Anbernic's Game Boy-Style RG405V Shows Off Daring New Ergonomic Design

Android-based handheld goes vertical

by Damien McFerran Thu 10th Aug 2023

Anbernic has just shown off its latest handheld, which is a vertical version of its RG405M device.

Based around Google's Android OS, the RG405V is powered by Unisoc T618 CPU, and while Anbernic hasn't revealed the full spec list yet, it's likely that it will be rocking similar internals to the existing RG405M, which we reviewed recently. That means you can expect PlayStation 2 and GameCube-level emulation on the move.

The big difference here is that Anbernic has adopted a more ergonomic approach with the RG405V, giving the Game Boy-style handheld curved corners, which should make it more comfortable to use over prolonged periods.

On the front, there are two analogue sticks, four face buttons and a D-pad, while the rear has four shoulder triggers, positioned around halfway down the back.

The RG405V will be available in Game Boy grey, transparent grey and wood effect designs.

[source retrododo.com]

Damien has been writing professionally about tech and video games since 2007 and oversees all of Hookshot Media's sites from an editorial perspective. He's also the editor of Time Extension, the network's newest site, which – paradoxically – is all about gaming's past glories.

1
JayJ
Thu 10th Aug 2023

The world of these handhelds has been getting exciting again now that they've been closing in on good stable PS2/Gamecube performance at a sub-$200 price point. Before that I was into the 351's for everything leading up to the PS1.

I just love handhelds like this, when you go to the more expensive options things become a lot bigger and more power hungry. Plus, I could justify getting a Steam Deck but a very expensive handheld just for retro emulation isn't really what I'm after.

2
AstraeaV
Thu 10th Aug 2023

Screen on my RG35XX broke when my seven year old got ahold of it. Was thinking of the RG405M but this V looks like the perfect replacement for me.

3
CasePB
Fri 11th Aug 2023

It still looks incredibly uncomfortable.

4
Gorejelly
Mon 14th Aug 2023

Please be aware that a T618 will NOT give you full catalog PS2/Gamecube. I own two T618 devices (and plenty more both slightly more and slightly less powerful than the T618). The performance varies a bit per device (based on cooling, OS, CFW, many other factors). But, on average, I would expect a T618 to give you around 30-40% of the GC and PS2 catalog with zero tinkering required. Sure, that’s great, and amazing for the price, but you put “PS2 and GC level emulation”, then you get people buying them expecting to play every game on that and then try to stretch it further.

In reality, if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars on various standalone emulators on the Play Store (or maybe you already have them), then you will get maybe 75% of both catalogs. But, that will require extensive tinkering that not everyone may want to do. It’s fairly difficult for the average user (even the advanced user) to get to 100% of both PS2 and GC on this chip.

It might be a great device, or it might be absolutely awful. But, people should have some reasonable idea of what they will be able to do with the device. Hope this helped a bit.

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