![Review: Anbernic RG28XX 1](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.timeextension.com/e9741a7107aec/review-anbernic-rg28xx-1.900x.jpg)
It's always interesting to see how design trends play out in the world of emulation-based handhelds, and it seems that the super-compact landscape format is in vogue at present; we've only just reviewed the Miyoo A30, and now we have the very similar Anbernic RG28XX.
Both of these devices are aiming for a high level of portability combined with a Game Boy Micro-style form factor – something that could be seen as both a blessing and a curse.
We've already passed judgment on the A30 and come away a little disappointed, but can Anbernic's challenger do any better? We're about to find out...
Anbernic RG28XX Review: Design & Display
![Review: Anbernic RG28XX 10](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.timeextension.com/4487714ee0ae8/review-anbernic-rg28xx-10.900x.jpg)
Like the Miyoo A30, the Anbernic RG28XX is seriously dinky. It effortlessly slips into any pocket and won't take up much room in your bag, making it a great choice for retro gamers who don't have space for something large and cumbersome when they're on the road.
The front of the device has a D-pad, four action buttons, 'Start' and 'Select' keys and the single, front-firing speaker. On the bottom edge, you've got dual MicroSD card slots and the 3.5mm headphone socket, while the top is home to the mini-HDMI port, USB-C port, Menu button and four shoulder buttons. The left-hand edge has the volume rocker, while on the opposite edge, you'll find the power and reset buttons.
One of the things we really like about this device is the colour options available; we were sent the transparent version, but there's a bright orange edition that looks very striking, as well as a grey edition which calls to mind the North American SNES.
The moment you pick up the Anbernic RG28XX, you'll notice that the controls are a bit on the small side. The D-pad is smaller than the one on the Miyoo A30, as are the action buttons. This might seem like a huge problem – and, for those of you with large hands, it may well be a deal-breaker – but in our case, the D-pad was actually a pleasant surprise. While it is small, it's also precise and accurate. Dialogual inputs are easy to perform, but not so much so that you accidentally pull them off when you don't mean to.
The face buttons we're less thrilled with, purely because they're so small and tightly clustered together that it's too easy to accidentally press the wrong one during intense moments. The shoulder triggers are also a little hit-and-miss; L1 and R1 are so close to the corners of the Anbernic RG28XX that they sit flush with the case, making them hard to press unless you hold the device a certain way. L2 and R2, on the other hand, are more pronounced and easier to access during gameplay.
The Anbernic RG28XX takes its name from the 2.8-inch 640x480 IPS screen, which, while being a bit on the small side, is still easy enough to see. It's a shame, then, that it has less-than-impressive brightness – something we also disliked about the Miyoo A30.
Anbernic RG28XX Review: Performance
![Review: Anbernic RG28XX 2](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.timeextension.com/d5254eb030df8/review-anbernic-rg28xx-2.900x.jpg)
The RG28XX runs an AllWinner H700 chip, which means you'll be able to emulate consoles like the N64 and Dreamcast without any massive issues. That naturally means that any system released prior to those machines is also going to run well – with the notable exception of the Sega Saturn, which is a tricky system to emulate effectively unless you have a lot of processing power.
On the topic of those high-end systems, the eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that the RG28XX lacks an analogue stick, which is somewhat problematic for N64 and Dreamcast titles. Many games will allow you to use the D-pad by default, but in the case of those that don't, you can remap directional control to the RG28XX's pad.
You obviously lose a lot by swapping analogue for digital, so it can hardly be considered the ideal way to experience many of the best games on these two consoles.
The RG28XX's single speaker is fairly loud, but isn't all that pleasant to listen to when you turn it all the way up. It does the job, but we'd recommend making use of the 3.5mm headphone jack for audio whenever possible.
The internal rechargeable battery is rated at 3100mAh, which will give you around four hours of use on a single charge, based on our findings.
Anbernic RG28XX Review: Conclusion
When compared to the Miyoo A30, the RG28XX is the clear winner.
Sure, the controls feel a little small and the screen's brightness could be better, but what makes this such an appealing device is the fact that it's so easy to carry around with you.
We can't imagine a single situation where we'd have to think twice about popping this in our bag or jacket pocket before leaving the house, and that's a big selling point in a portable gaming platform. Just like the Game Boy Micro, this is a truly pocket-friendly system.
If you already own one of Anbernic's other recent handhelds, then you may want to pause before making a purchase, as you're getting roughly the same performance in terms of emulation but with some possible drawbacks – but for the asking price of around $60, this is a really decent emulation handheld, and one we'd recommend you take a look at if you're new to this sector of the market.
Thanks to Keep Retro for sending us the RG28XX unit used in this review.
Comments 16
Nifty ( again)
But no more than that ( again)
I'd prefer something with a bigger screen and easier to hold.
There's way too many of these things. How about some thing new? Like a hybrid analog/digital input? A d-pad cross with pressure sensitivity? A clicky stick with short throw but digital and analog sensors? I dunno. They all blend together, cannibalize sales of their other models, and are shaped for people who want to get RSI. No thanks.
Will they move on to the DS form factor?
light criticism: one thing lacking in these reviews, often, is relatable context, or even some hard number dimensions.
specifically, "the D-pad was actually a pleasant surprise. While it is small, it's also precise and accurate."
okay, thats cool and fine, but I still have no idea how to visualize the size of the dpad. is it the same size as the gameboy advance dpad? smaller? how about a dimension across, in millimeters, say?
otherwise, good review, and this looks great! ill likely pass on it due to the small controls (I'm 6'3") but OTOH, i have no problem with the GBAs controls...
thanks 😊✌️
@cyxceven
I love this idea (ive wanted a pressure sensitive dpad since the PS2s underused one) but it would require both a lot of r and d by the manufacturer, and possibly games designed for it. at least thats what im thinking 👍
Thanks again for another great review.
I really love Anbernic products. Ever since the original RG35XX came out, I have just been so happy with these handhelds. They are total gaming comfort food.
I may get one of these down the road. It looks like a perfect handheld to slip iny pocket and go on hikes with.
Now, I have to wait patiently until my RG35XXSP gets here..
I think I'm now at the point that I'm too old to play something this small. Besides, the support on these generally runs for a year max then they upgrade the hardware with the next one.
I would recommend you save you're money and buy a steam deck.
@Guitar_bard Why do you need video games on a hike? Can’t enjoy nature for too long? No offense but your comment makes me a little sad.
@Bonggon5 hahaha, I was waiting for someone to comment on that. I usually go hiking with my wife and kids and no electronics, but sometimes by myself I go hiking, enjoy nature, bring a book, or spend 10 minutes playing an old game, and think of my Dad who I lost last year.
Not sad at all. Just something we connected over.
To be honest, your assumption without knowing anything about me makes me sad.
@Bonggon5 What a tone deaf and weird comment. Yeah they can enjoy nature, hence hikes. You're the sad one, since you can't enjoy hiking and video games together.
@Guitar_bard
I play Zelda and think of my dad, I play SMB and think of my gpa. 🥲 more power to you, I think videogames in nature is a lovely, wholesome idea. ❤️
@Poodlestargenerica
"What a tone deaf and weird comment."
I have to always remind myself that these boards are anonymous and open to all, and some people here are like 13 years old (one would hope.) ✌️
@-wc- Thank you so much. I've been thinking a lot about my Dad lately, and certain NES games always make me think of him.
@Guitar_bard
You'll never stop thinking of him, but it does get less painful over time. Maybe youve already felt that happening, but it will come.
I played OG Zelda with my dad. he was an "outdoors" kind of guy, and to my knowledge, it was the only game he had any interest in. He even came across (NO idea how he managed this) maps that someone had hand drawn on graph paper, on big connected pages like from a dot matrix type printer! they looked like blueprints of the game, and even had notations with clues for the puzzles and locations of secret items, bombable walls and things. this must have been 89 or 90.
I cherish these memories. My dad was an addict, an alcoholic, and just a troubled guy. I knew he loved me, but he took off when I was 8, and never talked to me again. I was 33 when he died, 5 years ago. He was only 59 years old. I thought I still had more time to build up the courage to reach out to him, but it doesn't always work out like you think, obviously.
I played SMB with my gpa, it was my first game ever (along with Duck Hunt! 🤘🤘) and we played it until we beat it. I instantly fell in love with gaming.
He had little interest in 2 and 3, but when SNES came out, we both got one for XMAS that year! and World, of course. Let me tell you, we played the heck out of that game! over the course of playing and eventually beating that game, I felt my skills slowly eclipse his. I felt like I was growing up, haha 😂 I loved playing Mario with him because we would watch each other play when it wasnt our turn, and learn from each other, and cheer each other on. it was the best time I ever had playing videogames and to be honest, I will be chasing that feeling likely for the rest of my life, especially since at this point I'll likely not be having kids of my own.
He eventually developed Lewy Body Dementia, and died April 10, 2021.
He was my best friend.
(Sorry for oversharing, haha. it feels good to talk about it, in a way. ✌️ If you want to talk about your dad to an anonymous stranger, I'm here.)
@-wc- You have no need to apologize at all! I feel honored that you would share this.
Dad and I patched up a lot of our relationship in the years before he died and were extremely close, but growing up was pretty rough at times. My parents existed to drive each other crazy, until they ended up getting divorced. Dad also was known for his roving eye, and so at times that took precedence over his kids.
Man, though, when I was a kid we had some great times bonding over Tetris, SBM1, Ninja Gaiden... Plus, I lived for weekends when we would go rent some games at the video store. My brother and best friend and I would play, until Dad would check it out for a while and then kick us outside to get some fresh air. Every single time I think it is really because he wanted to have a few moments of quiet to play on his own.
It's funny you mention Zelda and hand made maps. My brother spent a summer staying with some close friends of the family, and he and one of my dad's closest friends played the 1st Zelda nonstop and first drew out the maps, and then printed them out with one of those Okidata dot-matrix printers. It was amazing.
Overall, I feel so fortunate that Dad and I were able to put aside a lot of our crap and just accept each other. My brother and he did not have that relationship, but I think at the end Dad knew he loved him.
When he died of cancer, it was very fast, as it had been misdiagnosed for quite a while, and by the time his insurance finally approved the medication that could have prolonged his life, he went into hospice 2 days later.
Overall, it was a terrible year. I'm finally starting to do ok. I lost Dad, his mom (my grandma) a couple of months later, a favorite aunt, someone who was raised with my brother and I (and really was like a brother from another mother), a couple of close friends, my Dad's oldest friend... And a few others.
Losing Dad nearly broke me, but with everyone else too, I can't even describe what my existence was like. Thank God for good memories.
If nothing else, it helped me write the best album I have ever made.
Thank you for listening to me. I don't know you, but you are pretty awesome.
Thanks for sharing. 😊 I've read over both our comments a number of times, for some reason it is soothing for my mind, so thanks for that.
Videogames are powerful, aren't they? Most people understand the power of film and music, but unless you enjoy playing it seems that it completely eludes you that gaming can have similar effects on people, their hearts and minds, and relationships.
When I played Earthbound the first time, it was in the first few years that my dad had gone away. Let me tell you, that game SPOKE to me. it possessed me. It cleaned my wounds, and soothed my soul. I played it alone in my room, and felt like Shigesato Itoi was directly guiding me through the pain and confusion. I understood that I wasn't alone in the world, even though it felt like no one around me could possibly understand.
It sounds like your dad was a complex individual. I'm so happy for you that you were able to repair some of your relationship, and it sounds like you were able to process what had happened while he was still alive, and get some closure. What a blessing! I'm sure know this, but that's a rare and beautiful thing, and you can't just "think" your way to the same conclusion on your own, very easily at least. Believe me, I've tried!
I'm stunned at the parallels regarding hand drawn Zelda maps on dot matrix paper! 😯 Thinking back on it, I'm not surprised that Zelda inspired more people to do the same thing, as it was such a unique game for its day, and basically BEGGED to be mapped out in a way that few other games had at the time.
I remember the first time I played it, the feeling of "hold on... I can just do WHATEVER?" was so strong and distinctive. every other game id played had such a prescriptive path, with high pressure from ninjas or commandos or what have you coming on strong from the very start, or even time limits! Zelda was such a nice relief by comparison. Maybe that's why my dad liked it. 🤔
It sounds like you've experienced a lot of loss, in quick succession. I'm sorry for that, friend. It does seem to come in horrible waves, in my experience. We have to REALLY appreciate the good times, the points of light that inevitably peek out between the shadows. Nurse the embers of goodness in our lives into cozy campfires to share with the great people we've gathered around us, in order to stay warm in the darker times, or else be consumed by the darkness.
It sounds like music is one way you've found to do that, and I think that's great! I play guitar, too, though I have a really hard time expressing my feelings concretely through music, in words. It's a journey!
I hope you have a good day, wherever you are. Mine is just starting. ✌️
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