The Anbernic RG35XX Plus emerges as a notable upgrade to its predecessor, offering avid gamers the chance to enjoy a Game Boy-like design with a host of enhanced features—all without burning a hole in their pocket. This iteration comes hot on the heels of the original RG35XX model, reviewed earlier this year, which had already carved a niche for itself by striking a reasonable balance between cost-effectiveness and emulation capability.
Upon first glance, the RG35XX Plus may seem indistinct from its forerunner; but a closer inspection reveals key adjustments. The most significant of these is the introduction of a user-serviceable 3300 mAh battery—an encouraging update for those concerned with the device's longevity. In addition to this, the design of the shoulder buttons has seen a revamp, now sporting a slanted arrangement that is easier on the fingers and enhances comfort for prolonged gaming sessions.
While less obvious, the D-pad has been refined as well, offering an improved tactile response. Considering that the original model's D-pad was already appreciated for its proficiency, this further enhancement exemplifies the dedication to user experience. As for the display, the 3.5-inch 640x480 pixel IPS screen, acclaimed for its crisp and vibrant visuals, thankfully remains untouched.
The device also comes equipped with an array of useful features including a mini HDMI-out port for those wishing to play on a larger screen, two MicroSD card slots for additional storage, a 3.5mm headphone socket for private listening, and a USB-C port for charging and connectivity purposes.
Beneath the surface lies the real essence of the RG35XX Plus's upgrade—its internal hardware. Anbernic has swapped the original chip with a robust 1.5GHz H700 Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A52 chipset, supplemented by 1GB of RAM. This power surge has unlocked the potential for Dreamcast emulation, an impossible feat for the earlier model. However, the absence of an analogue stick means that while these games are indeed playable, the experience may lack the fullness that comes with designed-for-analogue gaming interfaces.
While not flawless, PSP emulation is now within reach, albeit with some audio inconsistencies and performance hiccups. Yet, for those keen on immersing themselves in the gaming realms of 8 and 16-bit eras, alongside arcade classics, handheld favorites, and the iconic PlayStation titles, the RG35XX Plus stands as a remarkably competent gadget.
Another stride forward for the RG35XX Plus is the inclusion of WiFi capability. However, the device's user interface does not reflect the same level of elevation—it remains visually unappealing and somewhat rudimentary, paling in comparison to the sleek interfaces of competing devices. Nonetheless, the simplicity of navigation somewhat diminishes the impact of the lackluster UI design.
Priced at around $70, the RG35XX Plus is not just an incrementally improved version of its predecessor but rather a solid step up, offering significant advancements within the same economical bracket. Those who have just acquired the original RG35XX might feel the sting of a rushed upgrade, but for those who have yet to invest, the Plus model deserves serious consideration. With its potent mix of retro charm, enhanced capabilities, and competitive pricing, it proves itself as a highly engaging option for portable emulation.
Anbernic seems to have struck the right chords with the gaming community yet again, presenting a device that is not without its shortcomings—particularly the absence of an analogue stick and a subpar UI—but overall, it offers a substantial gaming experience at a fraction of the cost of higher-end alternatives. The RG35XX Plus is touted as a testament to how a company can listen to feedback and make meaningful improvements without drastically increasing the price, a move that will undoubtedly endear them to budget-conscious gamers seeking a reliable and enjoyable handheld gaming experience.
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