I get that there are a ton of them, but this form factor is really appealing to some people. I plan on getting one as my first retro handheld, and aside from the RG Cubexx, it's really the only one that has caught my eye. I just want a little guy to play my favorite GBA games on, and maybe some MAME and Pico 8 stuff. This seems pretty perfect for that, and the original GBA look really scratches that nostalga-y part of my brain.
I'm literally in the same boat@@TheBrotherGrim, I've never owned an emulator device but this (and the Cube) are the only ones that have gotten my attention. Definitely wanna pick up the 34xx, maybe next year
Same. GBA is my childhood device...I simply can't pass this up despite already owning 4 Anbernic handhelds with the H700 chipset already. Gotta sell my white RG40XXV.
@@Mike-B-Jackson Yep I first had a Gameboy Color and then a Gameboy Advance. The worm light was an absolute necessity. A year or two later I did get an SP, but the og GBA is definitely the more comfortable option so I will likely buy this one. My 35xxSP hardly gets used because of the uncomfortable ergonomics.
Russ I really appreciate all the little OCD things that you notice about these devices, like the smudging of the screen when using the D-pad. These are practical things that people like me would be bothered by, but most reviewers don't ever notice or care about these types of things.
a little smudge is not a practical thing at all, you wouldnt even notice it in most lighting. if most reviewers dont see it, then it isnt a practical thing LOL just say its a very small thing that you would be bothered by if you really examined it.
This one is so tempting for literally no reason!! I have a backlit-modded original GBA, and I have an RP2S that does everything else this device would do and more. So why do I still want this lol
Same. I actually dug through my crap and pulled it out to see if it passes the "Does my nostalgia let me enjoy the OG GBA form factor in my adult hands 20 years later" test and it 100% does!!!!
@@Man_of_Oil ...I did the exact same modification...wasn't that difficult was it...then we had to decide what type of battery to power the backlit screen...it uses so much more milliamp hours...many went for a Lithium polymer pack and another small case mod to fit it...I didn't...I kept it standard...and use AA high power Lithium ion which gives a couple of hours easily...also backed up with a mains step down buck converter...easy mod that...which did you opt for
I have a modded SP with an IPS display and while I love that device I still play frequently on my 351p, because of the larger screen size. So that’s something this has over your GBA.
You know what I would love to see you do? A video reviewing classic handhelds like the Game Boy Color, DMG, and Game Boy Pocket. Talk about the ergonomics, how they feel today, and so on. Because many adults (like me) are buying these devices again to mod them and replay all the classics.
He actually did make one for the DMG a while back, lemme see... th-cam.com/video/1cMfh1H6Hw4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TY-eM1uzGw-h_eJt I do think videos like this would really help us see things that our nostalgia makes us gloss over, lol
A 20% upscaled or so device with a 4" or 4.5" display for adult hand sizes, keeping the form unchanged would be a Nice alternative option for this (as well as fix the pad). Hands 20% bigger, arms 20% longer, and eyesight 20% worse all combine to make the screen and device a whole lot less usable than if you got this device age 12.
Been thinking the exact same thing. Would definitely trigger a lot of people's nostalgic feelings if they make devices upscaled in size. Dare I say, I'd even think people will pay an even higher premium for that recreated feeling
Nice review. This might be the first retro handheld I would consider only to dedicate to *one* console family. It could be fun to load one up with GB/GBC/GBA and *nothing* else!
The Anbernic K101+ is available right now. It’s a direct hardware clone. It plays GBA cartridges and has the ability to emulate other consoles as well. It’s 8 years old, but the price tag hasn’t changed 😅 $70ish 🤷♂️
Desperately wanting a DS or better yet a 3DS/2DS form factor Anbernic device now. Something that can play DS and 3DS with proper dual screens (or a portrait orientation display could work too) and physical controls, but for emulators instead of the original hardware so we can have frameskip and upscaling... man that would be a dream.
Yeah :/ the only issue is that any handheld Citra isn’t really great. You need good hardware to emulate it because it’s poorly optimized, and now that Nintendo cracked down on it, there’s no more progress being made on it. It’ll be a while before small Linux/android handhelds can do 3DS. Some of the higher price handhelds can do it though, the Odin 1/2/lite, the Switch family (modded), and the retroids (3/4/5), and obviously other more powerful ones but I’m just talking about lower price handhelds. Then again, paying 200+ to play 3DS…and it’s poorly done? Might as well just get a 3DS lol.
This design holds a special place in my heart. This was the first console I was able to import in my early 20s from Japan. This was still very early in the days of the internet being popular, so even people I knew that was into gaming had no idea what I had in my hands. It came with a copy of Super Mario Advance, but obviously all in kanji. It was a difficult time for me, and I really leaned heavily into gaming as an escape. Honestly don't know where I'd be today if I didn't have that escape and pressure release. For the few months between the JPN and US releases, it felt pretty cool to show people what was coming out. It actually was the ice breaker with some gamer friends I still have today. Friendships that ironically also helped me through a really tough time. It's weird to be attached or have a visceral reaction to an inanimate object, but I always get a warm feeling whenever I see the OG advance.
Holy shit Anbernic actually knocked it out of the park with this. I was super worried about extra clicky buttons as I like to game while my wife watches tv or something. Glad they went with more silent buttons. Everything else is just *chefs kiss*. I think the only way they could make it better would be an OLED screen but I will take what I can get.
This is the movement I want to see from manufacturers. Budget friendly emulation devices with the original form factor of old handhelds. So we can get the authentic experience with the modern qol upgrades of emulation. Hopefully reviews criticizing the original form factor by today's standards aren't discouraging to future projects like this.
As someone who prefers dedicated devices this one is right up my alley. One device for all them leads to compromises. As well as paralysis caused by too many game options. Just GBA in this form factor is perfect.
41:37 1. Yes, I do. 2. I still regularly play OG Game Boy Micro, so bring it on. 3. The screen will be backlit now, so that makes it even more amazing.
I feel like this Anbernic handheld might be the best one as a gift. Slap MinUI on the thing, put just GBA roms with a good LCD shader, and a GBA boot logo, and its a perfect gift.
You can add and select custom LCD shaders on MinUI? I was under the impression that MinUI minimalizes the whole experience that you cannot even enter emulator settings like retroarch to change and select different bezels and shaders...
It's actually still a pretty decent handheld in all likehoods. I liked my RG350, but it was a pain to update firmwares, emulators, and scrape boxart (needed to unscrew back to access sd card).
Still use mine every day. Shout out to AmberElec! I never bought any of the devices that followed actually, since I was so happy with it, believe it or not, but I did buy the missus a Miyoo Mini lol.
I love my 35SP, so I can absolutely hold out for the glacier blue. I also don't really need another handheld, but I'd still like to be convinced to get the 34xx.
I literally bought an RG35XX+ about 10 days ago as a first time retro handheld. This GBA form factor is my favorite handheld of all time, and I even looked to see if one existed before I bought one. Will be buying as soon as it goes live in the morning. I guess this is just a rite of passage for Anbernic owners
Man Anbernic really has Sold Me on this One! All they have to do is to make a High Quality Knock-Off and I’ll Buy it. I used to have the OG GBA and the GBA SP, it would be great to have them again Plus the Modern Upgrade.
Okay the price is definetely appealing but the D-pad got me concerned even though I think it'll be okay, not to mention we may see mods from the community. I had this baby back in the days and I can't resist the call, I think it'll be my second device with the Miyoo Mini Plus. I wasn't expecting you to review it so soon, but thanks! Your videos always points the details so that's why I always wait to see your reviews like "what's this device from Russ's perspective" and "what details his he gonna light out with his magnifying lens" lol. Also, maybe most of the games you played from the GBA catalog are turned based RPG or so, but there's actually a good bunch of action games that would require good controls, so yes it does matter how good or not the controls are for such a system. Which makes me thing that was probably for the best that you can crouch in Mega Man Zero Games, maybe it was considered at first until Inti Creates realized that the D-pad would get in the way as they meant to do a precise platformer with tight controls (basically you just need to hit up and down for ladders and menus, during action parts, what matters most is left and right). This just makes me like the Zero Series even more lol. Edit: love the questions at the end! I think I have not considered that when buying the Miyoo mini plus and I ended up installing retroarch on my phone and play with a controller with phone holder at home, bringing the MMP only when I go outside, which is actually rare. I still love how plug and play the experience is, and also having a dedicated device for retro stuff but the small size of handheld ends up feeling uncomfortable after a certain amount of time. So I mostly play GB, GBC and Gamegear games. Maybe I'll get the accessories they sell to improve the ergonomics first and see if it's better before jumping on a new device. Thanks again for all the details in your reviews, you always cover everything and beyond!
I wrist-strap whatever device I can. A little for the klutz factor, but a lot for the NYC subway factor (which itself breaks out into multiple sub-factors...)
Those questions at the end were pretty funny to me. I have a modded gba and several small emulation handhelds like the miyoo mini and rg35xx and the gba is more comfortable to hold than any of them. Really shows how different someone who grew up and used a gba compared to someone that never did. Great video, Russ.
I have debated getting so many 3:2 devices, but every time there was just something wrong. I heard Anbernic’s old 3:2 devices didnt hold up as well as their newer devices. I saw the price of the Ayaneo micro. The V10 seemed to be missing important basic buttons. This is going to be the perfect GBA emulation device. It is pocketable enough to easily carry and cheap enough to not panic about scratches. In other words. The perfect emulator to hand to my niece and nephew whenever I see them with the perfect library of games
Will be getting this! Both for the nostalgia but also the community will find many ways to make this handheld better with modding. I think having a strong community that can make iterations on hardware and software makes the entire retro experience new and more fun! All the cons you listed, the community will most likely come up with fixes that will make the rg34 way better
I really enjoy your videos. I got a rg35xx because of you (and Wulff Den) and I am super happy with it. I'm not planning on getting another device, but i keep on watching your videos because of your chill vibe and my passion with tech stuff :)
This handheld is the first time I actually felt dirty. Like, the attraction to this machine's concept might have triggered some hormones that normally shouldn't be associated with consumer electronics but, I guess it came at this point.
I thought the same thing, I didn't get people's hype around all the retro devices that came out constantly...until this one lol. I have a pocket device I use for Gameboy advance and I don't care, I want this one. It was my first handheld ever when I was 9 and it's shaped my gaming preferences for my entire life.
"Have you Played the OG GBA with your adult sized hands?" Yes. I got my first own OG GBA in 2021 as an adult. Had a SP growing up. The OG GBA has always been famous to be the most comfortable handheld ever. And I am Always amazed by its ergonomics when I pick it up. I waited/wished for this exact thing for a while now, and it seems like they did absolutely everything right. The original GBA D Pad is a bit mushy so the criticism about it doesn't make sense from that pov IF they did match it accurately. No other way to find this out but trying this myself which I will definitely do when there will be an Offer around 50-60 soon as I hope, and I really hope for more colors, too. I already got a modded indigo GBA and hope they will do glacier blue or spicy orange (non transparent). Thanks a lot for your review, Russ. Phew, the number of views and comments in one day (111.000 views, 800 comments) really confirm my prediction that this will be Anbernics biggest success!
I always wanted the original GBA but just never got one. I ended up getting the GBA SP instead. I'm really excited for this one. I'm hoping this could be the "one" when it comes to a perfect GPA only machine.
I think I am going to pass for now, Your quiz at the end was what I needed. I know it's not the best for marketing the device but it's humble and honest and that is why I like your reviews. Keep doing what you do Russ!
If it can Play DS and 3DS with a Resolution for perfect integer scaled displays for both systems it will surely be exciting. But the N3DS line can Not be topped atm I think
I was just setting up batocera 40 today and I got side tracked and ended up playing 3 hours of Astro Boy on the GBA. Such an incredible game on an outstanding system for it's time.
I knew the thumb was gonna smear the screen when I first saw it hahaha. Glad it doesn't have an analog stick those always feel like they're in the way with these devices.
Happy to see Anbernic continue the "controller/system" style. Loved the RG ARC. I still want to see another SNES controller style one. I know one exists, but I mean a smaller more comfortable one without analog sticks.
@@morganghetti You don't need or want a bigger screen for GBA games. You want one that's designed around the right screen resolution so the pixels look crisp, not stretched. If you really want a bigger screen, go play on your PC. It will look terrible.
Back in the day, I'm dreamed of buying a the OG GBA but I can't afford it, much more its cartridges, then GBA SP came out and I still didn't had the chance or money to buy it LOL! These devices truly will help you achieve those dream you once had LOL
I went back to 1987 and told my younger self that these magical handhelds would one day exist! All of my NES and SNES in a handheld. It gave me the will to carry on. And here we are today.
Isn't most vertical handhelds sort of skirting that anyway? The GBC isn't too dissimilar to the OG Gameboy Lite in regards to shape and form, so there should be loads of clones out there.
5 billion devices later and Anbernic finally made something that is a must buy for me Also may I offer a 3rd grip style? Fingertip grip: Place your index fingers in the dip of the L1/R1 buttons, then place your other fingers' fingertips naturally wherever they land on the back. Not what I'd use for a fast pace or intense game, but for things like classic JRPG's it's great!
Oh man... This is really tickling that nostalgia portion of my brain. The indigo looks perfect. That's the color of GBA I had. I played mine through most of college, so I'm sure this would still be good for me. I was never one to really like the SP's more cramped form factor. This is the best of both worlds.
if it'd ever held a gba and had nostalgia for it I'd be snapping this up right now. In fact even as someone that didn't have a gba this is very tempting as something to experience the gba for the first time.
I wonder how that'll even work though? Because wouldn't the specs need to be more powerful in order to draw/emulate over two screens? And then somebody need to develop firmware and software for a unique dual screened OS, and Anbernic are going to be too lazy to do that.
I have way more fond memories with the GBA SP than with the original GBA; I never liked the original's form factor. So obviously I'd get the RG35XXSP, but the TrimUI Brick and RG40XXV have been catching more of my attention lately. I just love how sessy and slick they look.
Finally, a 47th device to put GBA rom on and never touch again
Ikr
Real talk
I get that there are a ton of them, but this form factor is really appealing to some people. I plan on getting one as my first retro handheld, and aside from the RG Cubexx, it's really the only one that has caught my eye. I just want a little guy to play my favorite GBA games on, and maybe some MAME and Pico 8 stuff. This seems pretty perfect for that, and the original GBA look really scratches that nostalga-y part of my brain.
I'm literally in the same boat@@TheBrotherGrim, I've never owned an emulator device but this (and the Cube) are the only ones that have gotten my attention. Definitely wanna pick up the 34xx, maybe next year
Yeah but this is the most GBA-looking aside from that SP thing
Honestly as someone who’s favorite console is the GBA this is one of the most exciting things I’ve seen in quite a while
Did you get the Ambernic SP?
Same. GBA is my childhood device...I simply can't pass this up despite already owning 4 Anbernic handhelds with the H700 chipset already. Gotta sell my white RG40XXV.
Same here, this looks like the perfect GBA to me.
Powkiddy V10 is great for GBA too. It doesn't have this nostalgia case but it's much cheaper. Sorry for my English, I'm not native speaker.
GBA is easily my most played system.
It’s really great on the steam deck oled.
I love how even the old battery location was preserved. Definitely want one of these guys for the nostalgia factor.
I love what they did with the face buttons
@skycloud4802 they did a good job with them too!
If you had a GBA back in the day, you absolutely had a worm light. It was hard to see the screen even in a well lit room LOL. Ah, the memories . =)
Few people had those lights and most of the kids who had a GBA are wearing glasses now 😂 (like me)
@@Mike-B-Jackson Yep I first had a Gameboy Color and then a Gameboy Advance. The worm light was an absolute necessity. A year or two later I did get an SP, but the og GBA is definitely the more comfortable option so I will likely buy this one. My 35xxSP hardly gets used because of the uncomfortable ergonomics.
I had the worm light for the GBC, but for the GBA, I installed the Afterburner front light kit 👍
I had this huge plastic contraption that clipped onto the front and included a light and a screen magnifier
Not me....and I had all three models@@emaheiwa8174
Russ I really appreciate all the little OCD things that you notice about these devices, like the smudging of the screen when using the D-pad. These are practical things that people like me would be bothered by, but most reviewers don't ever notice or care about these types of things.
a little smudge is not a practical thing at all, you wouldnt even notice it in most lighting. if most reviewers dont see it, then it isnt a practical thing LOL just say its a very small thing that you would be bothered by if you really examined it.
TH-cam will suggest me to watch the latest Retro Game Corps video and I always go "Yeah man, I wanna do it.:
I’m actually glad to see a company making a specific use/nostalgia handheld. Most of these things can *play* anything, but do they make you *feel* it?
This one is so tempting for literally no reason!! I have a backlit-modded original GBA, and I have an RP2S that does everything else this device would do and more. So why do I still want this lol
nostalgia
Same. I actually dug through my crap and pulled it out to see if it passes the "Does my nostalgia let me enjoy the OG GBA form factor in my adult hands 20 years later" test and it 100% does!!!!
@@Man_of_Oil ...I did the exact same modification...wasn't that difficult was it...then we had to decide what type of battery to power the backlit screen...it uses so much more milliamp hours...many went for a Lithium polymer pack and another small case mod to fit it...I didn't...I kept it standard...and use AA high power Lithium ion which gives a couple of hours easily...also backed up with a mains step down buck converter...easy mod that...which did you opt for
I have a modded SP with an IPS display and while I love that device I still play frequently on my 351p, because of the larger screen size. So that’s something this has over your GBA.
I’m in the same boat. I have a rg35xx h, a razer edge, and I’m getting a miyoo mini for Christmas, but I still want this.
We have all the Anbernic handhelds humanly possible, but they will still find a way.
Still missing the Nintendo DS copy
Welcome to Anbernic Park 🦕
@@jasonrodriguez2963 yeah maybe in 2025 we will see something similar
I do hope they make a DS-like handheld that can handle 3DS games. I'll be buying it if they do.
i'm waiting for a good 3ds/ 2ds cheap clone . I missed that console and due its price i don't mind to buy a preowned one
Got my RG40XXV two weeks ago and haven’t touched my legion Go since. The power of Pokémon is real.
You know what I would love to see you do? A video reviewing classic handhelds like the Game Boy Color, DMG, and Game Boy Pocket. Talk about the ergonomics, how they feel today, and so on. Because many adults (like me) are buying these devices again to mod them and replay all the classics.
I would watch the fuck out of a series like this from any of the larger retro handheld guys, especially if they compare modded old systems to today
He actually did make one for the DMG a while back, lemme see... th-cam.com/video/1cMfh1H6Hw4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TY-eM1uzGw-h_eJt
I do think videos like this would really help us see things that our nostalgia makes us gloss over, lol
A 20% upscaled or so device with a 4" or 4.5" display for adult hand sizes, keeping the form unchanged would be a Nice alternative option for this (as well as fix the pad). Hands 20% bigger, arms 20% longer, and eyesight 20% worse all combine to make the screen and device a whole lot less usable than if you got this device age 12.
Still buying one, but yes an adult-sized, but 100% otherwise accurate GBA would be sick!
Been thinking the exact same thing. Would definitely trigger a lot of people's nostalgic feelings if they make devices upscaled in size. Dare I say, I'd even think people will pay an even higher premium for that recreated feeling
He said it was a half inch bigger screen, right? Thats like 15-20% more screen.
Pocketable is always my main concern. Screen is like third or fourth concern.
I know the GBA fits into my pocket, I wouldn’t want it to be bigger.
Nice review. This might be the first retro handheld I would consider only to dedicate to *one* console family. It could be fun to load one up with GB/GBC/GBA and *nothing* else!
The Anbernic K101+ is available right now. It’s a direct hardware clone. It plays GBA cartridges and has the ability to emulate other consoles as well. It’s 8 years old, but the price tag hasn’t changed 😅
$70ish 🤷♂️
K101 misses the mark with that screen unfortunately
There it is!!! Been waiting all weekend for this to drop. Thank you, Russ!! 🤙
The constant devices from them can be tiring, at least this one is cool and nostalgic. Hope Anbernic makes a DS, they would nail it
I want Anbernic to make a PS2 controller looking handheld.
This is what I’m hoping for too. Hopefully sometime next year they’ll release one. Hopefully with the DS lite form factor
They could also nail a psp. Might need to be a bit more powerful though, so it can actually play all the psp games
I don't get bored of seeing their new devices, I look forward to it.
Tiring how? Like for real Casey, HOW can it be "tiring"?
Ahh that GBA shape takes me back, had a silver one but always wanted a transparent blue one.
Desperately wanting a DS or better yet a 3DS/2DS form factor Anbernic device now. Something that can play DS and 3DS with proper dual screens (or a portrait orientation display could work too) and physical controls, but for emulators instead of the original hardware so we can have frameskip and upscaling... man that would be a dream.
I feel like a 2DS variation is definitely possible
You might like the Anbernic RG556
If they actually get glassless 3D working, and can push the price down to like $90, I'd really REALLY consider buying it.
That will require a Custom Dual Screen Driver.
Yeah :/ the only issue is that any handheld Citra isn’t really great. You need good hardware to emulate it because it’s poorly optimized, and now that Nintendo cracked down on it, there’s no more progress being made on it. It’ll be a while before small Linux/android handhelds can do 3DS.
Some of the higher price handhelds can do it though, the Odin 1/2/lite, the Switch family (modded), and the retroids (3/4/5), and obviously other more powerful ones but I’m just talking about lower price handhelds.
Then again, paying 200+ to play 3DS…and it’s poorly done? Might as well just get a 3DS lol.
This design holds a special place in my heart. This was the first console I was able to import in my early 20s from Japan. This was still very early in the days of the internet being popular, so even people I knew that was into gaming had no idea what I had in my hands. It came with a copy of Super Mario Advance, but obviously all in kanji.
It was a difficult time for me, and I really leaned heavily into gaming as an escape. Honestly don't know where I'd be today if I didn't have that escape and pressure release. For the few months between the JPN and US releases, it felt pretty cool to show people what was coming out. It actually was the ice breaker with some gamer friends I still have today. Friendships that ironically also helped me through a really tough time. It's weird to be attached or have a visceral reaction to an inanimate object, but I always get a warm feeling whenever I see the OG advance.
Holy shit Anbernic actually knocked it out of the park with this. I was super worried about extra clicky buttons as I like to game while my wife watches tv or something. Glad they went with more silent buttons. Everything else is just *chefs kiss*. I think the only way they could make it better would be an OLED screen but I will take what I can get.
Yeah I think they made the right choice with the shoulder buttons on this one, and I hope the trend continues with all future handhelds
This is the movement I want to see from manufacturers. Budget friendly emulation devices with the original form factor of old handhelds. So we can get the authentic experience with the modern qol upgrades of emulation. Hopefully reviews criticizing the original form factor by today's standards aren't discouraging to future projects like this.
Hm budget friendly would be at least $10-$20 cheaper. This is slightly overpriced for now
As someone who prefers dedicated devices this one is right up my alley. One device for all them leads to compromises. As well as paralysis caused by too many game options. Just GBA in this form factor is perfect.
41:37
1. Yes, I do.
2. I still regularly play OG Game Boy Micro, so bring it on.
3. The screen will be backlit now, so that makes it even more amazing.
I feel like this Anbernic handheld might be the best one as a gift. Slap MinUI on the thing, put just GBA roms with a good LCD shader, and a GBA boot logo, and its a perfect gift.
You can add and select custom LCD shaders on MinUI? I was under the impression that MinUI minimalizes the whole experience that you cannot even enter emulator settings like retroarch to change and select different bezels and shaders...
Eagerly awaiting the RG35XX DSi
I cant believe the 351p is so old now, feels like i just got it, but here we are 200 handhelds later
It's actually still a pretty decent handheld in all likehoods. I liked my RG350, but it was a pain to update firmwares, emulators, and scrape boxart (needed to unscrew back to access sd card).
I felt a few gray hairs coming in the moment I realized it came out over four years ago 😂😢
Still use mine every day. Shout out to AmberElec! I never bought any of the devices that followed actually, since I was so happy with it, believe it or not, but I did buy the missus a Miyoo Mini lol.
I like the 351p. Too bad I dropped it and the power button broke lol.
I still have it. They are re releasing it and it says new Rg351P. I think it still has the same specs though.
Brings a tear to me eye! Thanks for the great video. Got indigo! So excited
Been waiting for this form factor to finally hit
Same! It's so underrated.
What I like: It's a GBA
What I don't like: It's a GBA
Well, Russ, I guess it's good for people who want a GBA hahaha
I like that it's not the overatted gba sp. This one is so much better.
I got the XXSP and now this is being released, all time fav console. Super stoked to get this, love anbernic
It's not gonna play anything different than the sp.
@@X862goconsumerism
@@X862go The scaling on the SP for GBA games was rough, ironically as opposed to this which has perfect 3X scaling.
I like the quiz section, you should do more of em at the end of the video.
Gimme the ice blue deco of my youth, and then we’re talking.
Yeah I need the glacier colorway for this
Same, I almost want to hold out for it
I love my 35SP, so I can absolutely hold out for the glacier blue. I also don't really need another handheld, but I'd still like to be convinced to get the 34xx.
The one I had!
I literally bought an RG35XX+ about 10 days ago as a first time retro handheld.
This GBA form factor is my favorite handheld of all time, and I even looked to see if one existed before I bought one. Will be buying as soon as it goes live in the morning.
I guess this is just a rite of passage for Anbernic owners
been waiting for the review so much!
going to wait and see what other colors they release! hoping they do the og glacier blue, clear or orange :D
I love that you are wearing a Vaer watch. Great brand.
I am so hungry and dehydrated Russ hasn’t told me to grab a snack or drink in so long
Because Russ is the only drink of water you need.
Lame joke
It's because it's under 45min long
Man Anbernic really has Sold Me on this One! All they have to do is to make a High Quality Knock-Off and I’ll Buy it. I used to have the OG GBA and the GBA SP, it would be great to have them again Plus the Modern Upgrade.
This company understands the EXACT price range for their audience. I literally can't justify NOT buying this!
I'm wishing for a glacier blue one, pure nostalgic reasons.
Got my late night snack & a drink. Now I'm ready to watch a nice video before bed 😌🩵
Okay the price is definetely appealing but the D-pad got me concerned even though I think it'll be okay, not to mention we may see mods from the community. I had this baby back in the days and I can't resist the call, I think it'll be my second device with the Miyoo Mini Plus. I wasn't expecting you to review it so soon, but thanks! Your videos always points the details so that's why I always wait to see your reviews like "what's this device from Russ's perspective" and "what details his he gonna light out with his magnifying lens" lol.
Also, maybe most of the games you played from the GBA catalog are turned based RPG or so, but there's actually a good bunch of action games that would require good controls, so yes it does matter how good or not the controls are for such a system. Which makes me thing that was probably for the best that you can crouch in Mega Man Zero Games, maybe it was considered at first until Inti Creates realized that the D-pad would get in the way as they meant to do a precise platformer with tight controls (basically you just need to hit up and down for ladders and menus, during action parts, what matters most is left and right).
This just makes me like the Zero Series even more lol.
Edit: love the questions at the end! I think I have not considered that when buying the Miyoo mini plus and I ended up installing retroarch on my phone and play with a controller with phone holder at home, bringing the MMP only when I go outside, which is actually rare. I still love how plug and play the experience is, and also having a dedicated device for retro stuff but the small size of handheld ends up feeling uncomfortable after a certain amount of time. So I mostly play GB, GBC and Gamegear games. Maybe I'll get the accessories they sell to improve the ergonomics first and see if it's better before jumping on a new device. Thanks again for all the details in your reviews, you always cover everything and beyond!
Another quality review! Thanks!
I wrist-strap whatever device I can. A little for the klutz factor, but a lot for the NYC subway factor (which itself breaks out into multiple sub-factors...)
Those questions at the end were pretty funny to me. I have a modded gba and several small emulation handhelds like the miyoo mini and rg35xx and the gba is more comfortable to hold than any of them. Really shows how different someone who grew up and used a gba compared to someone that never did. Great video, Russ.
The gba is an underrated 🐐
I have debated getting so many 3:2 devices, but every time there was just something wrong. I heard Anbernic’s old 3:2 devices didnt hold up as well as their newer devices. I saw the price of the Ayaneo micro. The V10 seemed to be missing important basic buttons.
This is going to be the perfect GBA emulation device. It is pocketable enough to easily carry and cheap enough to not panic about scratches. In other words. The perfect emulator to hand to my niece and nephew whenever I see them with the perfect library of games
37:08 i swear it sounds like you are saying "pants down" honestly I love that
Finally a good gba form factor and screen for an emulation handheld. None of that uncomfortable micro and sp crap.
Exactly! SP way overrated, this one has the best form factor.
Micro is really comfortable for me. A perfect Micro device. The First. The Most iconic. The definition. The Legend.
Will be getting this! Both for the nostalgia but also the community will find many ways to make this handheld better with modding. I think having a strong community that can make iterations on hardware and software makes the entire retro experience new and more fun! All the cons you listed, the community will most likely come up with fixes that will make the rg34 way better
Eventually there will be the RG49XXC++ 2X
I really enjoy your videos. I got a rg35xx because of you (and Wulff Den) and I am super happy with it. I'm not planning on getting another device, but i keep on watching your videos because of your chill vibe and my passion with tech stuff :)
LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! I ASKED FOR THIS FOR YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and I'm broke when it comes out. My soul hurts.
I knew I was gonna pick this one up already, but I love watching your videos anyway.
Fantastic little machine for GBA. I don't see playing much of anything else on it. Think I'll stick with the Ambernic SP. Great review, Russ. 👍
I prefer the gba over sp, much better ergonomics.
I was eagerly awaiting this video after seeing the post on Reddit!!!! 🥳
This handheld is the first time I actually felt dirty. Like, the attraction to this machine's concept might have triggered some hormones that normally shouldn't be associated with consumer electronics but, I guess it came at this point.
I thought the same thing, I didn't get people's hype around all the retro devices that came out constantly...until this one lol. I have a pocket device I use for Gameboy advance and I don't care, I want this one. It was my first handheld ever when I was 9 and it's shaped my gaming preferences for my entire life.
"Have you Played the OG GBA with your adult sized hands?"
Yes. I got my first own OG GBA in 2021 as an adult. Had a SP growing up. The OG GBA has always been famous to be the most comfortable handheld ever. And I am Always amazed by its ergonomics when I pick it up. I waited/wished for this exact thing for a while now, and it seems like they did absolutely everything right. The original GBA D Pad is a bit mushy so the criticism about it doesn't make sense from that pov IF they did match it accurately. No other way to find this out but trying this myself which I will definitely do when there will be an Offer around 50-60 soon as I hope, and I really hope for more colors, too. I already got a modded indigo GBA and hope they will do glacier blue or spicy orange (non transparent).
Thanks a lot for your review, Russ. Phew, the number of views and comments in one day (111.000 views, 800 comments) really confirm my prediction that this will be Anbernics biggest success!
I always wanted the original GBA but just never got one. I ended up getting the GBA SP instead. I'm really excited for this one. I'm hoping this could be the "one" when it comes to a perfect GPA only machine.
I think I am going to pass for now, Your quiz at the end was what I needed. I know it's not the best for marketing the device but it's humble and honest and that is why I like your reviews. Keep doing what you do Russ!
But but... Does it feel and look like the OG gba? 😋 Just teasing, thanks for another great video! Now a 1:1 replica of the OG SP would be great 😊
what a great time it was to be alive when this came out^^ I remember. Still got it around somewhere.
Only thing left is an rg DS xx
Then we'll have the whole collection
If it can Play DS and 3DS with a Resolution for perfect integer scaled displays for both systems it will surely be exciting. But the N3DS line can Not be topped atm I think
I was just setting up batocera 40 today and I got side tracked and ended up playing 3 hours of Astro Boy on the GBA. Such an incredible game on an outstanding system for it's time.
I knew the thumb was gonna smear the screen when I first saw it hahaha. Glad it doesn't have an analog stick those always feel like they're in the way with these devices.
I find analogue sticks pointless in nostalgia bait devices.
Exactly! It completely ruins the ergonomics. I just hope Anbernic can fix the inaccurate dpad.
@@skycloud4802ps1s are nostalgic and they had thumbsticks
@@varenoftatooine2393 very few Playstation 1 titles were dual shock compatible, because the original controller pad didn't have them.
Happy to see Anbernic continue the "controller/system" style. Loved the RG ARC. I still want to see another SNES controller style one. I know one exists, but I mean a smaller more comfortable one without analog sticks.
best device for GBA only emulation
Neh. Plenty of others run GBA with a bigger screen
@@morganghetti You don't need or want a bigger screen for GBA games. You want one that's designed around the right screen resolution so the pixels look crisp, not stretched.
If you really want a bigger screen, go play on your PC. It will look terrible.
Gba games look awful on a lot of big screens that dont properly scale them.
@@morganghetti lol...thats the dumbest thing i have ever read..
I will mainly play ps1, gba gb gbc and snes games on this beast 👌
The video I've been waiting for years!
Maybe a details but I love to see a d-pad with "triangles", the arrows Anbernic put on other devices just don't look as nice 😅
So excited for this
ganna but this for sure when its available in Philippines ❤
Back in the day, I'm dreamed of buying a the OG GBA but I can't afford it, much more its cartridges, then GBA SP came out and I still didn't had the chance or money to buy it LOL! These devices truly will help you achieve those dream you once had LOL
*Take My Money...*
_Crap, I've already spent it all on other handhelds!!!_
I went back to 1987 and told my younger self that these magical handhelds would one day exist! All of my NES and SNES in a handheld. It gave me the will to carry on. And here we are today.
Now i want a GBC replica from Anbernic
Isn't most vertical handhelds sort of skirting that anyway? The GBC isn't too dissimilar to the OG Gameboy Lite in regards to shape and form, so there should be loads of clones out there.
@@skycloud4802 The problem with most of those is that none have the original gameboy B+A button angle/orientation like this one does
I have an RG40XXH but this is super tempting for no justifiable reason.
Yeah man I’m gonna watch it.
5 billion devices later and Anbernic finally made something that is a must buy for me
Also may I offer a 3rd grip style?
Fingertip grip: Place your index fingers in the dip of the L1/R1 buttons, then place your other fingers' fingertips naturally wherever they land on the back. Not what I'd use for a fast pace or intense game, but for things like classic JRPG's it's great!
The D pad test fail = DOA
Oh man... This is really tickling that nostalgia portion of my brain. The indigo looks perfect. That's the color of GBA I had. I played mine through most of college, so I'm sure this would still be good for me. I was never one to really like the SP's more cramped form factor. This is the best of both worlds.
I'm holding out hope for an Analogue Pocket Light
They are discontinuing in 2025 as they Will be doing a gba form
Another day another Anbernic. Excited what they will release tomorrow.
I never heard of the color "Indy-go" before 😂
In-dye-go, duh.
OG Pokémon League and the Indigo Plateau just felt very old. 😂 Ash Ketchum might be over 30 years old, but he is forever 10 in the anime 😮.
It's "IndiaGo" the "A" is silent 🤫😂
The review we've all been waiting for
Crap, where’s my snack.
this just makes me wait for the much needed psp anbernic device!
Hey Babe look its a new Retro Game Corps video
So awesome, now time for a DSI XI from Anbernic
A 4” 3:2 would have been perfect.
Mid-forties? You're killing it, man!
I think the anbernic model of business is the same internals with different shells.
Yes and I’m here for it 😂
You think? Dude, that’s their model of business
I’ve been chasing that first GBA hit since the 90s… it’s tuned me into a handheld junkie. Finally this!
They neeeed to make a icy blue I’ll buy 5
This is the one I have been waiting for for years
Here we go again, a new Anbernic and I haven't finished making my sandwich they already got a new one out 😂😂😂
if it'd ever held a gba and had nostalgia for it I'd be snapping this up right now. In fact even as someone that didn't have a gba this is very tempting as something to experience the gba for the first time.
I wonder if Anbernic will give us a DS themed emulator next
I wonder how that'll even work though? Because wouldn't the specs need to be more powerful in order to draw/emulate over two screens?
And then somebody need to develop firmware and software for a unique dual screened OS, and Anbernic are going to be too lazy to do that.
@@skycloud4802I’d be perfectly fine with it if the OS used only one screen
This is a great idea for those who want to play on device similar to orginal old gameboys.
Waiting for anbernic to make a 3ds version 🙏🙏
GPD XD
A bil older and probably out of production, but the XDs were decently powerful Android emu devices a few years back.
Might have to wait a few years for this one, I would be more hopeful for just a ds one
Praying for one that costs under $1K!!
Man I love your channel especially your theme music ❤❤❤
AYN: Flagship King
Retroid: Price to Performance King
Anbernic: King of Retro!!!
Valve: best PC handheld
I have way more fond memories with the GBA SP than with the original GBA; I never liked the original's form factor. So obviously I'd get the RG35XXSP, but the TrimUI Brick and RG40XXV have been catching more of my attention lately. I just love how sessy and slick they look.