When it comes to retro gaming handhelds, ANBERNIC has carved out a reputation for delivering budget-friendly devices that cater to fans of classic games. Enter the Anbernic RG Cube XX, a console that stands out with its square screen and ergonomic design. After getting my hands on one, I have plenty of thoughts to share about this device’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance across various gaming platforms.
First Impressions and Build Quality
The ANBERNIC RG CUBE XX makes a strong first impression with its familiar yet refined design. If you’ve handled previous ANBERNIC consoles, you’ll notice the packaging and initial unboxing experience are similar, featuring a simple but effective presentation. The device itself comes in three colors: Game Boy gray, white, and black. Personally, the white version caught my eye for its clean and retro-inspired aesthetic, but it does come with the drawback of potentially yellowing over time.
The build quality is solid. The plastic casing is robust and feels great in hand, reminiscent of the ANBERNIC XX series but with slight tweaks. The device has ergonomic grips, which make it more comfortable to hold during extended play sessions. The surface texture on these grips is also pleasantly rough, providing a secure grip without feeling cheap or slippery. However, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the official protective case, which has a rubber-like finish that, in my opinion, attracts dust and grime too easily. If you’re interested in a better case, I’d recommend checking for fabric-based alternatives.
Ergonomics and Controls
One of the standout features of the RG CUBE XX is its comfortable, ergonomic design. Unlike some boxy, uncomfortable handhelds, this console molds well to your hands. The grips are well-placed and feature a textured back that prevents slippage. The D-pad is reminiscent of a Sega Genesis controller, with a pivoting center that differs from a classic Super Nintendo-style D-pad. It uses conductive rubber contacts, providing a soft yet responsive feel. The face buttons are similarly made of conductive rubber and have a glossy finish, which I found pleasing to press.
The analog sticks are clickable and modeled after the Nintendo Switch’s joysticks, complete with RGB lighting that adds a nice touch of flair. While the lighting might be unnecessary, it’s a fun feature that some will enjoy. The shoulder buttons (R1, R2, L1, L2) are quieter than those on previous models, making them ideal for stealthy late-night gaming sessions without disturbing anyone nearby.
Display: The Square Screen
The RG CUBE XX features a 3.95-inch square screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This unique display choice is both a blessing and a curse, depending on the games you’re playing. It shines when used for retro platforms that had square or nearly square aspect ratios, such as Game Boy, Neo Geo Pocket, or Pico-8. Games from these systems look fantastic, filling up most of the screen and delivering a crisp, vibrant visual experience.
However, this display does have its limitations. Playing games designed for widescreen formats, like PSP titles, results in a shrunken image that doesn’t make full use of the screen real estate. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re planning to play modern games or platforms that utilize a 16:9 aspect ratio, you may find the experience underwhelming.
Gaming Performance
The RG CUBE XX is powered by an Allwinner H700 chip, paired with a Mali GPU and 1GB of RAM. This hardware setup is modest and geared toward running older games smoothly, rather than competing with high-end emulation consoles. The operating system is a custom Linux-based platform by ANBERNIC, which comes pre-installed with emulators optimized for retro gaming.
Best Platforms for the RG CUBE XX
Game Boy and Game Boy Color
For Game Boy enthusiasts, this device is a dream. The square screen replicates the original Game Boy’s aspect ratio perfectly, making titles like Pokemon Red and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening look amazing. There’s even a classic green-tinted overlay for extra nostalgia, though you can tweak the settings if you prefer a more modern look.
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Another winner on this handheld, Neo Geo Pocket Color games take full advantage of the 1:1 display. The visuals are clear, and the games play smoothly, with no noticeable input lag or performance issues.
Pico-8
If you’re into indie retro-inspired games, Pico-8 is well-suited to this handheld’s display. The square aspect ratio allows these titles to shine, and the controls are more than responsive enough for precision-based gameplay.
Platforms That Struggle
PlayStation 1
PlayStation games run decently, but the square screen makes it hard to fully appreciate the visuals. The built-in emulators work well, but the screen aspect ratio leads to black bars on the sides. Despite this, games like Crash Bandicoot and Final Fantasy VII are still playable and enjoyable.
PSP, Sega Dreamcast, and Nintendo 64
This is where the RG CUBE XX starts to falter. The hardware struggles with demanding titles, and frame rate drops are common in complex games. Simpler PSP games and Dreamcast titles might be okay, but don’t expect a flawless experience. Nintendo 64 performance is similarly hit-or-miss, with some titles running adequately and others being practically unplayable.
User Experience and Features
The console’s user interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. The main menu organizes games by platform, and there are separate sections for standalone emulators and RetroArch-based ones. There’s also a settings menu where you can adjust the brightness, LED lighting, and button configurations. The device even includes basic apps for playing music and videos, though I doubt many people will use these features.
One thing I appreciate is the option to customize almost every aspect of the experience. You can change the LED lighting on the analog sticks, tweak the display settings, and even remap controls. The flexibility here is commendable, especially for those who love to fine-tune their gaming setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ergonomic Design: The grips and overall shape of the RG CUBE XX make it one of the most comfortable retro handhelds I’ve used. It’s easy to hold for extended periods, and the textured back adds to the comfort.
- Square Screen for Retro Gaming: The unique 1:1 aspect ratio is perfect for Game Boy, Neo Geo Pocket, and Pico-8, making those games look fantastic.
- Quiet Buttons: The shoulder buttons are nearly silent, which is great for playing in quiet environments.
- Customizable Settings: From the LED lighting to the button configurations, the device allows a good level of customization.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Widescreen Games: The square screen is less practical for systems like PSP and widescreen arcade games. The shrunken image can be disappointing.
- Limited High-End Emulation: The hardware struggles with more demanding platforms like Dreamcast, PSP, and Nintendo 64, making it unsuitable for gamers looking for a high-performance device.
- No Fan for Cooling: While the device doesn’t overheat, some might worry about the lack of active cooling compared to more powerful models.
- Less Portable: The ergonomic grips make the RG CUBE XX harder to fit into a pocket, unlike smaller, more compact handhelds.
Additional Questions and Answers
1. What kind of finish does the RG CUBE XX have on its casing?
The RG CUBE XX has a plastic finish that feels sturdy and less slippery compared to some of the previous models. The texture of the plastic makes it easier to grip and feels durable.
2. Does the RG CUBE XX come with a tempered glass screen protector?
No, the unit I received did not come with a tempered glass screen protector. However, it’s expected that retail versions will likely include one.
3. What type of D-pad does the RG CUBE XX use?
The D-pad is designed like the Sega Genesis style, with a pivoting center and conductive rubber underneath, providing a soft but responsive feel.
4. Are the face buttons clicky or soft on the RG CUBE XX?
The face buttons are soft and use conductive rubber, providing a comfortable and familiar feel during gameplay. They are not clicky.
5. What kind of lighting feature do the analog sticks have?
The analog sticks come with built-in RGB lighting, which can be customized or turned off, depending on your preference.
6. How do the shoulder buttons feel on the RG CUBE XX?
The shoulder buttons (R1, R2, L1, L2) are made with quieter conductive rubber, making them less noisy than previous models. They have a softer press feel.
7. What connections does the RG CUBE XX support?
The RG CUBE XX features a USB-C port for charging, a headphone jack, two microSD card slots, and a mini HDMI port for connecting to an external display.
8. Is there a cooling system in the RG CUBE XX?
No, the RG CUBE XX does not have active cooling or a fan. Its hardware doesn’t generate enough heat to require it.
9. How is the sound quality of the built-in speakers?
The sound quality is decent but not exceptional. The speakers perform adequately for gaming, similar to other handhelds from the same manufacturer.
10. What kind of battery life can you expect from the RG CUBE XX?
The RG CUBE XX features a 3800mAh battery, which can last for around 6 to 6.5 hours, depending on the intensity of the games being played.
11. Can you change the default overlays or borders on the emulators?
Yes, you can customize or remove the overlays in the emulator settings. The default setup includes themed overlays, but these can be adjusted to your liking.
12. Does the RG CUBE XX have Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities?
Yes, the device comes equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi, making it possible to connect external controllers and update firmware or transfer files wirelessly.
13. What are the options for adjusting the LED lights on the analog sticks?
There’s a dedicated section in the settings where you can change the color and behavior of the LED lights or turn them off completely.
14. How does the RG CUBE XX handle button remapping?
The RG CUBE XX allows button remapping through its settings, which is helpful if you prefer a different button layout for specific games or emulators.
15. Are there any issues when connecting the RG CUBE XX to an external display?
No significant issues were noted. Using a mini HDMI cable, the device connects seamlessly to an external monitor, making it easy to enjoy retro games on a larger screen.
Final Thoughts
The ANBERNIC RG CUBE XX fills a niche that some retro gamers will absolutely love. If your primary focus is on playing older platforms like Game Boy, Pico-8, or vertical arcade shooters, this console is a fantastic option. The ergonomic design and quiet buttons make it enjoyable to use, and the customizable features are a nice bonus.
However, if you’re looking to emulate more demanding systems or prefer widescreen gaming, you’ll need to consider the device’s limitations. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it works best for a specific set of retro gaming needs.
Would I recommend it? If you’re a fan of the platforms that benefit from a 1:1 display, then absolutely. Otherwise, there are more versatile options out there that might be a better fit for your gaming preferences.
