ANBERNIC RG406V Hands-On: Can This Vertical Handheld Handle PS2 Games?

Hey, what’s going on, everybody? ETA Prime here, and now let’s talk about the RG406V, another recent product from ANBERNIC. The ANBERNIC RG406V, which was just released as a handheld, is notable for its vertical design, strong performance, and dedication to both Android and retro gaming.

Hardware and Design

The ANBERNIC RG406V appears at first to be a handheld with a retro aesthetic but is actually packed with contemporary technology. With its remarkable features, which include an 8-core Unisoc T820 processor, 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 128 GB of internal UFS 2.2 storage, it runs Android 13 out of the box. Its 4-inch IPS touchscreen (960 x 720) makes for a small, bright display that’s perfect for classic video games.

Its two analog sticks, which come with RGB lighting and give the gadget some flair, are what make it unique. For a vertical handheld, ergonomics are generally decent, but it might be a little awkward to reach the lower analog stick, especially during extended gaming sessions.

Dual stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.0, and 5GHz Wi-Fi are additional noteworthy features that guarantee you’re ready for media consumption as well as gaming. Additionally, a 5,500mAh battery powers it for respectable battery life—even when playing heavier games.

Emulation Performance

Everyone’s true concern is how the ANBERNIC RG406V handles emulation, especially with PS2 games. I tested it for a while using the well-known PS2 emulator EtherSX2, and while it wasn’t perfect, the performance was excellent.

Several PS2 games are playable on the RG406V at 1X native resolution. Gran Turismo 4 and God of War, for example, run rather well, even if they have a lower frame rate. While not every game can be played at maximum speed, most may be played with sporadic adjustments to the settings. There was also a discernible difference when rendering with Vulkan over OpenGL; for demanding titles, Vulkan usually provided smoother gameplay.

When it comes to Dreamcast, GameCube, and Wii emulation, the RG406V shines beyond the PS2. Games such as Super Smash Bros. Melee and Mario Kart: Double Dash worked smoothly at 1X resolution when played on the GameCube and Wii with Dolphin. While certain heavier games, such as F-Zero GX, performed poorly, performance much improved with Dolphin MMJR, a modified version of Dolphin designed for low-end devices.

The RG406V is excellent for Dreamcast emulation. Sonic Adventure 2 and Crazy Taxi, two games that demonstrate how well this device runs less demanding older systems, performed without a hitch. It felt like ANBERNIC had improved the d-pad design, providing sharp, snappy inputs perfect for 2D fights and platformers. The d-pad was especially fun for retro games.

Native Android Gaming

Additionally, the RG406V shows itself to be a reliable device for native Android gaming. Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, and Genshin Impact all ran smoothly, however Genshin could only run at 30 frames per second on low settings. There’s much here for casual Android gamers, and thanks to Android 13’s adaptability, you can access a vast library of games and apps through the Google Play Store.

Customization and Software

ANBERNIC has included a few thoughtful extras. The integrated launcher facilitates the easy administration of your collection of emulators. As long as your folder structure is structured, you may effortlessly scan folders and have your game library automatically filled in. It’s also easy to customize the controls on the handheld: the system settings let you to adjust the fan speed and swap between the Xbox and NS layouts.

In relation to cooling, the fan works surprisingly well. Via the settings menu, you may change its strength; higher settings provide better cooling at the expense of some noise. The fan is a wonderful addition for extended gaming sessions with more demanding titles because it isn’t extremely loud, even when operating at full power.

Design and Ergonomics

The RG406V’s vertical design is one of the first things you’ll notice; some users may find it ergonomic, but others may not. The device has a sturdy construction, and when viewed from specific angles, the RGB lighting behind the analog sticks adds a distinctive visual flair that gives it a slightly eerie appearance.

The D-pad and face buttons are really satisfying to use—ANBERNIC has always been good at them. The analog sticks’ positioning, though, seems a little strange—especially if you’re used to asymmetrical layouts. Overall, the device fits comfortably in the hand and is simple to handle during extended gaming sessions, though it may take some getting used to.

Emulation Power: Can It Handle PS2 Games?

The crucial question at hand is whether the RG406V can emulate the PS2. In a way, the response is. Although the Unisoc T820 is not a particularly powerful chip, it is still far superior to earlier handhelds at this price range.

The RG406V can run select PS2 games with EtherSX2, but don’t expect perfect performance everywhere. Even at 1x resolution, some games may not run smoothly, so that’s where you should stay. However, you’ll get better results—especially when using the Dolphin MMJ emulator—for less demanding games like those on the GameCube and Wii. Although it can’t run every game on the PS2 or GameCube, it can run more than enough of them.

The RG406V works great if you enjoy Dreamcast or PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulation. Most Dreamcast and PSP games run nicely even at 1x resolution, and the superb D-pad enhances the gaming experience, particularly for combat titles like Street Fighter.

Android Gaming: Beyond Emulation

Of course, you’re not just able to play old games on the RG406V because it runs Android 13. On the Unisoc T820, native Android games like Call of Duty Mobile, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and even Genshin Impact (at low settings) function fairly well. Even though it’s not designed for demanding Android games, this device can easily handle the majority of casual and intermediate games.

The way Android games adjust to the odd screen resolution of the portable is astounding. Games such as Asphalt 9 have a clean and sharp visual style while having a little non-standard resolution. 

Audio, Battery, and Other Features

Despite looking downward, the dual stereo speakers on the ANBERNIC RG406V are loud enough for most environments. In case you desire a more captivating auditory encounter, a 3.5 mm headphone socket is available for connected headphones.

I’ll need to test the battery life more thoroughly while I’m traveling. For a gadget this size and power, the 5500 mAh battery appears plenty, but actual use will determine how long it lasts during prolonged gaming sessions.

Customization and Control

For this portable device, ANBERNIC has included several interesting software customization options, such as an RGB lighting control for the analog sticks and a fan control option to regulate cooling. Additionally, you have the option to switch between the Xbox and NS button layouts, allowing you flexibility according on your preferences.

Final Thoughts: First Impressions

Thus far, the ANBERNIC RG406V appears to be yet another reliable product from ANBERNIC, particularly for those seeking an Android-powered vertical handheld. Although it’s not the most powerful gadget available, it can manage a considerable amount of Android libraries and classic games. Although some may find the positioning of the analog sticks uncomfortable, the vertical layout is agreeable. Nevertheless, it appears to be a good addition to ANBERNIC’s range because to its outstanding D-pad, sturdy construction, and respectable performance.

Over the next several days, I’ll be spending more time with RG406V, and I’ll soon publish a comprehensive review. Please feel free to remark if there is something special you’d like to see tested! As always, thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!

Video Review of ANBERNIC RG406V First Look