Anbernic RG40XX H In-Depth Review

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Chapters
00:00 - Anbernic RG 40XX H
00:30 - Specs and Dissassembly
03:28 - Battery Life - Worst Case and Best Case
04:30 - Thermal Imaging - How Hot Does It Get?
05:32 - DPAD Review - Anbernic's Best Traditional Membrane DPAD
07:17 - Analog Stick Review - Not a lot of nice things to say
08:11 - Analog Stick Benefits - Nintendo DS and Additional Inputs
10:20 - Anbernic Firmware Review
11:24 - What is the Highest Console we can Emulate?
12:15 - Lots of Variety - PICO8
12:40 - Anbernic Back-Pedals on Inclusion of PortMaster Games
14:03 - One Thing I Don't Like - Standby orrrr Hibernate??
16:37 - Can I Recommend the Anbernic RG 40XX H?

[@declangallagher1448]

Cant wait for the next awaited Anbernic release in two weeks

[@Fulthrotle73]

So true

[@X862go]

It's already dropped 😅

[@holiggan2008]

The rumored rg50xx 😱😱😱

[@Nyoth95]

​@holiggan2008 this could be same as rg cube but with this aspect ratio xd

[@themecherry7247]

The launch announcement is in 10 minutes. Y’all watching the stream?

[@garciavma1]

I have the rg405m and one thing I can say for sure, for games with <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="243">4:3</a> format, once you try a 4 inches screen, you don't want to go back to 3.5 inches screens.

[@KalboVello]

That's exactly what I told her, that it was just a .5 inch difference. But she said no, she wants 4 so I'm screwed.

[@MarceloMedeirosb]

Also, the 405m is powerful, I wish this was a 405-nom m, aka, plastic. Even if it was more expensive than 70usd

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

My dream is a 4" 4:3 in a vertical/ traditional Gameboy format.

[@budgetking2591]

and once u try 5 inch you dont want to go back to 4 inch screen.

[@user-to1su2iy4d]

I never took this opinion too seriously until I went from a 405M to a RP2S. .5 inches really makes a huge difference, no giggity

[@petervladyevich8535]

Very good and very serious analysis. I really appreciate. Phawx you so much.

[@natetheoracle]

Thanks for the in-depth look, I like your review format

[@soraaoixxthebluesky]

Great thing about Anbernic is that they’re extremely affordable for those who are into emulation scene.

[@washuai]

But one that fails without refund not so cheap, especially 3-30 days

[@11.darklone]

@@washuaiexactly. I’m not paying anymore than $60 for any of these retro handhelds. Even from retroid.

[@wingsfromheaven8788]

@@11.darklone you should be able to pick this up for under $60 a few months from now. I don't think it will drop much below $55 with that screen, unless folks reject this device due to the crappy 'digital' sticks. Anbernic could reduce the excessive dead zone in a firmware update, while providing a stick calibration tool.

[@Jvssvl]

Love the intro transitions. One request, please mention the game names as you show case them.

[@Lucifronz]

Yeah, just do what a lot of other channels do: when you show the games, put the name of the game and the system it's on in text somewhere in one of the corners of the screen so people can just look up at it.

[@tonyrosario1940]

Phawx, thanks for the video. What are your thoughts on false diagonals when you test D-pads? Thanks! 🍻🤘🏼

[@ErnestJay88]

Basically the same as Trimui Smart Pro except : <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="243">4:3</a> screen (good for consoles up-to Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast) but bad for PSP emulation. only have 3200mah Battery while Trimui Smart Pro have 5000mah battery.

[@rynironic]

This is what I'm trying to figure out. The price difference is minimal. Do I go RG40 or Trimui?

[@ErnestJay88]

@@rynironic if your primary system is PSP and GBA, go for TriMui, but if your primary system was NES, SNES, GENESIS, and other 4:3 consoles, go for RG40XX

[@PootWindbreaker]

Another thing about that weird standby, it is the same as Garlic or Onion with the “game-switching” mode. But NONE OF THE THREE will work with Hardcore RetroAchievements (the default mode) active, since loading save states is blocked.

[@seanbrent4245]

I’m definitely trading up my 35xx h for this bad boy.

[@Lucifronz]

So soon? I guess it is an improvement in form factor/size, but I can't imagine it being enough of an upgrade, the H just came out! I'd personally wait for another model and hope they iterate on this exact design with a better d-pad and analog stick sensors, but you do you, I guess.

[@overoula]

do it! the 4 inch screen is amazing.. i know it because i have the rg405m too and everything looks so nice there

[@snart]

@@Lucifronz 30% larger screen!

[@TheBrotherGrim]

Great seeing the Teleroboxer love. Its such a good game

[@oOTorqueOo]

I believe they’ve been calling this standby mode “quick shutdown” in previous models and firmware … right? You should be able to turn off this “standby” by turning off “quick shutdown” in the settings.

[@dominikcech1478]

As long as it's the same like in firmwares for SP and previous H700 devices, yes it should be switchable to a normal standby (with a 5% per hour battery drain). I'm a bit surprised Phawx doesn't seem to be aware (if the script is indeed in Apps somewhere and Anbernic didn't just ditch normal sleep in this device). On the other hand, I'm glad somebody finally called out this "sleep" for what it really is and that it's weird calling it sleep - people have been praising Onion or Garlic for having "true sleep" and dissing other CFWs for not having it - when in fact this is saving perhaps 2 or 3 clicks by saving state before shutdown and booting last played game, after boot. The negative of having to wait for boot up was always conveniently omitted...

[@luism8130]

This is my favorite form factor for GBC and GBA games.

[@seventy5plays]

Its like tech for men is the new brightly colored pair of low-quality socks. The market seems to think we go through a pair per month.

[@astralisoffthechain8588]

I’ll wait for the 40 XX pro .

[@Spongegoose]

The DPAD on top - as nature intended

[@wingsfromheaven8788]

Yes! For all of us stuck in the 2D and 2.5D era, we remain committed to forcing 3D gamers to compromise on d-pad placement for our selfish ends. You world think that with 90% of all retro handhelds having their d-pad optimized for 2D gaming that we would be long satisfied. But no. We can never have enough budget handhelds cater to our demands. Even as more powerful, budget chipsets emerge, capable of early 3D gaming like dual shock PS1, N64, DC and PSP. They must all take a backseat to 2D pundits like ourselves forever!!! 🙏

[@tonyrosario1940]

Amen 🍻

[@MarkTheMagnificent]

My favorite layout is the one for the steam deck, an almost (but not quite) side by side design. Both the D-pad and the joystick feel like natural positions for the hands to be in so there's no real fatigue. But that's only possible because of how bulky it is, which is the opposite of what pretty much all Anbernic devices try to be.

[@Angelo-sc9of]

i like the rx35xxh design the only bad are the clicking corner buttoms hope in the future get a rx35xxh design 5.5 inch with a better procesor

[@azenyr]

I really want a 4" SP with a thinner body and maybe some sticks even if small sticks (since its bigger, they can have more space to distribute the parts and get it thinner)

[@Sadtiric]

Yo! That thumbnail transition is SO CLEAN!!! 💚

[@azenyr]

At exactly <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="964">16:04</a> we can see a LOT of light bleed. After the RG Cube light bleed drama, is this one another light bleed mess from anbernic? Or is it fine?

[@ThePhawx]

It's fine, this is nothing like the RG Cube light bleed issue.

[@BigRedNY]

Anyone know what game that is at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="997">16:37</a>?

[@afterthought9]

Can you turn the rgb stick lights off? Great review thanks

[@BenGmanUk]

Perfect one for me would be a metal version of this with no RGB and a better battery. Basically a 405m with a high positioned D-pad. Maybe triggers like the RG40xx though.

[@papplemyapple]

Not bad, hope the price comes down. Personally I prefer this ArkOS quickmode style standmode, should be fairly quick and you dont lose any battery vs a traditional sleep mode. Yeah the save state mode probably only works for retroarch like in ArkOS. Definitely waiting for the price to drop a fair bit.

[@ttimegaming740]

I love the love for Teleroboxer

[@HOLYVEXZEL]

What's the Sonic figure on the top right of the video and where can I get it??!!!!!!!

[@Lucifronz]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="448">7:28</a> Yeah, it's from 0 to 100 *immediately.* There's just no build-up with the sensors, they're pretty cheap.

[@smartsteevy]

Great review. Please can you label the games playing on your videos. Need to know the names of the portmaster games and pico 8

[@benji_san]

smoothest thumbnail to video transition known to man!

[@timothyzila4705]

Options are good but i love the standby actually being save state + shutdown. Then if i don't touch the device for a day or two the battery isn't dead. True standby is only good for devices you're using almost daily, but cell phones have also broken our habit of turning devices like this off.

[@budgetking2591]

once this drops in price i will have to get it

[@Salmaninay]

Hey Phawx, can we expect an Odin 2 review from you?

[@Mosestylez]

I have one, it's good! You won't regret it😁

[@tdome3000]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="66">1:06</a> Having 64 bits vs 32 is not just for more addressable memory.

[@MatElFidel]

This is the second RG40XX review i've seen that has involved petting a dog in nintendogs

[@user-of6ho7nv2y]

Random question but what is the size of the battery in mm? I'm wondering if there's a higher capacity battery out there.

[@toycoma98]

Use the white foam cutout when opening the device up. I dont get why nobody uses it, i'm pretty sure thats what its for. Its got cutouts for the buttons, dpad, and sticks. Show game name and system when showing demo. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1020">17:00</a> what game?

[@DrOopsie]

are the analog stick can be replaced like the rg35xx h?

[@feahnorl]

Lots of people are getting L1 problems with the blue and grey versions. Can you make a video on this and how to fix this?

[@julesthatruth1993]

Again, I asked for help, should I go ahead and buy the amoled version because I love the screen, or should I wait? The g556

[@Lucifronz]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="642">10:42</a> Messing with shaders is a lot of fun with RetroArch... assuming you can find good ones to use. There's this beautiful one for PS1 that I wish wasn't so performance-heavy called "CRT Royale xm29plus". Makes the game look like it's on a CRT (which is how these games were designed to look good under as it hides those pixel edges and gives it a smoother look), but sadly all of the Royale shader options either don't work properly or lag the game too much to be usable on these smaller devices. I've yet to find the perfect CRT shader but am content with whatever option I settled on for now. The overlays I'm not sure I'm much of a fan of. I wish they had something a bit more subdued for most of them, but the Game Boy Dot Matrix overlay shown at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="620">10:20</a> onwards looks really nice with the traditional Game Boy DMG colors and the green Game Boy shader effect. I don't like the GBA border, either, so I turned it off when I replayed Zero Mission recently. A part of me liked it, but found it too distracting. I feel that way about a lot of overlays. I think I'd just rather have a dark empty edge around the screen if I have to choose.

[@sahkertenisahkerteni5527]

what camera do you use for thermal imaging. intresting, is it portable @ plug in on phone

[@CPTcripp]

i currently have the RG351V from anbernic would you say that its worth it to update to the RG40XXH? also can you run arkos on it and can i keep my saves from the old system to the new?

[@Diggy22]

Tbh, it’s pretty much a compact version of a TrimUI Smart Pro, albeit one that’s GarlicOS compatible.

[@rynironic]

Which is better? They're similarly priced.

[@zinesis]

Wish anbernic make something like the r43 pro form factor with better dpad and hardware with unlocked software.

[@Lucifronz]

If the d-pad were a little more accurate (diagonals are a little too easy to press which is great for games like Street Fighter, but horrible for more precise games like Contra or maybe Metroid) and they didn't add those stupid analog lights that seem to be getting popular with these third-party manufacturers (which just distract me; I find the RGB lighting trend in gaming tend in general to just be incredibly annoying), _and assuming it's reasonably priced around the same bracket as the RG35XX H/Plus models, this is pretty much *precisely* the kind of system I was looking for when I originally started to dig into the third-party handheld market. The shoulder buttons are also a little clicky, but that's standard for these devices. Can't all have Switch-quality shoulder buttons. But anyway, I wanted a wide form-factor dual-stick device that could primarily play PS1 games (and in hindsight should have looked for something to play PSP games, though my Plus can *sort of* handle that as can the RG40XX H here in the video). Of course I'm past the point of considering a system like this, but if you can live with the d-pad and you aren't as uptight about lights on your system, this might be a good system for anyone trying to figure out what they want out of a device like this right now. Again, though, this is assuming a good price-point that doesn't go past like maybe $80 at most. I think they could justify it at that price-point, but the higher they go, the worse it is as an option because of how many other systems are in that bracket. Ultimately I am very satisfied with the RG35XX Plus that I got. It wasn't what I was originally intent on getting, but the moment I saw that Game Boy DMG design, I fell in love. I originally spotted the non-Plus model, didn't like some of its faults and wished it had more of what the Miyoo Mini+ and other similar devices had (wifi, bluetooth, etc.) but in a larger form-factor and less ugly button placement and quickly saw that the Plus model existed and it was just... kismet. I'm really happy with it, but since I love it so much I can't really justify buying another system in the same bracket that plays all the same games. Just isn't worth the money for me even with the inclusion of two analog sticks (which also are not very accurate due to the sensors, it's basically an 8-way d-pad masquerading as a stick as far as the sensors are concerned). It definitely gets the job done, though, and isn't a half-bad design. If it were me making the purchase, I'd probably wait for another update to this design and hope they come up with an improvement to the d-pad, stick and maybe get rid of those fucking lights (sorry, but I'm the kind of person who sometimes thinks about taping over the power LED on my 3DS just to get it out of my face when playing in a dark room). But on its own it isn't bad. Heck of a lot of value for, assuming again, the $60-80 price bracket these systems are typically in. EDIT: Oh yeah you said it right at the end, I missed it. $65 is a great price-point for it. An updated model with a few fixes for around the same price would be even better, but it's not bad at all.

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

You okay?

[@xkxxxx]

I dont get why the downgraded the battery when adding a bigger screen. At least use the same battery as the others.

[@IcoKirov]

Could be out of stock or something. On the other hand just because it is bigger screen doesn't mean it draws more power. It's the same resolution so the same amount of pixels to power, and depending on the case it could be more efficient and to drow even less power that the 3.5. I don't know if this is the case, but it is possible.

[@Lets_Talk_About_GOD]

How much is it? Thanks

[@clevelandmitchell7445]

What's a safe site to buy one from

[@TheFive2000]

And Gamecube, is possible on this device ? 🤔

[@m4dp4ck3t]

Great review Phawx. You're literally the only reviewer I'm not embarrased to watch when you start throwing ShoRyuKen's. I don't trust a reviewer who says stuff like "this dpad is amazing" and then they only hit about 40% accuracy, very cringe. Keep up the great work.

[@TheRealMainCat]

whats the name of the game at the end of the video?

[@pepeafa]

what game is he playing at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="830">13:50</a> ? can somebody tell me

[@Lets_Talk_About_GOD]

Can it run batocera (and others cfw from rg35xx H/Plus)? Thanks

[@snart]

Anyone know if Pico 8 can run natively on this?

[@johnsducks9816]

I just really want this screen on a t820 device

[@lothar2304]

Does the RG40XX supports DOS game?

[@nalo1728]

im still saving up in change for their recent one and they have another new one lmao.

[@IcoKirov]

Will cfw fix the analog sticks? I mean I'm sure it's the same way in the 35xxh. But since I don't own one, I don't know and haven't checked. I know they do the same thing with their android devices and custom roms fix the analog sticks so I guess it should be possible here as well?

[@Lucifronz]

It would maybe fix the 0-to-100 sensitivity, since changing mouse sensitivity seems to help, but the analog stick goes 8-directional with no in-between for inputs from another video I saw testing the inputs, which to me suggests it's a problem with the sensors and not software, so I don't see CFW fixing _that._

[@calebcretella2472]

@@Lucifronzthe cardinal snapping can indeed be fixed, the CFW devs just needs the drivers for the sticks to make changes to the way they behave

[@dr.johnbarron746]

are the sticks that bad?

[@NoradNoxtus]

If one of these start shipping with oled I'd insta buy

[@jbFromNYC]

To this day, the RG353 handhelds running ArkOS give the best performance.

[@thomasbryans6547]

What game is that at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="825">13:45</a>?

[@jeromewink557]

Can you duck in contra with out taking a bullet to the face?

[@Lets_Talk_About_GOD]

What about batocera?

[@justinbouchard]

does it have different speakers than the cube?

[@Lucifronz]

Knowing Anbernic, the speakers are probably going to be cheap but decent. Look at other devices in the same general line-up (RG35XX/Plus/H/SP) and you'll probably get the same thing as those. Anbernic likes to re-use a lot of the same parts, and their earlier models usually cheap out to see if they can get away with it before they come out with another model that's much better in those areas. Case in point, the d-pad and analog stick sensors on this device are kinda trash, albeit passable trash.

[@Ivan-hq2zk]

It's the same like trimui smart pro?

[@wingsfromheaven8788]

@@Ivan-hq2zk not exactly. The TSP has a slightly faster chipset, plus Vulcan support. So the performance should be slightly better on the margin. The sticks on the TSP might actually be better. Which is something that nobody could have ever imagined. Anbernic could fix the sticks with a firmware update since it's apparently just a dead zone issue.

[@Ivan-hq2zk]

​@@wingsfromheaven8788thanks

[@B3nG420]

They dropped the ball with this one for me. should've stuck a t618 and made it android for $119

[@romaingozlan]

hello can we play a pokemon on this console?

[@NFS-shade]

RG Cube or this?

[@Nexxraven]

Are the analog sticks that bad? Like for playing n64 games

[@Visionary4787]

I just bought the 8840u WIN 4 !

[@calculateddeclination5534]

Sony should've built the ps vita just like this but with the joysticks this has for l3 and r3 plus touchscreen and back touchpad. It would've succeeded. Well, if they allowed for normal sd cards to be used it would've succeeded even better, but anyway....

[@retrogamingindo4238]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1001">16:41</a> name of the game?

[@TrevorBall85]

I haven't even gotten the cube yet wtf

[@goldadam2381]

trimui smart pro vs rg40xxh ?

[@rynironic]

This is what I want to know too

[@familhagaudir8561]

I like the format for SNES emulation. Would like 5" even better, but since SNES can use almost the whole diagonal it's pretty good already. Great price. All that's really missing now is a double-screen hand-held to properly emulate New 2DS XL.

[@DontPaniku]

Phawx try Carnivore diet! I want you making videos for a long time.

[@bankbank]

why does he keep saying "XDX" ??

[@inyourears2596]

I stop selling their products because every month there's a new one. This is not good business sooner or later the hype will be gone

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

If you got seven hours and 30 minutes with a PlayStation 1 game then I would assume something like a game boy or Nintendo game the battery life would be even better

[@IcoKirov]

Not necessarily, I think most chips have a lowest amount of power draw, it's possible that is enough for ps1. Not sure if that is the case, but the phawx knows his stuff, so if he says it's around 7:30, I'm inclined to believe him.

[@luism8130]

Sold out everywhere, damn.

[@overoula]

tommorow goes on sale

[@calebcretella2472]

lol it hasn’t come out yet 😂🤦‍♂️

[@luism8130]

@@calebcretella2472 I didn't know lol.

[@amarg7657]

bro it hasnt even been a day and they're sold out I hate yall

[@tylerherr4288]

ngl if i get it im considering removing the joysticks lol seem kinda pointless for the games i want to play

[@jsjago]

It’s sold out every where 😢

[@ThePhawx]

It's just not for sale just yet. Should be on sale tomorrow

[@jsjago]

@@ThePhawx I went straight to the site or a AliExpress. It saids sold out man

[@manicminer1976]

​@@jsjago It always does when it's not for sale yet.

[@jsjago]

@@manicminer1976 so when is the best time to buy it. I have a PS Vita hacked with games. But this would be perfect to put in your pocket and game whenever u want. I was also looking at the Rocket Pro but it’s way over $100

[@eliranbenami2125]

Oh… no ps2 ???

[@floxshuilee1760]

Of course, H700 chip as other rg35 models.

[@eliranbenami2125]

@@floxshuilee1760 he didnt say i can emulate ps2…. Are you sure??

[@floxshuilee1760]

I mean, sure, no ps2

[@kennyken6172]

pretty sure you would need something like 2-3x the price to emulate ps2. it seems barely able to do psp

[@eliranbenami2125]

@@kennyken6172 weird… cuz the RG cube .. can run the ps2

[@srvuk]

Promotion of Anbernic is promotion of piracy.

[@lopinta1331]

for that price ill go with a more powerfull android device

[@shenmue5765]

Phaws this system. Not buying