Anbernic RG35XX Plus: is it a great pick for retro gaming enthusiasts?

Portable retro gaming has seen a resurgence during the past decade, especially with devices like the Anbernic RG35XX. Now that the Anbernic RG35XX Plus was released, is this a good option and how does it compare to the older version? Should you consider getting the Anbernic RG35XX Plus to play your retro games? Let's find out!

What platforms can you emulate with the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

One of the most appealing things about the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the support for up to 30 different platforms. According to Anbernic, the RG35XX Plus supports a multitude of popular handheld games, on platforms ranging from the Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, GameCube, Sega Saturn to GBA, and many others.

It's important to note that the device runs Linux, however you have dual booting. That means you can stick to the Linux-based Anbernic OS, or you can switch to Garlic OS if you want. Android is not preinstalled, but you can install it manually if you wish.

System features

The Anbernic RG35XX had a 3X ARM Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. With the Plus version, we have an A53 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus has a faster processor despite the lower clock speed, but it delivers better stability in games and enhanced battery management. On top of that, they also changed the GPU from the original's PowerVR SGX544MP to the Mali G31 MP2, which can provide better rendering and a more stable gaming experience.

It's also important to note that the original Anbernic RG35XX came with 256 MB DDRAM3; the Plus version has 1 GB DDR4. That helps a lot because you can run even the more demanding games without sacrificing performance.

The case size is 117 mm x 81 mm x 22 mm, 2 mm thicker when compared to the original. However, the Plus version is a bit weightier at 186g, when compared to the Anbernic RG35XX, who only had 165g. They also modified some of the colors; now you can buy the Anbernic RG35XX Plus in Retro Gray, White, and Transparent Black. There's no purple version this time around, instead we have a black one.

How is the battery life for the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

While the battery is still a non-removable Li-Po one, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus increases the capacity this time around. Instead of the original 2600 mAh, now we have 3300 mAh. It might not seem like a lot, but this slight increase boosts the average battery life by half an hour (up to an hour) from 4-4.5 hours to 5-5.5 hours. The battery life can go up to 8 hours. That makes a difference, especially if you're commuting or traveling via train/airplane and want to play something.

Is the screen any different?

When it comes to the screen size, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus doesn't change anything; it's still 3.5". Even the resolution is identical, 640 x 480 pixels, along with the 4:3 aspect ratio. The display type is also IP. However, with the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, now we have a screen that has become more flush. On top of that, the bezel size is smaller. It’s also important to note is that the 3.5” IPS screen has a full viewing angle. So even if your friends are near you while playing, they can see everything, regardless of their position!

Storage

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus comes with dual card slots, and it offers support for TF card expansion. You have 64 GB SD card storage already included, and there's a version with an additional 128 GB card. On average, even the 64 GB card will give you access to over 5000 games.

Maybe one of the best things about the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is that it allows users to download games in relevant formats. You don't always have to go through the hassle of downloading on your computer and transferring to the device. Instead, you can download directly to the device and start playing anything you want without challenges.

Improved connectivity

The original device has HDMI, TV, USB Type C, and an audio jack connection. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus offers all those previous connections, along with Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5 support. That's why you can now download files on your device without having to upload them manually. The connection is very stable, and depending on your internet or Bluetooth speed, you can download games very quickly.

What's in the package?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus comes with the same items as the original. You get the console (this time the Plus version), along with a charging cable, a gift box, a screen protector, and the manual. It's pretty much all you need to start using the device right away. There are no preinstalled games; however, you can download or upload games to the device as soon as you power it up.

The new speakers

One of the few downsides for the Anbernic RG35XX was the speaker setup they had. It didn't sound good at all, so the Anbernic RG35XX Plus comes with a new set of high-fidelity speakers. While the way they sound is objective, we think it's a great improvement over the predecessor. They are not perfect, however they deliver a wonderful gaming experience.

What kind of controllers can you use?

An exciting thing about the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is that it has support for both wired and wireless controllers. In some cases, retro games work much better with a controller, and this version of the console allows you to play with one if you want. They also deliver Wi-Fi online pairing if you want, along with a few streaming features as well.

In addition, the HDMI output ensures that you receive the best possible quality if you want to link the Anbernic RG35XX Plus to your TV. However, if you stick with playing only on the device, they have a great vibration motor to help improve the sense of immersion.

What languages are available?

The console comes with English as default; however, it also includes a few other languages. These are Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish. It's useful if you want a native experience and you don't know English.

How much does it cost?

Anbernic RG35XX Plus will cost $120 for the regular version, and it goes up to $150 if you want the version with an extra 128 GB of storage. By comparison, the original Anbernic RG35XX costs $99 for the normal version.

Should you buy the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

There are many things to like when it comes to the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, which sets it apart from the regular Anbernic RG35XX. The Plus version has 4x times the amount of RAM, it has more processing power, and it also delivers multitouch support.

On top of that, you get Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 support, which finally allows you to download games directly to the device. They also added emulation support for over 15+ new platforms as well. All in all, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is an excellent retro gaming console with an affordable price and a really good feature set. Give it a shot if you're looking for an amazing, easy-to-use portable console!