Got an itch to game but don’t have room for a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch? Miss playing games on your old Game Boy Advance but don’t want to carry a stack of cartridges? Introducing the Anbernic RG28XX, an ultra-compact gaming handheld that packs the power to play many of the retro games from your childhood!
The Anbernic RG28XX, while not much larger than an old Nintendo Game Boy Micro, is one of Anbernic’s latest handhelds from the XX family. While being the smallest of the family members—taking up about the same space as a small chocolate bar—Anbernic has still packed the RG28XX with the Allwinner H700, like all the others, allowing you to play a wide range of Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 games with relative ease.
While the Anbernic RG28XX may not feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth like some of its brothers and sisters in the family, some may argue it is pointless in such a small device. One complaint many will likely have is Anbernic shrinking the D-pad and ABXY buttons. They are certainly smaller than I would have personally liked, considering competitors such as the Miyoo A30 pack larger buttons, making game time a little more comfortable. However, competitors do not pack the power of the RG28XX.
“The Anbernic RG28XX, while not much larger than an old Nintendo Game Boy Micro, is one of Anbernic’s latest handhelds from the XX family.”
The 2.8-inch screen, while small, still has a 640×480 resolution, which made games look crisp and sharp, even when playing systems like the NES or original Game Boy. All text was easily legible even at a smaller size, and I had no issue playing RPGs like Final Fantasy IX on PS1. I continually found myself surprised that I was able to play such demanding games on such a small device.
On the go, wherever you are going, the Anbernic can keep you entertained for up to eight to nine hours with its large 3100 mAh battery. More demanding and modern titles will use extra power, so expect closer to six hours when playing those games. I generally found myself reliving my childhood by playing old GBA, SNES and Dreamcast titles, and had no problem making it through a day of gaming with regular breaks.
While not a perfect device, the Anbernic RG28XX is a great handheld for those looking to game but without much extra space for a larger console. It would be an excellent choice for kids or those with smaller hands. If Anbernic could add larger buttons and maybe even an analog stick on the lower left side in a V2 model, this would, without a doubt, be my favourite micro-sized handheld.
