The Anbernic RG35XX SP delivers the 35XX experience in a compact clamshell.
The 35XX offers a solid retro gaming experience, well suited to a clamshell design which faithfully incorporates all the cues of the GBA SP. It excels by accurately emulating and displaying both DS screens simultaneously.
RG35XXSP vs GBA SP and Nintendo DS
Prepare for a blast from the past with the Anbernics 35XX SP, a clamshell handheld that oozes retro vibes. It’s a significant upgrade from the Powkiddy V90, offering a more compact and affordable design compared to the Retroid Pocket Flip.
The 35XX SP impresses with its small form factor, sturdy build, reliable hinge, and precise controls. It excels in Nintendo emulation, supporting games up to N64 and Dreamcast.
Wondering how it stacks up as a Nintendo flip replacement? In addition to being new hardware, GBA SP and DS enthusiasts will appreciate its vibrant screen, a stark contrast to the original DS’s dim display. The 35XX series clamshell faithfully recreates the Nintendo flip experience and more. With this new hardware, there’s no need for hacking or upgrading your GBA SP screen or internals. Enjoy a premium gaming experience with support for Gameboy, NES, DS titles, and much more. The 35XX SP feels like the console Nintendo should have released.
But is it pocketable?
Is the 35XX SP the best-value pocketable clamshell retro console on the market? It’s only slightly larger than the GBA SP and smaller than the DS, yet it boasts more power, a higher resolution screen, and exceptional controls.
Here is a quick display, size, and weight comparison;
- 35xxSP : 640 x 480 display, 8.9 x 8.5 x 2.7cm @ 192 grams
- Gameboy Advanace SP : 240 x 160 display, 8.2 x 8.4 x 2.4 @ 143 grams
- DS : 240 x 160 display, 14.8 x 8.4 x 2.8 @ 275 grams
Packed with all the features you need
The finish quality is unquestionable; for many, the 35XXSP surpasses expectations. In terms of features, it includes 2.4 & 5G WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, a headphone jack, and mini HDMI out. Compatibility may vary, but you can stream games, play with others online, connect an external wireless controller, and hook up to an external screen. This little compact clamshell covers all your retro gaming needs – at an incredibly attractive price, and let’s not forget it comes with a truckload of nostalgia.
Talking about Nostalgia, Anbernic has nailed it in the colour department for the SP which comes in;
- Transparent Blue
- Silver
- Grey
- Black Transparent
The solid silver and grey look amazing while the transparent blue and even somewhat more conservative black also look great. We struggled to pick a fav – there really is something about this console that pops!
Enhanced gameplay
As the SP shares the same upgraded hardware as the RG35XX Plus, you can expect great performance up to N64 and PS1 on a budget without feeling like you skimped out. You will find that more demanding N64 & PSP titles will vary in performance, so if you want to play the complete N64 & PSP libraries flawlessly, please consider one of our more powerful handhelds like the RG405M, RG405V, RGCube, or RG556 .
Does the 35XXSP come pre-loaded with console games
Depending on the seller, the RG35XXSP may be available with or without a game card. When purchased with a games card, the contents will vary, typically including over 2,500 titles from various consoles such as:
- Capcom – CPS
- Final Burn Alpha – FBA
- Famicom – FC
- Game Boy – GB
- Game Boy Color – GBC
- Game Boy Advance – GBA
- Game Gear – GG
- Mega Drive – MD
- Nintendo DS – DS
- Nintendo Entertainment System – NES
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System – SNES
- Neo Geo
- Neo Geo Pocket Color – NGPC
- PC Engine
- Playstation – PS1
- Super Famicom – SFC
- Sega Master System – SMS
- Wonderswan
- Vertical Mame Games
Keep in mind more demanding titles will vary in performance.
Custom firmware
The stock operating system will do the job, those looking to explore further have options like Batocera lite. Batocera offers an enhanced interface and improved performance, making it ideal for gamers who prefer a more customised gaming experience.
The boring stuff
– Due to the light and screen differences, the colour of the item may be slightly different from the pictures.
– Please allow up to 1cm size difference due to manual measurement.
– Buttons and controller finish may vary depending on the model and colour.