stereo speakers
- Includes charger
The RG552 succeeds with a 5.36-inch 5:3 touch display offering excellent quality. The Rockchip RK3399 SoC and 4GB RAM provide power for PSP, Dreamcast, N64 emulation. Dual Android/Linux OS enables thousands of native Android games too. Performance will only increase as the community optimizes software over time. HDMI output allows big screen gaming directly from the device.
Best Build Quality: Anbernic RG351MP
With aluminum build construction, the RG351MP feels truly premium. Design highlights like dual analog sticks and USB-Charging complement a high quality experience. Emulation up to PS1 is smooth, with some inconsistency in N64/Dreamcast. The metal casing and performance make it a sleek yet mighty handheld.
Best Mid-Range: Anbernic RG503
As a middle-ground pick, the RG503 shines with its 4.95” OLED matching PlayStation Vita quality. The RK3566 CPU outdoes older models, nearing premium flagship power. Display and processor combine for flawless PS1 gameplay. Support for three color options introduces individuality. At $125 it strikes capability and affordability.
Best Game Boy Lookalike: Anbernic RG351V
Nostalgic gamers will do a double take seeing the RG351V shaped like Game Boy hardware. Beyond looks, the 3:2 screen, joystick and button mapping replicate a GBA impressively. Built-in WiFi enables multiplayer as the 2,500 included games will attest. Expandable storage leaves room to load 10,000+ ROMs easily for the ultimate Game Boy throwback experience.
Best Pocket-Friendly: Anbernic RG300X
At 3” the RG300X fits anywhere, ready for gaming sessions on the go. The compact form mirrors Game Boy Micro, cementing miniaturized retro play. Despite size, the 5,100 game library ensures endless old school variety. Limits on performance means focusing on 8 and 16-bit experiences, but that’s just fine for true portability.
Best Small Package: Anbernic RG280V
The uniquely oriented RG280V proves retro gaming works even in vertical alignment. Keeping expectations below PS1, the 2.8” display shines with included titles and expandable game support. Long battery life via 2100mAh battery supplements on-the-go playability. For $70 it hits all the buttons as an inexpensive secondary handheld.
Best Windows: Anbernic WIN600
By running Windows 10, the WIN600 opens more possibilities than standard Android/Linux. Official Steam compatibility alongside emulation diversifies game libraries tremendously. Modest AMD Athlon Silver internals still achieve PS1 emulation and some Dreamcast. The 5.94” multitouch display creates an essential bridge to integrate modern and retro libraries.
Best Value: Anbernic RG351P
As a previous generation console, the RG351P has come down nicely in price making it a value pick. Landing at $90 brings a quality handheld emphasizing Game Boy Advance visuals with a 3:2 display. Support for 10,000 total games when adding storage creates endless gameplay on a budget. Battery life up to 8 hours means all day play supported by USB-C quick charging.
Best Retro Style: Anbernic RG353P
The RG353P brilliantly integrates a Super Nintendo controller design with 3.5” display performance. Despite looks everything runs via Android/Linux OS perfecting 30 platforms. 10,000 included games needing no other purchase represents tremendous value. For mere $135, design originality through iconic styling symbolizes retro gaming wonderfully.
How to Add Games
Since Anbernic systems revolve around emulation, playing your favorite childhood ROMs involves simply loading the files. The process works as:
1. Acquire game ROM files for desired platforms
Methods to achieve this step won’t be covered here. But search engines should provide necessary information.
2. Insert microSD card into computer or connect Anbernic via USB
This exposes storage to transfer files.
3. Create folders for each gaming platform (NES, SNES, Genesis, etc.)
4. Add ROMs to matching game platform folders
5. Safely eject storage and insert back into Anbernic
6. Download emulator for each platform used
Add the emulator app to consume ROMs from expected folder locations.
7. Launch added emulators to play newly added games!
The active community and custom firmware add more advanced functionality too. But the above represents the basic gist of loading additional game titles to any model.
How to Choose
With such a wide variety of devices, making the right selection relies on identifying your exact needs:
Performance
Newer RK3399 and RK3566 systems perform the best. Prioritize these for smoother gameplay on higher demand platforms like N64 or Dreamcast.
Library Depth
Pre-installed games save time setting up. Lean toward models advertising thousands of included ROMs if this is most important.
Controls
Look to Anbernic devices with integrated joysticks and fuller button arrays if physical interaction is paramount. Avoid the more Game Boy styled units focusing on portability.
Display Quality
Larger screens or OLED/IPS technology offer better visuals. Make screen size and panel type a top criteria should display quality matter most.
Form Factor
Vertical, horizontal, handheld or pocket sizes appear throughout Anbernic’s catalog. Evaluate intended playing environments (travel, bed, couch gaming) and then get the design suiting those usage needs.
Balancing all aspects against pricing and accessory inclusions can make the selection process easier. Don’t overspend just to max specifications. Likewise don’t underestimate extras like storage out of the box. Identify exactly what counts most for your retro gaming vision and let that guide a tailored decision.
The Experience
Getting an Anbernic device instantly transports anyone back to gaming’s early days. Filling the microSD card with cherished childhood ROMs reconnects to nostalgia promptly with impressive accuracy. Closure of eyes briefly fools senses to feel original controllers and CRT screen glows.
Anbernic consoles capture simplicity in their rooted dedication to retro form and function. No patches, no microtransactions, no online requirements – just unadulterated gaming bliss. Screens may pixelate but minds recreate sensations no HD mode could ever emulate. This purity remains Anbernic’s magic.
Exploring pre-loaded libraries reveals how far gaming evolved even through early generations. Controllers improve reflexes just as continuous deaths master formerly impossible levels. Passionate communities share this understanding; their support propels Anbernic’s continued relevance.
Our Top Pick
The RG552P represents the current pinnacle of Anbernic engineering. It sets a high bar of performance through quality hardware. Great build construction remains comfortable during long play sessions while handling PlayStation emulation nicely.
For pure versatility balancing power, display size, operability, and software ecosystem, the RG552P checks all boxes to wear the Anbernic crown. Sufficient internal specs combined with an enthusiastic community ensures popularity long after release.
Make no mistake, Anbernic devices distinctly appeal to the retro obsessed. But the RG552P makes a great entry point to explore a fascinating and friendly corner of gaming’s past. It earns our recommendation as the best Anbernic handheld for most.
Closing Thoughts
Anbernic retro handhelds clearly speak to specific gaming motivations. Their odd niche was cultivated brilliantly by Anbernic as options continue diversifying unique use cases. Building reputable and mod-friendly devices forged trust within target audiences.
While the RG552P leads the pack in capability, needs varying to hardcore emulation or ultra-portability open avenues finding alternate satisfaction. New models stretch innovation yearly although current flagships handle most desires sufficiently today. For all retro enthusiasts, Anbernic choices welcome beloved platforms to modern palettes gorgeously.
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