There’s something incredibly fascinating about miniaturized technology, especially when it comes to handheld gaming consoles. Recently, I had the chance to play around with two of the smallest gaming consoles on the market: the Anbernic RG Nano and the FunKey S. If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered why anyone would need these micro devices in the first place. Well, after spending some time with both, I still have mixed feelings, but I can definitely see their appeal for a certain audience. Let’s break down what I discovered.
First Impressions: Size and Build Quality
To call these consoles “small” doesn’t even begin to describe them. They’re so tiny that they easily fit on a keychain, and not one of those large, clunky ones either. We’re talking about something you could mistake for a toy at first glance. Despite their size, both devices pack a surprising punch in terms of gaming capabilities, even running some early PlayStation titles, which honestly blew me away.
The Anbernic RG Nano feels like a premium product right out of the box. The console is constructed from a solid aluminum alloy, giving it a nice weight and making it feel sturdy in hand. The screen is small, but clear, with a 1.54-inch IPS display, perfect for its size. Meanwhile, the FunKey S feels much more like a novelty. It’s a foldable device made from cheap-feeling plastic, with visible seams and a flimsy hinge. It just doesn’t feel as durable as the Anbernic, and I found it less enjoyable to use because of that.
Performance: Surprisingly Good (With Some Caveats)
As surprising as it sounds, both consoles are capable of running a variety of emulated games, from classic Game Boy titles to PlayStation 1 games. The emulation performance is generally quite solid, with Anbernic RG Nano even supporting games from the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1 libraries. That being said, not all games run flawlessly—Tekken 3 and Bloody Roar 2 struggled a bit on both consoles, especially with sound issues.
The biggest limitation for me was the lack of sufficient buttons. While many games from the SNES and earlier consoles work fine, some PlayStation 1 games require four shoulder buttons (R1, R2, L1, L2), and these devices only have two. On the Anbernic and FunKey S, this is managed by holding a “function” button to change the function of the existing shoulder buttons, but it feels clunky and unintuitive. This isn’t a big deal for RPGs or slower-paced games, but for fast action games like Twisted Metal 2, it’s pretty much a deal-breaker.
Ergonomics: Not for Everyone
Both devices suffer in the ergonomics department, but for different reasons. The FunKey S has wider, flatter buttons, which work surprisingly well for such a small console. Even with my larger hands, I was able to navigate the buttons somewhat comfortably, though I wouldn’t want to play on it for long sessions. The foldable design is clever, allowing the console to power on when opened and go to sleep when closed, making quick gaming sessions easy and convenient. However, the plastic build and small screen make it uncomfortable for extended use.
Meanwhile, the Anbernic RG Nano feels more solid and compact, but the buttons are smaller and more cramped, which made gaming a bit of a challenge for me. The form factor is sleek, but if you’ve got larger hands, you’ll definitely struggle to get a good grip or make precise inputs. It’s more of a “play for five minutes while waiting in line” kind of device.
Battery Life and Charging
The FunKey S performed decently in terms of battery life, lasting about an hour of gameplay before needing a recharge. On the other hand, the Anbernic RG Nano was a bit more of a mystery. During my testing, it occasionally turned off on its own, returning to the home menu for no apparent reason, which made it hard to track exactly how long it lasts. However, from my estimates, it seemed to go for about 2 hours on a full charge. The Anbernic charges via USB-C, which is great for modern convenience, whereas the FunKey S still uses micro-USB, which feels outdated for a device released in the 2020s.
Game Selection and Compatibility
Both consoles come with thousands of games preloaded, thanks to their emulation software. The Anbernic RG Nano supports over 20 different emulators, including NES, SNES, Sega, and PlayStation 1, and the FunKey S has similar capabilities. The real advantage here is how portable these devices are, allowing you to carry a vast library of retro games in your pocket.
But, there’s a catch: the small 1.54-inch screen with a 240×240 resolution makes it challenging to play certain types of games. Text-heavy RPGs, strategy games, and fast-paced action titles often become a chore due to the tiny display. Game Boy titles, however, shine here, as they were originally designed for small screens, and they look surprisingly good on both consoles. In contrast, PlayStation 1 games often suffer from the screen’s size, making it hard to read text or navigate menus.
Audio and Extras
One surprising feature on both consoles is their ability to function as music players. The Anbernic RG Nano supports high-quality audio formats like FLAC, and they even included a USB-C adapter for wired headphones. While I can’t imagine many people would use these consoles primarily for music, there is a certain charm to the idea of listening to your favorite tracks while playing some retro games.
The Price Tag: Is It Worth It?
This is where things get tricky. The Anbernic RG Nano comes in at around $70, which isn’t too bad for a novelty item with some serious nostalgia factor. It’s a well-built, fun gadget that could make a unique gift for someone who loves retro gaming or collectibles. The FunKey S, on the other hand, retails for over $100, which feels steep for what it offers. Given the flimsy build and outdated charging port, I can’t say it’s worth the price, especially when compared to the Anbernic.
Final Thoughts: Fun, But Not for Everyone
Both the Anbernic RG Nano and the FunKey S are fascinating devices in their own right. They cater to a niche market of gamers who want to relive their childhood or experiment with the latest in portable retro gaming. But for most people, these consoles are probably too small and limited to offer a truly enjoyable experience.
Would I recommend either? If you’re looking for a quirky gadget or a unique gift, the Anbernic RG Nano is definitely worth considering. It’s well-built, fun to show off, and surprisingly capable for its size. As for the FunKey S, unless you’re really into the novelty of owning a micro-console with a foldable design, I’d say pass on it. The price doesn’t justify the experience. All in all, they’re cool toys, but far from must-haves in the gaming world.
Key Points Comparison Table
| Feature | Anbernic RG Nano | FunKey S |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | Aluminum alloy, feels premium and durable | Plastic, flimsy build, foldable design |
| Display | 1.54-inch IPS, 240×240 resolution | 1.54-inch IPS, 240×240 resolution |
| Buttons | Smaller, cramped buttons | Wider, flatter buttons, better ergonomics |
| Battery Life | Approx. 2 hours | Approx. 1 hour |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Micro-USB |
| Emulation Capabilities | Supports NES, SNES, Sega, PlayStation 1 | Supports NES, SNES, Sega, PlayStation 1 |
| Audio Support | FLAC, MP3, Ogg, and more | Basic audio support |
| Price | Approx. $70 | Approx. $100 |
