RG35XX SP is the latest release from Anbernic, continuing their successful XX lineup. For enthusiasts of retro gaming, this handheld stands as an homage to one of Nintendo’s most beloved consoles, the Game Boy Advance SP. While this device pays tribute to the iconic handheld, the real question is: does the RG35XX SP offer something truly new, and can it replace the original Game Boy Advance SP for today’s gamers?
In this post, we’ll dive deep into my experience using the RG35XX SP exclusively for a week, testing out various games and features, to find out if this console truly lives up to the hype.
A Stunning Tribute to the Game Boy Advance SP
From the moment I unboxed the RG35XX SP, I was immediately impressed by how much it resembled the original Game Boy Advance SP. The attention to detail in both design and build quality is phenomenal. It’s not the first emulation handheld to adopt the clamshell design that Nintendo made famous; the Powkiddy V90 also attempted this, but the RG35XX SP is on a whole different level. It feels like it was made in the same factory as the original SP, with the same materials and a nearly identical feel in the hand.
But it’s not all nostalgia—there are key modern updates. The RG35XX SP comes with extra buttons, input ports, and a significantly improved screen to support today’s emulation needs. Despite these changes, it retains the same sense of quality, making it feel like Nintendo could have manufactured it themselves.
RG35XX SP First Impressions
To put the RG35XX SP through its paces, I naturally started with a Game Boy Advance classic: Golden Sun. The Retro Refresh Game of the Month happened to be this gem, so it was the perfect opportunity to see how well the 35XX SP could handle GBA games. Having played Golden Sun before during the 30-Day Game Boy Advance Challenge, I was familiar with its mechanics. Playing it again on the RG35XX SP felt as natural as playing it on an original GBA, to the point that I completely forgot about the save states and opted for the traditional in-game save function. That speaks volumes about how well this console replicates the authentic experience.
One aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the quality of the SD card that came with the console. Unlike many handhelds, which often include subpar SD cards prone to failure, GoGameGeek—where I purchased the RG35XX SP—provided a reliable card right out of the box. No worries about corrupted save states here!
RG35XX SP Battery Life and Sleep Mode
After a long day of gaming, I decided to test the sleep mode. For those who remember, the original Game Boy Advance SP didn’t have a true sleep mode. That feature came later with the Nintendo DS. Naturally, I was curious to see how well the RG35XX SP handled this modern feature.
At first, I was disappointed. Closing the clamshell didn’t fully turn off the console, and the green power light remained on. By the next day, the battery was completely drained. However, after some experimentation, I figured out that you have to press the power button before closing the screen to activate sleep mode properly. Once I learned this trick, the battery lasted me the whole week.
RG35XX SP PS1 Emulation
Moving on from GBA games, I tested some PlayStation 1 titles. The RG35XX SP should theoretically handle PS1 emulation without any issues, but I had mixed results. I fired up Need for Speed 3, a classic from my childhood, but it was unplayably slow using the default PS1 emulator. Switching over to RetroArch—a welcomed addition to the XX series since the RG35XX Plus—solved the issue, and the game ran at full speed, just as expected.
However, when I tried Le Mans 24 Hours, another favourite racing game, things didn’t go as smoothly. The game repeatedly crashed, even after switching to RetroArch. It was frustrating, but I decided to move on rather than waste time troubleshooting.
GBA Library and More: Nostalgia Overload
After several hours of racing games, I wanted a change of pace and jumped back into the GBA library. I discovered Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, a game I loved on the PS2 but had never tried on the GBA. I was surprised by how well it played on the RG35XX SP; it was a great handheld adaptation.
Interestingly, I wasn’t even thinking about the emulation quality at this point. The 35XX SP plays GBA games so well that I was fully immersed in the gameplay. It felt like I was back in the 30-Day Game Boy Advance Challenge, except this time, I had an overwhelming library of games to choose from, courtesy of retro emulation.
PS1 Games and Screen Visibility
With the weather heating up, I found myself spending more time outdoors, which presented a new challenge: screen visibility in bright sunlight. I wanted to test both Everybody’s Golf (also known as Hot Shots Golf) on the PS1 and Mario Golf: Advance Tour on the GBA.
While Everybody’s Golf ran brilliantly on the PS1 emulator, I struggled to see the screen in direct sunlight, even with the brightness cranked up to max. Oddly enough, the RG35XX SP menus were clearly visible, so I suspect it was an issue with the game’s graphics rather than the console itself.
Switching to Mario Golf: Advance Tour proved to be a better option. Although I initially encountered the same loading screen issues, switching to RetroArch once again resolved everything, and the game looked fantastic—even in the sun. What’s more, RetroArch comes pre-configured with a beautiful GBA filter that makes the screen look even more like an original Game Boy Advance SP. It’s an authenticity boost I didn’t expect.
Dreamcast, Virtual Boy, and PSP Emulation
As the week drew to a close, I tested out a few other emulators. Dreamcast emulation on the RG35XX SP was a joy, particularly with Virtua Tennis, which looked great and played smoothly on the 3.5-inch screen.
I also tried out Virtual Boy games, which was a unique experience. The console handled them surprisingly well, offering a fun glimpse into Nintendo’s lesser-known library without the headache-inducing effects of the original hardware.
Unfortunately, not all emulation experiences were positive. PSP emulation proved to be a challenge. While Ridge Racer was playable, there was enough slowdown to break the immersion. It seems PSP is a bit too much for the RG35XX SP to handle reliably, making it the one weak spot in an otherwise solid emulation performance.
RG35XX SP A Near-Perfect Game Boy Advance SP Tribute
After spending a full week with the RG35XX SP, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best homage consoles to date. Its design perfectly captures the look, feel, and nostalgia of the original Game Boy Advance SP while improving upon it with modern features like bigger game library, a gorgeous screen, and solid battery life. Game Boy Advance games, in particular, run like a dream—especially when using RetroArch with its beautiful GBA filter.
Beyond the Game Boy Advance library, the RG35XX SP supports a wide range of consoles, from the original Nintendo to Virtual Boy, PS1, Dreamcast, and even some PSP games (though with limitations). While the sleep mode takes some getting used to, it’s an excellent addition that wasn’t present in the original SP.
For retro gaming enthusiasts looking for a handheld that does justice to the Game Boy Advance SP, the RG35XX SP is a fantastic choice. It’s become a strong contender for my favorite Anbernic handheld, but I may need a week-long test with the RG28XX to make a final decision. Keep an eye out for that upcoming challenge!
