The KONKR Pocket Advance and Anbernic RG SP both landed in the first week of August 2026 as stickless GBA-shaped handhelds under $130. They are not the same class of device: one is Android with Helio G90T, the other is a $65 Linux SP clamshell.
Quick pick: take the quiz in the picker if your library is mixed.
Spec comparison
| KONKR Pocket Advance | Anbernic RG SP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89–$129 (early bird / retail) | $65–$95 by SD bundle |
| Form | Open horizontal GBA brick | Folding GBA SP clamshell |
| Display | 3.5" LCD 960x640 (3:2) | 3.4" IPS 720x480 (3:2, laminated) |
| Chip | Helio G90T + fan | Allwinner H700 |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 1GB |
| OS | Android | Linux |
| Sticks | None | None |
| Battery | 4,000mAh, USB-C PD | 3,300mAh |
| Weight | 224g | 168g |
Emulation and software
RG SP wins pure GBA/GBC/SNES pocket sessions: lighter, folds shut with Hall sleep, and the H700 is enough for that library. Dreamcast/PSP are soft; PS2 is out.
Pocket Advance wins everything past PS1. Android unlocks AetherSX2 forks, Daijisho/ES-DE, cloud streaming, and RetroAchievements without CFW fights. Helio G90T clears PSP and lighter PS2; treat heavy PS2 as a bonus, not the mission.
Who should buy which
- Buy RG SP if you want the closest SP clone under $70, play mostly 2D, and value a folding shell you can pocket and close mid-session. See the RG SP launch post.
- Buy Pocket Advance if you want Android apps, a sharper 960x640 3:2 panel, active cooling, and light 3D headroom without spending Nova money. See the Pocket Advance launch coverage.
- Buy neither if you need analog sticks: look at the RG34XXSP, Mangmi Air Y, or Pocket Micro 2.
Verdict
The RG SP is the better dedicated GBA toy. The Pocket Advance is the better first Android handheld. Same nostalgia pitch, different jobs; pick by OS and how far past PS1 your library goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KONKR Pocket Advance better than the Anbernic RG SP?
It is more capable and more expensive. Better if you want Android and Helio G90T performance. The RG SP is better if you want the cheapest folding SP clone for 2D play.
Which is better for Game Boy Advance?
Both have 3:2 panels sized for GBA. The Advance's 960x640 panel scales cleaner at 4x; the RG SP feels closer to an original SP in the hand and folds shut. Pick form factor first.
Can either run PS2?
Only the Pocket Advance has a realistic path to light PS2 on Android. The RG SP's H700 does not.
Do either have analog sticks?
No. Both launched stickless. Choose a different device if sticks are required.
Should I spend the extra money on the Pocket Advance?
Yes if Android, PD charging, and PSP/light PS2 matter. No if you only play GBA/SNES/PS1 and want to stay near $65.
