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What is the best Anbernic handheld gaming device? Well, the answer is that it truly depends. By now you may have seen these handheld gaming devices all over TikTok Shop. So I’m here to break it all down for you! Here’s a look at my growing Anbernic handheld collection, and few of which I can’t stop playing. I play them on stream on Twitch and TikTok, but also while traveling and before bed. They are fun for all sorts of retro game genres, including platformers, RPGs, racing, and puzzle games as well.
These handheld game consoles were sent to me for review consideration, and now that I’ve tested them for a few months let me give you the quick scoop! You can shop these devices on Amazon. TikTok Shop is also often running sales.
@chelsegapearl The way I am absolutely hooked on this thing 👾 #anbernicrg35xx #anbernic #sonicthehedgehog #retrogaming #retrogames #prsample #tiktokshop ♬ TikTok got it right – Stay @ Home Fragrance Mama
Anbernic RG35XX
The first device I tried and the true workhorse of the group! Plus, it has that classic Game Boy look. The RG35XX runs almost all retro games smoothly, including Game Boy Advance games which I’ve been streaming the last few weekends. It has two micro SD card slots, which you’ll need to remove to add games. Out of the box, this is the best buy for most casual gamers. Battery life runs about 5 hours on a full charge. Charges via USB to USB-C and has jacks for both headphones and mini HDMI out. Meaning you can plug this into your TV and play on a large screen.
All it’s really missing for me is internet connectivity. Right after I got this a new version came out. The new RG35XX PLUS version available now has WiFi and bluetooth capabilities.
Anbernic RG353V
For more robust gaming, the RG353V is where it’s at. It’s the one I play the most because it has WiFi and I can rack up those retro achievements! This is the one that lives at my bedside table. Format wise, it’s very similar to the RG35XX, with roughly the same size format, screen layout, and mini HDMI out. However, this device has two analog joysticks so you can more easily play PS1 and Dreamcast games. Though it runs N64 too, the games usually don’t run too smoothly. I would recommend the more powerful RG405M for that. Finally, it also has bluetooth so you can pair a wireless controller and play that way as well. For all those reasons, this is the Anbernic handheld I play the most.
Anbernic RG Nano
The ridiculously tiny and adorable Anbernic model that fits in your pocket and makes a hilarious gift. For reference, this entire device is about the screen size of the other two devices. The RG Nano can run PS1 games surprisingly but I usually stick to 16-bit games on this device due to the tiny screen and no analog sticks. Since this device has less buttons and ports, you’ll have to memorize some menu button shortcuts. It also lacks a mini HDMI out so you won’t be able to plug this into a TV or computer monitor.
Anbernic RG405M
The most expensive model of the bunch, which runs Android and has a touch screen. My main issue with it is that I cannot get it to work with my home WiFi. However, it runs PS2 games like a champ and is the most powerful model I’ve tested. The horizontal layout also reminds me of playing a Switch. The nice aluminum case gives it a substantial feel too. I have yet to play many Wii, Game Cube, and 3DS games on this. I haven’t fully tapped into this one because of the connection problem so look out for more updates as I figure out what’s going wrong.
@chelseapearl_ An ode to my #anbernic gaming console collection! Love these little handhelds and cannot stop playing them. And they’re all available on the TikTok Shop! #anbernicrg35xx #anbernicrg353v #anbernicrg405m #ambernicrgnano #gifted ♬ original sound – Sara ✨
All in all, these devices make great gifts across the board, but knowing what type of gaming you’re going for is great. Would you use the WiFi capabilities, or is portability the most important factor to you?
So, that begs the question…
What is the best Anbernic handheld?
For me personally, the best is the RG353V, but the RG35XX is a close second best. The RG353V just is a little more powerful for the variety of games I want to play. And I need that internet connection for the games I want to badge in retro achievements. But for reliability and price, the RG35XX is the clear winner. That is the one I would recommend for gifting the most because it’s easy to use and covers an impressive number of consoles.
Have a question about these portable consoles? Let me know in a comment below and I would be happy to answer!
is there any anbernic models that can play youtube or Internet, or watch tv? I just want to know what models are capable of functioning like a computer handheld or something like that and have all the buttons to play all games on. Thanks for your time in reading this and for your prompt reply. I feel like your info heare was very definitive, I just am not too computer savvy to know what is what..