Another Anbernic – RG35XX SP Announced!

Anbernic released a video last night that featured yet another new product in their XX series. The RG35XX SP will be the first 4:3 clamshell release since the Powkiddy V90 and the first significant handheld release in the retro handheld market since the Retroid Pocket Flip last year.

The SP's design closely resembles its namesake's Game Boy Advance SP. There is a noticeable similarity between the shoulder buttons, the hinge design, the d-pad design, and the buttons. Only time will tell how (or if) the controls will be affected by the clamshell design, which means that these buttons will probably have less travel than the other vertical devices in this lineup. Additionally, the device appears thicker and broader than a GBA SP.

Although the video linked above highlights several capabilities like HDMI out and Bluetooth controller connectivity, we don't know much about the specifications. The specifications of this new device are anticipated to be very similar to those of its previous 35XX siblings, which include a 3.5-inch 640x480 screen, an Allwinner H700, 1GB of RAM, and functional WiFi and Bluetooth. The performance displayed here will satisfy you if you're satisfied with the performance of the other XX devices, and since there are no analog sticks, you won't want to play much above PS1 anyhow.

DMG, translucent black, transparent blue, and a metallic silver that resembles the GBA SP model it is "inspired" by are the four colour options available for the gadget. (Opinions on device colours are equally valid for everyone; it just so happens that the opinions about metallic silver are more valid.)

It's more of the same from Anbernic: the same strong internals in a new format, this time aimed at a long-disregarded audience. Do you find the return of the traditional SP form factor exciting? Do you think this is a claustrophobic mess? Has Anbernic's incapacity to prevent themselves from releasing new handhelds within weeks(!!!) of one another made you laugh?

UPDATE: More RG35XXSP Details Revealed

When releasing a clamshell throwback handheld, Anbernic will outdo Miyoo. Earlier last week, Anbernic made the RG35XXSP official. Now, they're back with all the specs. It has the same internal components as the RG35XX Plus and RG35XX H, but a clamshell form factor should be no surprise. The whole set of specifications that Anbernic has supplied is as follows:

  • 3.5-inch IPS Display
  • 640 x 480 resolution
  • Allwinner H700 Quad-Core ARM CPU, Cortex-A53 clocked at 1.5GHz
  • Dual-Core G31 MP2 GPU
  • 1GB LPDDR4 RAM
  • 3,300mAh battery offering up to 8 hours of battery life
  • Magnetic Lid Sensor
  • 5GHz WiFi Module supports WiFi Streaming
  • HDMI
  • Can play up to N64 and PS1

The price of the RG35XXSP is the only unanswered question. This is a reasonable place to start, given that the RG35XX Plus retails for roughly $64. However, this new clamshell handheld will cost a little more because of the physical factor and magnets to keep the screen closed. The only thing left is waiting for Anbernic to tell us when we can pay them to acquire the RG35XXSP.