Best Midrange Handheld? (RP4 Pro vs RG556)

The RG556 is good. The RP4 Pro is good too. Which one is gooder? Let's find out!
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RP4 Pro Review: • The Retroid Pocket 4 P...
RG556 Review: • THIS Is The One To Get...
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- CHAPTERS -
00:00 The battle rages on!
01:13 Which one gooder
02:07 What we're doing
03:18 Unboxing
03:51 Build
05:10 Ergonomics
06:28 Controls
07:42 Screen
08:49 What is THIS category!?
09:06 Sound
09:46 System
11:06 Performance
12:18 Value
13:03 TechDweebyness
13:36 Conclusion
14:45 Your turn!
DISCLAIMER: Product was sent to me for the purpose of review. No company had any say in the video content, and did not get the chance to see the video before it was published. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.

[@Dupstan]

Lol Russ being the ref in the ring threw me for a loop

[@Dupstan]

For those of you saying that the Odin 2 wins over these... well of course it does. These two were pitted against each other because of their close price points and varied features.

[@impheris]

i can't believe there are people talking about the odin 2 here.... i guess the fanboyism is pretty high -.-"

[@kalvin.]

Definitely some fanboys, but there is definitely a gap in the market between 200 and 300 USD where a device could go that’s highlighted by the gap in performance and price between these 2 (or I guess 3) devices. A 556V2 or Pro version with better sticks and a better chip (at least D1100 or higher) would slot in nicely between those 2 tiers.

[@Healthy_Toki]

@@kalvin. Wish the odin was available with an OLED screen.

[@Dupstan]

@@kalvin. for sure. Either the Odin gets an amoled or the rg gets a snapdragon and id buy it in a heart beat

[@kalvin.]

@@Healthy_Toki I think Odin 3 will probably have it if the MiniLED on the Mini is well received. It doesn’t need a new chip at this point so the last major upgrade would be the screen which is already pretty good for a LCD panel to be fair.

[@DemocracyJones]

Was that Russ from RGC as the ref?? Lol that's damn funny

[@paulgarcia6259]

He flew him in from Hawaii to Canada just for the cameo, what a bro.

[@TheMangerChild]

Immediately clicked. I've been hoping you would compare these two! Thank you, nerd. ❤️

[@robertleon1195]

Excellence! I've been binging your videos, and I'm a huge fan of the presentation & info you're giving. Thanks very much!

[@saikrishankumar]

Just when I was contemplating on which one to get, you release this video. Thanks brother.

[@VladNerd]

Amazing video as always, TD. ❤️

[@jasonlewis810]

Great vid, I've been thinking on these 2 for a while now and the rundown helps. One thing I'd add for future showdowns is battery life. It was the one thing I was looking for that wasn't there

[@SMG.Trill.92]

Love that Russ Referee cameo! Lol🤣

[@lloydmilton9808]

A battle-to-the-death with Retro Game Russ as the referee and TechDweeb as the announcer, I am seeing a multi-million $$$ idea here! I always love the tiny details in your videos. As much as I typically make purchase decisions based on raw power, I would probably buy the RG556 here due to the comfort factor and superior screen.

[@TechDweeb]

I can get behind that!

[@MarioMartinez-gu4wg]

Your videos always make the day better. Thanks!

[@spider55661983]

I feeling the same

[@jumbosponge501]

RG556 for me. You can replace the sticks with gulikit ones if they're that bad. Can't replace the rp4pro screen. Also, not mentioned in the video - the 556 has way better battery life than the rp4pro! It's like Techdweeb says. The amount of games which the rp4pro can play that the 556 can't? Pretty tiny. But everything you do play on the 556 will feel a lot better

[@onmywayto974]

Thanks...was gonna ask about battery life.

[@goodfodder]

not to mention fan noise

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

RP4P screen is fine

[@user-nd7rd8jo6h]

So much personality 😁 I been making it a habbit to look u up first then the other people. Keep being awesome.

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks buddy!

[@Khemikal_X]

great production bro, it was a fun time

[@PixlByPixl]

Having so many options for us to play our favorite games with and at great prices, The real winner here is all of us.

[@pavichokche]

This is EXACTLY the video I wanted to see, I've been very interested by the RP4 but most content covering it is from 3-4 months ago

[@mikeyneeley]

What exactly do you think has changed with the device in 3-4 months?

[@waldamy]

​@@mikeyneeleymaybe firmware updates improved the device, or maybe they made it worse. The shoulder triggers might have failed because of bad springs. Many things could have happened

[@mikeyneeley]

@@waldamy Fair, but none of that was talked about here.

[@waldamy]

@@mikeyneeley which would probably mean, none of that was an issue, didn't improve/made it significantly worse than at the time of first review

[@junwong23]

I own a rp4p post trigger issue batch and everything is great

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Thanks for showing me these .

[@beowolf410]

More of this! Love the SMACKDOWN!!!

[@TrasherBiner]

0:41... I like that the refree is Russ from Retrocorps 😂😂😂 Like "yeah the man is the proper authority to refree this fight". It was a nice tribute to the absolute youtube leader of this platform. It was a tasteful touch you added this joke man, I just subscribed but I like your chill and humorous reviews. Keep it up. I found your channel trying to find more reviews about the RG20SX btw, in case this helps you build the channel and the audience.

[@SauravSharma3600]

Amazing Video!

[@KingKalos5th]

Great vid as always, all of your content is so well put and fun to watch! As of my take, I would pick rg556 anyday, just better gaming experience (for me).

[@CellPhish]

I love my RP4 Por but haven’t touched it in months. I use my 556 near daily because it a joy to play

[@neilphilippeocampo4420]

Great comparison bro. Have u tried the grip for RP 4 pro or found a grip that is as comfortable as the 556?

[@datazen936]

Great review! Would you recommend the gpd mini over these 2 if price is not a factor? I mainly want a portable device to play ps2 and potentially some PC games, but seems like the GPD battery is not good enough

[@bosoxdanc1]

Thanks for the great video! I'm really interested in a retro console, and I think I'm just a generation or two away from purchasing one.

[@ryanfowlow8034]

That RP4 is just so nice, i set one up for a friend a couple months back. FINALLY ordered a Miyoo mini plus yesterday, should be here tomorrow. 🤤

[@richiecantrell9928]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! You should compare same 2 but w grips on RP4. That would be interesting.

[@GameTechTalk]

That intro! HOW are you constantly so GREAT?!? 30secs is all it takes for you to ALWAYS give me a LOL moment. “😘 Lovelyyyy~”

[@TechDweeb]

Haha thanks buddy. I'm just glad there are people who find my goofing around enjoyable so that I get to keep doin' it :P

[@Sadtiric]

Teehee, you said secs.

[@Baumie11]

Love my RP4 Pro!

[@Anuj_Tomar]

I bought RG556 for its oled screen, it looks sick as well… it can turn to multimedia device to watch netflix as well when you are on a long rail travel .. also xcloud works great and games look good too on the screen .. For something portable i have rg35xxH for shorter visits to kill time if needed.. all sorted for now i think .. RP4 pro with oled might excite me to buy tht later

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

Please do way more videos like this!

[@TechDweeb]

YES SIR!

[@momosworkshop]

Great video techdweeb! Question for you, how do you think the RG556 compares to the G cloud as an all around handheld for emulation and some game streaming? Is the smaller screen and sticks really that much of a downgrade from the G cloud experience?

[@-Airwalk1616-]

@Tech Dweeb did you know you can actually play the game with the d pad and the 2 buttons on your overlay for NES(contra)? Pretty cool i think.

[@jkjkl567]

Moms always pulling pranks like that 😂

[@brunoflausinodasilva7372]

Someone mentioned it in the comments. Can you try the RP4 Pro grip ?

[@CommanderCOOL45]

Honey a new TechDweeb vid is on!!! Throw the kids away and come watch XD!!

[@glennshoemake4200]

I have the Odin 2 Max and Steam Deck, so I'm pretty well covered, but the upcoming handheld FPGA from Taki has caught my attention.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Neither of those are pocketable though 😆

[@Marcus-pm6jt]

Does anybody know the video where he says emulationstation is his favorite frontend? I cant seem to find it

[@tonyLA24]

I went with RG556. Not a big fan of the face buttons or sticks, but may change those out anyways to SNES style buttons and hal joysticks. Picked it up for $150 from AliExpress.

[@calebrabion4786]

Are there other decent options that have the control layout of the RG556?

[@Renvaar1989]

The main thing that stopped me getting the RP4 Pro at first was the stick placement, but after putting some decent caps on and using it a while I gotta say, it's absolutely fine.

[@MikeySaxMusic]

Can’t get myself to want either one when the Odin 2 has been tops for me. Pair that w my new RG28XX that I’m bringing on tour w me, and I think I’m set now.

[@jh38949]

if i could get the rp4 non pro and 556 st same price, which is better?

[@sheldonzs]

Do either/both run Beetle Saturn at full FPS? My RP Flip can run Yaba Sanshiro, but it's buggy and crashes, but can't quite push Beetle/Saturn.emu. It's always funny to me that saturn got crushed by PSX but seems to be harder to emulate than PS2.

[@josephrod1993]

Is there any skins for sale for the rg556? Because I wanna put one on my black rg556

[@Red-Revolution708]

I adore this guy.

[@JP.710]

I already have the RP4 pro, its exclusive video convinced me to get it. Now I wanna see the GKD Pixel vs the RG nano.

[@braddahl2098]

The grips helped me with the RP4P's er-GO-nomics. If I'm playing something with analog controls the grips are on... Shame their official case isn't compatible with the grips on.

[@theminimalistgamer4201]

I would have liked a comparison of the standard 4 against the 556. But still a great video.

[@Drivenby]

Waiting for the reveal of dweeb being Russ all along . The lore has been foreshadowed

[@DnP128]

I think I have a problem, why can't the PS2 emu on my rg556 play directly via the frontend? Every time I try to play via the frontend it always forces me to enter aethersx2. Anyone know the solution?

[@TheMagnificentGman]

How does the rg556 compare to the rp4 not pro in performance?

[@joeym4090]

I own the RG556. You’re on point on everything you mentioned. The 556 feels and looks great. Even Netflix looks amazing on that oled screen. However, I always find myself tinkering the settings to get a functional game and sometimes it falls short depending on the game I’m playing. With that said, I am eyeing for a sale on the rp4. It may not have the eye candy screen of the 556, but the extra power does help. I would rather play more than spending time under hood to make it play smoother.

[@goodfodder]

tinkering is part of the fun!

[@thund3rstruck]

Seems all these handhelds have tiny screens. Can someone recommend a decent android handheld that has a larger screen? Like 8 inches or greater? My eyes are too old to strain trying to read a miniscule 4-5 inch screen

[@brandongabel]

I picked up a RP2S as a pocketable companion to my Steam Deck OLED with confidence that I picked the perfect device, and I was close. I loved everything about it except for the screen size. I played it for about 2 weeks and decided the eye strains and headaches I was getting from staring at the screen wasn’t worth it, so I’m selling it and put a little more money down for an RP4P because I fell in love with the buttons and overall feel. I was worried about the size not being able to fit in my pocket as well as the RP2S did, but it’s honestly not bad. It’s only slightly longer, so I don’t mind keeping it in my pocket all day. Plus, this bad boi can play the majority of PS2, GC, and up to 5X resolution for PSP so I’m happy. This is the biggest deciding factor for me. If I want the most power, ergonomics, and screen, it’s gonna be the Steam Deck OLED. Otherwise as a companion or alternative, I want something as powerful and comfortable as possible that also fits in and out of my pocket with ease. If it doesn’t fit in my pocket and if it’s not budget friendly, I would rather just play the SDOLED. Everyone has a preference, and a budget, but ultimately, the less devices you have that all cover what you want, the happier you’ll be. That’s how I feel anyway. Solid video man!

[@keevacarroll5768]

Have you tried the rp4 grip? I wonder if it would tip the scales a bit better in terms of ergonomics

[@TechDweeb]

I've heard good things about the grip. I don't have one but I'm planning on getting one the next time I order from Retroid.

[@itsdeonlol]

The Rg556 is really nice! I would pick this one up! It seems very solid.

[@Hayfever33]

How weird, im playing my RP4 now (while im meant to be working) i love it

[@TechDweeb]

Get back to work!

[@Danothemanno]

Where to buy these in the UK?

[@forblaze74]

Russ as the ref had me cackling.

[@jaymel4691]

Great video! I'm just wondering if you used the burgundy RP3 buttons on your RP4 Pro? I really want a Retro color scheme for the RP4 Pro, I can do a button swap myself if I know they will fit. I've worked on Nintendo 3ds handhelds before so I know what the job will entail, lol. I just need to know if the RP3 buttons are interchangeable with the RP4. Thanks!

[@TechDweeb]

I painted them! Check out my RP4 Pro video and I show you how I did it :)

[@jaymel4691]

@@TechDweeb thanks for replying! I'll check that one out!

[@arcticchill07081]

The RP4 pro has been the best gaming purchase i have made in years. i havent touched my ps5 or series x in a month or two. Just having everything up to and including PS2 and gamecube in my hand and on the go is amazing!

[@annhilater1985]

My 4 pro came in yesterday, im a d pad in top guy as well, why i went w the steam deck over the ally

[@corysmith2570]

556 would be a slam dunk with slightly better controls, and matching or slightly better processor than Rp4. Could probably do for same price or 10-15 more, and would but it today, it is so close to hitting the sweet spot for handheld gaming, with a lot of the buyers of these devices being older, a bigger screen is just about required, except being older we like to have the best in class.

[@rozenuel]

Already love my miyoo plus for my retro needs, if I were to get the next retro console it should be able to run silmeria and suikoden 3 smoothly.

[@steve7814]

What about the RP4 verse the aberlic?

[@NickyG_vz]

Yea I think I'm going with the anbernic. Just on the screen alone

[@markrung8051]

I love me that OLED, but I love the size and build of the RP4! What do I do!

[@randyedmonds8742]

IDK I really love the 556. Its screen is amazing.

[@handheldgaming4life]

While I tend to agree with your final decision, but I felt from ultimate cheapness but close enough performance that the 556 would have been what I purchased as my first and probably only Android Handheld if money was tight! Sadly here in the UK the prices between the 556 and the 4Pro are pretty big, the 4Pro being 28% more expensive even with the best discounts I could find.

[@AutumnAdmiral]

My RP4 Pro is my favorite gaming thing I've bought in the last decade, I cannot put it down sometimes!

[@TeepoST88]

Between the 556 and the Retroid pocket 4+, I chose the 405m.

[@erraddict]

Thanks for doing this. I'm looking forward to the Anbernic RG Cube which will have the same SOC as the RG556. May I ask if this is your full time job?

[@Sadtiric]

I really wanted a 556, but those sticks really threw me for a loop and I already have the RP4P with the grip, which is ALMOST the same thing. If only something existed that was a combination of both with a bit more power.. The Odin 2 Mini (which I'm super excited for) is close, outside of ergonomics (as far as I can tell in pictures), but is also almost double the cost of either option. I'm convinced we will have THE $200 device by the end of the year! 💚

[@digitizer3627]

If i had to choose it would the RG556 due to screen size and ergonomics❤.

[@PapaP86]

I'm debating picking up a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for something that's still pretty portable, not too expensive, but can still emulate most of everything I'd like to play. I have a Steamdeck OLED I put a 2TB drive in, but I tend to not want to travel with it just in case it got stolen since with the SDD, that's pretty much a $700+ device. So, I'm thinking about an RP 4 Pro for something that can still do a lot while not being too expensive, then maybe an RG35XX H for something cheap, easily pocketable and can play up to PS1 without an issue. I do however have a GPD XD I bought back around 2017 I think. Wondering if the RG35XX H is worthwhile/any better than that?

[@ranielnascimentoferreira8808]

We need this to become a series and Russ participating

[@toycoma98]

Should compare with retroids official grip, rg556 has them built in

[@goodbyenicotine8788]

Was looking at the retroid 4 pro. Based on google searches, the R2 triggers are quite fragile. Just a FYI

[@cocozimme]

Im gonna get the cube, it looks so sick 😊

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah I love the look of it!

[@strongbad79]

I've been playing my RP4 Pro a bunch lately for PSP. Even though my Odin 2 Pro or steam deck plays them great as well, I prefer playing PSP on the RP4 Pro because it feels closer in size to an actual PSP so it feels more right to me personally. And the controls are amazing bigger screen size and resolution is great too. And it runs every PSP game I've thrown at with no problems regardless of upscaling and shaders and all that.

[@cosmicgamingunlimited]

These two devices existing is a big win for everyone.

[@ChopeZzz]

I would rather have the RG556 - ergonomics + screen wins for me 😎👍

[@11.darklone]

thanks for this review. I was thinking about getting the anbernic cube, but nah. RP4P is much better in every aspect.

[@IsaidQUIETnHERE]

RG556 vs G Cloud...opinion?

[@PureChaos_NA]

1A and 1B. Both are great!

[@mikeyneeley]

I want an Rg556 body/screen with RP4 Controls, and an Odin 2 chipset/wifi 7.

[@hermanbril2682]

I am a sort of newbie here... Damn, I still can't choose. But can someone please tell me what pinball game it is on 10:32? So the RG556 comes with all the games? Then it should be a no-brainer for a starter, right?

[@TechDweeb]

Williams pinball on PSP

[@martinh4982]

I'll throw my tuppence into the ring: last year I bought a RP3+, which was good but didn't have the performance for PS2 level emulation. Soon after the RP4 was announced along with the 556. I went with the 556. Great device, except for the sticks. However it does struggle with some Game Cube and PS2 titles. Recently I bought the Odin 2 Pro. That does everything I want and more. In retrospect I wish I had just bought one in the first place, rather than spend out on 556 and 3+.

[@Curse0fMandos]

Are you saying Anbernic or Amberelec? I keep double-taking. Keep up the great videos.

[@aaronjames7266]

Amberlick, and it's so infuriating that I can't watch any of his stuff with the volume up

[@WitchDoctor87]

My ideal handheld would be a small pocket controller or pocket box with built-in hardware that can connect to my phone. In a sense I want to carry a kinda mini pc that can simply plug or wirelessly connect to my phone.

[@MonkeyDLink]

The value category really depends on where you live and whoever wants to buy one of these really needs to take a look and compare the prices. Where I live, Retroid themselves won't ship any of their products. I had to look for both of these consoles in AliExpress because they were the only ones who could ship them here. I picked the Anbernic RG556 not only because of everything you said, which is true and it is a fantastic comparison, but also because I was able to get the Anbernic at $156 usd, The cheapest I could get a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro was at a whopping $242.43 usd. Both of them with free shipping. I don't have a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and I love the previous Retroids, but it's probably not worth picking the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro over the Anbernic RG556 when the price difference is close to a $100 usd.

[@juanramonsilva1067]

The price difference is like 50$ in my country

[@borf42]

I went for the RP4 Pro for it's better portability. I've found if a device is too big, I never bring it anywhere and it collects a lot of dust. My Odin Pro is proof of that.

[@DivineOassis]

U know those terabyte things that come with tons of games?? Can u connect those to these & have tons of games?

[@TechDweeb]

Sort of. Those drives come with all the games, and you can connect them to devices like these handhelds, however you will need to transfer the roms over to the handheld to use them.

[@DivineOassis]

@@TechDweeb ok thanks

[@davidbarragan5265]

I want to play PS2, Wii, and GameCube and below. Why should I buy rp4 instead of Odin 2 Pro?

[@TechDweeb]

Rp4 pro will probably get the job done for most games, but if you want to guarantee perfect GameCube and PS2 performance in every game then the Odin 2 will definitely give you that, but you will pay more for it.

[@-Airwalk1616-]

You musta gotten a review unit for your 556. My sticks are absolutely perfect on accuracy using 3 different gameoad testers.

[@hanzokendo]

Anbernic is currently having a hot summer sale for the RG556 that has some steep savings over LitNXT this time. Those on the fence for the RG556 might just be swayed, gets wallet out

[@heizbeom]

I wanted the RP4 PRO, but since the RG556 was being sold for $110 on AliExpress, I had no choice but to buy it

[@joselitoaustria8417]

link? it's still 163 on ali

[@KyleRuggles]

Congrats RP4 Pro! I give it a big 1up cuz it's actually pocketable!

[@thatsgoodpocky]

I have the RP4 Pro and I love it, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if I got the RG556 instead. The optional grips for the Retroid help a lot with ergonomics as well. At the end of the day the real winner is all of us!