Anbernic RG SP Review: Slimmer, Cheaper, and Better Than Expected

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Anbernic RG SP Review: Slimmer, Cheaper, and Better Than Expected

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-sp-review/

Anbernic just dropped the RG SP, and honestly? It’s a pleasant surprise. In a market crowded with overpriced gadgets, this slim, clamshell handheld proves you don’t need 2GB of RAM to have fun. It’s built on the trusty Allwinner H700 chip, meaning it handles PSP, PS1, and even some N64 and Dreamcast titles with ease. Sure, it lacks analog sticks, so don’t expect to run heavy emulators smoothly, but for retro gaming purists, it’s a solid contender.

The real story here, though, is the form factor. At 168 grams and 24mm thick, it’s practically a spiritual successor to the Game Boy Advance SP. It’s lighter than the RG35XXSP and easier on the hands during long sessions. Anbernic also tightened up their stock Linux OS slightly, finally letting us cycle through shaders without diving into the code. It’s not perfect—the default button sounds are still annoyingly loud, and the battery life could be better—but it’s miles ahead of their previous janky firmware.

If you’re hunting for a pocket-sized retro rig, the RG SP is a sleeper hit. It’s cheaper than the RG34XXSP and fills a unique niche. Just remember: if you can snag the older 2GB RG34XXSP, take it. Otherwise, the RG SP is the smart buy. It’s slim, it’s cheap, and it’s surprisingly good.