Anbernic RG35XX H Review: Best Starter Under £90 UK (2026)

Ben Rawlinson — Founder & Editor, RetroInHand

Last updated: June 2026

Let me be blunt. For most people entering the world of retro handhelds in the UK, the debate between the Miyoo Mini Plus and the Anbernic RG35XX series is the first major hurdle. The Miyoo often wins on software polish and pure pocketability. But the Anbernic RG35XX H, with its comfortable horizontal layout, analogue sticks, and built-in HDMI output, presents a far more practical and future-proofed argument for just a little more money. It’s the device you can grow with, turning from a portable player into a mini-console for your hotel TV.

However, this recommendation comes with a giant, flashing asterisk. Anbernic continues to ship these devices with stock SD cards of such poor quality that they should be considered a temporary placeholder, not a functional component. Failure isn’t a possibility; it’s an inevitability. Before you even power the device on, your first purchase should be a reliable microSD card from a brand like SanDisk. Factoring this extra cost in is essential to understanding the device’s true value proposition.

This review examines the Anbernic RG35XX H not as it arrives, but as it should be used: with a proper SD card and a realistic understanding of its capabilities. We’ll explore why its hardware features give it a significant edge for newcomers over its vertical rivals and whether, as of 2026, it still holds the crown for the best starter retro handheld you can buy in the UK for under £90.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: A Pocketable SNES Controller

The entire reason for the ‘H’ in RG35XX H is its horizontal orientation. This single design choice immediately elevates it above its vertical stablemate (the RG35XX) and chief rival (the Miyoo Mini Plus) for anyone planning to play for more than 30 minutes at a time. The ergonomics are frequently praised in community discussions, with many users on Reddit noting it’s a significant upgrade for those who find vertical devices cause hand cramps. It feels less like a repurposed pager and more like a miniaturised SNES controller, which is exactly what you want for platformers and fighting games.

Anbernic’s build quality is typically very reliable at this price point, and the RG35XX H is no exception. The plastics feel dense and well-moulded, with no concerning creaks or flex in the chassis. The review from Retro Dodo highlights the quality feel, particularly the D-pad, which is often a point of failure on cheaper devices. Anbernic’s D-pads have a reputation for being excellent for precision inputs in 2D games, and this model continues that tradition. It has the right amount of pivot and a satisfying, non-mushy actuation that makes titles like Street Fighter Alpha 3 feel responsive.

The inclusion of dual analogue sticks is the other major physical differentiator. While they are the smaller, hall-effect sticks common on devices of this size (similar to those on a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con), their presence makes it possible to play a huge portion of the PlayStation 1 library that is otherwise awkward to play. Games like Ape Escape are now fully playable, and navigating 3D environments in titles like Metal Gear Solid becomes far more natural. The sticks won’t replace a full-sized controller, but their inclusion is a massive quality-of-life improvement that gives the device much broader appeal than D-pad-only handhelds.

Standard and well-spaced, the button layout is effective. The ABXY buttons are small but have a decent travel, and the four shoulder buttons on the back are arranged in an inline configuration. For games that require frequent use of both L2 and R2, this can be slightly less comfortable than a stacked layout, but it is perfectly adequate for the majority of PS1 and older titles. Sensibly placed out of the way, the Start, Select, and Function buttons avoid accidental presses. At a price which can dip as low as £40-£55 on eBay UK, the physical construction is impressive.

The Screen: 3.5 Inches of Retro-Perfect Resolution

Anbernic’s RG35XX H is equipped with a 3.5-inch IPS display with a 640×480 resolution. While this might sound low by modern smartphone standards, it’s a magic number for retro gaming. Its resolution allows for perfect integer scaling of many classic systems, resulting in sharp, clean pixels without the shimmering or blurring artefacts that can occur when scaling to non-native resolutions.

For example, the Game Boy Advance, with its native 240×160 resolution, scales perfectly 3x on the vertical axis (160 * 3 = 480). This means GBA games look incredibly crisp, with no distortion. Similarly, SNES and Mega Drive games, which typically ran at resolutions around 256×224, scale cleanly with small black borders, preserving the original aspect ratio and pixel integrity. For PlayStation 1 games, which often used a 320×240 resolution, the 640×480 screen provides a perfect 2x integer scale. The result is a presentation that is often sharper and cleaner than playing on the original hardware connected to a modern television.

The quality of the IPS panel itself is good for a budget device. Colours are vibrant without being oversaturated, and viewing angles are wide, meaning the picture doesn’t wash out when you tilt the device. Brightness is more than sufficient for indoor play, though like most non-OLED screens, it can struggle a little in direct, bright sunlight. There have been some scattered community reports about a “screen lottery” with early Anbernic models, where panel uniformity or colour temperature can vary between batches, but this seems less prevalent with the more recent RG35XX H production runs.

Compared to its direct competitor, the Miyoo Mini Plus, the screen is functionally identical in size and resolution. The primary difference comes down to the orientation. On a horizontal device, the screen feels more central and less top-heavy during play. For anyone looking at our various retro buying guides hub, screen quality is a major factor, and the RG35XX H delivers exactly what is needed for its target systems. It doesn’t have the high resolution or OLED punch of more expensive devices, but for a machine designed to master everything up to the PS1, this display is perfectly specified for the job.

Performance & Emulation: What Can the Allwinner H700 Actually Run?

Under the hood, the RG35XX H uses an Allwinner H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU and a dual-core G31 MP2 GPU, paired with 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM. For those not versed in mobile chipsets, these specs place it firmly in the category of devices that can master the 8-bit and 16-bit eras and deliver a very strong PlayStation 1 experience. As it’s the same chipset found in the vertical RG35XX Plus, performance is directly comparable.

For classic consoles like the NES, SNES, Mega Drive, and PC Engine, the RG35XX H has more than enough power. Community testing confirms that even the most demanding titles, like SNES games using the Super FX chip such as Star Fox and Yoshi’s Island, run at full speed without any issues. The same applies to the entire Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance libraries. For these systems, the experience is flawless.

The main event for a chipset in this class is PlayStation 1 emulation. The H700 handles this task with confidence. The vast majority of the PS1 library runs at a full and consistent 60fps (for NTSC titles) or 50fps (for PAL). Demanding 3D games like Crash Bandicoot: Warped and Tekken 3 present no challenge. Even notoriously difficult-to-emulate titles like Gran Turismo 2 are highly playable, though some minor frame drops in intense scenes can be observed. The presence of analogue sticks makes this the definitive way to play PS1 games on a budget handheld.

Where the performance ceiling becomes apparent is with 3D consoles from the next generation. Nintendo 64 emulation is possible but inconsistent. Lighter titles like Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64 can be played at a near-full speed with the right emulator core and settings. However, more complex games like GoldenEye 007 or Perfect Dark are a struggle, with significant slowdown and audio stutter that makes them largely unplayable. Similarly, for Dreamcast, simpler 2D games and fighters like Marvel vs. Capcom 2 can run, but 3D titles like Sonic Adventure will not maintain a playable frame rate. PSP is also a mixed bag; 2D titles and puzzle games often run well, but 3D games like God of War: Chains of Olympus are out of the question. Anyone serious about these systems should consult our guide to the best handheld for N64 games under £150 for more powerful alternatives like the Retroid Pocket 2S.

The Achilles’ Heel: Why You MUST Replace the Stock SD Card

This section is not a suggestion. It is a mandatory instruction for any prospective buyer of the Anbernic RG35XX H. The single biggest point of failure, and the source of the vast majority of user frustration, is the unbranded microSD card that ships with the device. These cards are of exceptionally low quality, using cheap components that are prone to data corruption and outright failure. A quick search on Reddit for “RG35XX H won’t turn on” reveals a common story: the device gets stuck on the boot screen or fails to power on, and the culprit, in almost every case, is a failed stock SD card.

Relying on this card is a gamble you will eventually lose. It might work for a day, a week, or even a month, but it will fail. When it does, you risk losing your game saves, system configurations, and any media you’ve added. The read/write speeds are also inconsistent, which can lead to stuttering in games that stream data from the card, such as some PS1 titles. The community consensus is unanimous: replace it immediately upon receiving the device.

The setup process involves purchasing a high-quality microSD card from a reputable brand like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar. You will then need to flash a fresh installation of the operating system (either the stock OS or a recommended custom firmware) onto the new card. Although this sounds intimidating, tools like Raspberry Pi Imager or BalenaEtcher make the process relatively straightforward. It is a non-negotiable first step. Our guide to the best SD card for the Anbernic RG35XX H provides specific recommendations and a walkthrough of the setup process.

Treating the included SD card as nothing more than a temporary vessel for the stock OS files you might need to copy is the correct mindset. The cost of a reliable 128GB SanDisk Ultra card is typically around £12-£15, a small price to pay for the stability and peace of mind it provides. Anbernic’s continued practice of bundling these ticking time bombs with their hardware is a frustrating cost-cutting measure that tarnishes an otherwise excellent out-of-the-box experience. Do not get caught out.

Software: Stock OS vs Custom Firmware (Batocera & GarlicOS)

The RG35XX H arrives with Anbernic’s own stock Linux-based operating system. Describing it as basic is fair. It’s a simple, grid-based launcher that presents your various emulated systems. It is functional—it will find your games and launch them—but it lacks the polish, customization options, and advanced features found in community-developed custom firmware.

For a complete beginner, the stock OS does the job. However, it can be clunky. Settings are often buried in unintuitive menus, and the default emulator configurations are not always optimal. One of the key advantages of a device like the Miyoo Mini Plus has always been the immediate availability of the mature and feature-rich OnionOS. The situation for the RG35XX H is more of a work in progress, but the options are rapidly improving.

The two main custom firmware options gaining traction in the community are GarlicOS and Batocera.

• GarlicOS 2.0: This is a highly anticipated update to the firmware that was legendary on the original RG35XX. It aims to provide a fast, streamlined, and console-like experience. It boots directly into a game list, has excellent automatic configuration for most systems, and includes features like auto-save states. As of early 2026, its development for the H700 chipset is advancing but may still have some rough edges compared to the fully mature versions for older hardware.
• Batocera Lite: Batocera is a powerful, feature-rich frontend that is popular across many different types of retro gaming hardware, from Raspberry Pi to PCs. It offers a visually appealing interface (via EmulationStation) with box art scraping, themes, and a massive amount of customization. It also includes the powerful RetroArch backend for fine-tuning every aspect of emulation. The “Lite” versions for these handhelds are optimised for the hardware, but can sometimes feel a little heavier than a more streamlined OS like GarlicOS.

Installing custom firmware is the single best upgrade you can perform on the RG35XX H. It transforms the user experience from merely functional to genuinely enjoyable. The process requires a bit of research and following a guide—you can find many walkthroughs on channels like ETA Prime or on our own setup and emulation hub. While this presents a slightly higher barrier to entry than the Miyoo Mini Plus with OnionOS, the hardware advantages of the RG35XX H make this initial time investment worthwhile for many users.

Connectivity: The RG35XX H’s Secret Weapons

While performance and ergonomics are primary considerations, the RG35XX H holds two trump cards that significantly expand its utility beyond simple portable play: HDMI output and Bluetooth support. These features are absent on its main rival, the Miyoo Mini Plus, and are the key reason why the Anbernic is a more versatile device, especially for a newcomer building their retro gaming setup.

On top of the device, a mini-HDMI port allows you to connect the RG35XX H directly to a television or monitor. Its output resolution is typically 720p, which scales reasonably well on modern 1080p and 4K displays, effectively transforming the handheld into a miniature home console. You can sit on the sofa and play The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on a big screen, using the handheld itself as a controller. For travel, it’s a brilliant feature, allowing you to plug into a hotel TV for a proper gaming session without needing to pack a separate console.

This functionality is dramatically enhanced by the built-in Bluetooth 4.2 support. This allows you to wirelessly connect external gamepads, such as an 8BitDo controller, a PS4 DualShock, or an Xbox controller. By connecting the handheld to a TV and pairing a separate controller, you get a completely untethered, comfortable home console experience powered by a device that fits in your pocket. This setup is perfect for multiplayer games, allowing you and a friend to play classics like Super Mario Kart or Street Fighter II on the big screen, each with a proper controller.

The combination of these two features provides a level of flexibility that vertical, D-pad-only handhelds cannot match. It means the RG35XX H isn’t just a device for your commute; it can also be the heart of a simple, portable retro gaming station. This longevity and added value make the slightly clunkier initial software setup a much more palatable trade-off. It’s a device that serves more than one purpose, making it an excellent investment for someone who wants to dip their toes into retro gaming without buying multiple pieces of hardware.

Battery Life: Manufacturer Claims vs Reality

Anbernic officially rates the RG35XX H with a 3300mAh battery, claiming it can provide up to 8 hours of gameplay. As is often the case with manufacturer estimates, this figure should be taken with a healthy dose of scepticism. My rule of thumb for Anbernic’s battery claims is to subtract 15-20% for a more realistic expectation under typical emulation load.

Community testing from various forums and YouTube channels bears this out. Your actual battery life will depend heavily on two factors: screen brightness and the system being emulated.

• For less demanding 8-bit and 16-bit systems (NES, SNES, GBA): With the screen at a moderate brightness (around 50-60%), users commonly report getting between 5 to 6.5 hours of continuous play. This is more than enough for several days of casual commuting or a long flight.
• For more demanding 3D systems (PlayStation 1): When the CPU and GPU are working harder to render 3D graphics, battery drain increases significantly. For PS1 games, the consensus is that battery life is closer to 3.5 to 4.5 hours, a still respectable figure and enough for a substantial gaming session.

Using features like Wi-Fi for retro achievements or Bluetooth for an external controller will also reduce the battery life further. The device charges via a USB-C port at the bottom. Be aware of a quirk common with these devices: they can be picky about chargers. Some users have reported issues when using high-wattage USB-C Power Delivery (PD) chargers intended for laptops. For the most reliable results, the general advice is to use a standard 5V/1.5A or 5V/2A USB-A to USB-C charger, as trying to use a “smart” charger can sometimes result in the device failing to charge at all.

Compared to the Miyoo Mini Plus, which has a similar 3000mAh battery, the real-world battery life is very comparable. Neither device is an endurance champion, but both provide enough playtime to be practical portable companions. The RG35XX H offers a solid, if not exceptional, battery performance that is perfectly in line with expectations for a device in its price class.

UK Pricing and Value: Is it Really a Sub-£90 Handheld?

One of the most confusing aspects of the retro handheld market for UK buyers is the wild variation in pricing depending on where you shop. The Anbernic RG35XX H is often marketed as a sub-£90 device, which is true if you buy from certain UK-based retailers. For instance, sellers like b.savvi often list the device for around £80-£100. While this offers the convenience of fast UK shipping and local support, it doesn’t represent the best value available.

For the more patient buyer, significant savings can be found by ordering from overseas. On AliExpress, during sales events, the RG35XX H can be found for as low as £35-£50. While a substantial discount, it comes with longer shipping times (often 2-4 weeks) and the potential for customs fees, although these are often handled by the platform now. A middle ground can be found on eBay UK, where many resellers import the devices in bulk and sell them for around £40-£55, which often provides a good balance of price and delivery speed.

So, is it worth it? At the UK retail price of around £85, it’s a tougher sell. At that price, you are approaching the territory of more powerful devices like the Retroid Pocket 2S, which offers a notable step up in performance, particularly for N64 and Dreamcast. However, at its more common “street price” of £50-£60 from eBay or a good AliExpress sale, the value proposition becomes outstanding. For that price, you are getting a comfortable, well-built handheld that masters everything up to PS1 and includes valuable features like HDMI-out and Bluetooth.

When you factor in the mandatory £15 for a new SD card, the “real” cost is closer to £65-£75. At this price, it directly competes with the Miyoo Mini Plus. The choice then becomes clear: do you prioritise the polished, pick-up-and-play software of the Miyoo, or the superior ergonomics and versatile connectivity of the Anbernic? For most newcomers, the comfort and TV-out functionality of the RG35XX H will likely provide more long-term value, making it the smarter buy.

Who Should Buy the Anbernic RG35XX H in 2026?

This device isn’t for everyone, but it hits a sweet spot for a very specific type of user. Here’s a breakdown of who should seriously consider the RG35XX H.

You should buy the Anbernic RG35XX H if:

• You’re new to retro handhelds: The horizontal form factor is immediately familiar and comfortable, resembling a modern controller. This makes it a very approachable first device, especially if you plan on longer play sessions.
• Ergonomics are your priority: If you’ve tried vertical handhelds and found they give you hand cramps, the RG35XX H is the answer. It’s built for comfort during extended play of platformers, fighters, and action games.
• You want a versatile, all-in-one device: The combination of portable play, HDMI-out for connecting to a TV, and Bluetooth for external controllers makes this a fantastic travel companion. It can be your pocket player on the train and your hotel room console in the evening.
• You primarily want to play 8-bit, 16-bit, and PlayStation 1 games: The device is perfectly powered for these eras. If your nostalgia lies with the SNES, Mega Drive, GBA, and PS1, this machine will deliver a superb experience.
• You don’t mind a small amount of initial tinkering: You understand that you’ll need to buy a new SD card and spend an hour or two setting up a new firmware to get the best experience. The effort pays dividends in performance and usability.

You should probably skip the Anbernic RG35XX H if:

• You want a perfect out-of-the-box experience: The unreliable stock SD card and basic stock OS mean this device is not ideal for someone who wants to simply charge it up and play with zero setup. The Miyoo Mini Plus with OnionOS is better for that.
• You mainly want to play N64, Dreamcast, or PSP games: While some lighter titles are playable, the RG35XX H does not have the power to reliably emulate these systems. You will be disappointed if this is your primary goal. Look to more powerful devices instead.
• You value ultimate pocketability above all else: While portable, the horizontal shape is bulkier than a vertical device like the Miyoo Mini Plus or the tiny Anbernic RG Nano. If you need something to disappear into a shirt pocket, there are smaller options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Anbernic RG35XX H worth it in 2026?

Yes, but with a condition. If you can purchase it for its common UK street price of around £50-£60, it offers fantastic value. Its comfortable horizontal layout, solid PS1 performance, and the inclusion of HDMI-out and Bluetooth make it a more versatile option than many competitors. However, you must factor in the cost of a new SD card, as the included one is unreliable.

Miyoo Mini Plus or Anbernic RG35XX H?

The choice presents a classic budget showdown. Pick the Miyoo Mini Plus if you prioritise the absolute best software experience out of the box (with OnionOS) and maximum pocketability. Go for the Anbernic RG35XX H if you prioritise comfortable ergonomics for longer play sessions, need analogue sticks for PS1 games, and want the flexibility of connecting to a TV with an external controller.

Can the Anbernic RG35XX H play PSP games?

It can play some, but not most. The Allwinner H700 chipset is not powerful enough for full-speed emulation of demanding 3D PSP titles like God of War or Grand Theft Auto. It can handle many 2D games, visual novels, and less intensive puzzle games, but if PSP is a priority, you need a more powerful and expensive handheld.

Do I really need to replace the SD card on the RG35XX H?

Yes. For long-term reliability, this step is not optional. The unbranded cards Anbernic includes are notorious for failing, which can cause your device to stop booting and will result in the loss of all your save files. Purchasing a reputable card from SanDisk or Samsung should be the very first thing you do. You can find our top picks in our guide to the best RG35XX H SD cards.

Is the RG35XX H good for beginners?

It is a very good choice for beginners from a hardware perspective, thanks to its comfortable and familiar shape. However, the software side requires a little more effort than some alternatives. A beginner will need to be prepared to follow a guide to replace the SD card and install a better operating system like Batocera to use the device’s full potential.

What is the difference between the RG35XX Plus and the RG35XX H?

Internally, they are almost identical, using the same H700 processor, RAM, and running the same software. The only significant difference is the physical form factor. The RG35XX Plus has a vertical “Game Boy” style layout, while the RG35XX H has a horizontal “SNES controller” style layout with dual analogue sticks. The ‘H’ model is generally considered more comfortable for most games.

What to Read Next

Now that you know everything about the Anbernic RG35XX H, here are a few other articles to help you on your retro gaming path:

• Best Retro Handheld Starter Kit Under £100 UK (2026) — See how the RG35XX H stacks up against other top budget options in our complete buyer’s guide.
• Best SD Card for Anbernic RG35XX H UK (2026) — A crucial next step. This guide shows you exactly which cards to buy to ensure your new handheld is reliable.
• Miyoo Mini Plus Review: Is It Worth Buying in the UK in 2026? — Read our full review of the RG35XX H’s biggest competitor to make a fully informed decision.

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This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the editor. See our Editorial Standards.