Chinese gaming hardware maker Anbernic has released its latest portable console.
The Anbernic RG 55G1 looks a lot like Nintendo’s Switch Lite, but it works very differently on the inside. Instead of playing modern Nintendo games, this machine is built for running older titles through emulation. It uses Google’s Android 14 operating system to do this.
For the first time, Anbernic is using a Qualcomm processor in one of its handhelds. The chip inside is the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, the same chip found in another popular retro device called the Retroid Pocket Classic. With this processor, the RG 55G1 can handle games from older systems like the PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo Wii.
The screen measures 5.5 inches, which matches the Switch Lite’s display. However, the Anbernic screen has a sharper picture quality with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The device also comes with two joysticks that use Hall effect technology. This type of joystick is known for lasting longer and not developing drift issues over time. The battery is rated to last about eight hours on a full charge.
Buyers will have three color choices: black, dark blue, and a classic gray finish. There are also two versions available. The cheaper option comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the more expensive version bumps that up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Pricing starts at $150 (~Php9,300) for the base model. The fully maxed out version, which also includes a 256GB microSD card, sells for $225 (~Php14,000).