The Anbernic RG SP is a functional Game Boy Advance SP clone with modern display and features

The Anbernic RG SP is a dedicated retro handheld that functions as a modern, high-quality replica of the classic Game Boy Advance SP. It features a 720x480 resolution display, providing a crisp 3x integer upscale for GBA games, and includes a headphone jack, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The device is powered by a pre-release build of the NextUI operating system, which offers a clean, minimalist interface for managing and playing games across various emulated systems, including GBA, SNES, and Sega consoles. While the device is physically similar to the original, it includes four face buttons rather than two, and it supports lid-closing sleep functionality. A notable limitation is the device's inability to charge via standard USB-C to USB-C cables, requiring either a specific legacy-style cable or a 5.1k resistor USB-C adapter to function correctly. The device offers approximately seven hours of battery life during GBA gameplay at full brightness and 10% volume. It is currently available in four colors, with additional color options expected in the future.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Anbernic RG SP is a dedicated retro handheld that functions as a modern, high-quality replica of the classic Game Boy Advance SP. It features a 720x480 resolution display, providing a crisp 3x integer upscale for GBA games, and includes a headphone jack, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The device is powered by a pre-release build of the NextUI operating system, which offers a clean, minimalist interface for managing and playing games across various emulated systems, including GBA, SNES, and Sega consoles. While the device is physically similar to the original, it includes four face buttons rather than two, and it supports lid-closing sleep functionality. A notable limitation is the device's inability to charge via standard USB-C to USB-C cables, requiring either a specific legacy-style cable or a 5.1k resistor USB-C adapter to function correctly. The device offers approximately seven hours of battery life during GBA gameplay at full brightness and 10% volume. It is currently available in four colors, with additional color options expected in the future.

The Anbernic RG SP features a 720x480 resolution screen that provides a perfect 3x integer upscale for Game Boy Advance titles. The device includes modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The handheld is compatible with various custom firmware options, including the pre-release NextUI build shown in the video. The device does not support standard USB-C to USB-C charging, requiring a specific legacy cable or a 5.1k resistor adapter.

The battery life is approximately seven hours when playing GBA games at maximum brightness and low volume. The device supports lid-closing sleep mode, though it does not automatically wake when the lid is opened.

Chapter guide

IntroductionOverview of the Anbernic RG SP as a replica of the Game Boy Advance SP.Charging limitationsExplanation of the device's incompatibility with standard USB-C charging cables.Connectivity and featuresOverview of the device's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI output capabilities.Design and build qualityComparison of the RG SP's physical design and buttons to the original GBA SP.Software and UIDemonstration of the NextUI operating system and its features.Screen and displayEvaluation of the 720x480 screen resolution and display quality.Battery testResults of a battery life test conducted during GBA gameplay.

Worth noting

  • The reviewer is using a pre-release build of the NextUI operating system, which may not reflect the final public release.
  • The reviewer notes that the screen is not perfectly centered in the frame, resulting in a thicker black line at the top of the display.

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