Anbernic RG Cube Review: Is This the 1(by 1)?

As the year draws to a close, I would say that Anbernic's release schedule has been fast-paced and H700-based. We've seen five H700 handhelds and one using the T820, continuing their trend of "one handheld a month or so"—until now, anyway.

The RG Cube will be Anbenic's newest handheld for the next three weeks. It is the company's Android version of the renowned Boyhom R40S, ZPG A1 Unicorn, and Powkiddy RGB30. Not at all.

Come along as I discuss controls, ergonomics, specifications, and the Anbernic RG Cube's Good, Bad, and Potentially Ugly components.

Specs

I'll keep this one relatively easy. With the exception of a slightly smaller 5200mAh battery and a smaller 4" 720p, 1:1 display, the internals of the two devices are pretty comparable to those of the RG556. So, keeping that in mind, the whole RG Cube specification list is included below for your perusal.

  • Display: 4-inches
  • Resolution: 720×720
  • Processor: Unisoc T820
  • GPU: Mali-G57
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB w/ microSD card slot (up to 2TB)
  • Battery: 5200mAh
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac / Bluetooth 5.0
  • Software: Android 13
  • Extras: 3.5mm Headphone Jack, USB-C w/ DisplayPort, Dual Speakers, RGB Joystick Lighting, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, Six-axis Gyroscope, Vibration
  • Dimensions:153 x 86 x 18mm
  • Weight: 260g
  • Colors: Beige White, Radiant Purple, Gray, Black

Ergonomics and Sizing

Prior to testing this "three category" review method, I would like to do something that I have always valued about reviews. Assessing the competition.

When compared to the competition that is priced similarly or to the competition in general, the RG Cube is a tiny and lightweight device. It is somewhat taller and narrower than the RP4 Pro. In addition to being thicker, the RG Cube's grips also make it more comfortable. That doesn't take much, though, because I never felt exceptionally comfortable using the RP4.

The Cube is nearly the same height as the Powkiddy RGB30, although it is a little wider. Despite the cake's thickness, the chunky Cube also has stacked shoulder buttons. The Cube triumphs comfortably once more.

Finally, just for fun, here is another handheld that I've always thought was excellent value and worthwhile: the Pocket 2S Retroid. Thinner, shorter, and narrower, the Unisoc T610 is a terrific value at two-thirds the price of a Cube. Although it isn't nearly as ergonomic and comfy as the Cube, it is still my pick for the most comfortable of the "alternate" options I offered.

The weights of these, plus a few additional are listed below as usual:

  • Retroid Pocket 2S: 198 grams
  • Powkiddy RGB30: 205 grams
  • Anbernic RG Cube: 259 grams
  • Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: 274 grams
  • Anbernic RG556: 351 grams

My "Good, Bad, and Potentially Ugly" list is now up.

Additionally, Anbernic supplied me with the Cube units I'm using in this study directly. However, my opinions and (probably incorrect) thoughts are mine.

The Good

I want to include a few items in this section, so I'm likely to divide it into smaller portions.

Controls (Mostly)

Although they are not flawless, the Cube's controls are a significant advance over the 556. Shoulders stacked so that the triggers genuinely feel like they can move properly? GOOD. Compared to my Xbox and Gulikit KK3 Pro controllers, the face buttons, which appear to have a firm click, feel relatively heavier to press. Surprisingly, it's pleasant.

What do I like best about the controls, though? The D-Pad was served by that. In comparison to other D-Pads I've tried, it feels accurate. I don't have any trouble moving in a certain direction when playing platformers, and it doesn't end up being too light or heavy. Powkiddy. It's the control mechanism I like to use on the Cube, and although it's smaller than something like the RG Arc, it does the job.

The Screen (Also Mostly)

The screen on my second Cube unit is bright enough for my typical needs and looks absolutely lovely. However, that aspect ratio is what makes it appealing. I'm sure it's been discussed endlessly by now. This screen works well with the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Pico-8 (with Winlator, for example), and some Vertical Arcade games that make good use of the screen space.

Due to my dislike of 16:9 systems, I haven't played much Switch or PSP. However, when placed on this device, the majority of 4:3 content takes up roughly the same amount of space as any other 3.5" handheld available. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite screens in a little device—as long as you can get past the black bars at the top and bottom—as long as your name isn't R40S.

The Performance (Yes Actually)

The Unisoc T820's performance is excellent, but it won't compete with an Odin 2 or a Pocket S. Though I hope it's not a surprise, I can at least say that most PS2 and Gamecube games will perform nicely at 1x resolution because I usually forget to upscale them. But for once, I did remember to adjust, and I was happy to play at a 2x size on the GameCube, at least.

Everything Dreamcast and down will work flawlessly, and DS is really pleasant to play on the Cube with a bit of setup if you want to do it yourself. I prefer playing my DS games on a DS over anything else. The Cube provides fantastic value for the price it is now at, considering its capabilities.  

The Bad

I would classify only two items as "bad," and one of those is really a matter of taste.

The sticks to the RG Cube are the first of these. Their appearance, sound, and even feel are similar to that of switchsticks! However, they aren't. My biggest gripe with the controls on the RG Cube is the sticks. With a D-Pad like this, I wouldn't often go for a stick-up top, but that's just my style.

The RG Cube uses sticks that resemble those of a Nintendo Switch, just like several handhelds in this scene. This indicates that it has the same limited range of motion that everyone has grown accustomed to from those other handhelds. It may be because I've grown accustomed to Retroid and AYN sticks, but this type of switch stick should be discontinued, regardless of whether it has fancy RGB lights or not. We deserve better, especially on these pricey handhelds, but I won't bring this up with every handheld.

These sticks don't appeal to me, and Anbernic ought to try some different ones.

And one more negative thing. Their launcher isn't my favorite, and it doesn't need a physical button. It functions. It performs its function. However, it was also needless to provide a sizeable physical button. This is purely a matter of taste, but it's unacceptable.

The Potentially Ugly

This is a reasonably straightforward issue that should have been resolved by now, but like many YouTube reviews, my review unit of the RG Cube was sent in with significant screen bleeding, even though I was informed that this would be remedied for retail units.

They weren't. In the initial batch, at least.

Here, there is no room for compromise. If your smartphone has a screen bleed and you're an early Cuber. That is not a trivial problem, nor is it something to be disregarded. Be sure to resolve the matter with Anbernic or the vendor from whom you purchased yours. Since there isn't any discernible light bleed on the second device they provided me, I know they can correct it. According to what I've been told, their main goal is to send out replacement front plates. Great if you can fix that! If not, don't take that response.

Thus, this is unsightly. Depending on the batch you receive and how it can be resolved if there is a problem, it might be the case.

Final Thoughts and Competition

You have a lot of possibilities in the $150–$200 price category. The RP4 and RP4 Pro occupy the top and bottom. The RG556 costs between $160 and $170, depending on sales. And at this very moment? Unless you can get a great price on a G Cloud, those are your options. If they're discounting that enough, perhaps a Razer Edge?

If you're looking for the smallest gadget in this price range, the Cube is my first choice for front-facing size, if not thickness. Like everything else, it has drawbacks and issues, but for the few weeks I had my first unit, it was the gadget I used the most, even in contrast to my inexpensive ones, such as the RG Arc or RGB30.

It's the best option for the most versatile vintage handheld. If you want to emulate Android games, PSP games, or Switch games, they will perform better in any of the other solutions I listed.

Despite my initial reservations, the RG Cube is actually my preferred tool—my preferred handheld device. It's my top choice (by 1)—at least as long as Anbernic doesn't maintain its rapid release rate.