Anbernic RG35XX HFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 58 mentions across 15 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment60%
PROS 60%
CONS 40%

Rank based on 58 mentions across 15 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a cheap, pocketable handheld for PS1-and-earlier retro gaming
  • You're comfortable installing custom firmware like Knulli or Batocera
  • You value a compact travel/EDC device over a large screen

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong N64 or PSP performance
  • You want a large screen or plan long play sessions
  • You're not willing to deal with flaky stock firmware or SD card swaps

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable priceExtremely durable buildComfortable ergonomicsNo 3D functionalityNon-foldable slab designSingle speaker only
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable price
Extremely durable build
Comfortable ergonomics
No 3D functionality
Non-foldable slab design
Single speaker only
2Mid
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social featuresCustomization and personalityHuge legacy game libraryScarcity and rising pricesBattery aging and data riskConfusing naming and missing features
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social features
Customization and personality
Huge legacy game library
Scarcity and rising prices
Battery aging and data risk
Confusing naming and missing features
3Mid
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game libraryConsole-quality graphicsStrong homebrew and emulation scenePSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcityDead pixel issuesLater slim models had inferior build/finish
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game library
Console-quality graphics
Strong homebrew and emulation scene
PSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcity
Dead pixel issues
Later slim models had inferior build/finish
4Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachmentClever hardware engineeringColorization of original Game Boy gamesMuted, dim screenInconsistent early third-party graphicsShort console lifespan
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachment
Clever hardware engineering
Colorization of original Game Boy games
Muted, dim screen
Inconsistent early third-party graphics
Short console lifespan
5Mid
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factorStrong game library tie-inDesirable special editionsFragile under rough useHard to find and pricey nowAccessory and game scarcity for rare shells
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factor
Strong game library tie-in
Desirable special editions
Fragile under rough use
Hard to find and pricey now
Accessory and game scarcity for rare shells
6
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game libraryStrong nostalgic valueImpressive pseudo-3D and graphics capabilityPoor screen visibilityDifficult sound chipPerceived shortage of good games at launch
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game library
Strong nostalgic value
Impressive pseudo-3D and graphics capability
Poor screen visibility
Difficult sound chip
Perceived shortage of good games at launch
7Budget
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacyEasy to mod/hackBeloved DSiWare libraryNo GBA slotGBA emulation still buggyDSiWare transfer data loss
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacy
Easy to mod/hack
Beloved DSiWare library
No GBA slot
GBA emulation still buggy
DSiWare transfer data loss
8Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
9Mid
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
10Mid
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
You are here
31Budget
Anbernic RG35XX H
Strong retro emulation for PS1 and earlierExcellent value for the priceCompact, pocketable form factorPoor stock software and lack of Anbernic supportSmall 3.5-inch screenBattery drain issues with custom firmware
Anbernic RG35XX H
Strong retro emulation for PS1 and earlier
Excellent value for the price
Compact, pocketable form factor
Poor stock software and lack of Anbernic support
Small 3.5-inch screen
Battery drain issues with custom firmware

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Emulation performance is excellent for PS1 and earlier, shakier for N64 and PSP. Multiple users confirm the H handles GameBoy, Genesis, SNES, PS1, Dreamcast and even NeoGeo very well, with one calling 80% of titles excellent for casual play. However, N64 and PSP are repeatedly described as hit-or-miss, with one reviewer saying N64 performance is overstated and comparable to the three-year-old RG351P. Some ports like Tekken Dark Resurrection or Peace Walker run great regardless.

Software is the device's biggest weakness, requiring custom firmware to shine. Commenters repeatedly blame Anbernic for lacking an in-house software team, shipping unstable stock firmware, and being slow or unwilling to open-source their kernel modifications despite Linux licensing obligations. Users turn to Knulli, Batocera, muOS or GarlicOS for better performance and features, though each has downsides like faster battery drain, DS game issues, or lack of sleep/resume support that stock OS updates have since partially improved.

The compact, pocketable design is a major selling point despite its small screen. Many owners specifically choose the H over more powerful handhelds like the Steam Deck or Retroid Pocket for travel, commuting and everyday carry, praising its size and build quality. However, the 3.5in screen is cited as a drawback for older users, people with vision issues, and long play sessions, and some feel it hurt sales compared to devices with larger screens like the newer RG40XX H.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?