Best Anbernic RG28XX UK 2026 Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Retro Gaming Enthusiasts
The Anbernic RG28XX is one of the most interesting budget handhelds of 2024–2026. At $39.99–$54 depending on retailer and configuration, it’s the cheapest entry point into the Anbernic ecosystem — yet it packs the same H700 chipset found in the more expensive RG35XX Plus. This is our full expanded review covering display quality, emulation performance by system, battery test results, comparison to the RG35XX and RG34XX, and who should actually buy it.
If you want to compare it to a larger Anbernic device, see our Anbernic RG34XX review. For the full retro handheld landscape, our best handhelds for emulation guide covers every price tier. And if you’re wondering what you can legally do with a device like this, read our are emulators legal guide.
Quick Verdict
| Category | Score | Notes |
| Design & Build | ★★★★☆ | Game Boy Micro vibes, sturdy plastic, slight internal rattle |
| Display | ★★★★☆ | 2.83″ IPS 640×480 — sharp for its size, limited brightness outdoors |
| Performance | ★★★★☆ | H700 handles everything up to PS1/N64/Dreamcast well |
| Controls | ★★★☆☆ | Clicky and accurate but very small — L1/R1 placement awkward |
| Battery Life | ★★★★☆ | 5–7 hours real-world depending on system emulated |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ | Best price-to-performance in its class |
| Overall | ★★★★☆ | 4/5 — Outstanding value if you can handle the size |
Full Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
| CPU | Allwinner H700 — Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G31 MP2 (Dual-core) |
| RAM | 1GB LPDDR4 |
| Display | 2.83-inch IPS, 640×480 resolution, 60Hz, laminated glass front |
| OS | Custom Linux (MuOS / MinUI compatible) |
| Battery | 2000mAh |
| Storage | Dual microSD slots (OS + Games) — no internal storage |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charge + data + HDMI out), 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 126 × 65 × 12mm |
| Weight | ~135g |
| Price | $39.99–$54 (official Anbernic site vs. Amazon) |
| Colours | Lava Orange, Grey, Beige White, Black Transparent |
Design & Build Quality
The first thing anyone says when they pick up the RG28XX is that it’s small. Really small. At 126mm wide it’s approximately ¾ the width of an iPhone 15 Pro — closer to a Game Boy Micro than any other modern reference point. Anbernic clearly drew inspiration from the Micro: the horizontal layout, the curved corners, the DMG-style speaker grill, and the placement of Select/Start on the left side all nod directly to Nintendo’s 2005 final Game Boy.
The plastic shell is sturdy for the price. It doesn’t feel premium — you won’t mistake it for an Analogue Pocket — but it has a healthy weight at 135g and the laminated glass front adds genuine rigidity. One minor complaint noted across multiple reviews: a faint internal rattle when shaken. It’s not loud enough to affect gameplay but it’s there if you listen for it.
The laminated display is a meaningful upgrade over non-laminated budget handhelds — it reduces the gap between the screen and the glass, producing a sharper, cleaner image with less glare.
Display — 2.83″ IPS, 640×480
The 2.83-inch IPS display at 640×480 resolution is the defining characteristic of the RG28XX — it’s where the device gets its name (RG28XX = 2.8-inch screen). At this pixel density the screen is sharp and clear, particularly for 8-bit and 16-bit pixel art games which were designed for much lower resolutions. SNES and GBA games look excellent. NES and Game Boy content looks pixel-perfect.
Display Strengths
- Laminated glass front — reduces gap between panel and glass, sharper image than most budget handhelds
- 640×480 IPS — wide viewing angles, accurate colours, no backlight bleed observed in testing
- 60Hz refresh rate — smooth motion for fast-paced platformers and fighting games
- 4:3 aspect ratio — matches original hardware output for retro systems perfectly
Display Weaknesses
- Brightness — adequate indoors but struggles in direct sunlight. The Miyoo Mini Plus and RG35XX SP are both brighter outdoors
- Size — 2.83 inches is genuinely small. Fine for text in RPGs if you’re younger, but a concern for longer gaming sessions or anyone with presbyopia
Controls — Small but Satisfying
The controls are clicky, precise, and well-made — but small. The D-pad is accurate for diagonal inputs and doesn’t misfire, which is the most important quality for platform games and fighters. The ABXY face buttons have a satisfying tactile click that’s better than the mushy buttons found on cheaper handhelds.
The weak point is the L1/R1 shoulder buttons — they sit so flush with the corners of the shell that they’re hard to press unless you hold the device at a specific angle. L2/R2 protruding from the top works better but requires an adjustment period. Players with large hands will find the RG28XX genuinely uncomfortable for extended sessions.
Emulation Performance by System
The H700 Allwinner chip is a known quantity — the same processor powers the RG35XX Plus and several other Anbernic models. Here’s how it performs across each generation. For setup guides for specific emulators, our emulators hub covers everything.
| System | Performance | Notes |
| Game Boy / GBC | ✅ Perfect | Rock solid, pixel-perfect, zero issues |
| NES / Famicom | ✅ Perfect | Every title tested runs flawlessly |
| SNES / Super Famicom | ✅ Perfect | Including demanding titles like Yoshi’s Island |
| Sega Master System | ✅ Perfect | — |
| Sega Genesis / Mega Drive | ✅ Perfect | Full speed, all titles |
| Game Boy Advance | ✅ Perfect | The sweet spot — outstanding GBA device |
| PlayStation 1 | ✅ Very Good | Most titles full speed. Some demanding 3D titles need frameskip |
| Nintendo 64 | ✅ Good | No analogue stick is a limitation. Works via D-pad remapping for many titles |
| Sega Dreamcast | ✅ Good | Many titles playable; some demanding 3D games struggle |
| PSP | ⚠️ Variable | 2D and low-poly PSP titles work. 3D PSP games struggle or don’t run |
| Nintendo DS | ⚠️ Variable | Touchscreen dependency makes some games difficult; performance inconsistent |
| Sega Saturn | ❌ Poor | Saturn is notoriously hard to emulate; H700 isn’t powerful enough |
| PlayStation 2 | ❌ Not supported | Requires far more processing power. See our PS2 emulators guide |
The sweet spot for the RG28XX is Game Boy through PlayStation 1 — the entire 8-bit and 16-bit era plus early 3D gaming. This covers the vast majority of retro gaming’s most beloved titles.
The notable limitation is no analogue stick. N64 and Dreamcast games that rely on analogue input require D-pad remapping, which works for most titles but not all. If analogue control is important to you, the Anbernic RG34XX is a better fit — it includes dual analogue sticks.
Key Components — Annotated Guide
The following diagrams highlight the five key hardware components of the RG28XX with red arrows pointing to each element.
1. The 2.83″ IPS Display
The laminated 2.83-inch IPS panel at 640×480 is sharp, colour-accurate, and matches the 4:3 aspect ratio of every retro system from Game Boy through PlayStation. The lamination layer sitting directly on the glass (rather than leaving an air gap) is what separates the RG28XX’s display quality from cheaper non-laminated alternatives at the same price point.
2. The D-Pad
The D-pad is small but precise — diagonal inputs register accurately and it doesn’t misfire unintentionally. It’s smaller than the Miyoo Mini’s D-pad but more accurate. Essential for platformers like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, and Castlevania where diagonal inputs matter. The slight pointiness noted in some reviews becomes less noticeable after an hour of play.
3. Dual Shoulder Buttons
The RG28XX has four shoulder buttons total — L1/R1 sitting recessed flush with the shell corners, and L2/R2 protruding from the top edge. The L1/R1 placement is the most criticised aspect of the controls: they sit so flush with the case that pressing them requires holding the device at a specific angle. L2/R2 are more naturally positioned for GBA-style play. This layout becomes second nature after a few sessions.
4. USB-C Port (Charge + HDMI Output)
The USB-C port at the bottom handles three functions: charging, data transfer (for loading games from PC), and HDMI output via USB-C to HDMI adapter. The HDMI output lets you connect the RG28XX to a TV for living room play — a genuinely useful feature at this price point that most budget handhelds lack. Pair it with a Bluetooth controller for a proper retro TV gaming setup.
5. Dual MicroSD Card Slots
The RG28XX has two microSD slots — one for the operating system and one for your games library. This is a significant usability advantage over single-slot devices: you can swap your games card without touching the OS card, and you can prepare a new games card on your PC while still playing on the device. The slots are friction-fit rather than spring-loaded, meaning a fingernail or SIM tool is needed to remove cards.
Battery Life — Real-World Test Results
The 2000mAh battery performs well for its capacity. Tested across multiple sessions:
| System / Game | Battery Life | Settings |
| Game Boy Advance (Pokémon Emerald) | ~7 hours | Mid brightness, sound on |
| SNES (Super Metroid) | ~6.5 hours | Mid brightness |
| PlayStation 1 (Crash Bandicoot) | ~5.5 hours | Mid brightness, Wi-Fi off |
| Nintendo 64 (Mario 64) | ~5 hours | Mid brightness, Wi-Fi off |
| PSP (Tekken: Dark Resurrection) | ~4.5 hours | Higher CPU demand |
Charge time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours via USB-C. The device charges while off faster than while in use.
Practical note: Screen brightness has the biggest single impact on battery. Setting brightness to 50–60% instead of maximum extends life by roughly 30–45 minutes across all systems.
Software — MuOS and Custom Firmware
The RG28XX ships with Anbernic’s stock Linux OS, which is functional but basic. The retro handheld community has produced much better alternatives:
- MuOS — The most popular custom firmware for H700 devices. Cleaner UI, better emulator configuration, and active development. Recommended for most users.
- MinUI — Minimal interface focused on simplicity. Loads your games and gets out of the way. Excellent if you want a Game Boy-style “just play” experience.
- Stock OS — Works but has a less polished interface. Stick with it if you’re not comfortable flashing firmware.
Installing custom firmware involves writing an image to your OS microSD card — the process takes about 10 minutes. Our emulators hub links to setup guides for each firmware type. For understanding which emulators run best on Linux-based handhelds like this, our best emulators for Linux guide is relevant context.
RG28XX vs RG35XX — Which Should You Buy?
This is the comparison most buyers are actually making. Both use the H700 chipset — the difference is form factor and price.
| Feature | RG28XX | RG35XX Plus |
| Price | ~$40–54 | ~$60–75 |
| CPU | H700 (same) | H700 (same) |
| Display | 2.83″ IPS 640×480 | 3.5″ IPS 640×480 |
| Form Factor | Horizontal, ultra-compact | Vertical (Game Boy style) |
| Analogue Sticks | ❌ None | ❌ None (H model has one) |
| Weight | ~135g | ~155g |
| Pocketability | ✅ Fits any pocket | ⚠️ Fits larger pockets |
| Emulation ceiling | Same | Same |
| Best for | Ultra-portable, on-the-go | Longer sessions, bigger screen |
Buy the RG28XX if: Pocketability is your priority. You primarily play GBA, SNES, and PS1 games. You want the cheapest Anbernic entry point.
Buy the RG35XX Plus if: You want a larger screen. You’ll be gaming for longer sessions. You prefer a vertical Game Boy form factor.
RG28XX vs RG34XX — The Upgrade Path
The Anbernic RG34XX sits a tier above the RG28XX with a larger display, dual analogue sticks, and significantly more processing power. If you need analogue controls or want to push into N64, Dreamcast, and PSP emulation seriously, the RG34XX is the better choice. See our full RG34XX review for the detailed comparison.
Best Games to Play on the RG28XX
The RG28XX shines brightest with these titles — games that were designed for 4:3 displays at low resolutions, which fill the screen perfectly and look outstanding.
Game Boy Advance (The Best System on This Device)
- Pokémon Emerald / FireRed / LeafGreen — perfect emulation. Our Pokémon Ruby cheats guide and best starter guide work with any GBA emulator on the device
- Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow — one of the best Metroidvanias ever made
- Mega Man Zero series — precise D-pad action games that suit the RG28XX perfectly
- Final Fantasy VI Advance — JRPG perfection on a pocket device
SNES Highlights
- Super Mario World — the definitive platformer
- Chrono Trigger — best JRPG ever made, runs flawlessly
- Street Fighter II Turbo — the shoulder buttons handle the six-button layout well
- Super Metroid — atmospheric perfection on a small screen
PlayStation 1 Picks
- Crash Bandicoot 1–3 — runs at full speed with no frameskip needed
- Resident Evil 2 — tank controls suit the D-pad well
- Final Fantasy VII / VIII / IX — long-form RPGs ideal for commutes
- Tekken 3 — fighting game D-pad use is excellent on this device
For more retro gaming recommendations, our best 2D platform games guide covers the entire genre, and our retro multiplayer games guide highlights two-player titles perfect for HDMI output sessions.
Who Should Buy the Anbernic RG28XX?
✅ Buy it if:
- You want the most pocketable retro handheld available in 2026
- Your gaming focus is GBA, SNES, NES, Sega, and PS1
- Budget is a priority — this is the cheapest quality Anbernic device
- You want HDMI TV output at this price
- You’re buying it as a gift for someone getting into retro gaming
- You already own a larger handheld and want a travel companion
❌ Don’t buy it if:
- You have large hands — the controls will be uncomfortable for extended play
- You primarily play N64 or Dreamcast games that require analogue sticks
- You want to seriously emulate PSP, Saturn, or PS2 — the H700 isn’t powerful enough
- You play outdoors frequently — the brightness struggles in direct sunlight
- You want this as your only handheld for long gaming sessions — consider the RG34XX or Retroid Pocket 4 Pro instead
Where to Buy
The RG28XX is available from:
- Anbernic official site (anbernic.com) — $39.99, direct from manufacturer, ships from China (allow 2–3 weeks)
- Amazon — $49–$54 depending on colour, Prime shipping available
- AliExpress — competitive pricing, longer shipping times
For UK buyers specifically, Amazon UK typically stocks it at £39–£49 depending on the colour variant.
Final Verdict
The Anbernic RG28XX is a nifty little handheld thwarted only by its size. It’s a portable powerhouse capable of emulating Crazy Taxi, Crash Bandicoot, Pokémon FireRed, Resident Evil, and much more with ease. The H700 chipset handles everything up to PS1 and N64 confidently, the display is sharp and colourful, and the dual microSD slot design is genuinely more convenient than single-slot competitors.
The size is both the selling point and the limitation. If you want a retro handheld that genuinely fits in a jeans pocket and can hook up to a TV when you get home, the RG28XX is the best option at its price. If you want something to be your primary gaming device for extended sessions, step up to the RG34XX or the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro.
Rating: ★★★★☆ — 4/5
Outstanding value at $39.99. The best ultra-portable retro handheld in its price class.
