Why the RG40XXV Is the D-Pad You’ve Always Dreamed Of!

Hey everybody! ETA Prime is back, and this week we’re going to be exploring the recently released RG40XXV retro handheld console. It’s been almost two weeks since Anbernic’s previous release, so if you’re a fan of their portfolio of retro devices, you might have been feeling a bit nervous. But fear not—the RG40XXV, a handheld that many of you will want to check out—has recently been released. This is especially true if you’ve been eyeing a DMG-style gadget with a larger screen.

A Bigger and Better DMG Experience

The RG40XXV, which is meant to appease individuals who adore the traditional Game Boy aesthetic but need something a little more substantial, is simply an enhanced version of their previous RG35XX. Its four-inch IPS display will catch your attention right away. This fully laminated screen is ideal for extended gaming sessions since it offers great viewing angles and vivid colors. Let’s also discuss the D-pad, which is excellent. This is the D-pad that vintage enthusiasts have been waiting for, and it has the potential to become a standard on handheld devices in the future. 

Features and Design

The standard shoulder buttons and triggers are located on the back of the device. These are nonlinear and perfect for the old games that this device is designed to play. This model does not have a battery compartment, therefore you will need to remove six screws from the back in order to change the battery at some point.

The RG40XXV is much larger than the RG35XX. The 3.5-inch display on the previous model was excellent for portability, but the RG40XXV has a larger screen if that’s what you prefer. Because of the well-positioned controls and lightweight construction, playing for extended periods of time is comfortable even with the controls easily accessible.

Ports and Connectivity

The RG40XXV has a good range of ports available. A microSD card slot and a volume rocker are located on the left side. The power button, reset button, and additional microSD card slot are located on the right side. A 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB Type-C port are located at the bottom for OTG and charging purposes, respectively. You may transform your portable gaming experience into a home console setup by connecting the handheld to a larger screen using the small HDMI output located on top. 

Build Quality and Internal Components

The RG40XXV’s internal construction is robust, upholding Anbernic’s reputation for high quality. This handheld, in contrast to less expensive ones available on websites like AliExpress or eBay, has conductive pads and hex screws beneath every button but the analog stick. The end product is a responsive, high-end-feeling gadget.

Specs and Performance of RG40XXV

The Allwinner H700, a quad-core processor with a Mali G31 MP2 GPU and 1GB of RAM, powers the RG40XXV. Up to six hours of playback are possible with the 3200mAh battery, and the 4-inch 640×480 IPS display produces crisp, clear images.

You should be able to get good gameplay performance up to PSP level emulation. The majority of Dreamcast and N64 games function well, however this portable isn’t designed to play GameCube, Wii, or PS2 titles. The operating system, which is based on Linux, is easy to use and has RGB lighting that can be adjusted for flair.

You undoubtedly already know the fundamentals if you enjoy retro gaming, and the RG40XXV delivers excellent performance, particularly when it comes to simulating systems up until the PSP. This portable, which is powered by the Allwinner H700, works great for classic games, but don’t expect it to run more complex emulators. The RG40XXV has box art inside each console part that makes it simple to locate the game you want to play. You may start playing your favorite games immediately because RetroArch is already configured and the interface is easy to use. 

Game Boy Nostalgia with a Modern Twist

Beginning with the first Game Boy, the RG40XXV offers you a classic gaming experience together with some contemporary upgrades. The games appear just as you recall because to the factory-installed bezels and green tint, which includes a dot matrix shader. With two additional buttons acting as turbo buttons, the device’s four face buttons are intelligently mapped, making it ideal for consoles with a single button at first.

GBA and PS1: A Retro Handheld’s Bread and Butter

The H700 CPU performs exceptionally well when it comes to Game Boy Advance (GBA) games. Gunstar Heroes and other titles run smoothly, and the integrated bezels contribute to the vintage appearance. The RG40XXV is one of the best GBA game emulation systems in the RGXX series since this is where it really shines.

Another notable feature on this device is the PlayStation 1. Depending on the game, you can utilize the D-pad or the analog stick without having to preconfigure. The D-pad’s design is a standout feature of the gadget, which manages PS1 games with ease. It is incredibly responsive, ideally positioned, and easy to use when performing moves in fighting games like Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Anbernic has done their homework, as evidenced by the D-pad’s meticulous build, which feels perfect for both platformers and combat games. 

Is the RG40XXV Worth the Upgrade?

So, is another H700-powered handheld really necessary? If you are content with your current RG35XX, there’s no urgent need to update. The RG40XXV has the same performance as previous models; raw power has not been significantly increased. But for those seeking a more sophisticated retro gaming experience, the bigger screen, improved D-pad, and addition of an analog stick might make this an alluring option.

The RGB lighting is a great addition that gives the gadget some flair. However, there won’t be any performance improvements over earlier RGXX versions. There are a lot of products on the retro handhelds market that share the same CPU but have distinct form factors. Performance is not as important as personal preference when choosing between a handheld that is vertical or horizontal, with or without analog sticks. 

The State of the Retro Handheld Market

The market for retro handhelds is currently in a bit of a gray area. These devices share the same H700 CPU, which limits their potential even if they are portable and reasonably priced. Look into more potent solutions like the Steam Deck, which has a more powerful CPU and GPU but comes with trade-offs like higher cost and shorter battery life, if you’re wanting to replicate higher-end computers.

It’s obvious that varied form factors, rather than revolutionary advancements in computing power, will continue to drive the industry as we wait for the next generation of CPUs for retro handhelds. For those who adore the DMG aesthetic and desire a more refined retro gaming experience up until that point, the RG40XXV stands out as a skillfully made and thoughtfully designed gadget.

On Anbernic’s website, you may locate the RG40XXV if you’re interested in purchasing it. As usual, please leave a comment below if there is anything else you would like to see available on this handheld. I appreciate you viewing, and have fun playing!

Pricing and Color Options

The RG40XXV, which retails for $67, is now available at Anbernic for $59.99, with a 64GB microSD card included. If you require additional storage, you can upgrade to 128GB or 256GB. You have the option of indigo blue, transparent black, or white as your color.

Video review of RG40XXV