The Anbernic RG28XX is an intriguing little handheld, but I’m not entirely sure who this device is for. Its compact size seems like it might be aimed at kids, but even teenagers might find it too small to comfortably use. The screen, already small on the RG35XX, is even smaller on this model, which means you might really have to squint to play on it. It feels like this might be more of a collector’s item—a fun gadget to have on your shelf. Still, it’s great to see Anbernic continue to expand their offerings, even catering to niche audiences.
First Impressions of the RG28XX
The RG28XX is a truly tiny, ultra-portable gaming console, boasting a 2.8-inch screen. If the RG35XX or RG40X feels too big for your tastes, this might be the alternative you’ve been looking for. But keep in mind, this console shares much of the same hardware as its larger siblings, including the Allwinner H700 processor and 1GB of RAM. In terms of specs, the RG28XX doesn’t introduce anything new, but Anbernic has cut a few features from this model.
What’s Missing
One of the key omissions on the RG28XX is the lack of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That means you won’t be able to connect wireless controllers, and you can’t use custom firmware that requires online access, like loading box art over Wi-Fi. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s something to be aware of if you enjoy those extra features on your retro handhelds. It’s clear that Anbernic made this choice to keep the cost down, but it’s still disappointing to see them left out.
The controls on the RG28XX are also pretty stripped-down. You won’t find any analog sticks here, just a classic D-pad and face buttons. While that works fine for retro games, it limits the types of games you can comfortably play. For instance, many PlayStation Portable (PSP) games are not going to be a great fit since they rely on analog controls. That said, for simpler retro games that only need a D-pad, this console does just fine.
How It Feels to Play
For such a small device, the buttons and overall feel of the RG28XX are actually quite solid. The shoulder buttons are lined up nicely, and the volume and power controls are in intuitive spots. It’s very compact and minimalistic, making it easy to carry around, but the tiny screen might strain your eyes after long sessions. However, if you’re using it on the go—say, on a plane or train—it’s not bad for quick gaming sessions.
Battery and Performance
One surprise is the battery life. Despite the small form factor, the RG28XX comes with a 3100 mAh battery, just 100 mAh shy of the much larger RG40H and RG40V, which have 4-inch screens. That means the RG28XX should have solid battery life, given its smaller, less power-hungry screen. I haven’t tested it extensively yet, but early impressions suggest it will last a decent amount of time between charges.
Performance-wise, the RG28XX holds up to its larger counterparts. The absence of analog sticks does limit what types of games you can play, but for retro titles like Game Boy, NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, it works great. It’s not going to run PSP or Dreamcast games as well, but for older systems, it’s a solid little machine.
The Lack of Extras
There are a couple of extra things missing from the RG28XX that I think are worth mentioning. First, it doesn’t come with a screen protector, something that was included with earlier Anbernic models. For such a small, portable device, I think a screen protector would have been a nice touch. You do get a charging cable and an instruction manual, but beyond that, not much else is included.
One positive is that Anbernic has started including higher-quality memory cards with their devices. The one that came with my RG28XX was from a reputable brand, unlike the lower-quality cards they used to ship with earlier models. I’ve had no issues with it so far, and it’s nice to see the company making improvements in that area.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s my overall impression of the Anbernic RG28XX? It’s a nice little device, but it’s definitely not for everyone. The lack of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, combined with its tiny screen, means it’s not the most versatile retro handheld on the market. If you’re someone who likes the portability and is okay with its limitations, it’s a great option for gaming on the go. The build quality is solid, and for what it is, it performs well.
However, I can’t help but feel that this console will appeal more to collectors or people who really value ultra-portability over functionality. If you already own an RG35XX or something similar, there’s not much new here that would make it a must-buy. But if you’re someone who wants a tiny retro console to slip into your pocket, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Do I regret buying it? Not at all. It’s fun to have, and I’ll definitely be keeping it in my collection. But would I recommend it over other retro handhelds? That depends on your needs. If you’re after the smallest possible console, it might be worth it. Otherwise, you might want to look at Anbernic’s larger models.
What do you think? Have you bought the RG28XX, or are you thinking about it? Let me know in the comments!
