Anbernic RG40XX H Review: A Retro Gaming Console That Packs a Punch

As an avid retro gamer, I’ve had my fair share of handheld consoles, but when the Anbernic RG40XX H hit the market, I couldn’t resist checking it out. In this detailed anbernic rg40xx h review, I’ll share my experience with the device, breaking down its performance, design, usability, and emulation capabilities. This handheld offers an impressive feature set for retro gaming enthusiasts, so let’s dive into what makes it stand out.

First Impressions: Design and Build

When I first held the RG40XX H, it immediately felt comfortable and well-built. The design is sleek and compact, with a sturdy plastic casing that doesn’t feel cheap. Anbernic has always had a reputation for producing quality handheld consoles, and this one is no exception. The transparent black color gives the device a cool, retro aesthetic that I absolutely love.

The controls are well-placed, making it easy to use for extended periods. The D-pad is responsive, which is especially crucial for classic 2D platformers and fighting games. The A, B, X, and Y buttons feel tactile, providing good feedback during gameplay. I was also pleased with the layout of the shoulder buttons, which felt just right for my hands.

Display Quality and Sound Experience

The RG40XX H comes with a 3.5-inch IPS display that delivers clear, sharp visuals. As someone who’s always on the lookout for vibrant, crisp screens, I was impressed with the color depth and contrast. Whether I was playing pixel-heavy games like Super Mario World or more detailed titles like Chrono Trigger, everything looked great. The screen is also quite bright, which made playing in varying lighting conditions a pleasant experience.

For audio, the RG40XX H features stereo speakers positioned at the bottom of the device. While they’re decent for casual play, I did notice some distortion at higher volumes. However, I found that plugging in a pair of headphones via the 3.5mm jack provided much better sound quality, especially for more immersive games like Final Fantasy VII.

Performance and Emulation Capabilities

Now, let’s talk about performance. The RG40XX H is powered by the Allwinner H700 quad-core processor, which, when paired with 1GB of RAM, offers smooth emulation for a wide range of retro consoles. From the NES and SNES to the PlayStation 1, I had no issues running classic titles. I was pleasantly surprised that even some more demanding PS1 games, like Tekken 3 and Crash Bandicoot, ran without any noticeable stutter.

The device comes pre-loaded with Anbernic’s custom Linux-based operating system, which is simple to navigate. While the stock firmware is functional, I quickly upgraded to custom firmware, which offered enhanced features like improved performance, additional customization options, and better game management.

One of the standout features for me was the dual microSD card slots, which allow you to easily organize your ROMs and OS files separately. With the ability to expand storage, I was able to load up a large library of games without worrying about running out of space.

Controls and Gaming Experience

When it comes to retro gaming, controls are a dealbreaker, and I’m happy to report that the RG40XX H excels in this area. The D-pad is one of the best I’ve used on a handheld console. It’s responsive and precise, which made platformers like Sonic the Hedgehog a breeze to play.

The analog sticks, while not as premium as those on some other handhelds, performed decently in 3D games like Crash Bandicoot and Tomb Raider. I did notice that they felt a little loose when compared to more expensive consoles, but they still worked well enough to enjoy the games.

The RG40XX H’s ergonomics are also worth mentioning. I spent several hours playing without experiencing any discomfort or hand cramps, something that often happens with smaller, more compact consoles. The slightly textured back of the device helps ensure a secure grip, making long gaming sessions enjoyable.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any handheld device, and the RG40XX H doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a 3000mAh battery, which offers up to 6 hours of playtime, depending on the game you’re playing. More demanding titles, such as those from the PlayStation 1 era, do drain the battery faster, but the device easily lasted me through several retro gaming sessions.

The RG40XX H charges via USB-C, which is fast and convenient. I was able to fully charge the device in about two hours. Plus, it supports charging while playing, so you don’t have to worry about stopping your game if you run low on power.

Customization and User Interface

The stock operating system on the RG40XX H is functional but fairly basic. For those who enjoy customizing their devices, there are options to install custom firmware like Onion OS, which improves the user interface and adds more features. I took the time to install this alternative, and it definitely made navigating the system more enjoyable. It added features such as improved game metadata, save states, and a better overall look and feel.

The interface is intuitive, with clearly labeled categories for each emulator. If you’re someone who enjoys tinkering with settings, there are plenty of options to adjust the emulation experience, including shaders, game filters, and button mapping. The community has been active in developing mods and tools, so there’s a lot of potential for customization.

Pros and Cons of the Anbernic RG40XX H

Pros:

• Excellent performance for most retro gaming systems
• Comfortable design and easy-to-use controls
• Bright 3.5-inch IPS display with good color reproduction
• Strong community support for firmware and mods
• Long battery life with fast USB-C charging

Cons:

• Audio quality could be better at high volumes
• Analog sticks could be more responsive
• Basic stock operating system requires custom firmware for advanced features
• No built-in Wi-Fi support for multiplayer or online features

Who Should Buy the RG40XX H?

So, who is the RG40XX H for? If you’re someone who enjoys retro games but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on high-end devices, this handheld is an excellent choice. It handles everything from 8-bit and 16-bit games to PlayStation 1 titles, making it a versatile option for nostalgic gaming.

It’s also a great device for people who enjoy customizing their tech. With the ability to install custom firmware and explore a range of settings, the RG40XX H offers plenty of room for personal tweaks. However, if you’re looking for a high-end handheld with a premium build, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this anbernic rg40xx h review reflects a device that brings a lot of value to the table. The RG40XX H is a well-built, functional, and highly customizable handheld that offers a solid retro gaming experience. While it may not be perfect, especially in terms of audio quality and analog stick responsiveness, its performance, comfort, and price make it a standout in the crowded market of retro handhelds.

If you’re looking for an affordable and capable retro gaming console, the RG40XX H should definitely be on your radar.