Anbernic RG-405M Review: A Compact Metal Handheld for Retro Gaming
Anbernic · 2023-03-01
The Anbernic RG-405M is a premium metal handheld gaming device featuring a 4-inch IPS touchscreen, Unisoc T618 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It runs Android and open-source systems, offering excellent emulation for N64, PSP, Dreamcast, and some GameCube, with limited PS2 support.
Overview
The Anbernic RG-405M is a high-quality handheld gaming device with a sleek metal body and a 4-inch IPS touchscreen (640x480, 4:3 aspect ratio). Powered by the Unisoc T618 octa-core processor (2.0 GHz) and Mali-G52 MP2 GPU (850 MHz), it delivers smooth performance for retro gaming. It comes with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB eMMC storage, expandable via MicroSD. The device runs Android and open-source systems, offering flexibility for emulation and native Android games.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: Unisoc T618 (Cortex-A75/A55, 2.0 GHz, 8 cores)
- GPU: Mali-G52 MP2 (850 MHz)
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128GB eMMC + MicroSD slot
- Display: 4.0-inch IPS touchscreen, 640x480, 60Hz, 200 PPI
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
- Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Sensors: Hall effect joysticks, gyroscope
- Build: Metal body, 162 x 73.6 x 15.8 mm, 265g
- OS: Android, open-source system
- Color: Black/Gray
Who It Is For
The RG-405M is perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a premium, portable device capable of emulating N64, PSP, Dreamcast, and some GameCube titles at full speed. It's also suitable for Android gaming and users who appreciate a metal build and compact form factor. PS2 emulation is limited to easier-to-run games.
Buying Notes
Priced around $150-$200 (launched at $168), the RG-405M offers excellent value for its build quality and performance. It was released in March 2023. Consider it if you prioritize metal construction, a 4:3 screen for retro games, and dual OS options. However, for higher-end emulation (PS2, GameCube), you may need a more powerful device.
| CPU | Cortex-A75 / Cortex-A55 |
|---|---|
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR4X |
| Name | RG-405M |
| Brand | Anbernic |
| Weight | 265 grams |
| Battery | 4500 mAh |
| Cooling | Vents, heat shield |
| Storage | Built-in 128 GB eMMC, external MicroSD |
| Speakers | Dual stereo |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | Unisoc T618 Multi-core score: 2547 |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Body Color | Black Gray |
| Dimensions | 162 mm x 73.6 mm x 15.8 mm |
| Screen PPI | 200 |
| Price Range | $150 - $200 |
| Screen Size | 4.0 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS touchscreen |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Launch Price | $168 |
| Release Date | 2023 / 03 |
| CPU Frequency | 2.0 GHz |
| Other Sensors | Hall effect joysticks, gyroscope |
| Shell Material | Metal |
| Operating System | Android, open-source system |
| Screen Resolution | 640 x 480 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 850 MHz |
| Screen Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 8 cores 8 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | N64, PSP & Dreamcast almost all full speed, some Gamecube playable. PS2 barely playable for easier to emulate games only |