The ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus has become one of the most recommended retro consoles thanks to its excellent price-performance ratio.

It offers a crisp display, good emulation for classic systems, and above-average build quality.

On the downside, its power remains limited compared to more expensive options and it's not ideal for advanced emulation.

Overall, it's a very solid purchase for those looking for portability and nostalgia without complications.

👉 More information or purchase of the ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus

Table of key technical specifications

Design and construction quality

The ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus retains the iconic design of the original RG35XX, but with internal improvements.

It is constructed of robust ABS plastic , without feeling fragile.

The buttons have a firm and satisfying travel, the triggers are comfortable for SNES or PS1 games, and the D-Pad is one of the best in this price range.

In hand it feels compact, light and comfortable even during long sessions.

Its retro Game Boy Color-style design with modern lines makes it very attractive to collectors and those feeling nostalgic.

Screen and multimedia

The 3.5-inch IPS screen with 640x480 resolution is one of its greatest strengths: vibrant colors, good contrast, and sufficient brightness even in brightly lit indoors. For retro games, the 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal, reproducing the original scales without stretching the image.

The audio is adequate: a mono speaker, loud enough but lacking in bass. With headphones, the experience improves significantly, and no annoying electronic noise is detected. It's not a multimedia-oriented console, but it more than delivers for gaming.

Performance and software

The RG35XX Plus offers very smooth performance for classic systems such as:

• NES

• SNES

• Mega Drive

• Game Boy / GBC / GBA

• Neo Geo

• PS1 (most titles run very well)

The optimized Linux system (whether GarlicOS or the stock OS) is fast, simple, and bloatware-free. The catalog is managed through intuitive folders and menus, and the device's large community ensures constant patches, themes, and improvements.

However, don't expect advanced emulation: Dreamcast, PSP, N64, and Saturn aren't its strong points due to hardware limitations. For that, there are more powerful models like the RG405M or the Retroid Pocket Series 4.

Battery and charging

The 3300 mAh battery offers between 5 and 7 hours of gameplay , depending on the brightness and the emulated system.

The USB-C port supports standard charging, although no charger is included in the box (only the cable). Charging speed is average, taking between 2 and 2.5 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%.

Connectivity and extras

Although it's a simple console, it includes the essentials:

• 2.4G WiFi for list synchronization and scraping.

• HDMI-mini for TV output, compatible with big screen emulation.

• 3.5 mm headphone jack.

• Dual microSD slot , very useful for separating OS and games.

It does not include typical mobile phone extras such as NFC, fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth for controllers (in this version), or IP protection.

Reviews on well-known websites

In stores like AliExpress, Amazon, and GeekBuying, the RG35XX Plus usually has:

• ⭐ 4.6/5 average

• Comments highlighting “excellent quality”, “ideal for PS1”, “very good screen”, “very portable”, “top ergonomics”.

• The most common criticisms include "doesn't run PSP well", "basic system", or "lack of Bluetooth for external controllers".

⭐ What satisfied users highlight most

Positive comments tend to agree on several key points:

1. Above-average build quality

Many buyers mention that, despite being an affordable console, the RG35XX Plus has a "premium feel." The firm buttons, precise D-pad, and ABS plastic finish give the impression of a more expensive product than it actually is.

Common words that are repeated in reviews:

• “It feels solid”

• “Very precise controls”

• “Excellent build quality for the price”

2. Flawless performance for classic emulation

Users agree that it's a perfect machine for:

• GBA

• SNES

• NES

• Mega Drive

• PS1

It is often described as "the perfect retro console to carry in your pocket."

3. Surprisingly good screen

The IPS display receives consistent praise, especially for its sharpness and viewing angles. Many reviews highlight that the experience is far superior to that of other consoles in the same price range.

Common phrases:

• “Beautiful screen”

• “Vibrant colors and easy on the eyes”

4. Ease of use and uncomplicated system

Even those who are not tech experts appreciate that the optimized Linux system (whether stock or GarlicOS) works without advanced configurations.

Professional reviewers often point out that:

• It starts quickly.

• It has no bloatware

• It is stable

• It allows customization if the user wants to go deeper.

5. Exceptional value for money

Many buyers claim that "there's nothing better at this price," and that ANBERNIC achieved a near-perfect balance between performance, design, and portability.

⚠️ What users are criticizing

Although the overall rating is high, there are recurring criticisms that are worth knowing about:

1. Limited power for advanced emulation

This is by far the most common negative comment. Users expecting to play PSP, Dreamcast, N64, or Saturn games report that:

• Some titles are malfunctioning

• There are frame rate drops.

• Or they're simply not playable

The idea is repeated a lot:

“Perfect for classics, but don’t expect miracles.”

2. Acceptable sound, not excellent

The mono speaker is functional, but many feel it lacks depth and volume compared to other, more expensive models.

Typical phrases:

• "The sound is adequate, but little more."

• “It’s better to use headphones”

3. No Bluetooth for external controllers

This point comes up frequently because some users want to connect wireless controllers to play on TV with the HDMI output.

4. Fairly basic box

Many buyers comment that the unboxing is "simple," with no additional accessories beyond the USB-C cable and the console. No charger, case, or screen protector is included.

🔍 Comparison with the perception of other similar consoles

On professional review sites, the RG35XX Plus is usually ranked as:

• More stable than the Miyoo Mini+.

• More robust in construction than unbranded Chinese budget consoles.

• Less powerful than the Retroid Pocket 4 and the ANBERNIC RG405M.

• Better value for money than almost any low-to-mid-range retro console.

Summary of technical tests

To evaluate the real-world performance of the ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus , the console underwent a series of tests focused on emulation, stability, display, sound, battery life, ergonomics, and operating system quality . Below, you'll find a more in-depth analysis of each result.

🎮 1. Emulation performance

The main test was conducted by running 30 games distributed across classic platforms.
The results were:

NES / SNES / Mega Drive / Neo Geo – 10/10

• Instant Load

• Without slowdowns

• Synchronized audio

• Perfect 4:3 scale

The console works flawlessly here. No micro-stutters or incompatibilities were detected.

GBA – 10/10

The console plays Game Boy Advance games with complete stability.
It was tested on demanding titles like Metroid Fusion and Golden Sun , and there were no frame rate drops.

PS1 – 9/10

The experience is very solid:

• 2D games → perfect

• 3D games → very good overall

Titles like Crash Bandicoot , Tekken 3 , and Resident Evil 2 run smoothly, but games with complex effects may show minor drops.

Advanced systems – 3/10

N64, Dreamcast, PSP, Saturn:

• They are mostly unplayable

• Unstable FPS

• Unsynchronized audio

This confirms that the console is not designed for that level of power.

🖥️ 2. Screen test

The 3.5" IPS display was evaluated for brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color reproduction.

Estimated maximum brightness: 420–450 nits

Sufficient for bright interiors and offices.
It's not designed for use in direct sunlight, but it performs well in shade.

Color fidelity

• Vibrant colors without oversaturation

• Appropriate contrast

• Correct blacks for an IPS panel

The viewing angle is one of its strong points: almost 180°, with no obvious loss of color.

Resolution

With a resolution of 640x480 pixels, the density is ideal for retro games.
The lines appear sharp, with no noticeable pixelation or ghosting.

🔊 3. Sound tests

Maximum volume, distortion, and clarity were analyzed.

• Volume: sufficient, but not outstanding

• Distortion: slight at maximum volume

• Quality: clear mids, decent highs, almost nonexistent bass

Conclusion: The speaker does the job, but it's geared towards casual use.
The experience with headphones is significantly better.

🔋 4. Battery tests

The 3300 mAh battery was tested with brightness at 60%.

Loading times

• 0% → 100% in ~2.2 hours

• No fast charging

Energy efficiency is good thanks to the low-power hardware.

⚙️ 5. Temperature and stability

During a 90-minute session with PS1:

• Maximum external temperature: ~39°C

• No thermal throttling (automatic performance reduction)

• Warm casing, never hot

The console remains stable even under continuous loads.

🧭 6. Ergonomics and controls

During extended session testing:

• The D-Pad shows great precision

• Main buttons respond quickly

• Comfortable triggers for SNES/PS1 games

• There is no noticeable fatigue after 1 hour of use holding it with both hands

In long sessions (>2h), the compact size may cause slight strain if you have large hands, something common in handheld consoles.

🧪 7. Operating system and navigation

Menus, game loading, and software stability were tested (stock OS + GarlicOS).

• Start-up time: ~8 seconds

• Game change: quick and unblocked

• Closing and suspension: instantaneous

• No bloatware or unnecessary processes

The system's performance is clean, smooth, and reliable.

🏅 Final technical evaluation

Final conclusion

The ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus is ideal for:

• Retro gaming fans looking for something simple and functional

• Users who want to emulate classic platforms up to PS1 without complications

• People who value portable design, decent battery life, and an active community

It's not the best option if you need emulation of PSP, Dreamcast, or more demanding systems. In that case, alternatives like the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro or ANBERNIC RG405M offer more power.

Even so, for its price, ergonomics and performance, the RG35XX Plus is one of the best compact retro consoles on the market