The Anbernic RG406H is the latest addition to the retro gaming handheld market, and it has certainly piqued my interest. After spending considerable time with the device, I’ve formed some strong opinions about its design, functionality, and overall performance. Here’s my take on the RG406H, covering everything from its display and controls to its compatibility with various gaming platforms.
Design and Build Quality
The RG406H comes in three color options: White, Purple Transparent, and Black. Personally, I’m drawn to the black version, as it gives a sleek and understated look. However, the White and Purple Transparent models also have their charm, with the translucent design offering a nostalgic nod to older gaming hardware.
What sets the RG406H apart is its 4-inch IPS screen with a 960×720 resolution, making it a perfect match for retro gaming. The device feels solid in hand, with its ergonomic grips providing comfort during extended play sessions. It’s not the most pocket-friendly console due to its size and protruding analog sticks, but it’s still compact enough to carry in a bag.
Display
The 4-inch IPS screen is one of the standout features. The 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for retro games, ensuring that older titles look as intended. The display’s resolution is impressive, delivering crisp visuals that enhance the gaming experience. Whether I was playing classic NES titles or venturing into PlayStation 1 games, the screen handled everything beautifully. However, games designed for wider aspect ratios, such as PSP titles, display with noticeable black bars, which might bother some users.
Controls
The RG406H features two large-angle 3D Hall joysticks that are a joy to use. They’re smooth and precise, offering excellent control for both retro and modern games. The RGB lighting ring around the joysticks adds a nice aesthetic touch, with customizable lighting options for those who enjoy personalizing their devices.
The D-pad is of the conductive rubber variety, styled after Sega controllers, which works well for fighting games and classic 2D platformers. While I personally prefer the Nintendo-style D-pad for certain games, the one on the RG406H is responsive and reliable. The face buttons also feel sturdy, with a satisfying amount of resistance.
The shoulder buttons include L1, L2, R1, and R2, with the latter two being analog triggers. While they’re functional, I found their limited range of motion somewhat restrictive for games requiring finer control.
Performance
Powered by the Tiger T820 CPU and a quad-core Mali-G57 GPU, the RG406H is built to handle demanding retro emulation and even some modern Android games. It boasts 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS storage, ensuring smooth performance and quick load times.
During my testing, the console handled everything up to PlayStation 2 and GameCube with relative ease. Nintendo Wii and some more demanding PlayStation 2 titles were a mixed bag, with occasional frame drops requiring tweaks to settings. Platforms like NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1 ran flawlessly, even at enhanced resolutions.
Gaming Experience Across Platforms
- Retro Consoles: NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1 perform exceptionally well. Games look vibrant and play smoothly.
- Portable Systems: Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and PSP games run great, although PSP titles with a 16:9 aspect ratio feel slightly cramped.
- More Demanding Platforms: PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Wii games are playable, though not all titles achieve perfect performance. For these platforms, it’s better suited for less demanding games.
- Android Games: Titles like Genshin Impact and similar modern games are playable, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings for optimal performance.
Battery Life
The 5000mAh battery offers around 7 hours of playtime, depending on the game and performance settings. This is decent for a device with this level of power, but frequent gamers may find themselves charging it daily.
Additional Features
The RG406H comes with a range of additional features that enhance its usability:
- Active Cooling: The built-in high-speed fan and heat pipe ensure that the console remains cool even during intensive gaming sessions.
- Connectivity: It supports Wi-Fi for online multiplayer and streaming, Bluetooth for connecting controllers or headsets, and USB-C for DisplayPort output at 1080p.
- Customization: From RGB joystick lighting to display brightness, the device offers numerous settings for personalization.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive Display: The 4-inch IPS screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio is perfect for retro gaming.
- Great Controls: The 3D Hall joysticks and responsive buttons elevate the gaming experience.
- Strong Performance: Handles retro emulation and many Android games with ease.
- Customizable Features: RGB lighting, active cooling, and adjustable settings add value.
- Decent Battery Life: 7 hours of playtime is sufficient for most gaming sessions.
Cons:
- Not Pocket-Friendly: The size and analog stick design make it impractical for on-the-go use without a bag.
- Limited for Modern Platforms: While capable of running PS2 and Wii games, it struggles with more demanding titles.
- Setup Required: Some emulators need manual configuration, which could be a hurdle for beginners.
- Speaker Quality: While adequate, the speakers don’t stand out compared to other devices in its class.
Questions and Answers
1. What are the available color options for the RG406H?
The RG406H comes in three colors: White, Purple Transparent, and Black. The Purple Transparent has a darker tint than expected, giving it a more subdued look, while the White is clean and modern.
2. How does the console feel in hand?
It feels sturdy and comfortable to hold, thanks to its ergonomic grips. It’s not the most compact console due to the grips and protruding joysticks, but it offers a solid gaming experience during long sessions.
3. What’s unique about the console’s joystick lighting?
The joysticks are surrounded by an RGB lighting ring with customizable options. You can adjust the colors, brightness, and effects, such as breathing or cycling lights, adding a touch of personalization.
4. Does the console come with any protective accessories?
The RG406H includes a standard protective case made of a semi-rigid material. While it does its job, the case’s exterior has a rubberized texture that some might find less appealing.
5. What’s the screen size and resolution of the RG406H?
The RG406H features a 4-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 960×720. The higher resolution makes retro games appear sharp and vibrant, enhancing the gaming experience.
6. How are the shoulder buttons designed?
The console includes L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons. L1 and R1 are clicky, while L2 and R2 are analog triggers with limited travel, which might not be ideal for games requiring precise inputs.
7. How loud are the RG406H’s speakers?
The speakers are reasonably loud and clear, with better bass response than older Anbernic models. While they’re not the best on the market, they perform well for the console’s size.
8. Does the RG406H come preloaded with games?
The console itself doesn’t come with preloaded games. If you purchase a pre-configured microSD card from a retailer, it may include games, but setting up your own library is often more flexible.
9. What operating system does the console run?
The RG406H runs on Android 13, allowing it to support a wide range of apps and games from the Google Play Store alongside its retro gaming capabilities.
10. Can the console connect to external displays?
Yes, it supports USB-C DisplayPort output, allowing you to connect it to external monitors or TVs for a larger-screen gaming experience.
11. How does the active cooling system work?
The RG406H features a high-speed fan and a heat pipe for active cooling. It helps prevent overheating during intensive gaming sessions, keeping the console’s performance stable.
12. Is the device suitable for multiplayer gaming?
Yes, it supports online multiplayer through Wi-Fi and can also connect to Bluetooth controllers for local multiplayer sessions, making it versatile for gaming with friends.
13. How well does the console emulate Nintendo 3DS?
The RG406H runs most 3DS games smoothly at double the native resolution, though the 4:3 screen ratio means games will have black bars on the top and bottom.
14. What is the battery life like for the RG406H?
The console offers about 7 hours of battery life on a full charge, depending on the intensity of the games being played and the brightness settings.
15. Are the emulators user-friendly?
The preinstalled emulators are functional but may require some manual setup for optimal performance. Gamers who prefer a plug-and-play experience might need to spend some time adjusting the configurations.
Final Thoughts
The Anbernic RG406H strikes a good balance between retro gaming nostalgia and modern performance. It’s a versatile device that excels in its primary role: delivering a high-quality experience for retro gaming enthusiasts. While it has a few limitations, especially with portability and high-end emulation, it’s still a solid option for anyone looking to relive classic games or explore some modern titles.
If you value ergonomics, a high-resolution screen, and decent performance across a variety of platforms, the RG406H is worth considering. Just be prepared to put in a bit of work configuring emulators to get the most out of it.
