After spending over a month with the Anbernic RG556, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best handheld gaming consoles Anbernic has ever released. Yet, despite its impressive features and design, it just misses the mark in a few areas. Let’s break down why the RG 556 is so close to being a game-changer and where it falls short.
The Evolution of Anbernic’s Consoles
Late last year, Anbernic wowed us with the RG405V, easily one of the best gaming consoles of 2023. It wasn’t just a performance upgrade; it was a leap forward in ergonomics, design, and sheer gaming charm. The RG405V introduced us to the concept of a vertical handheld console, capable of delivering PlayStation 2 and GameCube emulation like never before. It was a fresh take on what retro gaming consoles could be, and it set a high bar for future releases.
Fast forward to the release of the RG 556, and Anbernic seemed poised to continue this upward trajectory. The promise of even better GameCube and PS2 emulation, coupled with an ergonomic design and analogue triggers, had the gaming community buzzing with excitement.
RG556 The Design: A Blend of Form and Function
Visually, the RG 556 is a stunner. With a sleek ergonomic design that ditches the typical square form factor, this console feels great in your hands. The bulging edges resemble a standard controller, ensuring that long gaming sessions are comfortable and enjoyable. The staggered analogue stick layout, with the left analogue stick positioned above the D-pad, signals its focus on PS2 and GameCube emulation.
Available in two eye-catching variants—an elegant black and a striking translucent blue—the RG 556 adds a touch of flair with LED accents around the analogue sticks. This design element, reminiscent of the Odin consoles, gives the RG 556 a premium look and feel. And let’s not forget the staggered shoulder buttons and analogue triggers, which show that Anbernic has been listening to what gamers want in terms of ergonomics.
The real showstopper, though, is the RG 556’s OLED screen. It delivers vibrant colours and sharp visuals, making your retro gaming experience truly immersive. It’s a feature that sets this console apart from many others in the market.
RG556 Experience: Where the RG 556 Shines and Stumbles
Despite its many strengths, the RG 556 isn’t without its flaws. I opted for the translucent blue variant, and while it looks fantastic, the choice of plastic left something to be desired. The smooth, shiny finish feels a bit too slippery for a premium handheld console, especially compared to the matte textures we’ve come to expect from similar devices. The plastic also felt thinner than I would have liked, which detracted from the overall premium feel.
In terms of controls, the shoulder buttons and analogue triggers are well-executed, but the analogue sticks fall short. They have a slightly shorter range than I would prefer, which becomes noticeable in certain games, particularly racing titles. This issue may be more pronounced because I had just been using the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, a console with superb analogue sticks that offer a broader range of motion.
Over the month I’ve spent with the RG 556, these issues have become less of a concern, suggesting that they might be more about personal preference or a direct comparison with the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. Still, the shorter range on the analogue sticks is something to be aware of, especially if you’re accustomed to the performance of higher-end devices.
RG556 Performance: A Mixed Bag of Power and Limitations
Under the hood, the RG 556 is powered by an impressive T820 octa-core Unisoc CPU, a Mali-G57 quad-core GPU, and 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM. This setup positions the RG 556 alongside the Retroid Pocket 4 in terms of processing power, which is why it’s priced competitively.
When it comes to emulation, the RG556 excels in GameCube and PS2 performance compared to its predecessor, the RG 405V. You’ll find that most GameCube games run smoothly, especially in high-performance mode. However, PS2 emulation is still a bit hit-or-miss. While you can achieve solid gameplay by tweaking settings and running the system in high-performance mode, it’s not the out-of-the-box experience many were hoping for.
The need to constantly push the console to its limits for PS2 games does mean you’ll be draining the battery faster, which is something to keep in mind if you’re planning extended gaming sessions.
Final Thoughts: Almost There, But Not Quite
The Anbernic RG 556 is a fantastic retro gaming console with a lot going for it—great design, ergonomic comfort, and solid performance in most areas. However, it’s not quite the beast many of us were hoping for. The issues with the analogue sticks, the choice of plastic, and the occasional need for performance tweaks keep it from being a perfect device.
That said, the RG556 is still a stellar choice for GameCube and PS2 emulation. It offers a gaming experience that is, for the most part, smooth and enjoyable. But if you’re after a flawless experience, especially for PS2 games, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro might still be the better option, despite the higher price tag.
For those interested in the RG556, you can buy it here. And if you’re curious about how it stacks up against the Retroid Pocket 4, check out our detailed comparison video.
The RG 556 is close to greatness—perhaps a pro version could push it to the top of the retro gaming console hierarchy.
