![Anbernic RG35XX Plus](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.timeextension.com/0b217f328695f/anbernic-rg35xx-plus.900x.jpg)
Earlier this year, we reviewed the Anbernic RG35XX, a Game Boy-style mini handheld that offered decent 16- and 32-bit emulation for a low price. It certainly wasn't the perfect device – it lacked power when compared to its rivals, for example – but it was a reasonably solid foundation to build on, and that's precisely what Anbernic has done with this iterative upgrade, the RG35XX Plus.
A casual glance might lead you to assume this is the exact same product, but there are some key physical differences, even before you turn it on. The most obviously is the fact that the 3300 mAh battery is now user-serviceable, which bodes well for the longevity of the system. Secondly, the shoulder buttons are arranged in a slightly more comfortable 'slanted' fashion, allowing them to rest more naturally on your fingers.
Although it's harder to spot, the system's D-pad has also been changed when compared to the previous model, and now feels even better to use – which is saying something when you consider how good the pad on the original felt. The 3.5-inch, 640x480 pixel IPS screen remains unchanged, which is no bad thing, as it was already an impressively sharp and colourful panel. You also get a mini HDMI-out port, two MicroSD card slots, a 3.5mm headphone socket and a USB-C port.
The cosmetic tweaks made by Anbernic are welcome, but it's what's happened under the hood which is arguably most impressive. The RG35XX Plus has a 1.5Ghz H700 Quad-Core ARM Cortext-A52 chipset accompanied by 1GB of RAM, giving it a sizeable performance boost over the bog-standard RG35XX. This means that Dreamcast emulation is possible on this device, which couldn't be said of the original. The catch is that the RG35XX Plus lacks an analogue stick, so you're stuck with digital control on games which have been designed with analogue in mind. They're still playable, but you're not getting the full interface experience.
PSP emulation is also possible, but it's not as smooth as you'd expect, with regular audio drop-outs and stuttering. Everything else is fine, though – if you're looking for a device which covers the 8 and 16-bit eras along with arcade, handhelds and PlayStation, then you'll find a lot to like here.
WiFi is another upgrade over the original RG35XX, but sadly, the user interface hasn't had a similar bump. It's still ugly and rather amateurish, which makes the RG35XX Plus look a little cheap and nasty when compared to its rivals. Anbernic will no doubt argue that as long as the UI is easy to navigate (which is it), then this is a moot point, but we'd like to have seen some enhancements made in this area.
For around $70, the RG35XX Plus represents a sizeable improvement over the original RG35XX. If you've recently picked up the older model, then it might be a little annoying that Anbernic has issued an upgrade so early on, but unless you're bothered about having a user-replaceable battery and being able to play Dreamcast games, you're not missing out as much as you'd think.
Those of you who have yet to make a purchase, though, are encouraged to take a look at this handheld – it combines charging design with great performance and a low price point, making it a really good portable emulation option.
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Thanks to Keep Retro for supplying the Anbernic RG35XX Plus used in this review.
Comments 12
this looks great! i might get one, but the constant stream of new models from these companies has left me on the fence for literally years, without ever pulling the trigger. maybe i dont really need one? 😆
quick question:
is the UI "terrible," as stated in "cons," or just "ugly and amateurish?"
if it's "easy to navigate," can it really be that bad?
@-wc- The UI design is terrible
@Damo
this makes me sad. can nothing be done?
this almost seems like a perfect thing, besides that. it seems like a huge drawback.
the cycle continues, lol.
Get it out quick before the Miyoo flip steals your lunch money.
@-wc- I don’t have these devices but I saw a YouTube video that pointed out the previous model could be upgraded with Garlic OS which is apparently much better.
@-wc- I have an RG350P and the stock UI is also terrible but it was easy enough to correct and install a custom one called ADAM image and it looks like after a quick Google this model has Garlic on its way
Anberic have really upped the quality of there hardware on recent years it's just a shame they rely on the community for there software
Been using the original RG35XX and it is great for most systems up to the PS1 since I only paid £40 for it I would definitely say it fits my needs perfectly. I am not too disappointed that I didn't wait for this model.
@-wc- As others have said there is an alternative OS for the device that comes as a dual boot for the original model and it is far superior and has a large community behind it. Unfortunately the version for this model is still currently in development and the build that is available is actually worse than the stock one that is on it. Give it time though and it will be available in full so it will be more than worth investing in one.
@-wc- this is me! I have this repeated conversation with my wife where I tell her I’m done with modern games, I’m just going to focus on the retro stuff from now on, and there’s this new retro device maybe I’ll get that… but I never pull the trigger because there always seems to be something just a little wrong with it and also there’s a new one coming out in four months so maybe I’ll just wait for that one… meanwhile I keep buying more and more games for Switch. This has been going on for like three years now, lol.
I got the RG35XX basic model recently, and changed the os to Min UI. Now is a perfect retro console, much faster and reliable than with the official os or garlic os. The community made a lot of extra cores for it, and for what I can use with it, I don't feel the need to upgrade to the plus model.
I just finally got one of these for my stepson for Christmas...the Abernic rg351v so he can play upto n64 and so for the last couple weeks i changed the firmware added themes background music (old classic chiptune videogame songs) and meta data with video previews its such a freaking cool little device I can't wait till he plays it and its solidly buit im sold on these little systems its cooler than a gameboy could ever be... I'm getting a miyoo mini plus for Christmas so I'm excited to modify that one as well
@MSaturn it helped me to decide on what i would pay for one as I also have a switch so im willing to pay upto 100 as thats half of a switch lite... I picked up the rg351v on a black Friday sale for like 70 and totally worth it after you put custom firmware on it
I have and love the base RG35XX, so I don't think this is for me. However, I say this but also own:
Anbernic RG505
R36S (Data frog, I think?)
Powkiddy V90
Data Frog SF2000
In other words, even though I have the best intentions, I'll probably get this eventually.
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