Game Boy SP Advance, released way back in 2003, captured the imagination of portable gaming fanatics for all the good reasons. The retro handheld still has an unquenched appeal for its nostalgic design and folding form factor. Anbernic has a profound affinity for the GBA SP, as we saw the Linux-based Anbernic RG35XXSP bring back old memories.
The gaming accessories maker is back again with a GBA SP-inspired emulation handheld that looks and feels more refined than the earlier interpretation. This ultra-slim clamshell gadget dubbed Anbernic RG SP is designed “to relive the pure joy of the 2D golden era.” The handheld instantly takes you back to the era with its premium metallic finish and the acrylic logo badge.
Designer: Anbernic
In a world where we have graduated to the modern design of the RG Rotate, the RG SP handheld has a distinct place in the hearts of millennial-era gamers like me. Playing 2D games on this gadget is going to be a focused affair as Anbernic understandably drops the idea of adding a joystick on this one. Instead, there is a classic D-pad and button layout with refined tactile input. The handheld has narrow screen bezels, making the 3.4-inch IPS display (720 × 480 resolution) – which is three times the resolution of the original GBA SP stand out. Retro games can be scaled to perfection courtesy of the 3 times scaling, making emulation an easy affair.
Also, the body is 10 percent thinner than the original GBA SP. On the inside, there is the H700 chipset to play any 2D retro game without any lag. In the gameplay video, Anbernic demos the device playing Game Boy Advance titles including Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Fire Emblem, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Pokémon Emerald. Running games made for PSP, PlayStation 1, and SEGA Dreamcast should also be no problem. What’s interesting is the gadget running Stardew Valley port and PC version of Cuphead: Don’t Deal with the Devil from Steam.
The sleek handheld can be connected wirelessly to your TV with the casting option, and paired to a Bluetooth controller like the Gamesir G8 Plus for an enhanced level of gameplay. Dual alloy hinges on the gadget make it easy to place the handheld in any desired orientation, or have multi-angle positioning. The gadget also gets a microSD card slot and 3.5mm audio jack to keep the nostalgia flowing.
Anbernic RG SP will be available in premium metallic finishes including Platinum, Graphite, Black, Teal and Pearl Pink. The only color I would have loved to see is the Metallic Blue, which defined the GBA SP for me. That said, there is no word yet on the pricing or the availability of the ultra-slim retro gaming handheld, but we’ll keep our eyes and ears open.
