Anbernic RG35XX Plus - Best Budget Retro Emulation Handheld
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus delivers remarkable retro gaming value in a classic Game Boy form factor, perfect for emulation enthusiasts on a tight budget.
- +Extremely affordable price point, often under $70
- +Authentic Game Boy-style vertical design that is highly portable
- +Capable of emulating systems up to PSP and Dreamcast for its size
- -Limited to emulation and cannot run modern Android or PC games
- -Performance is inconsistent with more demanding PSP and Dreamcast titles
- -The custom Linux operating system is basic and can be difficult to update
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is a masterclass in delivering maximum value for retro gaming enthusiasts. Priced at a fraction of the cost of a modern console game, this handheld focuses exclusively on emulation of classic systems. Its vertical design pays direct homage to the original Game Boy, offering a nostalgic and highly pocketable form factor. Internally, it features a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor and 1GB of RAM. This hardware allows it to comfortably emulate 8-bit and 16-bit consoles like the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, and even tackle a surprising portion of the PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, and PSP libraries, though performance in the latter two can be mixed.
The device comes with a simple, functional custom Linux operating system that presents games and emulators front and center, minimizing setup fuss. It includes useful features like mini HDMI output for TV play. While its controls and triggers are typical of budget vertical handhelds and not ideal for long sessions, and its software lacks polish, these are minor quibbles given the price. For collectors, travelers, or anyone wanting a dedicated, no-frills portal to gaming's past without breaking the bank, the RG35XX Plus is an outstanding and highly recommended entry point.