The Anbernic RG Cube, a portable retro gaming device, continues to reside on my nightstand even a year after purchase, and this persistence is not due to its squared display.
The Anbernic RG Cube is a standout retro gaming handheld, boasting several features that make it an attractive choice for handheld gamers. Its square IPS touchscreen and broad emulator compatibility set it apart, offering a more authentic visual experience for classic games.
One of the key advantages of the RG Cube is its square IPS screen. This screen format is particularly well-suited for games originally designed for square or near-square displays, such as Game Boy titles, providing a more authentic visual experience without awkward stretching or letterboxing. It also handles 3DS games reasonably well, allowing handheld gamers to enjoy favorites like Zelda: A Link Between Worlds smoothly, despite some competition from dedicated 3DS handhelds[1].
The screen itself is bright and clear, adding to immersive gameplay, and the touch functionality works flawlessly, enhancing menu navigation and some touchscreen-enabled games[3].
Performance-wise, the RG Cube is capable of running a wide array of retro systems at full speed and native resolution, including 8-bit to 16-bit consoles such as NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, and more demanding systems like PS1, PS2, and Dreamcast with only minor hiccups in some games. The 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and Mali-G57 quad core GPU provide robust emulation performance for most retro consoles[1][5].
The RG Cube's compatibility spans many console emulators, providing a versatile retro gaming experience on a single device. Over time, emulation software improvements may increase support for more systems and enhance performance further[1].
Ergonomic design elements like clicky shoulder buttons, an excellent disc-shaped D-pad, and comfortable grips indicate thoughtful hardware design, allowing for long gaming sessions without discomfort[1]. The RG Cube's compact size also makes it more comfortable to hold compared to larger handhelds, especially for bedtime use.
The Anbernic RG Cube is currently available at Amazon for $169.98, a savings of $20, and also at Geekbuying in the UK for £147.22. With its versatile handheld experience, the RG Cube is a great choice for those who appreciate a screen format optimized for classic handheld games and broad emulator support.
[1] Source: TechRadar [3] Source: Anbernic [5] Source: PocketNow
- The square IPS screen on the Anbernic RG Cube enhances the visual experience for Game Boy games, avoiding the need for awkward stretching or letterboxing.
- The Anbernic RG Cube's touchscreen functionality is flawless, improving menu navigation and touchscreen-enabled games.
- The Anbernic RG Cube can run a wide variety of retro systems at full speed and native resolution, including NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PS1, PS2, and Dreamcast.
- The Anbernic RG Cube's emulation compatibility spans many console emulators, providing a versatile retro gaming experience.
- Ergonomic design elements on the Anbernic RG Cube, such as clicky shoulder buttons and a comfortable grip, facilitate long gaming sessions without discomfort.
- The Anbernic RG Cube is currently available at Amazon for $169.98 and at Geekbuying in the UK for £147.22, offering a savings of $20.
- For those who appreciate a screen format optimized for classic handheld games and broad emulator support, the Anbernic RG Cube is a great choice for a versatile handheld gaming experience, as reported by TechRadar.
