Anbernic RG SP revealed with slimmer design and H700 power

Anbernic has shown off the RG SP, a new handheld that takes a familiar design and trims away some of the bulk. It’s thinner, cleaner and far less cluttered than before. That matters. Clamshell handhelds already make sense for portable gaming because the screen folds safely inside the case. The problem is that some of them feel more like a small brick than something you’d happily carry all day. Anbernic’s answer is a body that’s around 10 per cent thinner, paired with tighter screen bezels and a simpler control layout. The company hasn’t chased a major performance jump. Instead, it has focused on the parts you’ll actually notice in your hands: the shape, the buttons, the hinge and the overall footprint.

A slimmer design that should fit pockets better

The first thing you’ll notice is the shell. Anbernic says it has redesigned more than 90 per cent of the parts, even though the RG SP still looks related to the company’s earlier folding handhelds. The changes seem aimed at making the device feel less bulky without losing the protection that makes clamshell systems useful.

The reduced bezels help too. There’s less empty plastic around the display, so the top half looks more balanced and modern. It’s not a dramatic visual overhaul, but it gives the handheld a neater appearance. The controls stay simple. You get a directional pad, four face buttons, system buttons and shoulder controls. There are no analogue sticks.

That won’t suit everyone. Still, it makes sense here. The RG SP isn’t trying to run the latest 3D games. It’s designed around older consoles where a good D-pad matters far more than twin sticks. Keeping the front clean also makes the handheld easier to use without your thumbs bumping into extra controls.

Familiar hardware keeps expectations realistic

Inside, Anbernic has chosen the Allwinner H700 processor. That chip already appears in several of the company’s Linux handhelds, so its strengths and limits are fairly well known. It should handle older 2D consoles with ease, including 8-bit and 16-bit systems, handheld libraries and a large range of arcade games. PlayStation emulation should also be comfortable in most cases.

Things become less predictable with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP titles. Some games may run well, while others will need lower settings, frame skipping or individual emulator tweaks. That’s normal for this class of hardware, but buyers shouldn’t expect flawless performance across every later system.

Using the H700 isn’t exciting, but it’s sensible. Anbernic already knows the platform, and Linux keeps the software focused on emulation rather than loading the device with features it doesn’t need. You turn it on, choose a game and play. Simple.

The 3:2 screen suits Game Boy Advance games

The RG SP uses a 3.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720 by 480 pixels. That 3:2 aspect ratio is a strong match for Game Boy Advance games. They should scale cleanly at three times their original resolution, producing a sharp image without uneven pixel sizing. For anyone buying the RG SP mainly for GBA titles, that’s one of the most useful details on the specification sheet.

Other systems won’t fit the display quite as neatly. Traditional 4:3 games may show small borders, while widescreen PSP titles will need more aggressive scaling. Even so, the resolution gives the software enough room to produce a clear image on a screen this size. It’s compact, but not cramped.

Buttons and hinges could decide the experience

Anbernic says it has refined the buttons to give them a more tactile feel. That claim will need hands-on testing, but it’s an important area to improve. On a handheld without analogue sticks, every game relies on the D-pad and face buttons. Poor travel, stiff presses or loud switches can quickly spoil the experience. Better buttons could make a bigger difference than a faster processor.

The hinge also deserves attention. The RG SP uses two alloy hinges and supports several viewing angles. That should let you position the screen comfortably rather than locking it into a single position. A firm hinge also helps the handheld feel less fragile, especially after months of opening and closing.

Four finishes and one unanswered question

Anbernic plans to sell the RG SP in Platinum, Graphite, Pearl Blue and Pearl Pink. Each model uses a metallic finish, while an acrylic badge on the lid adds a small visual detail without making the case look busy. The biggest missing detail is the price.

The H700 usually appears in affordable handhelds, so the RG SP needs to stay within that territory. A high price would make the familiar processor harder to justify, especially for owners of an existing Anbernic clamshell.

For new buyers, the package looks well judged. It offers a protected folding screen, a display that fits Game Boy Advance games particularly well, a known Linux platform and controls that suit the systems it can realistically emulate. It doesn’t promise too much. That may be its strongest feature.

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