Anbernic RG-556 Review: A Powerful Handheld for Retro Gaming
Anbernic · 2024-03-01
The Anbernic RG-556 is a mid-range Android handheld with a 5.48-inch AMOLED display, Unisoc T820 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It offers excellent performance for N64, Dreamcast, PSP, and many GameCube/Wii games, with some PS2 and light Switch emulation possible.
Overview
The Anbernic RG-556 is a horizontal handheld gaming device running Android, featuring a vibrant 5.48-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 1920x1080 resolution and 400 PPI. Powered by the Unisoc T820 octa-core processor (Cortex-A76/A55) clocked up to 2.7 GHz, coupled with a Mali-G57 MP4 GPU at 850 MHz, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, and 128GB UFS 2.2 internal storage (expandable via MicroSD). It includes active cooling (heat pipe, fan, vents), dual stereo speakers, a 5500 mAh battery, and weighs 331 grams. Connectivity options include WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C video output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The device features Hall effect joysticks and triggers, a gyroscope, and vibration feedback.
Key Specs Highlights
- Display: 5.48-inch AMOLED, 1920x1080, 60Hz, 400 PPI
- Processor: Unisoc T820 (8-core, 2.1-2.7 GHz)
- GPU: Mali-G57 MP4 @ 850 MHz
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128GB UFS 2.2 + MicroSD
- Battery: 5500 mAh
- OS: Android
- Weight: 331g
- Dimensions: 223 x 90 x 15-25 mm
Who It Is For
The RG-556 is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who want to emulate systems up to the sixth generation. It runs N64, Dreamcast, and PSP at full speed, handles most GameCube and Wii titles, and can play some PlayStation 2 games. It also supports light Nintendo Switch emulation for simpler games. The Android OS allows for additional apps and streaming services.
Buying Notes
The RG-556 was released in March 2024 with a launch price of around $175. It is available in blue translucent and black plastic shells. As a mid-range device, it offers a good balance of performance and price for emulation up to GameCube/Wii. Note that PS2 and Switch emulation are limited and may require tweaking. The AMOLED screen and Hall effect controls are notable premium features at this price point.
| CPU | Cortex-A76 / Cortex-A55 |
|---|---|
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP4 |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
| Name | RG-556 |
| Alias | Zhou Ge RG556 |
| Brand | Anbernic |
| Weight | 331 grams |
| Battery | 5500 mAh |
| Cooling | Heat pipe, fan and vents |
| Storage | Built-in 128 GB UFS 2.2, external MicroSD |
| Speakers | Dual stereo |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | Unisoc T820 Multi-core score: 5577 |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Dimensions | 223 mm x 90 mm x 15-25 mm |
| Screen PPI | 400 |
| Body Colors | Blue translucent, black |
| Price Range | $150 - $200 |
| Screen Size | 5.48 inches |
| Screen Type | AMOLED touchscreen |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Launch Price | $175 (approximately ¥1269) |
| Release Date | 2024 / 03 |
| Screen Ratio | 16:9 |
| Video Output | USB-C video output |
| CPU Frequency | 2.1 GHz - 2.7 GHz |
| Other Sensors | Gyroscope, Hall joysticks, Hall triggers |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Operating System | Android |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 850 MHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 8 cores 8 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | N64, Dreamcast, PSP all full frame rate, Gamecube and Wii most games playable, PS2 some games playable, Switch only simple small games |