The retro gaming scene is always buzzing with new handheld consoles, and the Anbernic RG CubeXX is one that stands out with its unique square screen and throwback appeal. After spending some time with this console, I’ve formed a clear opinion on its performance, build quality, and versatility across gaming platforms. Here’s my take on whether it’s worth adding to your collection.
Design and Build Quality: First Impressions
The RG CubeXX comes in three colors: black, white, and a retro gray. I chose the black version for its sleek and understated appearance, but the retro gray is a nostalgic nod to classic gaming consoles. The matte plastic material feels sturdy and premium, with a slightly textured finish that resists fingerprints.
What sets the CubeXX apart are its pronounced grips. While these add some bulk, they make the console comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. However, this design choice might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prioritize compactness. For me, the ergonomic grips were a win.
A Square Screen That Divides Opinion
The RG CubeXX sports a 3.95-inch IPS screen with a perfectly square 720×720 resolution. This is where the console becomes a bit polarizing. The display is vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and brightness. It even holds its own against modern smartphones in terms of clarity and viewing angles.
For games from consoles like the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and NES/SNES, the square aspect ratio is perfect. These titles look fantastic without any scaling issues. However, if you’re into systems like the PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, or PSP, you’ll see thick black bars on the top and bottom of the screen due to their wider aspect ratios. While this didn’t bother me much, it’s something to consider if those systems are your primary focus.
Performance Across Platforms
The RG CubeXX is powered by the Allwinner H700 quad-core processor, paired with a Mali G31 GPU and 1GB of RAM. While this hardware isn’t groundbreaking, it’s sufficient for running retro games smoothly up to the PlayStation 1 era.
- Perfect Matches: It handles 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, such as the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, with ease. These games look and perform beautifully.
- PlayStation 1: PS1 games run flawlessly, and the console’s button layout makes controlling games a breeze.
- Dreamcast & PSP: These platforms are hit or miss. While some less demanding games run decently, others struggle or fail to load altogether.
- Game Boy Advance: Games look sharp but are limited by the square screen, which shrinks the playable area compared to a wider display.
In my experience, the RG CubeXX is ideal for classic retro consoles but less suited for later systems that demand more power or wider screens.
Controls and Button Feel
The buttons on the RG CubeXX are among the best I’ve used in retro handhelds. The d-pad is modeled after Sega’s design, offering precise and tactile input. The face buttons are responsive with a satisfying amount of travel, and the shoulder buttons are quieter and softer compared to its predecessors like the RG35XX.
The analog sticks are another highlight, complete with customizable RGB lighting. While the sticks have some slight “sticking” issues near the edges, this is a minor flaw that doesn’t significantly impact gameplay. For old-school games, the sticks perform just fine.
Audio Quality
The console features two bottom-firing speakers. While the audio quality is decent, it’s nothing groundbreaking. The volume is sufficient for casual gaming, but it won’t blow you away. Thankfully, the placement of the speakers ensures they aren’t easily blocked during gameplay.
One major drawback is the lack of Bluetooth audio support, which seems like a missed opportunity. You’ll need to rely on the 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening.
Battery Life and Charging
The 3800mAh battery provides around 4-6.5 hours of gameplay, depending on the intensity of the titles you’re playing. This is more than enough for me, as I rarely game for longer stretches without a break.
Charging is straightforward, with a USB-C port supporting fast charging. I successfully charged it with a high-power adapter without any issues, but it’s recommended to stick to standard chargers for optimal battery health.
Software and Features
Running on a Linux-based system, the RG CubeXX comes preloaded with essential emulators like RetroArch, PPSSPP, and Drastic. It’s ready to use right out of the box, making it perfect for those who don’t want to tinker with settings.
For advanced users, dual SD card slots allow you to separate the system files from your game library. This is a thoughtful feature that simplifies customization and upgrades.
Multiplayer enthusiasts will appreciate the built-in Wi-Fi for online play and streaming. The inclusion of vibration feedback and controller support via Bluetooth is a nice touch, although I wish they extended Bluetooth functionality to headphones.
15 Questions and Answers About the Anbernic RG CubeXX
1. What is the RG CubeXX’s unique feature?
The RG CubeXX has a square 720×720 IPS screen, which makes it stand out from other retro handhelds. This unique screen ratio is ideal for retro games from platforms like Game Boy, NES, and SNES.
2. What’s included in the RG CubeXX box?
The box contains the console, a USB-C charging cable, a user manual, and a protective packaging sleeve. There’s no power adapter or additional accessories.
3. How durable is the console’s build?
The console is made of matte plastic with a slightly textured finish. It feels solid and well-built, with no rattling or loose parts. The buttons and grips add to its durability and usability.
4. What are the exact dimensions of the RG CubeXX?
The console measures 15.72 cm in length, 8.96 cm in width, and 1.79 cm in height, weighing 0.246 kg. It’s slightly bulkier than other retro handhelds due to its ergonomic grips.
5. How does the square screen affect gameplay for different systems?
The square screen is great for platforms like NES and SNES, where the games are closer to a 4:3 or square aspect ratio. For wider screen platforms like PSP or Dreamcast, there’s noticeable unused screen space.
6. Does the RG CubeXX come with built-in storage?
No, it doesn’t have internal storage. It supports up to two microSD cards, which can handle storage for the system and games separately. This makes it easy to organize and expand your library.
7. Can you customize the RGB lighting on the analog sticks?
Yes, the analog sticks have fully customizable RGB lighting. You can choose colors, effects, and brightness, or turn off the lighting entirely if you prefer a simpler look.
8. How is the sound quality of the RG CubeXX?
The stereo speakers provide clear sound but are not particularly loud. Their placement on the bottom prevents accidental blocking during gameplay.
9. What is the console’s battery life like?
The 3800mAh battery provides 4 to 6.5 hours of gaming, depending on usage. It’s sufficient for most gaming sessions without frequent recharging.
10. What emulators come pre-installed on the RG CubeXX?
The console includes RetroArch, PPSSPP, Drastic, and other popular emulators. These are pre-configured for smooth gameplay, making the console ready to use out of the box.
11. Does the console support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
It supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth is limited to connecting controllers and doesn’t support wireless audio devices like headphones.
12. How do the shoulder buttons feel compared to other consoles?
The shoulder buttons are soft, quieter, and have a better feel compared to earlier models like the RG40XX. They’re comfortable to use for extended gaming sessions.
13. Can you connect the RG CubeXX to a TV?
Yes, the console has a mini-HDMI port for TV connectivity. This feature allows you to play your favorite retro games on a larger screen.
14. What’s the maximum size for microSD card support?
The console supports microSD cards up to 512GB, offering plenty of space for system files and a large library of games.
15. How user-friendly is the system for newcomers?
The Linux-based operating system is straightforward and ready for use. Pre-installed emulators and a simple interface mean you don’t need technical knowledge to start gaming immediately.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Vibrant, sharp IPS square screen.
- Excellent button and d-pad quality.
- Comfortable ergonomic design.
- Dual SD card slots for flexibility.
- Preloaded software for an easy start.
- Great for retro consoles up to the PS1.
Cons:
- Square screen limits newer systems.
- Limited performance for Dreamcast/PSP games.
- No Bluetooth audio support.
- Bulky design reduces portability.
My Verdict
The Anbernic RG CubeXX is a well-designed console that caters to fans of older gaming systems. Its square screen and ergonomic design make it unique, but its limitations with certain platforms and screen aspect ratios might make it a less versatile choice for some.
If you’re primarily interested in 8-bit and 16-bit classics, this console will exceed your expectations. However, if you’re looking to play a broader range of systems or need a more compact design, you might want to explore other options in Anbernic’s lineup.
For me, the RG CubeXX is a fantastic addition to my collection—especially when I want to revisit my Game Boy or SNES library. While it’s not the perfect fit for every gamer, it hits the sweet spot for retro enthusiasts who appreciate its quirky screen and comfortable grip.
