Of the many Chinese handheld manufacturers that regularly flood the market with handhelds, Anbernic has proven to be one of the best in terms of quality when it comes to small handhelds specifically for retro games.
Anbernic – Pocket-Sized Retro Classics
If you’d rather play Mario on the go than check your emails, or start up Street Fighter instead of scrolling through Instagram on the train, then it’s time you got to know Anbernic. Since 2017, this Shenzhen-based company has been supplying retro fans around the globe with portable consoles. Their motto is simple: classic gaming with zero fuss – power on, play, be happy.
Their lineup includes compact devices like the popular RG35XX – small enough to fit in your jacket pocket – all the way up to powerful models like the RG556 or the brand-new RG557. These flagships can handle NES, Mega Drive, and SNES just fine – and they’re even capable of running more demanding systems like Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and sometimes even GameCube (depending on the title, of course).
Built from sturdy plastic, these handhelds won’t fall apart the next time you ragequit. Designs range from classic horizontal layouts (“like the old days, only cooler”) to vertical Game Boy-style builds for the true nostalgia crowd. And the displays? Of course they’re IPS – bright, vibrant, and with excellent viewing angles. So yes, even in direct sunlight, you’ll clearly see how many times that final boss takes you out.
All Anbernic consoles use swappable microSD cards. That means you can easily switch out games, updates, or even entire operating systems – perfect for those who collect way more games than they’ll ever play. Some models even come with dual microSD slots: one for the OS, one for your ever-growing retro library.
USB-C charging is standard, and many models feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Some even support HDMI output, in case that 5-inch screen suddenly feels a bit too cozy. Battery life usually ranges from five to eight hours – plenty for extended sessions or long trips to gaming events.
Conclusion:
Anbernic builds handhelds that make any retro gamer’s heart beat faster – simple, affordable, and totally mobile. Perfect for anyone who wants to take their favorite classics anywhere. (Well, maybe not into the swimming pool.)
Website: https://anbernic.com
