Anbernic RG ARC-S Review: A Retro Fighting Handheld with 6-Button Layout
Anbernic · 2023-11-01
The Anbernic RG ARC-S is a compact retro gaming handheld designed for fighting game enthusiasts, featuring a 6-button layout, a 4-inch 4:3 IPS display, and a RockChip RK3566 processor. It supports emulation up to N64, PSP, and Dreamcast, with dual TF card slots, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 4.2.
Overview
The Anbernic RG ARC-S is a horizontal handheld gaming console tailored for retro fighting games, featuring a classic 6-button layout inspired by arcade controllers. It runs on an open-source operating system and is powered by a RockChip RK3566 processor with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G52 2EE GPU. The device sports a 4.0-inch IPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 640x480 resolution, ideal for retro titles. With 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, dual external TF card slots, and connectivity options like WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, it offers a solid foundation for emulation up to N64, PSP, and Dreamcast.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: RockChip RK3566 (4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz)
- GPU: Mali-G52 2EE @ 850 MHz
- RAM: 1 GB LPDDR4
- Display: 4.0-inch IPS, 640x480, 4:3 ratio, 200 PPI
- Storage: Dual external TF card slots
- Battery: 3500 mAh
- Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, Mini HDMI out, 3.5mm audio jack
- Weight: 240 grams
- Dimensions: 191 x 80 x 22 mm
Who It Is For
The RG ARC-S is designed for retro gaming enthusiasts who prioritize fighting games and arcade-style experiences. The 6-button layout makes it particularly suitable for titles like Street Fighter, King of Fighters, and other classic fighters. It also appeals to collectors and tinkerers who enjoy open-source handhelds with good emulation performance for systems up to the 5th generation and some 6th generation (Dreamcast, PSP).
Buying Notes
The RG ARC-S is priced around $78 (launch price) and falls within the $75-$100 range. It is available in black transparent and blue transparent colors. The device uses plastic construction and includes a vibration motor but no active cooling. Note that the 1GB RAM may limit performance for higher-end emulation, but it handles N64, PSP, and Dreamcast well for most titles. The open-source OS allows for customization, and the dual TF card slots provide flexible storage options.
| CPU | Cortex-A55 |
|---|---|
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 |
| Name | RG ARC-S |
| Alias | Zhou Ge 6-button fighter, Zhou Ge fighter |
| Brand | Anbernic |
| Weight | 240 grams |
| Battery | 3500 mAh |
| Cooling | None |
| Storage | Dual external TF card slots |
| Speakers | Dual stereo |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | RockChip RK3566 |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Dimensions | 191 mm x 80 mm x 22 mm |
| Screen PPI | 200 |
| Body Colors | Black transparent, Blue transparent |
| Price Range | $75 - $100 |
| Screen Size | 4.0 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Launch Price | $78 |
| Release Date | 2023 / 11 |
| Screen Ratio | 4:3 |
| Video Output | Mini HDMI |
| CPU Frequency | 1.8 GHz |
| Other Sensors | None |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Operating System | Open-source system |
| Screen Resolution | 640 x 480 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 850 MHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 4 cores 4 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | Up to N64, PSP and Dreamcast, most of these emulators and earlier platforms are playable |