This is a fun little handheld system that can keep you entertained. It does feel nice in the hands and the buttons have a nice feel and texture when clicking on them. My first device didn't work and I had to return this once. The original didn't load and the buttons didn't seem to have the right feel to them, so make sure you turn on and check this out to make sure everything is in proper working order when it is received.
The games are ok, I was hoping a few different games would have been pre-loaded, and there are a lot of junk games I will never play. However, there are some fun ones already pre-loaded, so that is nice. Overall, this is a fun console, however, you'll need to know how to download and install the games to make this really worth it.
LC
★★★★★
64GB version
For me, the screen is the real star on the RG40XX H. The screen looks so good, it’s like giving new life to old games.
The 64GB version does not have as many games as I expected. I couldn’t find any Gameboy games, I would have to add those myself.
The horizontal form factor reminds me a bit of a PSP. The hardware does run up to PSP games, but PSP games that are on the basic side, without a lot of effects. The form factor is a bit slippery in the hand, so I might need to get a silicone skin to make it more comfortable for me to hold.
Most of the buttons are clicky; XYBA buttons are squishy. I like the RGB lighting around the joysticks, it’s fun and you can customize the lighting effects.
I’d say this console is a decent value if you like the form factor.
customer
★★★★★
Preloaded with a ton of games
So this is a fun item! it is preloaded with a TON of games and you can upload a card with even more if you wanted. It has a great retro feel with nice new features. If you need a quick gift under 100 for a kid or gamer in your life this year get this! they will love to have portable fun off their phones
Brian M. Gray
★★★★★
One of the best starter handheld you can get
This is a wonderful retro gaming handheld that can help you relive the memories of your youth. This thing can play in a beautiful 4-in screen things like game boy advance or Nintendo dual screen giving you a chance to relive those youthful moments. It is a great form factor since it's horizontal and feels great in the hand with plastic that seems to be made of good quality. The thing is already pre-populated with all the games and set up for you which is basically just plug and play. I found that I was able to get four to six hours easily out of this playing which is more than enough time for most people who want to just spend a few minutes for getting the current climate and reliving their past. It feels great in the hands and even has the neat little lights on the sticks. I think the price is very fair and I think it's a great little handheld especially since there's so many others of these that are really terrible with repeated games and not very good software. This one has some great software.
Tech Medic
★★★★★
Update your firmware for an amazing experience!
First, know this fact: This device will suck out of the box for a couple reasons.
Reason 1: The firmware will be out of date and Anbernic has made HUGE improvements that take the device to the next level!
Reason 2: The include ROMs stink
Also know this! After you update the firmware (very easy to do with a simple google search) and you load YOUR OWN ROMs (again google is your friend) then you will LOVE THIS DEVICE!
This is a 5-star device all day long.
This system will play dozens and dozens of consoles and arcade systems from the age of Atari, up through Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, PS1, N64 and lower and CRUSHES anything in the 8-bit and 16-bit era.
Also, Anbernic applies AWESOME filters to systems to give those systems an authentic feel. For example, OG DMG Gameboy games have a border applied to fill the "empty" space around the display that allows the handheld to display a perfect interger scales game and on top of that, they apply a filter to make it look exactly like an original Gameboy screen (this is a very good thing for those nostailga feelings).
I've reviewed about 100 handhelds on here over the last 12 months. You CANNOT go wrong with an Anbernic handheld based on the H700 chipset!
Joe V
★★★★★
Awesome handheld retro console
This handheld is awesome for playing retro games.
I've had another variation of this for a while and upgraded to the bigger screen and i love it.
I also bought one for a friend as a present, and they loved it as well.
I'm able to play my old school games from my youth and have them all on one device which is great!
It has played every game i loaded up on it so far.
I dont have any negatives for it because it does what it says it does.
Would recommend!
Frugal Ant
★★★★★
Lots of pre-loaded old games to take you down memory lane
I'm still looking through at all the pre-loaded games. So many to choose from.
The controller takes a little getting used to, and with each different game the buttons don't always align (B is a A, and A is B), but it's kind of fun figuring it out. I've only been playing the pre-loaded games, so can't speak for BT pairing, and I have not tried downloading any games, nor have I tried using my own SD card. I bought this strictly for the pre-loaded games, so I can play games when there's no internet connection, or if I'm tired swiping at my phone.
The controller is easy to use, very responsive, and not difficult to figure out.
Lots of options, and really went down memory lane with some of these older games. Love it.
purple.guy.87
★★★★★
A great handheld that's worth the price!
The RG40XXH is an amazing device for carrying around! I have been fully impressed with my time using it. It has a great weight to it, and the rounded edges sit nicely against the palms of the user's hands.
Buttons are sponge-like, with a squishy texture to the push. The joysticks feel almost exactly like Switch joysticks - and the light underneath is easily turned off or changed in the device settings menu. All in all, the buttons perform well and feel like they're actually doing something.
The speaker on the device has an amazing, well rounded and deep sound. I do not experience snaps, crackles, or pops while playing, and voices come through clearly on PS1 and Dreamcast games.
The system seems to tap out at N64, but almost all PS1 and Dreamcast games I've tested have worked. PSP is a bonus, not many games work, but some of the less graphically intense games work very well.
The HDMI out function works, but I rarely use it as the resolution and aspect ratio is locked at 480p, so it looks pretty bad on screens much bigger than the one on the device itself.
I would add some grip to the back of it for longer gaming periods, but it's fully unnecessary and completely playable as-is.
If you're looking for a cool little device that's just under the size of a PlayStation Vita, this is the one!
M
MusicoMan
★★★★★
The RG40XX-H feels premium
This is another handheld console from Anbernic, with the same chipset as the RG35XX (and RG28XX) series. The first two numbers after the “RG” are screen size in all of these, so this unit has a 4.0” screen. In terms of size, I included a picture comparing it to the RG35XX-H and RG28XX. You can see that the thickness is greater but not far off the other units. All RG..XX units to date use the H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53.
One difference is the trigger bumps on the back of the 40XX which give a nice little shelf for your fingers to sit against as you hold the unit. While I don’t have large hands, I found this to be more comfortable than the 3.5” unit, and while I don’t “pocket” these you can if you’re not wearing your skinny jeans! Still, the trigger bumps are due to the stacked digital shoulder button design, and I find them very comfortable and useful in holding the unit. The rounded corner design is a preference thing — but this more ergo-oriented approach is welcome and works well. The screen seems bigger than the actual 0.5” difference, and it appears to be more vibrant than the prior units.
The triggers have a solid click action, and I don’t suggest playing games with this unit in bed if your partner has good hearing. The D-Pad and ABXY buttons, however, are quiet and should be fine. The thumb sticks feel “abbreviated” to me, with a limited range of motion. I prefer sticks that have a bit more throw, and the right stick feels even tighter than the left, and I don’t like it in particular— but this is my preference. The RGB LED surrounds on the sticks are colorful, but I turned the brightness down to 10% in the settings, and you can turn them off if you wish.
The sound as it comes through the onboard audio is adequate. The speaker slats are down facing, so how you hold this unit greatly changes the audio profile. The headphone audio is excellent, so that’s potentially a better option.
This unit came with the 1.0.1 firmware, but the 1.0.3 just released as I write this and I think it’s an improvement because it seems more stable and has Retroarch 1.19.1 on it. I say more stable because MDCD titles now run properly with 1.0.3 firmware “freshly flashed,” but did not on my unit with 1.0.2 (These worked fine on my 35xxh). The stock 64g SD card is of good quality, but I wanted to move off of the 1.0.1 version. Anbernic keeps making improvements to their “firmware,” one version at a time, so I’m always keen to have the latest for the RG..XX devices. I also run a 2 card setup, and there have been no issues with operation apart from some games working best with the 1.0.3 version.
I think this is Anbernic’s best handheld to date, and I look forward to the “V” version that has just released as I write this. I think this is another notch in terms of fit and finish for the money, and it should give you many hours of gameplay in comfort. I know I vastly prefer this to the 3.5” horizontal unit, and I was surprised just how much more I connect with the RG40XX H.
CynEliza.
★★★★★
RGB retro handheld goodness
I've tried a few vertical handhelds, but the horizontal form of this device is a best for long hours. An easy recommendation for anyone diving into emulation and handhelds. The 4inch screen is the star here for sure. It’s bright! Colors pop beautifully, for a device in this price the display quality is really good. Performance is on point. It handled every game it comes with in the loaded 64GB card.
The design feels much better in my adult hands than the a v model, giving me a relaxed grip. The buttons don't have any lag and are clicky, the RGB lighting is a nice touch, along with the sleek blue shell. Not too heavy with a nice light weight to it. The battery delivers a few good hours. I typically get around 4 to 5 hrs depending on the system I'm emulating, which is more than enough for my commute. A great choice. It’s ready to play out of the box.
