Anbernic RG35XXSP Impressions: They Nailed It
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- čas přidán 4. 06. 2024
- The clamshell RG35XXSP is Anbernic's latest handheld, and their first with this form factor. Even though they tried a lot of new features with this one, they actually were able to stick the landing. In this first-look video we'll go over my first impressions in terms of size, look, and feel of the device.
In-depth review: • RG35XXSP Review: King ...
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeH...
Anbernic direct: tinyurl.com/RG35XXSP
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this video ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:26 tech specs
02:13 unboxing and impressions
03:34 shoulders and triggers
05:23 battery and hinge
07:09 d-pad and buttons
11:11 ergonomics
11:42 size and weight comparisons
15:32 color options
16:53 software, screen, and audio
19:43 game testing
22:05 Batocera/Knulli testing
23:27 summary (good/not good)
26:27 conclusion
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#Anbernic #RG35XX #RG35XXSP #GBA #emulation - Hry
The price has been confirmed at $59 + shipping at launch. No word on release date but I'll update when I hear more. Here are the links for now (they are not working yet!):
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dk8VZdZ
Anbernic direct: tinyurl.com/RG35XXSP
60dollars IS good Price. Please update when you know the date
It's already sold out 😭
@@ivanm10it’s says sold out because it hasn’t released yet 😂
@@ivanm10 it’s not available yet!
Hoping it gets answered during the review, but I'd love to know how well games like Donkey Kong 64 or Banjo Kazooie do on it. The lack of a stick has me on the fence because I'd love to play N64/PSX games on it.
Never clicked a video so fast
Same!
Same
yessssssssss
This 😂
Never liked a comment so fast
I'm excited for this system, NOT because I am interested in a clamshell device, but because this system being popular will mean that my two current 35XXH devices, and my 35XX Plus are going to get a TON of custom firmware support. So glad they used the same chip in this one.
The Anbernic being larger than an SP is fine, especially when you consider it's more than 25 times the performance.
I'm so glad I get to profit off of this indirectly with my RG35XX H! We're all winners!
The SP is too small for the hands anyways.
Why do you have 3 of the same device ?
So true, absolutely love my RG35XX H, that the CFWs work across all 3 devices is an absolute win for all.
@@kooaid9 addiction
brother.. you just made my day, Blaster Master was a game i played as a kid on the nes for hours on end. i forgot the name but as soon as it came over the screen the flood of "THATS IT THATS IT THATS IT!!!!" HIT ME!! and i just went and looked and its 100% the game i was looking for. thanks
I am so glad they removed the logo! Between this and the “RG Cube”, Anbernic are really knocking it out of the park lately! Can’t wait for your full review!
Ikr, now we just need a dual screen for DS games. I play specific games on each device.
Would love comparison to RG280v, since that’s what I’d be upgrading from! Size, clickiness, what can it now do (games, connectivity, etc.). Can’t wait for the full review!!
@@hulkachanyoutube5931exactly! Would love a dual screen android handheld :D
@@hulkachanyoutube5931if you need specific devices then why not just get a ds
The Cube is honestly a bit weird between the overpowered chip and the 1:1 screen, but this seems almost perfect. (My perfect device would be a 1080p RG405SP, but this is probably as close as we'll get - I'm guessing the cooling non-solution they have here wouldn't cut it for an Android-capable chip).
The best place on YT for this type of content
Had no idea you were into retro gaming! That's very cool!
I know we say this with basically every console we buy, but it feels like *this* is what I've been waiting for. This feels like *the* handheld companion for me.
Ditto. Exactly what I want!
Dude. I can't wait. I'm so amped
Until next week at least.😂
I really want to be able to put modern hardware in a ds lite. Perfect system for me.
Or a 2ds/3ds.
Clicky-shakey loose buttons, cramped form factor, chunky AF, battery against CPU, I'm glad this video came out so I know not to wait on this.
Yep, buying the RG35XXH in a few days. 🎉
@@BlueNumber1
The battery being against the cpu is common to all of these devices including the 35xxh.
It's stated in the video that this device has a lip that the battery sits on so its above the cpu, not on it.
For the full review would you be able to test the clap sound when the clamshell closes. The GBA SP always had this very satisfying clap when it would close. So a sound comparison of the two devices closing in the full review would be very much appreciated.
I second this!
Third!
4th
Amazing idea, I hadn't even thought about this but you're soooooo right!
do it clap?
I just have to say, I am so appreciative for the handheld community. Stumbling upon this hobby played a part in dragging me out of a dark place. Russ, you are so great at what you do to get us a most thorough initial first impression of all of these upcoming devices. So many of us here share the joy of what is basically an epic rebirth of the SP. Thanks Russ, this video made my day.
I can't wait for the Anbernic RG35XXPPSSPPCSX2 to release next year 😲😲
the anbernic 556 has that covered i hear
Very unclever
😂😂😂
Incredible. MuOS with sleep on close would probably make this my final handheld. This is perfection.
MuOS is pretty impressive
Someone on Reddit say the latest version of MuOS only runs 3-4 hours on Sega Genesis. It should last more than that.
Ahh, the age of the flips have begun! 🎉
Pulling on my heart strings ❤
I have never been so excited. I literally just rewatched the videos ANBERNIC had on their channel for this.
As an older gamer, I gotta say: Beware stiff buttons. Not only for short term fatigue, but more importantly for accelerating repetitive stress problems in your wrists and arms. Light actuation force is def. the way to go and there is a reason the big names like Nintendo and Sony keep the buttons light.
Your comment is the most important one. Thank you. I was so excited about the sp, but after knowing that they went for switch buttons I totally decided to get the H version. Of course that's the question of the noise too. It would bother a lot people next to you when playing it.
I never play my old Anbernic RG350 because it kills my hands.
@@MarcusIIFerreira With how fast Anbernic churns out new systems, and iterates on old designs, I would not be surprised if in just a few months we see a version with better button options. But for those who can't wait, the H is a fantastic option if you want sticks. I'm personally still quite smitten with the RG35XX+, although I do wish it were a tad bit bigger.
Sony did keep the buttons light until the Dualsense controller.
This is the review I've been waiting for! The GBA SP is my childhood Handheld along with the Gameboy Color. 😌
Yes!!! I'm gonna get this, I don't think Russ knew that you can print up custom inserts to customize it even more with the transparent one.
@@KyleRugglesI'm going to buy two of these and one RG28XX.
Might topple the smart as my favourite.
I was genuinely thinking of getting a GBA SP for my commute, and then this comes along.... Perfect.
Imagine if Nintendo got off their ass and re-released official hardware of the old form factors, with modern software and an easy way to buy games. People would be willing to pay 200$+ per device and 30$+ per retro game. Given the enormous financial potential, shareholders should be suing leadership for not doing it already.
LOVE the button pressure test, would love to see more of this. Fantastic vid, looking forward to this one! - Stubbs
This.
Would be neat to include other devices like PS5 controller, XSX, SteamDeck, SNES pad, etc etc.
Yeah its great! Using a small glass slowly filling it with water on top the button on top a scale can help the precision but is a little dangerous haha
Anbernic are really on a streak rn. The recent 35XX devices have already been big hits (especially the H), and the SP looks like it's likely to blow them out of the water in popularity.
On a side note, I really appreciate the quality of life improvements anbernics been implementing in their stock os. Honestly with the quick shutdown/close to sleep functions I likely won't even be bothering with cfw (which would be a first for me).
Given the same processing specs with Plus, we could get away with having the same SD cards.
20:55 Do note that stock firmware uses a tap on the POWER button to switch between analog stick and D-pad controls with certain emus in RetroArch. By the way they updated to RetroArch 1.18.0, so you might want to consider a GBA gpSP core wireless adapter-based netplay tutorial.
This comment needs way more upvotes. The same can be done on the rg35xx+
I've been waiting for your first impressions on this since I first saw it advertised!!! I'm so excited to pick one up!!!
Suddenly we are back 21 years in time... What a time to be alive! It's like an old piece of hardware coming back to life it makes me feel nostalgic yet somehow glad but also it's a bit scary. Thanks for another great video, Russ!
I just got off work and this is the first video I get in my recommendation, immaculate timing.
Thanks for the great insight, Russ! I've been excited to hear your thoughts on this one as soon as it was announced. Looking forward to your final review as well.
This is a homerun! Why?
1. Linux
2. Proven internals.
3. CLAMSHELL!!!!
Anbernic, you rock...so do you, Russ 😊 Look forward to the full review!
I'll be happy with linux on this when you can install a desktop distro on it. I like the idea of turning this into some kind of cyberdeck. Also years down the line it could be used as a random homemade IoT thingy, extending its lifetime.
The shoulder buttons make too much noise.
Mono speaker.
Build for Asian or baby-hands.
@@LockonKubi I think someone manage to put some kind linux deskop on the RG35XXH. given same internals I think it'd work here too
@@LockonKubi The SP design would actually make a very good flip phone and if you had a blackberry style keyboard instead of game controls, it would be the perfect device for texting + would make it an adequate pocket computer / cyberdeck. I was playing around with the idea of making something like this but some of the design is a bit over my head. I still think it would be doable though.
@@jinstinky501 I have giant european hands and I use a powkiddy v90 without issue.. but I agree with the mono speaker being a bit of a let down
Been waiting for this one! 🤘🏻
I’m hyped for this actually lol. Just got my Steam Deck a few days ago and I’m LOVING it, but I want a smaller, more portable device specially for emulating up to Sega’s Dreamcast. This’ll be the PERFECT emulation driver along with my Deck and OLED Switch! Gonna pick this guy up as SOON as Anbernic drops these babies :D
Holy crap have I been waiting for this video. I got my first Retro handheld, the Retroid Pocket 2S because of you and techdweebs awesome videos and this just might be my second handheld. Now I patiently wait for Techdweebs video on this
As usual your first impressions are better than full review of others!
This is the video I've been waiting for I'm so excited for this thing
I got my coffee and breakfast ready. Gonna start the day off great with a Retro Game Corp video
I love the addition of activation force measurements!
I can see a best/favorite “clamshell device” video later in the year once all the competitors come out with theirs!
🔥
Oh my god. Ive been waiting for your review!! Its finally here
Aw man, I was completely sold on this until you got to the buttons. I love everything else about it!
Sounds like every ambernic handheld then! (Based on reviews, I don't own one)
@@piotr78 anbernic buttons are fine i wear noise cancelling headphones a lot anyway cant hear anything that clicks.
All the extra buttons are pointless and ruin it. They should of kept the same configuration as the Gameboy Advance SP
@@user-lx5do4zc6ntoo many systems need the extra 2 face buttons, and it's not like having x and y would make that much of a difference while playing
@@user-lx5do4zc6n just buy a GBA SP then
IM SOOOO EXCITED! I immediately took my lunch break when I saw the notification!
Nicely done bro, been looking forward to this one🔥🔥
For people who concern the CPU too close to battery: there's actually have around 2-3mm space between the CPU and battery, and you can stick a 0.3 - 0.5 mm thick thermal pad to improve the warm problem together to ensure it still won't touch the battery.
I knew it was worth it to wait until a better model released! Patience is key
Amén Brotha! 🙏
Some people really like clamshells. They are cool, but for me the 35XXH is the ideal device.
Same loool. 28xx and 35xxh wasn't needed (already had a mini yoo v4 so 28xx not needed and already working on a RP2S so 35xxH not needed.). I Ness this 35xx sp though, maybe two (Trans blue and classic silver).
I agree. Waiting for the inevitable clicky refresh
Keep waiting there will be something better! Eventually!
Something about the b-roll sequence at the end of the video felt cute to me: Shuffling through your games, then quickly suspending and closing the console and setting it down as you look away, then before you get up and walk off you snatch it to take it with you. Feels like a classic handheld gaming moment to me.
Thanks Russ. Look forward to the full review. Think the dpad and buttons might be a deal breaker for me but will wait and see.
Can’t wait for this to release, it looks awesome!
Ever since then Powkiddy V90 came out, i've been waiting for a good GBASP style console, and i can finally say that This is the one
Love how this video drops just as my RG35XX Plus has just arrived!
Jesus! They should have some kind of handheld subscription service at this point! LOL! $40 a month gets you all their handhelds for the year or something.
@@KyleRuggles I wouldn't be against that! 😂 I'll see how this one goes before upgrading though
@@MelonGearSolid Lol! Good move! It'll never end! It keeps going and going and going...
glad I never picked up any 35xx, even tho I was tempted. this is the one.
I remember this and the gameboy back in the day it is so nostalgic seeing devices like this come out!
The review I was waiting for!
15:45 It's really cool how you can customize the transparent ones with the graphic insert on the opposite side of the screen. I'll take that transparent black. ^_^
I’m also really excited for this! I wonder about it being slightly bigger than an SP, do you think the inserts that already exist in Etsy stores will work with this, or will we have to wait for sellers to adjust and make cards specifically for this device?
@@notquitekeanu I'm not sure, I saw on Anbernic's reveal earlier in that day they had several inserts. They seem pretty simple to print out, maybe there's a template or something. But something tells me there will be some Etsy stores with these things.
Lot of people still buy the original SP so I expect this to sell very well for the nostalgic factor alone.
This is so hype hella ready for this review!!
I had an SP and was really excited for this handheld, glad it’s good!
I friggin' love my v90, and this seems like a very worthy upgrade!
Sleep mode on close is the one feature I was really hoping for, so I'm very happy to hear that Anbernic implemented it.
He actually said that the devices does not sleep on close.
@@nerosr2393 that was on Batocera, he said it does on the stock firmware. That means the hardware supports it, which is the problem with the v90.
Great video as always. I've been waiting for this batch of clamshell devices quite a long time, not too impressed with the bulkiness though. Someone who already has a RG35xx H with a clip on case or something similar might want to hold up on this one because of the pocketability and the lack of analog sticks, but it's just a personal choice, and I perfectly get the nostalgia factor.
Thanks so much for the button firmness measurements! It helps a lot, for someone with "Nintendo thumb" from playing too many games. I hope that raising awareness of it might motivate the manufacturers to use softer controls which place less strain on the hands.
You never disappoint when it comes to new handhelds!!
Wow that was a very smart idea to measure the “pressure” needed to click a button.
Been waiting for this since Powkiddy v90
have the v90 dont play it much but it is quirky
been watching videos about these handhelds for years, but never bought one. this is the first time i'm truly excited for one and will be buying :3
Insanely thorough review
This is everything I've dreamed of, Gameboy Advance SP is one of the most iconic designs for me
The gameboy of my era❤
Nice! It looks almost exactly like the GBA SP!! Great review, Russ. Awesome starting price from Anbernic!
I love the button/sound tests. He does the important little things other reviewers don’t
As someone who has a GBA SP in hand, I think the angle of the A and B buttons is often overlooked. They're the perfect angle to press with the left thumb, and the standard 4 button layout compromises those ergonomics.
Agreed
I think mapping B to GBA's A, Y to GBA's B, A and X to other things might help? Works more like a SNES on the RG35XXP and it's fine for me.
@@gluttonousmaximus9048 I like mapping confirm and cancel to L2/L1 for slow paced games/RPGs.
Just ordered mine, right at launch 5AM Central US time. Lol.
Thanks so much for the review. As someone who purchased the PowKiddy V90, I was extremely disappointed in the audio quality. If I hadn't already modded my 3DS, I would be getting this for sure. Keep up the great work!
I love yours hard work! Thanks a lot for every video what you create:)
This one hits me right in the nostalgia.
This ticks basically all the boxes I had for a Steam Deck companion device but because I'm on a limited income because of being disabled and having other things come up that messed up my budget for hobby stuff I think I might instead spend the money on more storage space for my Deck. Seems like a very promising device that is almost exactly what I want in a lower power emulation device.
Those transitions looks really good. Keep it up
Your reviews are always so meticulous and awesome! If you happen to see this, could you do a size comparison with the RG280v for your full review if possible?
Man the clicky buttons are throwing me off, especially as someone who likes to retro game in bed at night, might wait on the updated version
Have they ever changed a button style on their other models? I'm sort of unenthusiastic about the microswitches too.
it ain't Anbernic if it doesn't rattle 😂
I’m pretty sure this is one of the most hyped sbc handheld I’ve seen. Glad to see they did it right!
Very good first impressions Russ. Looking forward to your in-depth analysis/review.
So, when can Anbernic take my money?
those buttons really made me sad. praying miyoos is better
I might even hold off for a Powkiddy release.. they did an excellent job with the v90
Miyoo making an SP too? 😳
@@vicshibe I honestly doubt that there is much separation between any of these brands.. they all make pretty much the same stuff.
That CPU being that close to the battery is certainly of concern >.>;
I already got the H but i hope this sells well. More clams please!
Seriously what a time to be alive for retro handhelds. They just keep coming!!
Awesome overview as always dude. This is a cop for me, can't decide on the color yet.
Imagine if anbernic made a dual screen handheld similar to DS??? Then my collection will be near complete.
nintendo will definitely go for them they are quite protective over the DS
@@williamwhite2830no they won't. They don't own the patent to devices with 2 screens...
Like if abernic can make literal gameboy clones and get away with it they can do a device with 2 screens.
From what I understand though most emulators don't handle 2 screens all that well, so just doing 2 screens side by side on a 16:9 screen or something is easier cuz all the emulators are set up for that.
Only a matter of time for that I think.
I'm just sad this device does not have a Stick or Slider
a preview video for half an hour, and I'm still gonna listen to it!
Thanks for the review
When you have to pause a RGC video to watch the new RGC...
looks cool, but a little too thick in my opinion
That was fast! I need this yesterday.
Ordered mine today thanks!
It's just reviewing a formfactor at this point.
I have loved my v90, the size and quality for the price paid has not disappointed! I am really looking forward to the higher quality retro handheld companies finally going clamshell and seeing how theirs turn out and if they offer enough for the upgrade for the price. This one is looking pretty good so far, looking forward to the deep dive!
First time being here immediately after an upload! Thank you for the extensive review.
I can honestly say I have never seen a first impression video done as well as yours in my life. This was awesome. I hope you do one for the Miyoo Flip when that gets released.
Another great video, as always to the point and very clear. I think i will wait for the rumored Miyoo mini flip. And for your comparison video. As i hope and can guess you will probably make one. Then i will come to my decision.
This thing looks amazing, really tempted, especially at this price.
My inner child is really happy rn! This is so cool! I keep telling myself I don’t need this. I enjoyed messing around RGS5XX so maybe I should check this out. Retro handhelds like this is super cool.
It looks like a homerun! Love the removable battery and the fact that they included the HDMI out. It's all the features from the 35XX+ line but in that amazing clamshell design. Sticking with the H700 was good idea and hopefully it'll help Anbernic have an easier time of upgrading their stock firmware going forward.
Been waiting for this as I wanted to get the 35xxH and wanted to compare.. clicked on this as soon as I saw it after work.. thanks so much!!!
P.S. i am so envious that you also have the blue one... Damn...
Great video, been waiting for this one. How is the finish of the silver version, do you think it will easily scratch over time? Does the transparent one feel cheaper plastic, and do you think the hinges will be more prone to cracking on the transparent models? Thanks.
Awesomw first impression, I think I may get this! I always loved the form factor of the GBA SP, it eas always my favorite handheld hands down. I have the RG351v and its ok, but kinda bulky and has the older chipset.
I like the method that you test the Spring force for physical buttons!
man, I've been watching your vids since the rg351p and I was like this is perfect for me to play gba on. Didn't get it and again recently I was like oh the 35xxh looks good, but now this is here and it's literally what Ive been wanting since I'll pretty much only play gba. Guess I'll finally have to bite the bullet
This is what I’ve been waiting for, my body is ready
Another great review, thank you. I’d be curious about longevity with the CPU right against the battery or worse yet a fire risk if the CPU was ever taxed with an intensive game. That definitely gives me pause to what otherwise seems like a great device
I purchased an Anbernic RG35XX H last month and love it but I adore this form factor. I might to scoop one up.