Well, I’m sure most know by now that I’ve been reviewing handhelds for a good while. Anbernic sent over the 12GB/256GB ‘RG 477V’ handheld they released (this stands for ‘Retro Gaming’ - 4.7" Vertical and the other 7 denotes their higher tier set inside), which runs Android 14, for me to review. And…well, I did so.
It’s a much bigger handheld, and a vertical (the kind I have the least experience using), which was newish to me.
This is capable of upscaling PS2 games around 5x, playing full PC games via GameHub Lite (but…not all games, they’ll have to be lil fellows), and even some Switch games. Its a very powerful handheld. I went into it not expecting to love it, but…yeah I got won over.
In the end (since I finished my review), it’s just been playing original Game Boy games. The solid, thunky d-pad makes playing all the ollllllld games just so satisfying.
Or, as I always do, just…ask me something here about it, if you’re curious but don’t want to read a long review!
I got a knock off(and much lower powered) version of this guy! Called an r36s.i love it so much! Plays up to most Dreamcast and psp and a handful of n64 games.
Dunno what it is about the form factor that make me like it more than my switch form factor guys.
The R36S is so popular that it transcended being a niche hobby product. They’re curated, bought and sold everywhere! Even throughout places like Instagram and TikTok. So you’re well and truly holding the most popular of the handhelds!
But do watch out, because the relative cheapness of some of these handhelds can be a dangerously slipperly slope to collecting them :P
Lol. You’re absolutely right. But I’m buying sub $100 ones cause I’m not so flush. So far I got like 5 I think. But I spend the most time on the r36s. Recently just went through all the GBA Castlevanias on 2 charges! 2! I’m talking dozens of hours and only needed to charge it once! But that was on an upgraded battery. When I replaced it I accidentally ripped the wires out of the micro jst connector, and just shoved them back in and it still works!
All that praise aside, the start button is becoming less responsive. So your mileage may vary if any other person is considering one. Also if you do get one, replace the sd card immediately! I didn’t have an issue, but have heard it is very common.
ABSOLUTELY replace it! They’re ticking time bombs (in a not so flash bang fashion). It will die, the question isn’t if, but when. Also the USB cable they supply? Not trustworthy for the R36S!
…that said, I’m loving that you’re so happy playing older games. The best retro handheld is the one you already own and love, after all!