The RG28XX is the smallest handheld device in the Anbernic XX line-up. Comparable in size to the original Miyoo Mini, the RG28XX offers an impressive range of emulation power while boasting incredible portability. When it comes to handheld gaming, portability and performance often go hand-in-hand, and finding the perfect balance is no small feat. But the real question is: does it offer enough to stand out from the rest of the Anbernic XX competition, or is it overshadowed by its bigger siblings? I decided to put the RG28XX to the test as my primary gaming console for an entire week. Here’s what happened.
Why the RG28XX?
The beginning of my week-long challenge coincided perfectly with the start of our summer holiday abroad. This presented the ideal opportunity to test the portability and usability of the RG28XX. Every year, I struggle to decide which handheld console to bring with me. While more powerful options like the Steam Deck offer a broad range of gaming capabilities, their size and weight make them impractical for travel, especially for quick gaming sessions between flights and other holiday activities.
In past years, I’ve opted for mid-range handheld consoles like the Retroid or Anbernic. Although these options are more pocket-friendly than their bulkier counterparts, they can still feel cumbersome to carry around in a pocket or beach bag all day. But this time, the decision was already made – the RG28XX would be my go-to gaming companion for the week.
RG28XX First Impressions
Straight out of the gate, the RG28XX felt like a great choice. I slipped the device into my pocket and was pleasantly surprised by how easily it fit – I hardly noticed it was there! The RG28XX’s small form factor, complete with a 2.8-inch screen (similar to the original Miyoo Mini), is a major selling point. While it’s compact enough to carry comfortably, the screen is still large enough to provide an immersive experience for gaming, especially for retro classics from consoles like the PS1, Dreamcast, and N64.
One major difference I noticed compared to the Miyoo Mini was the RG28XX’s horizontal design. The horizontal layout felt more comfortable in my hands, and the overall narrower and slightly longer shape made it the perfect fit for both pockets and small travel bags. In fact, I’ve yet to come across a handheld console that feels this pocket-friendly without sacrificing comfort during gameplay.
RG28XX for Holiday Gaming
Since the RG28XX is a Linux-based console, you won’t have access to the internet as you would with Android devices. This means you need to ensure you have all your games preloaded before leaving. Fortunately, the RG28XX comes pre-installed with a solid selection of retro games. I only needed to add a couple of favourites, including Everybody’s Golf on the PS1 and some Game Boy Advance Mario titles.
Loading games onto the console is a breeze – simply pop the SD card into a computer and transfer the ROMs. It’s worth noting that Anbernic has significantly improved the quality of the SD cards they include with their consoles, so you won’t have to worry about the frustrating SD card failures that plagued previous models. With the console all loaded up, I was ready to put the RG28XX through its paces.
First Test: Gaming on the Go
At the airport, I always have grand plans to get some gaming in, but between checking in, keeping an eye on the kids, and monitoring boarding times, it never seems to happen. This time, however, I had my trusty RG28XX tucked into my pocket. After finally sitting down to relax, I pulled out the device and jumped into a game of Mario Golf: Advance Tour, which I had preloaded before leaving the house.
The RG28XX’s sleep mode is a lifesaver. With just a quick tap of the power button, I was back in my game exactly where I left off. The ease of slipping the device in and out of my pocket meant I could sneak in short gaming sessions during even the smallest moments of downtime, making the experience both convenient and enjoyable.
Pocket Gaming Bliss
Our flight was just over four hours, followed by an hour-long bus transfer to our final destination. During the journey, the RG28XX proved to be the perfect travel companion. Whether I was playing Mario Golf or Virtua Tennis on the Dreamcast, the console’s 2.8-inch screen never felt too small. The controls were responsive, and the games ran smoothly, showcasing the impressive emulation power of the RG28XX.
Despite the small screen size, Dreamcast games like Virtua Tennis felt natural to play. The device handles Dreamcast emulation beautifully, although it lacks analogue triggers, which may slightly affect the experience for certain games. However, given the compact size and pocketability of the RG28XX, this is a minor compromise. For me, the convenience far outweighed the absence of analogue triggers.
RG28XX Durability
Throughout the next few days, the RG28XX performed brilliantly, even in environments where I would normally hesitate to bring a handheld console – like by the pool. The compact size made it easy to toss the device into my son’s Pokémon waist bag, and I didn’t worry about damaging it, thanks to the RG28XX’s solid build quality.
Whether I was lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal in the evening, pulling out the RG28XX for a quick gaming session felt discreet and natural. The device’s size and design made it feel less intrusive, allowing me to sneak in gameplay without seeming antisocial. Even in the blazing heat, which peaked at 42°C on some days, the RG28XX didn’t show any signs of overheating. The screen performed decently in direct sunlight – not as bright as a smartphone, but good enough for uninterrupted gameplay.
RG28XX Emulation Performance
From a software standpoint, the RG28XX handles a wide variety of retro gaming consoles, from 8-bit and 16-bit systems to more advanced consoles like the PS1, Dreamcast, and even the N64. While PSP emulation tends to push the limits of the RG28XX, everything else runs smoothly. My favourite platforms to play on the RG28XX were the Game Boy Advance, PS1, and Dreamcast.
The console also supports multiple emulator options, including Game Room emulators and RetroArch, which gives you the flexibility to choose the best experience for each game. While playing Gran Turismo on the PS1 emulator in RetroArch, I encountered a freezing issue on the loading screen. However, switching to the Game Room emulator solved the problem instantly – one of the many advantages of the XX line-up’s versatility.
A New Standard for Handheld Gaming
I went into this challenge expecting the RG28XX to be a decent holiday companion, but it completely exceeded my expectations. Not only did it outperform other handheld consoles in terms of portability and ease of use, but it also transformed how I approach gaming while traveling. The RG28XX’s compact size, excellent screen, and comfortable design make it the perfect handheld for quick gaming sessions during downtime – whether I had just five minutes to spare or a solid hour to dive into a more immersive game.
In fact, the RG28XX has now become my go-to handheld console, not just for holidays, but for everyday use. I carry it with me everywhere – whether I’m on the school run, in bed, or even while writing this blog post. It’s the first handheld console that feels truly pocketable without sacrificing the quality of the gaming experience.
RG28XX Competition
The Anbernic XX line-up has plenty of competition, with standout devices like the RG35XX SP – a nod to the classic Game Boy Advance SP. The RG35XX SP is a charming console with a beautiful design, but for me, the RG28XX reigns supreme. The combination of its size, build quality, power, and screen makes it an all-around winner for portable gaming.
If you’re curious about how the Game Boy Advance SP performed during a similar week-long test, check out my comparison post here. But at the end of the day, the RG28XX has earned its place as my favourite handheld console from the XX line-up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the RG28XX is not just another handheld console; it’s a game-changer in the world of portable gaming. With its unbeatable pocketability, impressive emulation capabilities, and rock-solid build quality, the RG28XX has become an essential part of my daily routine. Whether you’re looking for a console to take on your next holiday or just a reliable gaming device to carry with you everywhere, the RG28XX is an excellent choice.
For anyone seeking a perfect balance between portability and performance, the RG28XX stands out as the ultimate handheld gaming console in the Anbernic XX line-up.
