Anbernic RG34XXSP Review: Anbernic’s Newest GBA SP Clone – What’s Changed?

Alright, let’s dive into the latest buzz-maker in the retro handheld world, a little device that’s been popping up all over our feeds and for good reason: the Anbernic RG34XXSP. We’ve all seen the Game Boy Advance SP form factor make a triumphant return to the scene, and honestly, it’s about time. For a while, it felt like we were swimming in horizontal bars, but the desire for that satisfying snap of a clamshell and a protected screen never really went away. Anbernic, never one to miss a beat – or a niche – has clearly been listening, and they’re not just dipping a toe in; they’re making a proper splash.

This RG34XXSP isn’t just another iteration in their ever-expanding “XX” lineup powered by that familiar H700 chip. Oh no, this one feels like a direct, calculated move. It’s stepping into the ring with the Miyoo Mini Flip, a device that certainly turned heads, but also came with its share of… let’s call them “community discussions,” especially around hinge durability. So, when Anbernic teases, then drops, a device that looks remarkably similar in size and even some aesthetic touches, but promises that Anbernic build quality we’ve (mostly) come to rely on, you know people are paying attention.

What we’re looking at here is a device laser-focused on nailing that GBA SP nostalgia, but with a few modern Anbernic twists. The headline feature for many, myself included, is that 3.4-inch, 3×2 aspect ratio screen – absolutely perfect for pixel-perfect Game Boy Advance. Then they threw in dual analog sticks, a decision that’s definitely sparked some debate about purity versus practicality.

And of course, it’s all packaged up at a price point that’s hard to ignore – we’re seeing these pop up on AliExpress for around that sweet $60 to $90 mark, especially with launch deals, which frankly, for a brand new, reasonably specced clamshell, is pretty compelling. So, the question on everyone’s mind is: has Anbernic finally delivered the definitive SP successor, or is it just another interesting option in a crowded market? Let’s get into it.

Design & Build Quality

Aesthetics & Materials

Picking up the Anbernic RG34XXSP, you immediately get that GBA SP vibe, which is clearly what they were aiming for. It comes in a few neat colors – there’s a classic SNES-inspired grey with those familiar purple buttons, a deep indigo that feels a bit GameCube-y, a straightforward black that sometimes rocks rainbow face buttons, and even a bold yellow and red version. The shell itself mostly has this pleasant matte texture; it feels good in the hands, resists fingerprints pretty well, and doesn’t come off as cheap. Some models might have a slightly glossier finish around the hinge area, but the main body keeps that non-slip feel.

Now, about that “forehead” – that larger plastic area above the screen. Yeah, it’s definitely noticeable, more so in pictures than when you’re actually holding it, especially on the darker colorways where it doesn’t stand out as much. Anbernic designed it this way, supposedly, so the analog sticks have a place to rest when the lid is closed without mashing into the screen itself, which is a sensible trade-off for screen longevity, even if it breaks the pure SP aesthetic a little. The plastic quality feels quite solid, typical of Anbernic’s better offerings, with minimal flex or creaking when you give it a gentle squeeze. The seams where the different parts of the casing meet are generally clean and well-aligned. They’ve even added thoughtful little touches like tiny raised nubs on the bottom corners to keep it from sliding around on a table.

Hinge Mechanism

The hinge mechanism is a real highlight here. It feels incredibly sturdy and operates with a satisfying smoothness. It’s a dual-hinge design, and you can tell there’s some metal reinforcement inside because it just feels secure, with none of the wobble some other clamshells have suffered from. Opening and closing it has a nice, reassuring action. It’ll happily sit at a couple of pre-set angles, but it’s also pretty good at holding its position wherever you leave it, even if you’re playing on the go. Inside, there’s a Hall sensor, so closing the lid puts the device to sleep, and opening it wakes it right back up – a very convenient feature that works snappily.

Ergonomics & Portability

In terms of size, it’s a compact little thing, a bit smaller than Anbernic’s older RG35XXSP and almost a twin to the Miyoo Flip. This makes it super pocketable, and the clamshell design inherently protects the screen, so you can just toss it in a bag without much worry. Holding it is, well, like holding an SP. If you’ve got larger hands, extended play sessions might lead to a bit of cramping, that’s just the nature of this design. But for portability and quick bursts of gaming, it’s perfectly comfortable. The matte finish helps with grip too.

Ports & Buttons Layout

All the ports are sensibly placed: USB-C for charging and OTG is up top alongside a mini HDMI for video out. The headphone jack is neatly tucked away on the bottom edge. On the sides, you’ve got your volume rocker, power and reset buttons, and two microSD card slots – one for the operating system and another for all your game files. Nothing feels awkward to reach or out of place.

Controls

D-Pad

Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll actually be using to play your games – the controls on this RG34XXSP. They’ve made some interesting choices here. Starting with the D-pad, it’s a pretty solid performer. It’s not huge, but it’s a different shape from some of Anbernic’s other SP-style devices – sort of a middle ground. It’s got that clicky, microswitch feel that many Anbernic devices sport, giving you a definite tactile response for each press.

This makes it quite good for games that demand precision, like fighting games where you’re trying to nail those Shoryukens. While some really, really hard rocking on it might occasionally trigger an unintended diagonal, in normal play, it’s responsive and generally avoids false inputs, which is a big plus.

Face Buttons (A, B, X, Y)

The face buttons – your A, B, X, and Y – follow suit with that same clicky, microswitch feedback. They feel quite responsive and have a nice, satisfying press. Some folks find these types of buttons a tad on the louder side, but they’re not obnoxiously so. They’re definitely not mushy, offering a firm, quick action. For those who are particular about button noise, the community has already figured out the classic Kapton tape mod to dampen the sound a bit, which is a nice option to have if you’re into tinkering.

Analog Sticks

Now for the big talking point: the dual analog sticks. This is a significant departure from a pure GBA SP homage and a clear nod to playing more 3D-era systems. There’s been some back-and-forth in the spec sheets about whether these are true Hall effect sticks, but regardless, they are present and clickable. Their inclusion really divides opinion. Some see them as clutter on a device that’s primarily for 2D gaming, while others appreciate the added versatility for PS1, N64, and even some Dreamcast titles.

Performance-wise, they’re what you’d expect from small, nub-style sticks on a compact device. They have a somewhat limited range of motion and that cardinal snapping (where they tend to snap to the main N-S-E-W directions) is present. They’re not going to replace a full-sized controller experience, but they get the job done for games that benefit from analog input. They seem to be very similar, if not identical, to the sticks found on the Miyoo Flip, which makes sense given the design parallels.

Shoulder Buttons (L1/R1, L2/R2)

Flipping to the top, the shoulder buttons (L1/R1 and L2/R2) are well implemented. They have a tiered design, meaning the L2 and R2 buttons sit a little higher than L1 and R1. This is a smart ergonomic choice, as it helps prevent accidental presses when you’re reaching for the back triggers with your fingertips; you can comfortably rest your index finger joints on L1/R1. Like the face buttons, these are also clicky and offer a decent tactile feel.

Start, Select, Menu Buttons

Finally, the Start, Select, and Menu buttons are exactly where you’d expect them on an SP-style layout, sitting below the screen. The Menu button is particularly handy for quickly accessing emulator settings. These too are clicky and functional, rounding out a control scheme that, while perhaps a bit busy for purists, offers a good amount of input options for the systems this little handheld can tackle.

Screen Quality

Now, let’s get to one of the absolute standout features of the Anbernic RG34XXSP: the screen. This is where the device truly shines, especially if you’re a Game Boy Advance fanatic.

Specifications

The specs themselves are quite specific: we’re looking at a 3.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720×480. The crucial part here is that this resolution, combined with the screen size, results in a perfect 3×2 aspect ratio. And for GBA fans, that’s music to the ears. Why? Because it allows for pixel-perfect 3x integer scaling for Game Boy Advance games. This means GBA titles look incredibly crisp, sharp, and exactly as the developers intended, just scaled up beautifully.

Visual Quality

Beyond the perfect scaling, the visual quality of the IPS panel itself has drawn a lot of praise. It’s noticeably brighter and more vibrant than the screens on some competing devices, including the Miyoo Mini Flip and even Anbernic’s own older RG35XXSP. Colors pop, and the image is just generally more pleasing and clear.

Setting it up side-by-side with the Miyoo Flip and being surprised at how much duller the Flip’s screen appeared in comparison. The increased brightness levels (some noted 8 levels on the RG34XXSP vs. 5 on the RG35XXSP) also make it more usable in various lighting conditions. It’s also a full lamination display, which helps reduce glare and makes the image look like it’s sitting right on the surface.

Impact on Other Systems

Of course, while the 3×2 aspect ratio is a dream for GBA, it has implications for other systems. For older 4×3 consoles (like SNES, Genesis, or PS1), you’ll have some black bars on the left and right sides of the screen to maintain the correct aspect ratio. Because the RG34XXSP’s screen is vertically a bit shorter than a 4×3 screen of similar width (like on the Miyoo Flip or RG35XXSP), the actual image size for these 4×3 games will be a bit smaller on the RG34XXSP. However, the increased pixel density and overall better screen quality can still make these games look very good, just not as large. For widescreen 16×9 content (like some PSP games or media), you’ll get black bars on the top and bottom. The device does come with some nice bezel presets in the stock firmware to make this less jarring.

Finally, surrounding the screen, Anbernic has included those little silicone pads – typically five of them. These are a small but important detail, as they provide a soft cushion when you snap the clamshell shut, protecting the screen from scratches and the impact of closing the lid, especially with those analog sticks on the bottom half. It’s a thoughtful touch that contributes to the overall durability.

Performance & Software

Chipset

Alright, let’s talk about what’s under the hood and how this little RG34XXSP actually performs. If you’ve been following Anbernic’s “XX” line of handhelds, the chipset here will be no surprise: it’s rocking the Allwinner H700. This processor has become the go-to for Anbernic’s budget-to-mid-range devices, and for good reason – it offers a decent balance of performance for retro systems without breaking the bank.

Emulation Capabilities

In terms of emulation capabilities, the H700 delivers a predictable and generally solid experience. You can expect flawless, full-speed emulation for all your 8-bit and 16-bit favorites – NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and of course, Game Boy Advance. GBA, as we’ve discussed, is a particular highlight given the screen. PlayStation 1 also runs beautifully on this hardware; in fact, I often describe it as “perfect for PS1 games,” especially now with the dual analog sticks making many PS1 titles much more enjoyable.

Moving up the ladder, things get a bit more demanding. For Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and PSP, the H700 can handle a good chunk of their libraries, but it’s not a clean sweep. Many popular N64 titles will be very playable, though some of the more graphically intensive games like Wave Race 64 or Rayman 2 might exhibit some slowdown here and there.

Similarly, a fair number of Dreamcast and PSP games will run well, but don’t expect to play the absolute heaviest hitters from these systems flawlessly. Nintendo DS emulation is also in the “playable with caveats” category; many DS games run quite well, especially 2D titles like Pokémon, but some 3D-heavy games or those that rely heavily on dual-screen interaction might be a bit clunky. Sega Saturn is mentioned as having some very limited playability for low-demand 2D titles, but it’s certainly not a system you’d buy this device for. Essentially, if it’s PS1/N64 era or older, you’re mostly golden.

Stock Firmware

Out of the box, the stock firmware on the RG34XXSP is pretty standard Anbernic fare. It’s generally usable and aims to be a pick-up-and-play experience. It typically comes with pre-configured emulators, often with bezels and shaders already set up for various systems to enhance the visual presentation. This is great for casual users who don’t want to tinker.

I noted that Anbernic has apparently secured official licenses for some SNK, IGS, and Psikyo arcade games (like King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and some shoot ’em ups) that are included in the stock build, which is an interesting development. However, stock firmware can sometimes feel a bit bloated, and a common complaint was the default Anbernic menu navigation sounds – thankfully, those can usually be turned off!

Custom Firmware Potential

The real excitement for many enthusiasts lies in the custom firmware potential. Given the H700 chipset and Anbernic’s popularity, this device is almost guaranteed to see robust community support. Names like MuOS, GarlicOS-derivatives, and MinUI were all brought up as likely candidates to receive official or community-adapted ports. It the existing MuOS builds for the RG34XX (the horizontal version with the same screen and chip) already booting and running games on the RG34XXSP.

There are, of course, initial minor incompatibilities – things like the lid closure sensor or analog stick functionality might not work perfectly on these early, unadapted builds, but the core emulation is there. It’s expected that developers will quickly iron out these kinks, combining screen settings from the 34XX, magnetic closure code from the 35XXSP, and stick configurations from other H700 devices. This strong custom firmware scene is a huge plus, offering users more streamlined interfaces, better performance in some emulators, and more customization options down the line.

Key Comparisons: How Does it Stack Up?

So, how does the Anbernic RG34XXSP actually measure up when you put it side-by-side with its closest competitors and siblings? This is where things get interesting, as it borrows and refines ideas from several existing devices.

vs. Miyoo Mini Flip

First up, the most obvious rival: the Miyoo Mini Flip. The RG34XXSP feels like Anbernic saw the Miyoo Flip, noted its popularity (and its widely reported hinge issues), and said, “We can do that, but make it more robust.” In terms of size and overall aesthetic (like the ribbed back on some models and the general clamshell shape), they are very, very similar. However, Anbernic seems to have won the hinge battle hands down, with the RG34XXSP’s hinge being consistently praised for its sturdiness and smooth operation, a stark contrast to the fragility many experienced with the Miyoo.

Screen-wise, while both are clamshells, the RG34XXSP’s 3×2 screen is a GBA dream, whereas the Miyoo Flip opted for a 4×3 display, making it better for a broader range of older consoles if GBA isn’t your absolute priority. The stick implementation is also very similar, almost identical. The Anbernic also often comes in at a similar, if not slightly more aggressive, price point, especially with launch deals.

vs. Anbernic RG35XXSP (Original)

Next, let’s look within Anbernic’s own family, comparing it to the original Anbernic RG35XXSP. The older 35XXSP features a 3.5-inch 4×3 screen, which is great for systems like SNES and PS1, offering a larger picture for those consoles. The new RG34XXSP, with its 3.4-inch 3×2 screen, deliberately sacrifices some of that 4×3 screen real estate to achieve GBA perfection.

The biggest functional difference, though, is the addition of dual analog sticks on the 34XXSP; the original 35XXSP was a D-pad-only affair, limiting its appeal for 3D games. The 34XXSP is also slightly more compact than its predecessor. Price-wise, the older 35XXSP can sometimes be found for even less now, making it a super budget-friendly option if you don’t need analog sticks and prefer the 4×3 aspect ratio.

vs. Anbernic RG34XX (Horizontal)

Then there’s the Anbernic RG34XX – the horizontal, non-clamshell version. The RG34XXSP essentially takes the fantastic 3.4-inch 3×2 screen and the H700 chipset from the horizontal RG34XX and puts them into a clamshell body, adding those dual analog sticks in the process. So, if you loved the screen on the RG34XX for GBA but craved the SP form factor and maybe wanted those sticks, the RG34XXSP is a direct answer to that.

The horizontal RG34XX might offer slightly different ergonomics for some, but the core performance and GBA visual experience will be identical.

Ultimately, the RG34XXSP carves out its niche by trying to offer the best of several worlds: the beloved GBA SP form factor, a screen optimized for GBA unlike any other in this clamshell category, the added versatility of analog sticks (even if they’re not top-tier), and Anbernic’s generally reliable build quality, particularly in the hinge, all at a competitive price. It’s a strategic blend aimed squarely at GBA enthusiasts who also want a bit more flexibility.

Battery, Sound, and Accessories

Beyond the headline features, there are a few other practical bits and bobs to cover with the Anbernic RG34XXSP – the kind of stuff that impacts your day-to-day use.

 Battery Life

Let’s start with battery life. Inside this compact clamshell, Anbernic has packed a 3300mAh battery. This is a pretty standard capacity for their XX line of devices and similar to what was in the older RG35XXSP. In terms of actual playtime, you can generally expect around 5 to 6 hours from a full charge. This will, of course, vary depending on what system you’re emulating (more demanding 3D games will drain it faster than 8-bit titles) and your screen brightness settings. But for a device of this size, 5-6 hours is a respectable amount of gaming time, enough for a good commute, a long wait, or a decent evening session without constantly hunting for a charger.

Audio

When it comes to audio, the RG34XXSP features a single, front-facing speaker, usually located in the center of the bottom half of the clamshell, often with a dot-matrix style grille. The sound quality is generally described as serviceable – it gets the job done, and you’ll hear your game audio clearly enough, but it’s not going to blow you away with rich bass or crystal-clear highs. It’s pretty much on par with what you’d expect from most retro handhelds in this price bracket.

For a more immersive experience, or if you’re gaming in public, the inclusion of a standard 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom edge is a welcome feature. And the audio output through headphones is good and clear.

Optional Accessories

Finally, let’s touch on accessories. Anbernic often includes the basics: a USB-C charging cable and a screen protector are usually in the box, along with the manual and some screen wipes. However, one accessory that garnered a lot of positive attention was the optional faux leather case. This isn’t your typical flimsy pouch. It’s a more structured, retro-styled case with a nice clasp, often with a little pouch on the front for a charging cable or an extra SD card.

Pros & Cons Summary

Conclusion: Who Should Buy the Anbernic RG34XXSP?

Alright, after sifting through all the features, comparisons, and community feedback, what’s the final word on the Anbernic RG34XXSP? Who should be rushing to AliExpress to snag one, especially with those tempting launch prices often hovering around the $60 to $90 mark?

This little clamshell definitely carves out a strong identity for itself. Its biggest, undeniable strength is as a premium Game Boy Advance machine. That 3.4-inch, 3×2 screen with its pixel-perfect 3x integer scaling makes GBA games look absolutely stunning – arguably the best they can look on a portable device in this form factor. If the GBA library holds a special place in your heart, and you’ve been yearning for an SP-style device that does it true justice, the RG34XXSP makes a very compelling case.

Beyond GBA, the solid H700 chip ensures good performance for a wide range of systems up to and including PlayStation 1, with decent playability for a good chunk of N64 and Dreamcast titles, especially now that it sports those dual analog sticks. The improved, sturdy hinge is another massive win, addressing a key concern many had with its direct competitor, the Miyoo Mini Flip. Add to that the general Anbernic build quality, the convenience of the clamshell design for portability and screen protection, and the strong potential for excellent custom firmware support, and you’ve got a really well-rounded package.

However, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. If your main focus is playing 4×3 console games (like SNES, Genesis, or PS1) and you prioritize the largest possible screen image for those systems, the RG34XXSP’s 3×2 screen will mean a smaller picture compared to devices like the original RG35XXSP or the Miyoo Mini Flip. If you need flawless emulation of more demanding systems like higher-end PSP or GameCube, the H700 isn’t going to cut it. And, while the analog sticks are a welcome addition for some, if you find the SP ergonomics a bit cramped or have no use for sticks, you might be happier with a simpler or different form factor.