🎮 First Impressions & Build Quality
From the moment you flip it open, the RG34XX SP nails that satisfying clamshell snap reminiscent of the original Game Boy Advance SP, but with modern polish. Its compact 83 × 82 × 25 mm body and light 178g weight make it a perfect pocket companion—smaller and more pocketable than its RG35XX SP big sibling. The hinge feels solid and smooth—no wiggle, no worries, just reliable confidence that it can handle daily use.
It’s beautifully finished, though you’ll notice a chunky top bezel that divides opinion—it serves a purpose (hiding a larger internal 4:3 screen clipped to 3:2), but some may prefer less empty space.
🔥 Display & Performance
The 3.4‑inch IPS screen delivers crisp 720 × 480 visuals, offering perfect 3× integer scaling for GBA games—clear pixels, vibrant colours, and an engaging retro experience. The LCD is notably brighter and sharper than early SP clones, making gameplay pop in any light
Under the hood, the trusted Allwinner H700 chipset handles PS1 and earlier systems effortlessly, and even stretches into N64, PSP, and Dreamcast territory with acceptable results. It’s essentially the same powerplant as its RG35XX cousin.
🎯 Controls & Analog Addition
The tactile D‑pad and buttons are the real highlight—snappy and satisfying, often cited as even more enjoyable than the original GBA SP’s Whether blazing through Sword of Mana or Metroid, the solid feedback feels built to play.
Anbernic also adds dual analogue sticks for modern gameplay—useful for certain emulators and ports. They’re recessed nicely into the layout, but aren’t as ergonomic as the rest of the controls. Many find them awkward or unnecessary for a primarily GBA-focused device.
⚙️ Ergonomics & Everyday Use
Thanks to its size and clamshell design, the RG34XX SP is incredibly portable and EDC‑friendly. It even includes a faux‑leather case with D‑rings (though oddly no shoulder strap). Battery life clocks in at around 6 hours—plenty for extended handheld sessions, although it’s slightly less than the RG35XX SP.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons Summary
✅ What You’ll Love:
- Perfect GBA feel: Snappy control feedback and ideal screen scaling
- Pocket-ready design: Compact shell, satisfying hinge, great portability
- Solid display: Sharp, vibrant, and ideal for classic titles
- Good value: Around $60–70—an accessible price for such quality
⚠️ Areas to Note:
- Analogues aren’t stellar: Nice for some games, but feel a bit tacked on
- Top bezel is distracting: Adds bulk and breaks those nostalgia vibes
🌟 Overall Verdict
The Anbernic RG34XX SP is a love letter to GBA fans: crisp screen, top-tier controls, and pocket-sized build at a bargain price. A few design quirks—the analogue sticks and bezel—are easy to overlook when the rest of the experience shines.
If you're after a modern, portable GBA-style handheld that looks and feels delightfully familiar, with stray benefits like analogue support and HDMI-out, this is a standout pick. Even with minor flaws, it’s hard not to fall in love with this charming little clamshell.
Score: 8.5/10 — A brilliant blend of nostalgia and modern refinement. If you're okay with the small trade‑offs, it’s one of the best GBA‑centric portable consoles available today.
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