Anbernic RG35XX H Review — A poorly named, software-flawed budget handheld is redeemed by excellent hardware design and community firmware to become a top-tier value

Anbernic’s confusingly named budget handheld packs premium features into a $65 pocketable powerhouse. If you can get past the alphabet soup of a product name, you’ll find a device that makes most of its competitors look like overpriced paperweights.

What you're actually getting

The RG35XX H is a masterclass in hardware value, even if the branding department at Anbernic clearly needs a vacation. When you hold this thing, it doesn't feel like a $65 toy. It’s thin, it’s light at 182g, and it slides into a jeans pocket without creating a massive, awkward bulge. As Retro Game Corps noted, "This thing performs as well as many devices that cost $100 or more." You’re getting a 3.5-inch IPS display that is sharp, vibrant, and surprisingly bright for the price point.

However, don't mistake this for a premium, polished consumer product like a Nintendo Switch. The out-of-the-box experience is hampered by a stock operating system that feels like it was designed in a vacuum. It’s clunky, ugly, and lacks the refinement you’d expect from a modern device. You aren't buying this for the software; you’re buying it for the chassis and the potential. If you’re willing to spend an hour flashing custom firmware, the device transforms from a frustrating gadget into a legitimate retro gaming powerhouse.

The hardware layout is a smart evolution of the horizontal form factor. The low-profile analog sticks are a stroke of genius for portability, as they don't snag on fabric when you're pulling the device out of your pocket. While the shoulder buttons are inline rather than stacked—which can make playing PS1 or N64 titles a bit of a finger-gymnastics exercise—the overall build quality is undeniably solid. It’s a device that begs to be taken everywhere, provided you’re the type of person who enjoys a little bit of tinkering.

Performance — what reviewers actually measured

Where it actually wins

The biggest win here is the sheer versatility of the hardware. For under $70, you’re getting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI output. That means you can play on the bus, then come home, plug it into your TV, and pair a wireless controller for a console-like experience. It’s rare to find this level of connectivity in a budget device, and it makes the RG35XX H feel far more capable than its price tag suggests.

Then there’s the input quality. Despite some debate among reviewers regarding the D-pad’s performance in specific, high-intensity scenarios, the general consensus is that the buttons feel fantastic. As Retro Dodo put it, "Say what you want about Anbernic, but they do know how to make a great feeling d-pad." The membrane switches provide that classic, tactile feedback that makes playing 8-bit and 16-bit classics feel authentic. It’s a joy to use for long sessions of platformers or RPGs.

Where it falls short

The software is the primary offender. Anbernic’s stock OS is a chore to navigate, and it’s the biggest barrier between you and a good time. If you aren't comfortable with the idea of downloading community-made firmware, you’re going to be disappointed by the interface and the lack of optimization. It’s a shame that such capable hardware is held back by such uninspired software, forcing the user to do the heavy lifting to make the device usable.

There’s also the issue of the shoulder buttons. Because they are arranged inline, they are inherently less ergonomic than the stacked triggers found on larger, more expensive handhelds. If your library consists heavily of games that require frequent use of L2 and R2, you’re going to find your fingers cramping after a while. Additionally, the use of standard Switch-style analog sticks rather than Hall effect sensors means you might eventually deal with stick drift, though that’s a common compromise at this price point.

Should you buy it?

Buy if you

• Want a highly portable, horizontal handheld that fits easily in a pocket.
• Enjoy the process of installing custom firmware to get the best performance.
• Need a budget-friendly device that can output to a TV via HDMI.
• Value high-quality, tactile face buttons for retro gaming.

Skip if you

• Want a "turn it on and play" experience without any setup.
• Primarily play games that rely heavily on complex shoulder button inputs.
• Are worried about long-term durability of non-Hall effect analog sticks.

An incredibly pocketable, feature-rich handheld that punches way above its price tag, provided you're willing to tweak the software.

Sources consulted

• Retro Game Corps — Anbernic RG35XX H/Plus Review: So Good (Now)
• Retro Game Corps — Anbernic RG35XX H: Budget Horizontal Handheld
• Retro Dodo — The ANBERNIC RG35XX H Is An Underrated Handheld
• TechDweeb — This is SO COOL! (RG35XX-H Review)

Synthesis combines independent reviews above. Verdicts and quotes attributed to original creators. Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.