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- Best overall: Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console
- Best budget: Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console
- Best premium: Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console
- Best for clamshell portability: Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console
- Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console suits classic 4:3 games on a compact 3.5-inch screen.
- Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console offers a sharper 3.95-inch square screen and a stronger Android platform.
- Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console is a balanced pick for classic handheld gaming and wireless features.
- Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console pairs a square display with simpler Linux-based gaming.
- Choose by screen shape, game system needs, controls and portability—not by model name alone.
The Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console is the compact 4:3 pick, while the Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console is the more powerful square-screen upgrade. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the choice clear for Black Friday 2026.
The RG35XX line focuses on small, classic-style handhelds. The RG Cube brings a larger, high-resolution display and Android flexibility. Below, I break down seven Anbernic options by screen, chip, battery and comfort so you can match a console to your games and habits.
How We Picked
- Compared manufacturer-listed screen sizes, resolutions, processors and battery capacities.
- Prioritized clear differences in shape, control layout and portability.
- Reviewed owner feedback for recurring notes on comfort, setup and everyday use.
- Included multiple RG35XX-family models alongside the RG Cube and related Anbernic alternatives.
- Favored products with a distinct role, from entry-level retro play to Android gaming.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Processor | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console | Classic 4:3 games | 3.5-inch, 640 x 480 | Quad-core ARM platform | 2600mAh |
| Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console | Connected classic gaming | 3.5-inch, 640 x 480 | H700, quad-core Cortex-A53 | 3300mAh |
| Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Game Console | Horizontal controls | 3.5-inch, 640 x 480 | H700, quad-core Cortex-A53 | 3300mAh |
| Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console | Clamshell portability | 3.5-inch, 640 x 480 | H700, quad-core Cortex-A53 | 3300mAh |
| Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console | Android and square-screen gaming | 3.95-inch, 720 x 720 | Unisoc T820, octa-core | 5200mAh |
| Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console | Square-screen retro gaming | 3.95-inch, 720 x 720 | H700, quad-core Cortex-A53 | 3800mAh |
| Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console | Large-screen Android gaming | 5.48-inch, 1920 x 1080 AMOLED | Unisoc T820, octa-core | 5500mAh |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console
The Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console is the best compact starter for players focused on classic 4:3 games, with a 3.5-inch, 640 x 480 display.
Best for: Classic games and pocket-friendly play
- Display
- 3.5-inch IPS, 640 x 480
- Aspect ratio
- 4:3
- Battery
- 2600mAh
- Compact shell suits commuting and travel.
- 4:3 display fits many older games naturally.
- Straightforward controls keep the layout familiar.
- Older hardware has less headroom than newer RG35XX models.
Is the Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console is worth considering for players who want a simple, compact retro handheld. The Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console's 3.5-inch 640 x 480 display gives classic 4:3 games a natural fit, though newer models offer more hardware features.
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#2
Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console is the best all-round classic handheld for players who want wireless features, with a 3.5-inch 640 x 480 screen.
Best for: Classic gaming with modern connectivity
- Processor
- Allwinner H700, quad-core Cortex-A53
- Display
- 3.5-inch IPS, 640 x 480
- Battery
- 3300mAh
- Wireless
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Adds connectivity over the original RG35XX.
- Compact 4:3 screen works well for retro libraries.
- Familiar vertical controls travel easily.
- No analog sticks for games that depend on them.
Is the Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console is a strong choice for players who want a familiar vertical handheld with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console's 3.5-inch 640 x 480 display and H700 processor make it a more feature-rich pick than the original RG35XX.
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#3
Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Game Console
The Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Game Console is the best horizontal RG35XX for players who want dual analog sticks, with a 3.5-inch 640 x 480 display.
Best for: Horizontal controls and stick-supported games
- Processor
- Allwinner H700, quad-core Cortex-A53
- Display
- 3.5-inch IPS, 640 x 480
- Battery
- 3300mAh
- Controls
- Dual analog sticks
- Horizontal layout feels natural for many players.
- Dual sticks expand control options.
- Compact design retains the RG35XX screen size.
- The 4:3 screen is smaller than the RG Cube display.
Is the Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Game Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Game Console is worth a look if horizontal controls and dual analog sticks matter more than a larger screen. The H700 processor and 3.5-inch 640 x 480 display keep the familiar RG35XX formula in a different shape.
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#4
Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console
The Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console is the best clamshell pick for players who want a protected screen, with a 3.5-inch 640 x 480 display.
Best for: Clamshell portability
- Processor
- Allwinner H700, quad-core Cortex-A53
- Display
- 3.5-inch IPS, 640 x 480
- Battery
- 3300mAh
- Design
- Clamshell with 180-degree hinge
- Closed shell protects the display in a bag.
- Pocketable design nods to classic flip handhelds.
- H700 platform aligns with newer RG35XX models.
- The clamshell shape is thicker than a flat handheld.
Is the Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console is worth considering for players who value a folding design and screen protection. The Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console's 3.5-inch 640 x 480 display keeps the familiar RG35XX format, while the clamshell body gives it a distinctive travel-friendly profile.
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#5 · Top pick
Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console
The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console is the best premium square-screen pick for players who want Android flexibility, with a 3.95-inch 720 x 720 display.
Best for: Android gaming and a square screen
- Processor
- Unisoc T820, octa-core
- Display
- 3.95-inch IPS, 720 x 720
- Memory
- 8GB RAM
- Battery
- 5200mAh
- Square display gives vertical and square games room.
- Android supports a broader range of apps and games.
- Dual sticks support more control styles.
- Larger body is less pocketable than the RG35XX.
Is the Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console is worth buying for players who want Android versatility and a square display. The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console's 3.95-inch 720 x 720 screen and Unisoc T820 platform offer a substantial step up in screen area and system flexibility from the RG35XX.
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#6
Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console
The Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console is the best value-focused square-screen pick for retro players, with a 3.95-inch 720 x 720 display.
Best for: Square-screen retro gaming
- Processor
- Allwinner H700, quad-core Cortex-A53
- Display
- 3.95-inch IPS, 720 x 720
- Memory
- 2GB RAM
- Battery
- 3800mAh
- Square panel offers more room than a 3.5-inch RG35XX screen.
- Retro-focused system keeps the experience simple.
- H700 hardware is shared with several RG35XX family models.
- Less powerful than the Android RG Cube.
Is the Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console is worth considering for retro players who want a square display without the Android focus of the RG Cube. The Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console's 3.95-inch 720 x 720 panel gives classic games a larger viewing area than the RG35XX models.
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#7
Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console
The Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console is the best large-screen Android pick for players who prioritize immersive visuals, with a 5.48-inch AMOLED display.
Best for: Large-screen Android gaming
- Processor
- Unisoc T820, octa-core
- Display
- 5.48-inch AMOLED, 1920 x 1080
- Memory
- 8GB RAM
- Battery
- 5500mAh
- AMOLED screen brings strong contrast and vivid color.
- Large display suits Android games and streaming.
- Dual analog sticks support modern control schemes.
- Larger dimensions are less convenient for pocket carry.
Is the Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console is worth buying for players who want a large Android handheld with an AMOLED screen. The Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console's 5.48-inch 1920 x 1080 display gives games more space than either the RG35XX line or the compact RG Cube.
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What is the difference between Anbernic RG35XX and Anbernic RG Cube?
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console has a 3.5-inch 640 x 480 4:3 screen, while the Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console has a 3.95-inch 720 x 720 square display. The RG35XX is a smaller, simpler classic-style handheld. The RG Cube is the more flexible Android device.
Screen shape drives the decision. The RG35XX fits many older games neatly, while the Cube gives square and vertical content more room. The Cube also has an Unisoc T820 processor and 8GB RAM. Choose an RG35XX-family model for compact retro sessions; choose the RG Cube for a broader Android library.
Which Anbernic handheld has better performance?
The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console has the stronger platform, pairing an octa-core Unisoc T820 processor with 8GB RAM, while the Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console uses the quad-core H700. The Cube is designed for Android gaming and broader app support.
Performance is only part of the choice. A focused retro setup suits the RG35XX Plus, RG35XX H or RG35XXSP. Android adds options but also brings a different setup experience. Match the device to the systems and apps you want to use, rather than buying on processor labels alone.
Which Anbernic handheld is easier to carry?
The Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console is the easiest pocket-carry choice among these models, with a 3.5-inch screen and compact vertical body. The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console has a larger 3.95-inch panel and a broader shape, giving games more screen space at the cost of pocketability.
The Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console adds a clamshell lid that shields its display when closed. The RG35XX H trades the vertical layout for horizontal controls and sticks. For a bag-friendly device, compare the actual shape and protective design as well as the screen measurements.
Is the Anbernic RG Cube screen better than the RG35XX screen?
The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console has the higher-resolution display at 720 x 720 pixels, compared with the Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console at 640 x 480 pixels. The Cube screen measures 3.95 inches; the RG35XX Plus screen measures 3.5 inches.
The best screen depends on your games. A 4:3 panel gives many older console and arcade titles a familiar shape. A square panel suits content designed for square or vertical presentation and makes the Cube stand out. Pick the screen format that looks right for the games you play most.
Which Anbernic should you choose for Black Friday 2026?
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console is a strong all-round choice for classic gaming, while the Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console is the better fit for Android flexibility and a square 720 x 720 screen. The Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console leads for a foldable design.
Start with your main use: classic 4:3 games, Android apps, travel or a larger display. Then compare the controls and battery capacity of the specific model. Black Friday 2026 is a useful time to narrow your shortlist, but the right pick is the one whose screen and layout suit your play style.
Buying Guide
Choose a screen shape first
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console has a 3.5-inch 4:3 screen, while the Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console has a 3.95-inch square screen. Select the shape that suits your game library before comparing other specs.
Match the controls to your games
The Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Game Console adds dual analog sticks in a horizontal layout. The Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console folds shut. Check that the buttons, sticks and shoulder controls fit the games you play.
Decide between retro focus and Android
The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console runs Android on a Unisoc T820 platform. The RG35XX models use a more focused retro-handheld approach. Pick Android for broader app flexibility and the RG35XX line for a simpler classic setup.
Compare battery and portability
Battery capacities range from 2600mAh in the Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console to 5500mAh in the Anbernic RG556 Handheld Game Console. Capacity is one factor; screen size, device shape and your use also affect day-to-day convenience.
FAQ
Is Anbernic RG35XX or Anbernic RG Cube better for beginners?
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console is the simpler fit for beginners focused on classic handheld gaming. The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console offers Android flexibility and a larger square screen, but its broader features suit players who want more than a focused retro device.
Does the Anbernic RG Cube have a bigger screen than the RG35XX?
The Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console has a 3.95-inch screen, compared with the 3.5-inch display on the Anbernic RG35XX Plus Handheld Game Console. The Cube also has a 720 x 720 resolution, while the RG35XX Plus uses 640 x 480.
Which Anbernic RG35XX model has analog sticks?
The Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Game Console has dual analog sticks and a horizontal layout. Players who want the same H700-based family with a clamshell form should compare the Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console, which prioritizes a folding design instead.
Is the Anbernic RG CubeXX the same as the Anbernic RG Cube?
The Anbernic RG CubeXX Handheld Game Console and Anbernic RG Cube Handheld Game Console are different devices. The CubeXX uses an H700 processor for retro-focused gaming; the Cube uses a Unisoc T820 processor, 8GB RAM and Android.
Which Anbernic handheld is best for travel?
The Anbernic RG35XX Original Handheld Game Console is the most compact pick here, with a 3.5-inch screen. The Anbernic RG35XXSP Handheld Game Console is another travel-friendly option because its clamshell design closes over the display for storage.