Anbernic RG405V Review: The Ultimate Handheld Gaming Device for You
The Anbernic RG405V is a unique and powerful retro gaming handheld that stands out from the crowd with its larger-than-usual design and impressive performance. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this device a compelling choice for gamers.
Design and Build Quality
The Anbernic RG405V boasts a distinctive design that bucks the trend of compact, pocket-sized handhelds. Its larger case size, featuring a curved front shell and aggressive sharp plastic grips on the back, provides a comfortable grip and reduces the cramped feeling often associated with smaller devices.
The device is available in three colors: Grey, Transparent, and a wood grain finish. The build quality is solid, with a robust construction that feels durable in the hand. However, the lack of rubber texture on the grips might make it slightly less comfortable for some users.
Display
One of the standout features of the Anbernic RG405V is its 4-inch IPS touchscreen display, which offers a resolution of 640×480 pixels. This larger screen size makes text in games like Gamecube and PS2 titles more readable, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Performance
The RG405V is powered by a Unisoc T618 Octa-core CPU, paired with a Mali-G52 GPU and 4GB of RAM. This hardware configuration provides decent emulation performance for a wide range of retro consoles, including Gamecube, Dreamcast, PSP, Gameboy, and Nintendo 64. However, it struggles with more demanding PS2 games, making it less ideal for those looking to emulate PS2 titles.
Features
Emulation Performance
The device can emulate various retro consoles, but its performance is most impressive with Gamecube, Dreamcast, and PSP games. These games run smoothly on the 4-inch screen, and the text is generally readable. For consoles like Gameboy, N64, SNES, and PlayStation 1, the emulation is also very good, thanks to the capable hardware.
Battery Life
One of the most impressive features of the Anbernic RG405V is its battery life. The 5500mAh battery provides up to 9 hours of gaming on a single charge, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions.
Cooling System
The device includes an active cooling system with a fan that can be turned on or off by swiping down on the screen. However, the fan can make a noticeable noise when it's on, which might be annoying for some users.
Connectivity and Audio
The RG405V features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. It also includes downward-facing dual speakers, although these are not particularly impressive and lack bass response. Users may prefer to use a headset for better audio quality.
Software
The Anbernic RG405V runs on Android 12, providing a modern and user-friendly operating system. The device comes with pre-installed emulators, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a plug-and-play experience. The frontend automatically scans game paths and adds them to the menu, although it lacks a built-in image scraper.
Additional Features
- Hall Effect Sticks: The device features Hall Effect analogue sticks, which are known for their precision and durability. These sticks use magnetic tracking, ensuring they never drift and providing a superior gaming experience.
- Button Layout: The RG405V includes 21 buttons, including a D-Pad and two analogue sticks. The button layout is well-designed, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Streaming Performance: The device supports game streaming through services like Xbox Game Pass, although the experience can be less fluid due to the small screen size.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable Design: The larger case size and well-placed controls make the device comfortable to hold and use.
- Good Emulation Performance: The device performs well with a variety of retro consoles, especially Gamecube and PSP.
- Long Battery Life: The 5500mAh battery provides extended gaming sessions without needing frequent recharges.
- Modern Software: Running on Android 12, the device offers a contemporary and user-friendly interface.
Cons
- No HDMI Output: Unlike some competitors, the Anbernic RG405V does not have an HDMI output, which might be a drawback for those who want to play games on a larger screen.
- Fan Noise: The active cooling fan can make a noticeable noise, which some users might find annoying.
- Sensitive Shoulder Buttons: The shoulder buttons are reported to be overly sensitive, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Final Thoughts on Value
The Anbernic RG405V is priced around $137, which is competitive given its performance and features. While it may not be the most portable option due to its size, it offers a unique blend of comfort and performance that makes it a worthwhile consideration for retro gaming enthusiasts.