Anbernic seems to have shadow dropped a “New” RG 35 handheld that competes directly with the ‘game Console’ R36S.
The reason for the quotes around “new” is the history behind the RG 35. At first glance it appears to be a re-release of the RG35xxPlus.
In reality the RG 35 is a rebrand of a device from Anbernic’s semi-secret budget brand BatleXP. You know its budget because they saved money by eliminating a “t” in the name with the original model being the BatleXP G350.
The G350 was designed and built with what appears to be components from the Anbernic parts bin to directly compete with the budget line of R36S devices. Anbernic has never publicly stated its relationship with BatleXP, but it has been immediately evident to anyone paying attention.
What’s different?
As far as I can tell from the images we have seen so far the RG 35 and G350 are the exact same devices down to the RK3326 SOC. The is where it varies from the Anbernic RG35xxPlus which comes equipped with an H700 chipset.
The only obvious physical differences from the G350 is the sticker on the back of the handheld. Anbernic has updated it with their branding [there isn’t other branding on the handheld].
What to expect
If you are new to the Retro Handheld space or are looking for a budget handheld as a compliment to your collection that you don’t need to worry about, this is for you.
It’s a solid built handheld with plenty of power to play everything up to PS1, some N64 and similar systems as well. It’s not going to wow anyone but that’s not really the point.
RG 35 or R36S
Though you can sometimes find the R36S for cheaper than the $37.99 asking price of the RG 35 on shops like TikTok, the RG 35 brings good consistent quality.
Because the R36S is an open source project there are around a dozen companies at any given time offering the handheld. Each company uses different components including the display which can be difficult to get working firmware for [it’s often a guessing game].
The RG 35 offers Anbernic’s component and build quality for similar budget pricing to the R36S. You also know the company which manufactures the device incase you do have any issues.
Thoughts
The BatleXP was my budget handheld pick for 2025 thanks to all the things listed above. Keeping the price down while distributing under their parent brand brings more credibility to the device.
If I was unsure I was going to like Retro Handhelds I would choose this all day over a device brought by a random company in wild colors. I’ve often recommended the R36S but that recommendation is made more difficult with a higher quality device like the RG 35 in a similar price range.
The Anbernic RG 35 is a win for the community and hopefully an indication we aren’t losing the affordable space in the hobby.
If you would like to checkout or grab the Anbernic RG 35 click the link below.
What do you think about the Anbernic RG 35? I love my pink BatleXP G350 so I’ll be picking up its twin.
GameOn
CellPhish
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