There has been a lot of conversation around the New Anbernic RG Slide ever since the renders started turning up online. One of the biggest open questions has been around what SOC will be in the new RG Slide handheld and now we have the Specs.
There are a couple active options with Anbernics current lineup when it comes to available CPUs to use on the RG Slide. It has been mostly agreed that Anbernic would either use the T820 or the D8300. There is a big difference in the cost of these chipsets which could make or break the sales.
There is also a big performance difference between these SOCs as well. The T820 used on last year’s Anbernic flagship handhelds; RG Cube, RG405V, RG405H and RG556. Neither the T820 or the D8300 are able to take advantage of popular Turnip Drivers with the D8300 being able to power through more emulation where the T820 might struggle.
Both SOCs offer decent GameCube and PS2 performance as a benchmark. There are going to be games on both systems that won’t play or play well but most popular titles are playable. With the D8300 we also see some WiiU performance which speaks to the power of the SOC.
RG Slide SOC
The Anbernic RG Slide will be releasing with the T820. Outside of performance there are likely some other reasons that Anbernic is using the T820 that are possibly why the decision to be celebrated.
The SOC seems to be vastly more affordable. This is going to be important adding a new handheld type to the hobby. This will be the first “slide” Retro Handheld and as such it needs to be an introductory device at an introductory price.
Giving the RG Slide decent performance and making it an affordable option makes adoption more likely. With enough sales we will see Anbernic and other manufacturers bring in more slide handhelds which is what excites me. I like the PSP Go and Sony Xperia (even with its issues) and we haven’t really seen gaming handhelds with these features since. This could easily open that door again.
Specs
- System: Android 13
- Display: 4.7” 120Hz LPS OCA
- Resolution: 1280×960
- Processor: Unisoc T820
- GPU: quad-core Mali-G57, 850MHz
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128GB UFS2.2
- WiFi: 2.4G/5G
- Joysticks: High-res, Anti-mag capacitive
- Audio: Dual High-fidelity
I/O: AI, BT5.0, TF, Active Cool, Type-C display port , 3.5mm, 6axis Gyro - Battery: 5000mAh (up to 6hrs)
- Charge: 5V2A (3hrs)
- Storage: up to 2TB Ext SD Cards
Thoughts
Like many I’m not super excited about the RG Slide having the T820 SOC. It’s not that I don’t like the SOC, in fact I play with handhelds with this chipset all the time. I think it’s just more wanting this handheld be more powerful or more compatible with some of the higher end emulators.
Like I stated previously I think the T820 is the way to go if you want to make the handheld affordable enough for more adaption. I was honestly wishful that Anbernic would get out of their bubble and create a true flagship device, equipping the RG Slide with Anbernics first Snapdragon processor.
I don’t know why Anbernic continues to stay away from the Qualcomm Snapdragon SOCs, but they aren’t doing themselves any favors. We saw the launch of the RG557 do a $100 leap YOY from the RG556 and perform more poorly than the more affordable Retroids in the Pocket 5, Pocket Flip2 and Pocket Mini. It seems Anbernics current strategy is leaving them with more expensive devices that are greatly out performed in high end emulation.
Don’t get me wrong, the T820 that will be in the RG Slide does make the power needed for Retro emulation at a decent price. I think if Anbernic was going to stay with an SOC in their current portfolio this was the right decision.
We still don’t have pricing for the RG Slide. If I had to guess which I don’t but still will, I’m nervous it will be too expensive. I think the price will be the biggest barrier to entry and I’m hoping Anbernic doesn’t upcharge due to the Slide feature and equipped AI. They would see the highest sales sub $150 but I don’t think that’s what we have here.
Based on the other T820 handhelds from Anbernic being between $159.99-$179.99 I’m currently thinking the RG Slide will be sub $199.00 and likely have something like $7 off for the first 72hrs at release. This will keep under the price of the RG557 and its more powerful SOC. $199.99 Plus or minus $20 I will be surprised if it falls anywhere more or less than that.
Time will tell how the Anbernic RG Slide performs and how widely it is adopted. I’m excited to see what happens with this handheld and can’t wait to get my hands on it for testing.
What do you think about Anbernics SOC choice in the RG Slide? Are you going to be picking up this handheld?
Learn more about the RG Slide on Anbernic’s Blog here.
Checkout my experience with the Anbernic RG Slide here, after launch.
GameOn
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