The retro gaming handheld scene has been buzzing lately, and Anbernic is no stranger to this space. With its latest launch, the Anbernic RG Slide, the company brings a refreshing blend of nostalgic design and modern Android power, offering a device that caters to both retro enthusiasts and Android handheld gamers. But how well does it perform, and is it worth your money? Let’s dive in.
The standout element of the Anbernic RG Slide is its spring-loaded sliding mechanism, which immediately recalls iconic devices like the Sony Xperia Play and PSP Go. Once slid open, it reveals a full suite of tactile gaming controls, including rubber dome buttons for a classic feel, anti-interference analog sticks, and a six-axis gyroscope for motion-sensitive games.
Running on Android 13, the RG Slide supports a massive library of emulators, ranging from Game Boy Advance to PlayStation 2 and GameCube, and it’s also capable of streaming games and casting video to external displays. This flexibility makes it a compelling option for both standalone gaming and remote play experiences.
The device features a 4.7-inch LTPS In-cell touchscreen with a resolution of 1280×960 and a 120Hz refresh rate. With 500 nits brightness and OCA full lamination, the display is bright, sharp, and responsive to multi-touch input, ideal for both 2D pixel art and complex 3D titles.
Under the hood, the RG Slide is powered by the 6nm Unisoc T820 chipset, packing four Cortex-A76 cores and a Mali-G57 MP4 GPU. This is paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, expandable via microSD up to 2TB. This ensures solid performance for emulator apps like PPSSPP, Dolphin, and AetherSX2, offering smooth gameplay for many sixth-generation console titles.
In terms of audio and connectivity, it comes equipped with stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB-C port that supports 1080p video output. A 5000mAh battery powers the device for up to 6 hours of gaming and supports 10W charging, taking about 3 hours for a full top-up.
Software additions include a floating game assistant, real-time translation, AI-driven guides, customizable power-saving options, and haptic feedback for a more immersive experience. All of this is packed into a device that weighs 379g and is available in black and white, striking a nice balance between retro styling and modern utility.
The Anbernic RG Slide is priced competitively, starting at $189.99 globally. In China, it’s available for 1,268 yuan, which translates to a very affordable mid-range for a feature-packed Android gaming handheld.
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The RG Slide is a breath of fresh air in a market crowded by either ultra-premium handhelds or basic retro emulation boxes. Its sliding mechanism isn't just a design gimmick — it adds real ergonomic value, letting users switch from a pocketable form factor to a full gaming experience in one motion.
The performance is surprisingly capable, especially considering its price. The Unisoc T820 chipset may not rival Snapdragon or AMD-based devices, but it holds up well in Android-based emulation, even handling PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles at playable frame rates. Multitasking, media streaming, and even cloud gaming work smoothly thanks to the 8GB RAM and fast UFS storage.
The display is another high point. With a 120Hz refresh rate and crisp resolution, it’s a pleasure for both retro titles and more demanding Android games. The touchscreen responsiveness and viewing angles make it suitable for multimedia and casual browsing as well.
Battery life is decent at around 6 hours for gaming, and the software tools like real-time translation and AI game guides are thoughtful additions that enhance the usability of the device. The only downsides are the lack of premium build materials and no high-end cooling, meaning you might notice heat during extended sessions.
If you're a retro gaming enthusiast, love portable Android gaming, or simply want a versatile emulator machine under $200, the Anbernic RG Slide is an excellent option. It may not compete directly with more powerful handhelds like the Steam Deck, but it isn’t trying to. It focuses on portability, nostalgia, and affordability, delivering all three effectively.
For casual gamers and emulation fans, it's hard to beat the value here. Whether you're replaying GBA classics or diving into PS2 nostalgia, the RG Slide makes the experience smooth, stylish, and fun.
The Anbernic RG Slide successfully merges retro gaming aesthetics with modern Android functionality in a form factor that’s both fun and functional. Its sliding design, solid emulator performance, and crisp 120Hz display make it stand out in a crowded field of handheld consoles.
At just $189.99, it's not just a novelty — it's a practical and affordable retro gaming powerhouse. If you're looking for a nostalgic gaming device that doesn’t skimp on modern performance, the RG Slide is absolutely worth a look.
Q1. What emulators does the Anbernic RG Slide support?
The RG Slide supports popular emulators including Dolphin, AetherSX2, PPSSPP, and many more for GameCube, PS2, PSP, and older consoles.
Q2. Does the Anbernic RG Slide support game streaming?
Yes, it supports game streaming and casting to external displays via its USB-C video output.
Q3. How long does the battery last on the RG Slide?
The 5000mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
Q4. Can you install Google Play Store on the RG Slide?
It doesn’t come with Play Store pre-installed, but you can sideload it manually.
Q5. Is the RG Slide worth it compared to Steam Deck or ROG Ally?
While not as powerful, it’s far more portable and affordable, and great for retro and Android gaming on the go.
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