Anbernic RG505chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Community members widely credit GammaOS with fixing OLED sync stuttering, removing unwanted sharpening, and delivering smooth 60fps performance. Many say it single-handedly improved their opinion of the device and was a primary reason they bought or kept it.

@itshurtsszn

I started a RG35XX+ then within 2 weeks got a RG40XXV then within another 2 weeks found someone on FB marketplace selling a RG505 for half of why Anbernic sit had and snagged it and don’t regret it. Already had GammaOS on it n I fell in love has handled everything I’ve thrown at it. Underrated and under appreciated imo in the retro handheld world.launch

smart_display

January 31, 2025

@foxbaker1736

Superb Thing now. I have many other handhelds (about anything from Gameboy to Steamdeck) and it sucked with original OS because it stuttered on every game because the OS didnt sync the Oled right. Now perfectly smooth 60p. I haven´t tested amiga 50p smoothnes and wonder if it can output 50p fluid with syreen set to 50hz. Only managed that on 351V with old 351elec and the absolutely brilliant new Oled Steamdeck (where u can set screen rate manually). The PS2 emulation is incredible, almost constant 60 frames in Gradius V for example. Screen is a blast of course as its an Oled.Battery life wow. Only dowside is that the frontend doesnt pick up my media folder for the boxart and miximages.Maybe there is a setting for the folders. Sadly my touchscreen stops working from time to time, only solution is standby for a few minutes, i think its a bad unit, was on original OS too.launch

smart_display

January 31, 2024

@kuronokei01

The RG505 is my favorite retro handheld to play psx and psp, the OLED display or gorgeous and you can add quite a bit of post-processing magic to make games look even better.\nI've upgraded from the stock firmware to GammaOS a couple of days ago and I love it, my only real issue are the shoulder buttons... the inline shoulder buttons are pretty wierd, there is nothing like using triggers.\nBut if you are like me and use your handheld to play gba, psp or psx the 505 is a perfect match because if don't use the shoulder buttons that ofter.launch

smart_display

August 18, 2023

@Nick4484

I bought the Retroid Pocket 3+ and the RG505. I will say, that the Retroid is my go to, however I still love the RG505. The RG505 is more of a novelty item that I use to play N64 games, and occoasionally Gamecube. The Retroid Pocket 3 has HDMI out and I use to plug into my tv. As mentioned the RG505 has an amazing battery life and I've gotten close to a week without charging it. I haven't tried Gamma OS and looking forward to how that goes as well. Thanks RGC for all you do!launch

smart_display

July 20, 2023

Users consistently praise the Vita-derived OLED screen for its vibrant colors and how it handles non-native aspect ratio games by dimming unused pixels. It's frequently cited as a highlight of the device, especially for PSP and PSX gaming.

@BubbaChuckAI

I bought my RG505 2 weeks ago for just 120 euros. \nI love this thing! especially this brilliant OLED display!\neverything runs perfectly, I can even play ps2, gamecube and switch on it! \nwith GammaOS it's just a very cool handheld!\n\nps: where did you get these controller buttons (red and blue)launch

smart_display

May 2, 2024

@foxbaker1736

Superb Thing now. I have many other handhelds (about anything from Gameboy to Steamdeck) and it sucked with original OS because it stuttered on every game because the OS didnt sync the Oled right. Now perfectly smooth 60p. I haven´t tested amiga 50p smoothnes and wonder if it can output 50p fluid with syreen set to 50hz. Only managed that on 351V with old 351elec and the absolutely brilliant new Oled Steamdeck (where u can set screen rate manually). The PS2 emulation is incredible, almost constant 60 frames in Gradius V for example. Screen is a blast of course as its an Oled.Battery life wow. Only dowside is that the frontend doesnt pick up my media folder for the boxart and miximages.Maybe there is a setting for the folders. Sadly my touchscreen stops working from time to time, only solution is standby for a few minutes, i think its a bad unit, was on original OS too.launch

smart_display

January 31, 2024

@kuronokei01

The RG505 is my favorite retro handheld to play psx and psp, the OLED display or gorgeous and you can add quite a bit of post-processing magic to make games look even better.\nI've upgraded from the stock firmware to GammaOS a couple of days ago and I love it, my only real issue are the shoulder buttons... the inline shoulder buttons are pretty wierd, there is nothing like using triggers.\nBut if you are like me and use your handheld to play gba, psp or psx the 505 is a perfect match because if don't use the shoulder buttons that ofter.launch

smart_display

August 18, 2023

@RideByAquib

505 was not my first choice (no stacked triggers, no video out) but I couldn’t get a RP3+ where I live (lots of love from India, btw😊). To be honest when I first booted it up, i was a bit let down because even though the screen is oled, it has some noticeable defects (small marks) when displaying certain shades of plain colours (fairly common as per reddit).\nRather than asking for a refund or replacement, I thought I’d give it a couple of days to at-least see the performance. I have owned a psx and psp growing up so i tried several games and I must say i got hooked immediately to the gameplay and controls.\n\nIts been a few months and i’ve grown extremely fond of the device. Yes there are visible screen defects but only noticeable when playing in a dark environment on dull loading screens - they are completely indistinguishable when actually playing anything. I’m a big fan of rpgs so the only time i’ve missed stacked triggers is when i replayed metal gear solid. All psp games I’ve tried work flawlessly at 3x and look lovely on the oled. I really don’t mind the Anbernic logo as it fades away when immersed in a game. I don’t have any other retro handheld but I do have a ps4 and i must say the controls on the 505 are excellent as going back and forth between a ds4 controller and this device, i can only appreciate the quality of the buttons and controls.\n\nOverall, in conclusion i’ll say i’m glad i did not return the device because its an extremely well done package and definitely underrated since it draws so many comparisons to the rp3+ and gets overshadowed by the 405. If 16:9 gameplay AND oled gameplay is what you want- this little guy is the only one in the android space that fits the bill. Also, i’ve said all the above without trying GammaOS. I’m very excited to install it next month once I have access to my home pc - looking forward to the screen and performance improvements. Loved that Russ showed some much needed love and a re-look at this gem of a handheld. Kudos to the GammaOS team for breathing new life into this one🎉\n\nP.s. i don’t miss the tv out anymore too - at least when I’m home. I have set up retroarch in my home pc which is hooked up to my tv so i can either play on monitor or tv. Saves get synced between the 505 and pc. Tricky to set up but works flawlessly now.😊launch

smart_display

July 26, 2023

The device is repeatedly called a favorite for PSP and PSX gameplay, with users also reporting surprisingly smooth Dreamcast and capable Saturn performance. It's specifically recommended for 4:3-ratio retro gaming.

@danilomenoli

Pros:\n+ This is actually a great device for running PSP games, the screen is just perfect for that. \n+ Surprised on how good 3DS experience is, currently playing Azure Strike Gunvolt\n+ Tested a few Dreamcast games an they were surprisingly smooth\n\nCons:\n+ Games that rely too much on R2/L2 are hard to play (e.g. Twisted Metal 2)\n\n+ Not the ideal device to run PS2/Wii/GC\n\nVerdict: I'm quite happy with my device, it fulfil my current needslaunch

smart_display

September 2, 2025

@KittyLyra3

Actually still considering the rg505, I mostly want to play psp (have other ways to play GC/PS2 and above portably), and would like something I can play 4:3 games at 4inch or above and the rg505 does all of these (4:3 games are played at 4.1inches). \n\nThe 4:3 experience is why I'm not considering the rp3+ or rp4 for a cheaper option to play psp games, they play them at 3.8 inches, may just be a 0.3 difference but I just don't want anything sub 4inches for these games.\n\nIt's either I go with this (while it's on sale) or spend an extra $127 CAD for the rp5 (don't consider the rg556 worth it when it's so close in price to the rp5 while having what looks to be way worse build quality + something that can struggle with gcn/ps2)launch

smart_display

March 8, 2025

@kuronokei01

The RG505 is my favorite retro handheld to play psx and psp, the OLED display or gorgeous and you can add quite a bit of post-processing magic to make games look even better.\nI've upgraded from the stock firmware to GammaOS a couple of days ago and I love it, my only real issue are the shoulder buttons... the inline shoulder buttons are pretty wierd, there is nothing like using triggers.\nBut if you are like me and use your handheld to play gba, psp or psx the 505 is a perfect match because if don't use the shoulder buttons that ofter.launch

smart_display

August 18, 2023

@moomah5929

The OLED screen, long battery life with up to 20h in low power mode and a SoC that has enough power to play Saturn games makes it really interesting for me. Also the D-Pad is still on top and I don't understand why the 405M, as a device aimed at 4:3 games, has the stick on top.\nNow the question is, how long until another device will all these features, just with better ergonomics, a higher res OLED screen and not Android based will come out? I would love such a device plus a round D-Pad and 6 button layout like the Saturn pad or a M.30.launch

smart_display

July 22, 2023

Buyers frequently note strong value, especially during sales where the device dropped to around $105-$120, cheaper than competitors with similar or better specs, including 4GB RAM versus rivals' 2-3GB.

@BubbaChuckAI

I bought my RG505 2 weeks ago for just 120 euros. \nI love this thing! especially this brilliant OLED display!\neverything runs perfectly, I can even play ps2, gamecube and switch on it! \nwith GammaOS it's just a very cool handheld!\n\nps: where did you get these controller buttons (red and blue)launch

smart_display

May 2, 2024

@big-mart

I keep coming back to this, even though it's a bit of a chonker. I bought way too many Linux handhelds but nothing really comes close. It charges reliably even with a type C charger, doesn't drain in sleep mode, Bluetooth audio works, plus I can use whatever Android app I need for a bit of extra utility.\nPerformance is way better than anything in the $50-$80 range, totally worth the extra over those. \nAlso I had no idea vita emulation was good now, guess I'll have to check it out.launch

smart_display

April 14, 2024

@cerotelococerote

I bought this ine just to buy it, i have the odin pro, rp3+ and ayaneo 2, but i really like how this unit look, I like the slim style as you mentioned, some times works a little slow in ps2 demanding games than the rp3+ but i really like the screen, show really good colors and I'm using gamma OSlaunch

smart_display

January 29, 2024

@RichFromQueensNY

Just picked up the r505 for $105 on AliExpress I paid with PayPal so if I get stiffed they won't get paid either I got it without the SD card because I'll be installing gamma OS and my own ROMs anyways.\n\nThis review really helped!\n\nOn Amazon it's $179 plus tax way too high, 105 is beautiful!\n\nIt will take about 2 weeks to get here but not in any rush!\n\nThanks for the re-review, as it has helped me get a good Android system with good specs for a great price.\n\nI already have a miyoo mini plus.. plus a Logitech G cloud plus I also have a phone I bought just for Android emulation Poco X3 Pro got up 149 like a year and a half ago on sale.\n\nBut I think this one will be the best as the Logitech G cloud is good but doesn't have the power the r505 has.launch

smart_display

December 28, 2023

Multiple commenters report exceptionally long battery life, including up to 20 hours in low power mode and close to a week without charging. This is repeatedly named as a standout advantage over competitors.

@big-mart

I keep coming back to this, even though it's a bit of a chonker. I bought way too many Linux handhelds but nothing really comes close. It charges reliably even with a type C charger, doesn't drain in sleep mode, Bluetooth audio works, plus I can use whatever Android app I need for a bit of extra utility.\nPerformance is way better than anything in the $50-$80 range, totally worth the extra over those. \nAlso I had no idea vita emulation was good now, guess I'll have to check it out.launch

smart_display

April 14, 2024

@moomah5929

The OLED screen, long battery life with up to 20h in low power mode and a SoC that has enough power to play Saturn games makes it really interesting for me. Also the D-Pad is still on top and I don't understand why the 405M, as a device aimed at 4:3 games, has the stick on top.\nNow the question is, how long until another device will all these features, just with better ergonomics, a higher res OLED screen and not Android based will come out? I would love such a device plus a round D-Pad and 6 button layout like the Saturn pad or a M.30.launch

smart_display

July 22, 2023

@Nick4484

I bought the Retroid Pocket 3+ and the RG505. I will say, that the Retroid is my go to, however I still love the RG505. The RG505 is more of a novelty item that I use to play N64 games, and occoasionally Gamecube. The Retroid Pocket 3 has HDMI out and I use to plug into my tv. As mentioned the RG505 has an amazing battery life and I've gotten close to a week without charging it. I haven't tried Gamma OS and looking forward to how that goes as well. Thanks RGC for all you do!launch

smart_display

July 20, 2023

@warlordwossman5722

Not bad, the resolution in android did look off to me in all the initial reviews even if I don't own one - the explanation that android is aimed to run at higher resolutions seems logical.\nThe battery life is also pretty insane, I am still wondering how the windows emulation stuff on the T618 would perform and if it would allow us to play some low end PC games, it's the main reason I have been more interested in linux devices than android but if you still plan to test windows emulation (esp. for low end and 2D / d-pad centric PC games) that would be valuable info!launch

smart_display

July 5, 2023

Several owners describe the device as weighty and premium-feeling, comparing it favorably to the thinner, cheaper-feeling Retroid Pocket 3. Button and control quality is also called excellent, including solid-feeling shoulder buttons.

@RideByAquib

505 was not my first choice (no stacked triggers, no video out) but I couldn’t get a RP3+ where I live (lots of love from India, btw😊). To be honest when I first booted it up, i was a bit let down because even though the screen is oled, it has some noticeable defects (small marks) when displaying certain shades of plain colours (fairly common as per reddit).\nRather than asking for a refund or replacement, I thought I’d give it a couple of days to at-least see the performance. I have owned a psx and psp growing up so i tried several games and I must say i got hooked immediately to the gameplay and controls.\n\nIts been a few months and i’ve grown extremely fond of the device. Yes there are visible screen defects but only noticeable when playing in a dark environment on dull loading screens - they are completely indistinguishable when actually playing anything. I’m a big fan of rpgs so the only time i’ve missed stacked triggers is when i replayed metal gear solid. All psp games I’ve tried work flawlessly at 3x and look lovely on the oled. I really don’t mind the Anbernic logo as it fades away when immersed in a game. I don’t have any other retro handheld but I do have a ps4 and i must say the controls on the 505 are excellent as going back and forth between a ds4 controller and this device, i can only appreciate the quality of the buttons and controls.\n\nOverall, in conclusion i’ll say i’m glad i did not return the device because its an extremely well done package and definitely underrated since it draws so many comparisons to the rp3+ and gets overshadowed by the 405. If 16:9 gameplay AND oled gameplay is what you want- this little guy is the only one in the android space that fits the bill. Also, i’ve said all the above without trying GammaOS. I’m very excited to install it next month once I have access to my home pc - looking forward to the screen and performance improvements. Loved that Russ showed some much needed love and a re-look at this gem of a handheld. Kudos to the GammaOS team for breathing new life into this one🎉\n\nP.s. i don’t miss the tv out anymore too - at least when I’m home. I have set up retroarch in my home pc which is hooked up to my tv so i can either play on monitor or tv. Saves get synced between the 505 and pc. Tricky to set up but works flawlessly now.😊launch

smart_display

July 26, 2023

@SilverKnight16

I know this is going to sound weird, but having held both the RP3 (non-plus) and the RG505 in my hands...I preferred the RG505. Sure, it's chunkier, it's lighter, it 'feels more like a toy', but I like that. It feels similar to an old school NES/SNES controller, whereas the RP3 felt like a cell phone. My hand ended up getting cramped very quickly with the RP3, and the smaller size didn't make the analog sticks any less painful to use than the RG505, personally. And the Start/Select being on the top was an absolute deal-breaker for me.\n\nThank you for the second look. GammaOS has definitely improved this device quite a bit.launch

smart_display

July 20, 2023

@arkabethere204

great machine, really efficient. ergonomic. an impressive machine but upon receipt of the console a noise was present each time the console moved. the volume button was depressed. I took pictures and sent a message. no answer. I finally decided to look inside. the volume + button was not welded. it was the volume switch that was walking around in the console that made noise every time the console moved. its been a week.i relaunched anbernic and i still haven't heard from. certe it is not disturbing to the game although the volume control can not do this. you have to exit the game and adjust from the settings. I am not ordered on exotic sites to have the product directly from anbernic as well as to be able to benefit from a real after-sales service in the event of a problem. I paid for a new product only to receive a defective product. the after-sales service after a week is non-existent in my case. I will correct my comment if something new happens. if anbernic deigns to answer me. no exchange was made. nothing anbernic make them dead. so should I recommend this console and this brand? at present I say to you: No especially not! I regret not having taken from the competition. I am very disappointed and do not recommend anbernic!!!!!!launch

smart_display

January 24, 2023

@Markis5150

I own an RG505. I also own a Retroid Pocket 3. I absolutely love the weighty feel and design of the 505. It feels like premium quality. In contrast the RP3 feels like a Switch next to a next gen console. Slim and cheap plastic, and the L2 and R2 buttons I cant stand,they feel so flakly like theyre about to bend or break off. The L2 and R2 on the RG505 feel solid,and I dont buy that theyre hard to reach,I have no problem using them for modern shooters at all. I also was put off with the sleazy way Retroid just dumped a new handhelf on as so soon. I thought about maybe buying the RP3+ but nah,it sorta pissed me off. I figured I'd try Abernic just to know how their handhelds feel and play,having both makes me abit wiser tbh. Because the build quality in the RG505 feels so premium,love that.launch

smart_display

December 19, 2022

Anbernic responded to feedback by pushing an update that added Google Play Store functionality and improved analog joystick controls, which several new buyers appreciated arriving standard.

@BadPiggieMiggie

Just got mine today, and apparently Anbernic has listened, the language is in English and the Play Store is included nowlaunch

smart_display

December 30, 2022

@RetroGameCorps

UPDATE: Anbernic has now added Google Play Store functionality to the device, it is available via an online updater app that is bundled on the device. All future shipments will come with Play Store as standard.\n\nUPDATE 2: Anbernic has also improved the analog joystick controls. https://youtu.be/M-Y1MewLk_wlaunch

smart_display

December 4, 2022

@Super-A.I

I have one on the way I'm glad they pushed an update with the Playstore installed, it makes things easier, saves me from installing it myself manually. \n\nThe Retroid looks nice but i had already pre-ordered the RG505. Them buttons up top the shoulder triggers are basically useless it seems but for the games I will play they won't be needed. \n\nI have a Steamdeck so this will be an nice addition to that and my Miyoo Mini.\n\nThe problem with these devices is that they are pushing them out too quickly the market is getting oversaturated lollaunch

smart_display

November 28, 2022