The sub-$100 retro handheld market is fiercely competitive, and Anbernic's RG40XX series represents the company's continued push to capture budget-conscious gamers. Released in mid-to-late 2024, the RG40XX H and RG40XX V offer identical internals in two distinct form factors. With prices ranging from $59-95 depending on configuration and sales, these devices aim to deliver PlayStation 1-era gaming on the go. But which one should you buy? Let's break down both models.
Meet the RG40XX Series
Both the H and V models share the same foundation: the Allwinner H700 chipset, 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, a 4-inch 640×480 IPS display, and a 3,200mAh battery rated for approximately 6 hours of gameplay. They run Linux-based 64-bit firmware and support dual microSD card slots for storage expansion. What differentiates them is entirely aesthetic and ergonomic—how you physically interact with the device.
The H700 chip has become ubiquitous in budget handhelds, appearing in over half a dozen Anbernic devices since 2023. While this means the RG40XX series isn't groundbreaking, it benefits from mature software support, multiple custom firmware options, and proven reliability. According to Anbernic, the RG40XX H represents the final H700-based handheld from the company, signaling that more powerful (and likely more expensive) successors are coming.
RG40XX H: The Horizontal Choice
Price: $62-95 (depending on storage configuration) Layout: Horizontal (PlayStation-style) Best for: Fans of modern controller layouts, dual-analog games
The RG40XX H adopts a horizontal layout reminiscent of Sony's PlayStation controllers and handhelds. At first glance, it looks like a flattened RG Cube—Anbernic removed the bulbous grips and swapped the left thumbstick position with the D-pad compared to that design. The result is a comfortable, rounded device that works well for extended sessions.
Key Strengths:
The horizontal layout provides familiar ergonomics for anyone who has used a modern gamepad. Both the D-pad and left analog stick are easily accessible, and the face buttons follow standard PlayStation conventions. The device runs cooler than some previous H700 handhelds, though some users report thermal concerns in the lower corner during intensive emulation.
The RG40XX H excels at 8-bit, 16-bit, and PlayStation 1 games. Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 emulation are achievable with occasional tinkering, while limited PSP support exists for less demanding titles. The 4-inch 640×480 IPS display—identical across both models—offers excellent color reproduction and is perfectly suited for 4:3 retro content.
Notable Weaknesses:
The most significant criticism of the RG40XX H is its D-pad accuracy. Multiple reviewers note that slight finger movements can register unintended diagonal inputs—a critical flaw for fighting games and precision platformers. If you primarily play games requiring exact D-pad control (like Street Fighter or Mega Man), you may find the RG Cube or RG35XX SP's D-pads superior.
The single analog stick placement, while functional, can feel awkward for games designed around dual-stick controls. PSP titles requiring camera manipulation with the right stick (or face buttons) work better on the RG40XX V's vertical layout where the stick sits naturally under your thumb.
RG40XX V: The Vertical Revival
Price: $59-67 (often discounted at launch to $59.99) Layout: Vertical (Game Boy DMG/AYANEO DMG style) Best for: Classic handheld purists, 8/16-bit enthusiasts
The RG40XX V embraces the vertical form factor popularized by the original Game Boy and recently revived by devices like the AYANEO DMG. It's noticeably slimmer and lighter than the previous RG351V and RG405V, weighing just 220g with minimal bezels around the gorgeous 4-inch display.
Key Strengths:
Where the RG40XX V truly shines is its D-pad. Multiple reviewers call it potentially the best D-pad Anbernic has produced—responsive, comfortable, and precise. The Sega-style design feels satisfying for extended play sessions, making this device ideal for platformers, RPGs, and fighting games where D-pad precision matters.
The vertical layout naturally accommodates classic handheld gaming. Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles feel authentic on this device, with the screen size and aspect ratio perfectly matching the original hardware's intended presentation. The shoulder buttons are positioned more intelligently than on previous vertical Anbernic handhelds, with L2/R2 raised for easy differentiation.
Unlike the RG40XX H, the V model runs cool even during intensive use. No thermal issues have been widely reported, making it more comfortable for long play sessions. The lightweight design (220g vs approximately 260-280g for the H model) enhances portability significantly.
Notable Weaknesses:
The analog stick on the RG40XX V is controversial. A single hall-effect joystick with RGB lighting sits below the face buttons, but reviewers consistently criticize its placement. For a vertical handheld focused on 8/16-bit and PS1 gaming, the stick feels like an afterthought—awkward to reach and largely unnecessary for the device's primary use case. Many users wish Anbernic had either included dual sticks or replaced it with a second speaker.
The shoulder buttons, while better positioned than on the RG351V, are excessively sensitive. Some users report accidentally triggering them simply by holding the device too tightly. The select button has also been noted to occasionally stick under the shell on some units—a quality control issue worth monitoring.
Emulation Performance: What to Expect
Both devices share identical performance characteristics, so your choice should be based on ergonomics rather than power. Here's what each system can handle:
Flawless (No tinkering required):
- NES, SNES, Game Boy/Color/Advance
- Sega Master System, Genesis/Mega Drive, Game Gear
- PlayStation 1 (the sweet spot for both devices)
- Neo Geo, PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16
- Most arcade cores via FinalBurn Neo
Good (Occasional adjustments needed):
- Nintendo 64 (most titles run well; some require controller remapping)
- Dreamcast (generally solid with minor frame drops on demanding games)
- Nintendo DS (playable but better on clamshell designs)
Challenging (Limited support):
- PSP (hit-or-miss; simpler 2D games work, 3D titles struggle)
- Sega Saturn (some compatibility, not the primary focus)
Not Supported:
- PlayStation 2, GameCube, Wii (beyond H700 capabilities)
The H700's Mali G31 MP2 GPU handles 2D systems beautifully but shows its limits with more demanding 3D emulation. For most retro gaming enthusiasts focusing on the 8-bit through PS1 era, both RG40XX models deliver excellent performance. Custom firmware like minUI and Knulli can optimize the experience further, though newcomers may prefer the simplicity of the stock OS.
Pricing and Value Comparison
The RG40XX V typically sells for slightly less than the H model, with launch prices around $59.99 (pre-order) to $66.99 retail. The RG40XX H ranges from $69 to $95 depending on storage configuration (64GB, 64GB+128GB, or 64GB+256GB bundles).
At these prices, both devices compete directly with alternatives like the Miyoo Mini Plus ($65), Retroid Pocket 2S ($100+), and Anbernic's own RG35XX series. The RG40XX models offer larger 4-inch screens compared to the 3.5-inch Miyoo Mini Plus, making them better choices for users prioritizing display size over pocketability.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RG40XX H if:
- You prefer modern horizontal controller layouts
- You want the option to use dual analog controls for PSP/N64 games
- You're upgrading from an RG35XX H and want similar ergonomics with improvements
- D-pad precision is less critical than stick accessibility
- You plan to use HDMI output for TV gaming (the horizontal layout feels more natural docked)
Choose the RG40XX V if:
- You love the classic Game Boy vertical form factor
- You primarily play 8-bit, 16-bit, and PlayStation 1 games
- D-pad quality is your top priority (the V's D-pad is superior)
- Portability and light weight matter most (220g vs ~280g)
- You want the most budget-friendly option (often $5-10 cheaper)
- You don't need dual analog sticks for your gaming library
Skip both if:
- You already own an H700-based device (RG35XX Plus, RG35XX H, RG40XX H, RG40XX V, RG35XX SP, RG Cube)
- You need reliable PSP, Dreamcast, or N64 performance as your primary use case
- You demand precision D-pad control from the H model (consider RG Cube instead)
- You want PS2/GameCube emulation (save for a Retroid Pocket 5 or AYN Odin 2)
Final Verdict
The Anbernic RG40XX series represents a mature, refined take on the sub-$100 retro handheld. Neither model revolutionizes the category, but both offer excellent value for newcomers and collectors. The H700 platform's software maturity means you get a device that works well out of the box, with room to grow through custom firmware if desired.
For most buyers, we recommend the RG40XX V. Its superior D-pad, lighter weight, lower price, and more focused design make it the better choice for the retro gaming these devices excel at. The RG40XX H makes sense primarily for those who genuinely prefer horizontal layouts or need the second analog stick's accessibility for specific games.
As Anbernic moves beyond the H700 platform, the RG40XX series may represent the peak of budget-friendly retro handhelds from the company. At $59-67, both models deliver exceptional value for anyone wanting to explore classic gaming without breaking the bank.