Anbernic RG-34XX Review: A Retro Handheld for GBA Enthusiasts

Overview

The Anbernic RG-34XX is a retro gaming handheld designed with a horizontal form factor and a 3.4-inch IPS display (720x480 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio) that delivers crisp visuals for classic games. Powered by the Allwinner H700 quad-core Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, it offers smooth emulation for a wide range of systems. The device runs an open-source operating system and comes with 1 GB LPDDR4 RAM, dual external microSD card slots for storage, and a 3800 mAh battery for extended play sessions.

Key Specs Highlights

• Processor: Allwinner H700 (4x Cortex-A53 @ 1.5 GHz)
• GPU: Mali-G31 MP2 @ 650 MHz
• RAM: 1 GB LPDDR4
• Display: 3.4-inch IPS, 720x480, 3:2 ratio, 254.51 PPI, 60 Hz
• Storage: Dual external microSD slots
• Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
• Battery: 3800 mAh
• Dimensions: 144.6 x 81.8 x 24.8 mm, 188 g
• Video Output: Mini HDMI
• Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Haptics: Vibration motor

Who It Is For

The RG-34XX is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who prioritize Game Boy Advance emulation with perfect 3x point-to-point scaling. It also handles SNES FX, 3D PS1, N64, and Dreamcast games reasonably well, with partial support for PSP and Sega Saturn. Its compact size and plastic build make it a portable choice for on-the-go gaming, while the open-source OS appeals to tinkerers.

Buying Notes

As of December 2024, the RG-34XX launched with a starting price of ¥398 (approx. $55 USD). It is available in multiple colors: black, indigo, transparent green, transparent red, and glacier blue. No official price or release date for global markets has been announced; check Anbernic's official channels for the latest information.