Anbernic RG34XX Hchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple commenters were concerned about or disappointed by the small D-pad, which some felt was too close to the original's mushy feel or too tiny for comfortable play, especially in action games.

@Tom-Bomb

Idk I wasn’t crazy about the 34xx. To their credit they nailed the design n got it super close. But maybe a bit TOO realistic w the tiny dpad n odd face layout lol. \n\nIt also felt kinda lightweight n cheap n just not the best to play on imo. That’s why I’m excited about the Konkr bc it looks like a GBA that grew up with us rather than a direct clone. And as much as I love the SP, I’m def more nostalgic for this kind of GBA bc it’s the one I actually had. \n\n(And btw I still kinda regret not getting that green bc that looks awesome lol. I had a lime GBC too and even a green GBM but I had the glacier GBA so that’s the one I got n it turned out to be more grey than anything lol. I did get the 35xxsp in that green tho but too bad the loud clicky buttons ruined the whole thing for me).launch

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August 9, 2026

@leinsaat5779

\"Have you Played the OG GBA with your adult sized hands?\"\n\nYes. I got my first own OG GBA in 2021 as an adult. Had a SP growing up. The OG GBA has always been famous to be the most comfortable handheld ever. And I am Always amazed by its ergonomics when I pick it up. I waited/wished for this exact thing for a while now, and it seems like they did absolutely everything right. The original GBA D Pad is a bit mushy so the criticism about it doesn't make sense from that pov IF they did match it accurately. No other way to find this out but trying this myself which I will definitely do when there will be an Offer around 50-60 soon as I hope, and I really hope for more colors, too. I already got a modded indigo GBA and hope they will do glacier blue or spicy orange (non transparent).\nThanks a lot for your review, Russ. Phew, the number of views and comments in one day (111.000 views, 800 comments) really confirm my prediction that this will be Anbernics biggest success!launch

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December 16, 2024

@eatereater6312

I still cant fathom the fact that they sold the original gameboy advanced with a screen that dim, like who really asked for that😭launch

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December 16, 2024

@Kird_Chemical

Okay the price is definetely appealing but the D-pad got me concerned even though I think it'll be okay, not to mention we may see mods from the community. I had this baby back in the days and I can't resist the call, I think it'll be my second device with the Miyoo Mini Plus. I wasn't expecting you to review it so soon, but thanks! Your videos always points the details so that's why I always wait to see your reviews like \"what's this device from Russ's perspective\" and \"what details his he gonna light out with his magnifying lens\" lol.\nAlso, maybe most of the games you played from the GBA catalog are turned based RPG or so, but there's actually a good bunch of action games that would require good controls, so yes it does matter how good or not the controls are for such a system. Which makes me thing that was probably for the best that you can crouch in Mega Man Zero Games, maybe it was considered at first until Inti Creates realized that the D-pad would get in the way as they meant to do a precise platformer with tight controls (basically you just need to hit up and down for ladders and menus, during action parts, what matters most is left and right).\nThis just makes me like the Zero Series even more lol.\n\nEdit: love the questions at the end! I think I have not considered that when buying the Miyoo mini plus and I ended up installing retroarch on my phone and play with a controller with phone holder at home, bringing the MMP only when I go outside, which is actually rare. I still love how plug and play the experience is, and also having a dedicated device for retro stuff but the small size of handheld ends up feeling uncomfortable after a certain amount of time. So I mostly play GB, GBC and Gamegear games. Maybe I'll get the accessories they sell to improve the ergonomics first and see if it's better before jumping on a new device. Thanks again for all the details in your reviews, you always cover everything and beyond!launch

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December 15, 2024

Several commenters found the device uncomfortable or too small for their hands despite the GBA-inspired shape, with some needing 3D-printed grips to improve comfort.

@Tom-Bomb

Idk I wasn’t crazy about the 34xx. To their credit they nailed the design n got it super close. But maybe a bit TOO realistic w the tiny dpad n odd face layout lol. \n\nIt also felt kinda lightweight n cheap n just not the best to play on imo. That’s why I’m excited about the Konkr bc it looks like a GBA that grew up with us rather than a direct clone. And as much as I love the SP, I’m def more nostalgic for this kind of GBA bc it’s the one I actually had. \n\n(And btw I still kinda regret not getting that green bc that looks awesome lol. I had a lime GBC too and even a green GBM but I had the glacier GBA so that’s the one I got n it turned out to be more grey than anything lol. I did get the 35xxsp in that green tho but too bad the loud clicky buttons ruined the whole thing for me).launch

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August 9, 2026

@KatekyoKen

It's my dedicated gba pokemon device. I have the black version only thing I don't like is the ergonomics, maybe it's the way I hold it but it's way too cramped even with my small hands so I use a 3d printed grip and now it feels perfect.. like an xbox controller. I don't remember it feeling cramped when I had my og gba as a kid.launch

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August 9, 2026

@RarivMorben

I bet Anbernic is taking in piles of cash on this device alone. It might be even more popular than the SP. It's unbelievable what nostalgia does to people. The original system was not that ergonomic, my adult hands cramp really quickly on it, and this is just a \"look-alike\", it's not like a perfect clone or anything like that. If you want a 3:2 device that is way more ergonomic, and can run all GBA, get a used RG351P, or just save a few bucks and go for a V10. Only an idiot would shell out money for this device... Mine is green. Looks great.launch

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January 15, 2025

@queazocotal

A 20% upscaled or so device with a 4\" or 4.5\" display for adult hand sizes, keeping the form unchanged would be a Nice alternative option for this (as well as fix the pad). Hands 20% bigger, arms 20% longer, and eyesight 20% worse all combine to make the screen and device a whole lot less usable than if you got this device age 12.launch

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December 15, 2024

Some reviewers felt the LCD screen was dim or laggy compared to expectations, with a few wishing for an OLED panel instead, though not everyone found this a dealbreaker.

@biggie009

Had that exact same color. I ended up never playing on it and sold it. It was good but I wasn’t a fan of the dpad and the screen was too dim for me. \n\nThe 34XXSP has a brighter screen so thats an upgrade from the 34XX but I still didn’t prefer playing GBA on it for some reason and sold it. \n\nI ordered the Pocket Advance and I think it will finally check all the boxes for me. Better screen, buttons, design, and its Android. Im not even gonna try Anbernic’s new SP even though it looks perfected this time.launch

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August 9, 2026

@Wobble2007

Modern devices with LCD screens are not my cup of tea, especially handhelds, but this with an OLED would be awsome, sadly the LCD is just too laggy and washed out, what I'd really love is a GBA SPXL with an OLED display, with hardware level 120Hz HDR-BFI, so you are getting really smooth motion-clarity and low latency, along with a single amped 3-watt full-range speaker, a HQ-DAC & HP-AMP, that would be the perfect GBA soft based clone, FPGA would be even better of course, but a lot more expensive.launch

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December 16, 2024

@pl3bsy

Holy shit Anbernic actually knocked it out of the park with this. I was super worried about extra clicky buttons as I like to game while my wife watches tv or something. Glad they went with more silent buttons. Everything else is just *chefs kiss*. I think the only way they could make it better would be an OLED screen but I will take what I can get.launch

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December 15, 2024

A commenter raised concerns about charging speed limitations and erratic battery percentage readings on past Anbernic devices, unsure if the RG34XX H shares these issues, while another wished for swappable AA batteries instead of built-in rechargeables.

@SynchrotronMGR

Random question: I have an older Anbernic device and it will not charge with modern phone chargers since they are way higher power than the included cable. Do recent releases like the RG34XX have the same issue? Also the battery % really jumps around, which I'm assuming is more of an OS issue. \n\nIt seems like the Android based devices don't have either of these issues but I also like the idea of a smaller cheap handheld like the RG34XX - I just don't want to worry about only charging it in certain locations or having to keep the charger with it.launch

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March 10, 2025

@nuclearmonster

The one thing I wish Anbernic would change is using regular AA batteries instead of these built-in rechargeables. It’s so handy to be able to slap some eneloops into a handheld and not have to worry about the batteries expanding or failing if I don’t use a device for a few months or more. Granted this is more of a problem here on Oʻahu where we can’t always get these custom batteries as easily, but I hope most people would choose regular AAs rechargeable batteries if they had the choice.launch

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December 16, 2024

Some reviewers argue that other models in Anbernic's XX line, like the 35XXH or 35XXSP, offer better buttons, larger brighter screens, and better value for a similar or lower price, making the RG34XX H a niche choice.

@biggie009

Had that exact same color. I ended up never playing on it and sold it. It was good but I wasn’t a fan of the dpad and the screen was too dim for me. \n\nThe 34XXSP has a brighter screen so thats an upgrade from the 34XX but I still didn’t prefer playing GBA on it for some reason and sold it. \n\nI ordered the Pocket Advance and I think it will finally check all the boxes for me. Better screen, buttons, design, and its Android. Im not even gonna try Anbernic’s new SP even though it looks perfected this time.launch

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August 9, 2026

@WillC1020

Thanks Russ, alot of my thoughts on this device was captured with this video. I had a GBA indigo device growing up. It was nice, but I didnt like it as much. Instead I upgraded to an SP later on which was perfect for me. This device while it captures the original GBA nostalgia, it is a very niche device especially if all you plan on playing is GBA exclusively. The other XX line models seem like better options, better quality buttons and larger screen display and brightness. Some of my personal favorites of the XX line highlighted in this video is the 35XXH (compact/sleek/pocketable), 35XXSP (clamshell, portable, great ergonomics, gba nostalgia), and the CubeXX (most comfortable, 1x1 4-inch, most quiet XX line buttons i have seen). Lastly chances are you can grab the other XX line models cheaper and probably have a better experience.launch

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December 15, 2024

One detailed comment describes the joysticks as so short that even basic cardinal directions are hard to register, calling them 'worse than pointless' and suggesting sliders would have been better.

@fabronaut7478

copying the original design so closely made sense for the physical dimensions and nostalgia, but it was a terrible idea for extra button functions. reset button on the top was a dealbreaker for me. only time I’ve ever returned an open box handheld. paying the drop shipper premium on Amazon kinda makes sense if the device quality control is a gamble, or the form factor might not be what you expect.\n\nout of my small collection, most horizontal devices have the in-line power (lock / sleep) and volume buttons on the top — on emulation handhelds or a modern device like my Nintendo Switch. even when I carefully avoided pressing it for a hotkey, I still accidentally bumped it just picking the device up, since it’s not recessed enough into the shell. skill issue, maybe? 😂\n\n\nif I get a used one for cheap, maybe I’ll tinker with it. not sure if it’s feasible to disconnect the reset and / or solder and swap that with the menu button on the bottom. Anbernic monkey’s paw curse strikes again.\n\nI got an RG34xxSP since they nailed that GC indigo type colour. playing through Castlevania CotM for a few weeks, and it’s really cramped for adult hands. the joysticks are worse than pointless! they’re so short that even cardinal directions aren’t usable. sliders would’ve been an improvement. it’s that bad.\n\nsurprised that cardinal snapping isn’t a joystick input toggle option in the Anbernic OS after all this time, since it’s nice to have for arcade games in a pinch. I even used it when replaying Link’s Awakening DX on the 40xxV. MagicX did the hardware toggle on the XU20, maybe they’ll consider it? would be cool.launch

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May 12, 2026

A reviewer describes the top-mounted reset button as a dealbreaker, since it's not recessed enough and gets bumped accidentally when picking up the device, leading them to return it.

@fabronaut7478

copying the original design so closely made sense for the physical dimensions and nostalgia, but it was a terrible idea for extra button functions. reset button on the top was a dealbreaker for me. only time I’ve ever returned an open box handheld. paying the drop shipper premium on Amazon kinda makes sense if the device quality control is a gamble, or the form factor might not be what you expect.\n\nout of my small collection, most horizontal devices have the in-line power (lock / sleep) and volume buttons on the top — on emulation handhelds or a modern device like my Nintendo Switch. even when I carefully avoided pressing it for a hotkey, I still accidentally bumped it just picking the device up, since it’s not recessed enough into the shell. skill issue, maybe? 😂\n\n\nif I get a used one for cheap, maybe I’ll tinker with it. not sure if it’s feasible to disconnect the reset and / or solder and swap that with the menu button on the bottom. Anbernic monkey’s paw curse strikes again.\n\nI got an RG34xxSP since they nailed that GC indigo type colour. playing through Castlevania CotM for a few weeks, and it’s really cramped for adult hands. the joysticks are worse than pointless! they’re so short that even cardinal directions aren’t usable. sliders would’ve been an improvement. it’s that bad.\n\nsurprised that cardinal snapping isn’t a joystick input toggle option in the Anbernic OS after all this time, since it’s nice to have for arcade games in a pinch. I even used it when replaying Link’s Awakening DX on the 40xxV. MagicX did the hardware toggle on the XU20, maybe they’ll consider it? would be cool.launch

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May 12, 2026

At least one commenter felt the build quality was too lightweight and cheap-feeling for enjoyable play, despite the design being visually close to the original.

@Tom-Bomb

Idk I wasn’t crazy about the 34xx. To their credit they nailed the design n got it super close. But maybe a bit TOO realistic w the tiny dpad n odd face layout lol. \n\nIt also felt kinda lightweight n cheap n just not the best to play on imo. That’s why I’m excited about the Konkr bc it looks like a GBA that grew up with us rather than a direct clone. And as much as I love the SP, I’m def more nostalgic for this kind of GBA bc it’s the one I actually had. \n\n(And btw I still kinda regret not getting that green bc that looks awesome lol. I had a lime GBC too and even a green GBM but I had the glacier GBA so that’s the one I got n it turned out to be more grey than anything lol. I did get the 35xxsp in that green tho but too bad the loud clicky buttons ruined the whole thing for me).launch

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August 9, 2026