Anbernic RG34XX Review: Can This $80 Handheld Replace Your Old GBA?

The Anbernic RG34XX is one of those devices that instantly takes you back in time. You pick it up, and suddenly, you’re a kid again, sitting cross-legged on the floor with a Game Boy Advance in your hands, completely lost in a world of pixelated adventures. But here’s the twist—this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. The RG34XX is a modern take on a classic, blending the nostalgic design of the GBA with the convenience of today’s tech. It’s like someone took your favorite childhood toy, gave it a 2025 upgrade, and said, “Here, have fun.”

At first glance, the RG34XX looks almost identical to the original Game Boy Advance. The shape, the buttons, even the little details like the lanyard hole—it’s all there. But under the hood, this handheld is packing some serious retro gaming power. It’s not just about playing GBA games (though it does that flawlessly). This little device can handle everything from NES and SNES to PS1 and even some Dreamcast titles. Sure, it’s not perfect—no device is—but for the price, it’s hard to beat.

What makes the RG34XX stand out isn’t just its performance or its price tag (which, by the way, is around $80). It’s the way it feels in your hands. It’s the way it makes you smile when you boot up your favorite GBA game and see it displayed perfectly on that 3.4-inch screen. It’s the way it reminds you why you fell in love with gaming in the first place.

Design and Build Quality

The Anbernic RG34XX is in your hand like someone went back in time, grabbed a Game Boy Advance, and gave it a modern makeover. The RG34XX is a near-perfect clone of the original GBA, and that’s both its biggest strength and, for some, a potential drawback. The RG34XX nails the GBA aesthetic. From the rounded edges to the button layout, it’s almost identical to the handheld many of us grew up with. It’s available in four colors: Indigo, Black, Transparent Red, and Transparent Green. The Indigo model, in particular, is a dead ringer for the classic GBA colorway, while the transparent options give it a cool, retro-futuristic vibe. If you love the look of the original GBA, you’ll feel right at home with this device.

The front of the RG34XX features the same A and B buttons as the GBA, along with two additional buttons (X and Y) placed above them. These extra buttons are a nod to modern gaming needs, but they’re not labeled on the solid-color models, which can be a bit confusing at first. On the transparent models, you can see the XY labels inside the buttons, which is a nice touch. The D-pad is small and squishy, just like the original GBA, and while it’s great for casual gaming, it might not be the best for precision platformers or fighting games.

The Anbernic RG34XX is a bit thicker than modern handhelds, but that’s part of its charm. It’s chunky, just like the GBA, and while that might not appeal to everyone, it adds to the nostalgic feel. The device weighs 188 grams, which is about 40 grams heavier than the original GBA. However, if you factor in the weight of the AA batteries the GBA used, the RG34XX actually feels lighter in comparison.

The back of the device has a battery compartment that mimics the original GBA design, complete with a screw to secure it. It’s a neat touch, but it also means the back isn’t completely flat. This can affect how you hold the device, especially if you have larger hands. Some people might find it a bit awkward, but for those with smaller hands or those who grew up with the GBA, it’ll feel just right.

The buttons are where the RG34XX really shines—and stumbles a bit. The A and B buttons are large, squishy, and feel just like the original GBA buttons. They’re responsive and satisfying to press, making them perfect for retro gaming. The X and Y buttons, however, are smaller and sit higher up on the device. They’re not as comfortable to use, and their lack of labeling on the solid-color models can be annoying if you’re playing games that rely on them.

The D-pad is another story. It’s small, squishy, and has a lot of pivots, just like the original GBA. While this works fine for casual games, it can be frustrating for games that require precise inputs. For example, in platformers or fighting games, you might find yourself accidentally triggering diagonal movements when you didn’t mean to. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to play many precision-based games.

The shoulder buttons are a mix of old and new. The L1 and R1 buttons are large and squishy, just like the GBA, while the L2 and R2 buttons are smaller and tucked away on the back. They’re quiet and responsive, but their placement can feel a bit awkward, especially if you’re used to more modern handhelds with more ergonomic designs.

The 3.4-inch IPS screen is one of the highlights of the Anbernic RG34XX. It has a 3×2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 720×480, which makes it perfect for GBA games. The colors are vibrant, and the pixel density is great for retro gaming. However, the screen isn’t the brightest, and it can be hard to see in direct sunlight. If you’re planning to play outdoors, you might struggle a bit.

The bezels around the screen are another point of contention. They’re thick, especially compared to more modern handhelds like the Retroid Pocket Mini. While this doesn’t affect gameplay, it does make the screen feel smaller than it actually is. If you’re playing 4:3 games (like SNES or PS1), the image will be even smaller due to the aspect ratio mismatch. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

The RG34XX uses a flick-style volume wheel on the bottom of the device. Instead of a smooth analog dial, you flick the wheel left or right to adjust the volume. It’s a unique design that feels nostalgic, but it’s not the most precise or comfortable way to control the volume. Some of us might find it a bit finicky, especially if you’re trying to make small adjustments.

That said, the volume wheel works well enough, and it’s a nice touch that adds to the retro vibe of the device. Just don’t expect the same level of control you’d get from a traditional dial or slider.

The RG34XX uses a USB-C port for charging, which is a big plus. The port is located on the top of the device, next to the mini HDMI output and reset button.

Overall, the build quality of the Anbernic RG34XX is solid. The plastic feels durable, and the buttons are well-made, even if imperfect. The device feels sturdy in your hands, and it’s clear that Anbernic put a lot of effort into making it feel like a premium product. That said, there are a few quirks. The SD card slots are deep and can be tricky to access without tweezers. These are minor issues, but they’re worth noting.

Display and Screen Quality

The Anbernic RG34XX features a 3.4-inch IPS display with a 3×2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 720×480 pixels. For GBA fans, this is a big deal. Why? Because the GBA’s original screen had a 3×2 aspect ratio, and the RG34XX’s screen is a perfect 3X integer scale for GBA games. This means every pixel from the original GBA games is scaled up perfectly without any blurring or distortion. If you’ve ever played a GBA game on a modern device and thought, “This just doesn’t look right,” the RG34XX fixes that problem. It’s like playing on a GBA but with a sharper, brighter, and more vibrant screen.

The 3.4-inch screen is a great size for GBA games, but it can feel a bit small for other systems. For example, when playing SNES or PS1 games, the image is smaller due to the aspect ratio mismatch, and this can make details harder to see. If you have less-than-perfect eyesight, you might find yourself wishing the screen were a bit larger.

That said, the screen size is perfect for portability. The RG34XX is small enough to fit in your pocket, and the 3.4-inch screen strikes a good balance between being compact and usable. It’s not as tiny as some micro handhelds, but it’s also not as bulky as something like a Steam Deck.

With a resolution of 720×480, the RG34XX’s screen has a pixel density of around 254 PPI (pixels per inch). For retro gaming, this is more than enough. GBA games look crisp and clear, and the integer scaling ensures that everything looks sharp and pixel-perfect. However, if you’re playing games from systems with lower resolutions (like the original Game Boy or Game Boy Color), the screen can make the graphics look a bit blocky. This isn’t a flaw with the screen itself—it’s just how retro games look when scaled up.

For systems like SNES or PS1, the screen does a decent job, but the smaller image size (due to the 3×2 aspect ratio) can make details harder to see. If you’re playing a text-heavy game or something with small sprites, you might find yourself wishing the screen were a bit bigger.

The colors on the IPS panel are rich and punchy, which makes retro games pop. Especially, if you’re playing Pokémon Emerald, Metroid Fusion, or The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, the visuals look fantastic. The screen also has great viewing angles, so you don’t have to hold the device perfectly straight to see everything clearly. This is a huge upgrade over the original GBA, which had no backlight and required you to tilt it just right to see anything.

One area where the Anbernic RG34XX’s screen could be better is brightness. At its maximum setting, the screen is bright enough for indoor use, but it struggles in direct sunlight. If you’re planning to play outside on a sunny day, you might find yourself squinting to see the screen. On the flip side, the screen gets very dim at its lowest setting, which is great for playing in the dark without straining your eyes. It’s a trade-off, but one that most retro gamers can live with.

For comparison, the screen on the RG34XX is slightly dimmer than some other retro handhelds, like the Anbernic RG35XX. If you value a super bright screen, this might be a downside. But for most people, the brightness is more than adequate for casual gaming sessions.

The RG34XX has thick bezels around the screen, and this is where opinions start to split. If you’re playing GBA games, the bezels aren’t a big deal because the screen fills up the entire display area. But if you’re playing games from systems with a 4:3 aspect ratio (like SNES, NES, or PS1), the image is smaller, and the bezels become more noticeable.

Some people don’t mind the bezels—they give the device a retro feel and make it look more like the original GBA. Others might find them distracting, especially if you’re used to modern devices with edge-to-edge displays. It’s worth noting that you can customize the bezels with overlays or shaders to make them less intrusive, but out of the box, they’re definitely on the thicker side.

Shaders and Customization

One of the coolest things about the Anbernic RG34XX is its support for shaders. Shaders are filters that can be applied to games to mimic the look of old CRT TVs or the original GBA screen. For example, you can add a grid overlay to make GBA games look like they’re being played on an actual GBA screen, complete with the faint scanlines and pixel grid. This is a great way to enhance the nostalgia factor and make your games look even more authentic.

The stock firmware includes a few basic shaders, but you can download more advanced ones if you’re willing to tinker a bit. This level of customization is a big plus for retro gaming enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their experience.

Connectivity

The Anbernic RG34XX supports 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, a nice upgrade over older Anbernic devices that only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi connection is stable and reliable, making it easy to download games, updates, or custom firmware. Bluetooth support is a nice bonus, as it allows you to connect wireless controllers or headphones for a more comfortable gaming experience. That said, the Bluetooth functionality is a bit limited. While you can connect Bluetooth controllers, the experience isn’t always seamless, with some of latency issues.

One of the standout features of the RG34XX is its mini HDMI output. This allows you to connect the device to a TV or monitor and play your games on a bigger screen. The HDMI output supports 720p resolution, which is perfect for retro games. The scaling is handled well, and the image looks sharp and clear on a larger display.

However, there’s one catch: the RG34XX doesn’t support external controllers over HDMI. This means you’ll still need to use the device itself to control your games, even when it’s connected to a TV. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it does limit the usefulness of the HDMI output for multiplayer gaming or more comfortable couch play.

The RG34XX includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the audio quality through the headphone jack is solid, with no noticeable static or distortion.

Software and User Interface

The software and user interface (UI) of the Anbernic RG34XX are where things get interesting—and a little complicated. While the hardware is a love letter to the Game Boy Advance, the software is a mix of old-school simplicity and modern convenience, with a few quirks thrown in. Out of the box, the RG34XX runs on Anbernic’s stock firmware, which is based on a custom version of Linux. If you’ve used other Anbernic devices, you’ll feel right at home here. The UI is straightforward and easy to navigate, with a simple menu system that lets you browse your games by system.

The main menu is divided into sections for each console (GBA, SNES, NES, PS1, etc.), and you can scroll through your games using the D-pad. Each game has a thumbnail, which is a nice touch, and you can press a button to bring up additional options like save states, load states, and settings. It’s all very plug-and-play, which is great if you just want to jump into your games without a lot of fuss.

That said, the stock firmware has its limitations. For one, the bezels for non-GBA systems (like SNES or PS1) are pretty ugly. They’re either too big, poorly scaled, or just plain distracting. Thankfully, you can customize these bezels or turn them off entirely, but it’s something you’ll need to do manually. The stock firmware also lacks some of the more advanced features you’ll find in custom firmware, like better shader support or more granular control over emulator settings.

Custom Firmware

If you’re willing to put in a little effort, the Anbernic RG34XX can be transformed with custom firmware. At the time of writing, there aren’t many custom firmware options available specifically for the RG34XX, but given Anbernic’s track record, it’s only a matter of time before the community steps in. Custom firmware can unlock a ton of features, including:

• Better performance: Some custom firmware options can optimize the device’s hardware, leading to smoother gameplay and better compatibility with more demanding systems.
• Enhanced visuals: Custom firmware often includes better shader support, allowing you to tweak the look of your games to mimic CRT screens, LCD grids, or other retro effects.
• More customization: From custom themes to advanced emulator settings, custom firmware gives you more control over how your device looks and performs.

If you’re comfortable tinkering with your device, custom firmware is the way to go. It’s not for everyone, but it can take the RG34XX from a good retro handheld to a great one.

Navigation and Usability

The stock UI is simple and easy to use, but it’s not without its quirks. For example, the menu sounds are loud and obnoxious by default, but thankfully, you can turn them off in the settings. Navigating through the menus feels snappy, and the device boots up relatively quickly (around 24 seconds, which is decent for a retro handheld).

One of the standout features of the UI is the hotkey system. You can use the menu button (located on the top of the device) to access quick commands like save states, load states, and fast forward. However, the menu button placement can feel awkward, especially if you’re used to having quick-access buttons on the front of the device. Some users might find it easier to remap the hotkeys to the select button for a more comfortable experience.

Customization Options

One of the best things about the Anbernic RG34XX is how customizable it is. From bezels to shaders, you can tweak almost every aspect of the UI and gameplay experience. For example:

• Bezels: You can replace the default bezels with custom ones that better match the system you’re playing. There are even community-made bezels available online that mimic the look of the original Game Boy, SNES, and other consoles.
• Shaders: The stock firmware includes a few basic shaders, but you can download more advanced ones to enhance the visuals.
• Hotkeys: You can remap the hotkeys for comfort. For example, mapping the menu button to the select button can make it easier to access save states and other quick commands.

Performance and Gameplay Experience

When it comes to retro gaming handhelds, performance is everything. After all, what’s the point of having a device that looks like a Game Boy Advance if it can’t run your favorite games smoothly? The Anbernic RG34XX is powered by the Allwinner H700 chipset, which is the same processor found in many of Anbernic’s other budget-friendly devices. While it’s not the most powerful chip on the market, it’s more than capable of handling most retro systems—with a few caveats.

Game Boy Advance (GBA)

If you’re buying the RG34XX for one reason, it’s probably to play Game Boy Advance games. And let me tell you, this device absolutely shines when it comes to GBA emulation. Thanks to its 3×2 aspect ratio and 720×480 resolution, GBA games look perfect on the RG34XX. The integer scaling ensures that every pixel is crisp and clear, and the vibrant IPS screen makes the colors pop.

Performance-wise, GBA games run flawlessly. There’s no lag, no stuttering, and no graphical glitches. The RG34XX also supports features like save states, fast forward, and rewind, which are a huge quality-of-life improvement over the original GBA. If you’re a GBA fan, this device is worth it for this system alone.

SNES and NES

The RG34XX also handles SNES and NES games with ease. Most games run at full speed, and the controls feel responsive and accurate. However, there’s one small catch: the 3×2 aspect ratio of the screen means that SNES and NES games (which have a 4:3 aspect ratio) will have black bars on the sides. This makes the image smaller than it would be on a 4:3 screen, but it’s still perfectly playable.

If you hate black bars, you can stretch the image to fill the screen, but this will distort the graphics. Personally, I prefer to keep the original aspect ratio, even if it means dealing with the bars. The good news is that the RG34XX’s screen is sharp enough that the smaller image size doesn’t feel like a huge drawback.

PlayStation 1 (PS1)

The Anbernic RG34XX is more than capable of handling PS1 games, and most titles run smoothly at full speed. Games like Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy VII, and Tekken 3 play beautifully, with no noticeable lag or slowdown. The device also supports features like save states and fast forward, which can make grinding in RPGs or replaying tough levels much more enjoyable.

That said, not every PS1 game is perfect. Some more demanding titles, like Gran Turismo 2 or Metal Gear Solid, might experience occasional slowdowns or graphical glitches. These issues are rare, but they’re worth keeping in mind if you plan to play many PS1 games.

Nintendo 64 (N64)

Regarding N64 emulation, the RG34XX is a bit of a mixed bag. Some games, like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, run surprisingly well. However, other titles, like GoldenEye 007 or Star Fox 64, struggle with slowdowns, graphical glitches, or both.

The main issue with N64 emulation on the RG34XX is the lack of an analog stick. The device uses the D-pad for movement, which can feel awkward for games that were designed with an analog stick in mind. You can toggle between D-pad and analog stick input using a hotkey, but it’s not a perfect solution. If you’re a big N64 fan, you might want to consider a device with an analog stick for a better experience.

Dreamcast

The Anbernic RG34XX can handle some Dreamcast games, but performance is inconsistent. Games like Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi run decently, though you might notice some frame rate drops or graphical glitches. More demanding titles, like Shenmue or Soulcalibur, are less playable and may require tweaking the emulator settings to get them running smoothly.

Like with N64, the lack of an analog stick can make Dreamcast games feel a bit awkward to play. If you’re planning to play a lot of Dreamcast games, you might want to look for a device with better controls and more power.

PSP

The RG34XX struggles with PSP emulation, and this is where the limitations of the Allwinner H700 chipset become apparent. While some 2D games, like Lumines or Patapon, are playable, most 3D titles run poorly. Games like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker are either too slow or too glitchy to be enjoyable.

If you’re looking to play PSP games, the RG34XX probably isn’t the best choice. You’ll need a more powerful device to handle this system properly.

Older Systems

For older systems like Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Sega Genesis, and Arcade games, the RG34XX performs flawlessly. These systems are far less demanding than PS1 or N64, and the device handles them with ease. The screen’s sharpness and vibrant colors make these older games look better than ever, and the controls are perfectly suited for 8-bit and 16-bit gaming.

Audio Quality

The Anbernic RG34XX features a single front-firing mono speaker located on the bottom-right corner of the device. Here’s the good news: it gets loud. Like, really loud. If you’re playing in a quiet room, you probably won’t need to crank the volume past 50%. The speaker can more than fill a small space with sound, which is great for casual gaming sessions.

However, there are a few downsides to the speaker. First, it’s mono, not stereo. This means you won’t get the same immersive audio experience you’d get from a device with stereo speakers. For retro games, this isn’t a huge deal—most older systems originally had mono audio anyway—but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re used to modern handhelds with stereo sound.

Second, the audio quality is a bit muddy at higher volumes. While the speaker is loud, it lacks clarity and depth. Bass is virtually nonexistent, and the sound can feel a bit flat, especially in games with more complex soundtracks. That said, for retro games with simple chiptune music, the speaker does the job just fine.

If you’re unhappy with the built-in speaker, the RG34XX includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for a better audio experience. Plugging in a pair of headphones immediately improves the sound quality, giving you clearer, more detailed audio. The headphone jack supports stereo sound, so you’ll get a more immersive experience compared to the mono speaker. The audio through the headphone jack is clean and free of static or distortion, which is a big plus.

Battery Life

The Anbernic RG34XX is powered by a 3,500mAh battery, which is pretty standard for a device in this price range. In real-world use, you can expect around 6 to 7 hours of gameplay on a single charge, depending on the system you’re playing and the brightness of the screen. For example, playing GBA games with the screen at medium brightness will give you closer to 7 hours, while more demanding systems like PS1 or N64 might drain the battery a bit faster.

One thing to keep in mind is that the RG34XX doesn’t support fast charging. It uses a standard USB-C port for charging, and it takes about 2 to 3 hours to fully charge the device from empty. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use the RG34XX for long gaming sessions on the go.

The good news is that the battery life is consistent and reliable. You won’t have to worry about the device suddenly dying in the middle of a game, and the battery indicator on the screen gives you a clear idea of how much juice you have left.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

After spending some quality time with the Anbernic RG34XX, it’s clear that this device is a love letter to retro gaming—especially for fans of the Game Boy Advance. It’s not perfect, and it’s not trying to be the most powerful or feature-packed handheld on the market. Instead, it’s a focused, nostalgic device that excels at what it was designed to do: let you relive the glory days of retro gaming in a compact, affordable package.

If you’re a fan of the Game Boy Advance or just looking for an affordable way to dive into retro gaming, the RG34XX is an excellent choice. It’s not perfect, but its charm, performance, and price make it a standout option in the crowded retro handheld market. For $80, you’re getting a lot of value, and for many gamers, that’s more than enough to make it worth the purchase.

So, should you buy the Anbernic RG34XX? If you’re looking for a nostalgic, GBA-focused handheld that won’t break the bank, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s a device that captures the magic of retro gaming while adding modern conveniences, and that’s something worth celebrating. Happy gaming!