Rg405m Review – My Favourite Metal Handheld So Far

The Anbernic RG405M has emerged as a standout in the retro handheld console market, offering a blend of premium build quality, impressive performance, and exceptional comfort. Here’s a detailed look at what makes the RG405M a top choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Hardware and Build Quality

The RG405M boasts a robust metal shell, a hallmark of Anbernic's craftsmanship. The device features a CNC aluminum chassis that extends almost 6.5 inches across, stands 3 inches tall, and is about 2/3 of an inch thick. This metal construction not only enhances durability but also provides a premium feel, making it resistant to scuffs and drops.

One of the innovative design elements is the use of rubber pads on the back to enable wireless communication without compromising the all-metal aesthetic. This design ensures that the device maintains its sleek look while ensuring functionality.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Ergonomics play a crucial role in the design of the RG405M. The device features rounded and curved edges, making it extremely comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. The placement of the buttons and analog sticks has been carefully considered to prevent accidental presses. The left analog stick is positioned above the D-pad, which is particularly beneficial for modern gaming experiences.

The buttons themselves are highly praised for their quality. The face buttons, D-pad, and analog sticks provide a satisfying feedback, with the Hall-based sensors in the analog sticks eliminating the issue of stick drift. Additionally, the device includes softer material grips on the back to reduce friction and enhance comfort.

Performance and Emulation

The RG405M is powered by a Unisoc T618 chipset, coupled with a Mali G52 GPU and 4GB of RAM. This hardware configuration allows for smooth emulation of games up to and including PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles. While it may not handle the most demanding games flawlessly, it performs well with most titles, especially those from smaller consoles like PSP, Nintendo DS, and Gameboy Advance.

For PlayStation 2 and GameCube games, the device can deliver decent to bearable performance, although some tweaking of settings may be necessary for optimal results. Games like God of War on PS2 may experience occasional frame drops, but overall, the experience remains enjoyable.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the RG405M is its exceptional battery life. With a 4500mAh battery, users can easily achieve around 6 hours of gaming on a single charge, even when playing demanding games. For less intensive games, this time can be significantly extended, making the device highly suitable for travel.

In real-world testing, the battery life has been reported to be among the best in the retro handheld market, with some users experiencing up to 10-11 hours of battery life on max brightness and with Wi-Fi enabled.

Display and Audio

The RG405M features a 4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640×480. While the screen size and resolution are not the highest, the display is clear and suitable for retro gaming. However, it may not be ideal for game streaming or certain systems that require higher brightness and resolution.

The device also includes downward-firing speakers and a headphone jack, providing good audio quality for an immersive gaming experience.

Ports and Connectivity

The RG405M has a well-thought-out layout of ports and features. The top edge includes L1/L2 buttons, a cooling vent, a USB-C/DC port, a volume rocker, and the power button. The lower edge features downward-firing speakers, a headphone jack, and a micro-SD card slot. This arrangement ensures that all necessary ports are easily accessible without cluttering the device.

Conclusion

The Anbernic RG405M is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a premium metal retro handheld. Its combination of robust build quality, comfortable design, and impressive performance makes it a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. While it may not be perfect, the RG405M's strengths in ergonomics, battery life, and overall performance make it a top contender in the market.

For those considering purchasing a retro handheld, the RG405M offers a reliable and powerful option that is well-suited for both casual and serious gamers. Its ability to emulate a wide range of systems, coupled with its long battery life and comfortable design, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy retro games on the go.