Brief Summary
This video compares eight different retro gaming devices in the Anbernic RG XX series, all using the same chipset for consistent performance. It discusses their price, build quality, custom firmware options, and access to portmaster for additional games. The video also covers caveats like charging limitations, potential hardware issues, analog stick problems, and the continuous release of new models. The devices are ranked across categories like performance, controls, ergonomics, heat transfer, screen quality, audio, pocketability, and fun factor, with the RG Cube XX and RG 35XX SP emerging as top picks. Alternative devices like the Miyoo Mini Plus and Trimmer Smart Pro are also recommended for specific preferences.
- Price and build quality are good for the price.
- Custom firmware and portmaster access enhance the experience.
- Charging limitations and potential hardware issues are caveats.
- RG Cube XX and RG 35XX SP are top picks based on different factors.
Introduction
The video introduces a comparison of eight different Anbernic RG XX series retro gaming devices released over the past year. These devices share the same chipset, resulting in identical performance. The video aims to help viewers navigate the confusing array of options and determine which device best suits their needs. The presenter mentions having made in-depth reviews of each device, which will be linked below.
Why the RG*XX Series?
The RG XX series is appealing due to its affordable price point, averaging around $65, making it a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a single new console game. The build quality is relatively solid for the price. These devices support custom firmware, offering various operating system options like MinUI, and MuOS. They also provide access to Portmaster, an app that grants access to nearly 700 PC ports, including popular titles like Stardew Valley and Shovel Knight.
Some Caveats
These devices have charging limitations, requiring a 5-watt, 1.5-amp adapter and are incompatible with USBC fast chargers. The devices are built with relatively cheap components, making them prone to occasional hardware failures such as screen issues or hinge problems on clamshell models. The analog sticks have hardware and software limitations, including cheaper sticks with limited motion range and Cardinal snapping issues, which can be partially mitigated with custom firmware. The frequent release of new devices means that better options may become available in the future.
Summary of Each Device
The video provides a quick recap of eight devices in the RG XX line. The RG35XX, a vertical form factor device released a couple of years ago. The RG35XX Plus is similar but includes better shoulder buttons, a battery compartment, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and features the Allwinner H700 chipset. The RG35XXH has a horizontal form factor, dual analog sticks, and stereo speakers. The RG28XX is smaller with a 2.8-inch screen. The RG35XX SP is a clamshell similar to the Game Boy Advance SP with clicky controls. The RG35XX 2024 has the H700 chip but uses the older RG35XX shell with inferior shoulder buttons and lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The RG40XX features a 4-inch display and stacked shoulder triggers, but suffers from a thin design that leads to heat issues. The RG405V is similar to the RG35XX Plus but with a 4-inch screen and a single analog stick. Finally, the RG Cube XX has a 4-inch square aspect ratio screen, a Sega-style d-pad, and stacked shoulder triggers.
Ranking Each Category
The presenter ranks each device across several categories, noting that the rankings are subjective and based on personal preferences. Performance is rated consistently across all devices due to the shared chipset. Control rankings vary, with the RG28XX receiving a lower grade due to its small buttons, while the RG405V earns the highest score for its d-pad. Ergonomics also differ, with the RG28XX and vertical RG35XX models rated lower due to their cramped designs, and the RG Cube XX receiving top marks for its comfortable grip. Heat transfer is a significant factor, with the RG40XXH rated the worst due to its thin design, while the vertical models and RG Cube XX receive the highest scores for minimal heat transfer. Screen quality is another consideration, with the RG28XX rated lowest due to its small, dim screen, and the RG Cube XX rated highest for its scaling capabilities. Audio quality varies, with mono audio devices receiving lower scores, and stereo devices receiving higher scores. Pocketability is highest for the RG28XX and lowest for the RG40XX models. Operating system options and HDMI output are consistent across all devices. Fun factor is based on personal enjoyment, with the RG35XX 2024 rated lowest and the RG Cube XX and RG35XX SP rated highest.
Putting It All Together
The presenter assigns numerical values to the letter grades and tallies the scores, with the RG Cube XX scoring the highest. However, the presenter emphasizes that numbers don't tell the whole story and highlights their personal favorites: the RG35XX SP, RG405V, and RG Cube XX. The RG35XX SP is recommended as the best clamshell device, the RG405V as the best vertical handheld, and the RG Cube XX as the best horizontal handheld. The RG35XX SP is the top overall pick due to its convenient clamshell form factor.
Alternative Options
The video suggests alternatives to the Anbernic devices. The Miyoo Mini Plus is recommended over the 3.5-inch vertical Anbernic handhelds due to its better controls and operating system, though it lacks HDMI out and Bluetooth. For smaller handhelds, the XU mini M and original Miyoo Mini are preferred over the RG28XX. The Trimui Smart Pro is suggested as a larger alternative to the RG40XXH, offering a bigger screen and more comfortable grip, though it lacks video out.
Summary and Conclusion
The video concludes by reiterating the presenter's favorite devices in the RG XX series: the RG35XX SP, RG405V, and RG Cube XX, with the RG35XX SP being the ultimate favorite.
