Anbernic RG SP Gameplay Preview Shows Colors, Retro Emulation, and Modern Game Support
Anbernic has offered a fresh look at the RG SP, its upcoming clamshell retro handheld inspired by the beloved Game Boy Advance SP. A new gameplay showcase highlights the device in action, revealing its color options, emulation performance, and extra features aimed at fans of classic portable gaming.
The Anbernic RG SP is shaping up to be one of the more exciting handhelds for players who want a compact, foldable device with a strong retro feel. While another Game Boy Advance-style handheld, the Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Advance, is also on the way, Anbernic’s model stands out by closely following the flip-style design of the Game Boy Advance SP.
The handheld will be available in four metallic color options: Platinum Silver, Graphite Black, Pearl Blue, and Pearl Pink. Each version features the same internal hardware, including a 3.4-inch IPS display with a 720 × 480 resolution, 1GB of RAM, and a 3,000mAh battery.
In the gameplay footage, the RG SP is shown running several Game Boy Advance classics, including Fire Emblem, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Golden Sun: The Lost Age, and Pokémon Emerald. The device is said to support 3x upscaling for GBA games, which should make older titles look sharper on the handheld’s modern display.
The RG SP also handles Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, with games such as Kirby’s Dream Land 2, Pokémon Pinball, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening appearing in the demonstration. Beyond Nintendo’s older handheld libraries, the device is shown emulating games from several other retro platforms, including PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, SEGA Saturn, and SEGA Dreamcast.
Anbernic is also positioning the RG SP as more than just a retro emulator. The handheld is shown running a port of Stardew Valley, giving players access to a more modern indie favorite. It can also stream the PC version of Cuphead: Don’t Deal with the Devil from Steam, expanding its usefulness for players who want more than traditional emulation.
Multiplayer features are another highlight. The RG SP will support local multiplayer through Netplay, allowing compatible games to be played with others. Users will also be able to wirelessly cast gameplay to a TV and connect a Bluetooth controller, making it possible to enjoy games on a bigger screen either solo or with a friend.
For retro gaming fans, the Anbernic RG SP looks like a promising mix of nostalgia and modern convenience. Its clamshell design, compact size, GBA-inspired appearance, and support for multiple classic platforms could make it a strong option for players looking for a portable emulation handheld.
Anbernic has not yet confirmed the official release date or pricing for the RG SP. However, with gameplay footage now available and all color variants revealed, more launch details are likely to arrive soon.
