Why the Anbernic RG406V Matters (and what holds it back)

[@retrohandhelds]

What's *your* thoughts on the RG406V? What should Derek look at next?

[@FairyPrincess42]

Mine is still in Sumner, WA I'll let you know when USPS actually picks it up.

[@gustavo9758]

0:03 For all I've seen, it is the MOST important Anbernic console of 2024. I mean, the year is almost over. Maybe the H model will be better but, as always, it'll be mostly a matter of taste on vertical vs horizontal.

[@EnigmasPrelude]

The bezel you're complaining about disappears when you install the INCLUDED screen protector! It becomes flush!!!

[@Phoenix_VanDerWeyden]

My favorite handheld right now , the format imo is peak retro aesthetics. It's a such a cool vibe to play on it.

[@retrohandhelds]

I’m enjoying it a lot more than I was expecting

[@gutsberserker5476]

portrait for me too!

[@ramirogarcia3313]

I bought the grey one. I should be coming today 😊

[@lliixzllii1794]

Exciting man, I want to pick up a vertical too and the Grey one is Cleeeean

[@retrohandhelds]

My favorite version! - Stubbs

[@JonARob]

When did you order, I ordered today not realizing it's Chinese holiday until Oct. 7

[@brockneal3170]

@@JonARob i did the exact same thing lol

[@aqua_Laura]

​@@JonARobI just ordered mine today and in the confirmation email it said they won't ship until the 8th 😅 I do have the anbernic sp though until this comes hehe.

[@kcmega007]

I think the 406v is great , why complaining about it so much, it's not a expensive device , at this price point ,that can play to ,PS2 and PSP and GameCube,it is great ,

[@retrohandhelds]

Wouldn’t say I’m complaining, just pointing out where it could improve. Still a great handheld.

[@soniczero532]

​@@retrohandheldsI like the 353vs for android and the classic look. Which would you say is better.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@soniczero532 Personally yeah, I like the 353v or 40xxH look better. But many seem to love the 405/406 look as well! -bassderek

[@yarbles66]

Because even if it a good option... it's not a significant jump. I see no reason to buy another affordable Retro handheld until it can run PS3 games with relative ease. Even if that's three years away - that's my firm stance.

[@nextingz]

@@yarbles66 way longer than 3 years tbh lol probs around 6 years or so for an affordable handheld in this price range, there's not even a ps3 emulator on android yet

[@RPGenieUS]

Waiting on mine, love to hear about dimness as I dont want to disturb my husband if I play at night. So many devices are just too bright. Good job for paying attention to details others dont.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

4:3 is really the way to go on these retrohandhelds. I never understood the whole 16:9 thing for a handheld where 90% of the content on it is going to be 4:3. I’m stoked we’re finally getting higher resolution 4:3 screens. I have been rocking my 405M forever because no other company seems to want to make anything other than 16:9. As soon as they come out with the horizontal version of this, I’m all over it.

[@retrohandhelds]

I don’t hate black bars but do agree most content besides PSP makes more sense on 4:3.

[@nihiltube]

That's understandable AS LONG as you have a great screen with high resolution. Good luck finding a good, high res, large 4:3 OLED. 16:9 are fine till we find the above. RG Pocket Mini might be the largest screen we can find that matches the specs. Above that, 16:9 is completely fine. Add bezels. Enable widescreen hacks. 480p 4:3 have bezels regardless.

[@mrwoodcat]

rg406v is very photogenic. good looking handheld.

[@retrohandhelds]

Sounds like I’m in the minority of only thinking the looks are ok, haha.

[@jackripper5270]

I love the look/form factor... I think it has character? And it looks very comfortable? The battery life is good... The screen, the sticks, etc... I do wish it had analog triggers.... I do wish it was a little more powerful... But for the most part ... This is the handheld i want the most at the moment... Even over the RP5

[@retrohandhelds]

I think the look is kinda love/hate. I agree it’s like, 80% of the way there. A bit more oomph and analogs would be awesome.

[@creativeearthian1702]

There is a potential for PERFECTION in this form factor. Here me out Anbernic: - make the display 16:9 while keeping the same bottom half width! You only need to SLIGHTLY widen the upper half and trim down the bezels. - put a top shelf SoC in there. Not the very latest and greatest one, but the SoC that can outperform anything else at the given resolution. For example, the Snapdragon 870 at 720p would absolutely be enough. (As a "Pro" option, put a true flagship soc such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and up the screen to 1080p OLED) -spread the sticks a bit more apart - make the buttons slightly larger Even at 300$, it would still be the perfect handheld console or at least as close to one as it gets imo

[@gregmasciola3332]

I really hope they do a RG-406h that's basically these internals in the shell of the 40xxh or the 405m (but preferably with the d-pad up top and make it plastic to keep the cost down).

[@retrohandhelds]

Agree!

[@mattdavis9601]

I think the RG406V is a gorgeous handheld. I thought the broadly similar RG405V was as well. I love its vertical form factor and the rubenesque curves. I say this with all sincerity; the RG406V is a stunningly good looking piece of hardware. At least on camera it's good looking. I've never actually seen one in person. My only concern is a worry that the prominent sticks will develop issues if I try to pants pocket it during the summer without a case. I feel like a real jerk nitpicking something that Anbernic has clearly expended a ton of effort into getting right; but, I kind of wish this model was equipped with low profile sliders like the ones found in the Retroid Flip or some form of recessed sticks instead. It'll likely be fine in a bag or big jacket pocket though, and it'll be perfect at home. RG406-SP when, Anbernic?

[@retrohandhelds]

I definitely wouldn’t want to pocket this. The sticks are very prominent.

[@chimrichalds81]

I will admit I pocketed my 406v a few times, and the thumb sticks popped off quite often doing that. However the sticks are so glorious to use. I just use the molded case when traveling

[@guve25]

For the price point, it's great, maybe a tad "puffy" design wise, but still it's great.

[@greatrandew1536]

The Vertical orientation wins on Nostalgia for me, But I agree it does have its limitations. But for the majority of Retro games, I'd rather have "full usage" of the screen over widescreen bars on the side. Mine is out for delivery shortly, so excited to see how it compares to my RG405V.

[@retrohandhelds]

I think you won’t be disappointed!

[@jordansoodsma608]

I actually got into handhelds after seeing the 405v and thinking it was beautiful. Everyone who isn't into handhelds always thinks it looks great.

[@retrohandhelds]

I guess we all love rectangles and boxes too much haha.

[@jzeroradio]

Really sad it doesn’t have analogue triggers, I would have bought day one. Love verticals, and that screen is great for GBA (my fav retro games)

[@berrie-nice-to-meet-you]

In a weird way, I kinda like how chunky it is. It reminds me of how weighty the original Gameboy was, especially back when I was a kid and I was smaller (Speaking of, it blew my mind to find out my phone and this console are as big as the OG gameboy, was when I was a kid that thing was a behemoth) So going back to that size and chunkiness is surprisingly nostalgic all by itself

[@joepage5000]

Had to make this thing more compact to look correct. If they could figure out a way to get this in a shell the size of the 40xxV it’d be ideal.

[@retrohandhelds]

I’d take a 40xxV with this screen even if it had less performance. Maybe remove the sticks. Would be a great way to enjoy older systems.

[@cccbbb990]

if this had analog triggers it would be a perfect device, not sure why they always miss 1 key feature with all of these devices

[@retrohandhelds]

I don’t think we’ve seen any verticals with analog from any manufacturer yet. Will have to wait for the horizontal version.

[@No1BRC]

I had the 405v but sold it as it was a little to weak for some ps2 games. I grew up with the DMG01 so I absolutely love the form factor.

[@wonkydn]

Awesome hardware overview! A lot of interesting hardware choices by these companies and it's good to hear about them in addition to gaming performance. Excited for the death of 480p screens hopefully

[@kyledupont7711]

If they would combine this one with the RG40XX it would really be the best top screen handheld. I like the look of the 40xx (and the price) but the analog stick or just the left one and the higher resolution would be perfect. For what i want to spend im going for the 40xx, and i would just get the 406 but it cost allot more

[@overoula]

the most powerfull vertical device now we need same chip on the body of 40xx H

[@retrohandhelds]

100% or a new horizontal shell with this screen and chip and analog triggers.

[@sTuPiDiScOoL_]

Don't encourage them brother 😂.​@@retrohandhelds

[@flex4life]

here is an idea. You can do a video on the EMF radiation from these handhelds. I swear the radiation from Trimui Smart Pro (I suspect it's the battery and casing ) gives me headaches very quickly. EMF radiation can be measured with EMF reader.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah what would be needed for this is a proper Geiger counter / dosimeter to read for truly harmful radiation (external ionizing radiation). These run about $70 to start. Your entire home and neighborhood is filled with regular radiation and EMF, however it should not be harmful in most instances. Those cheapo EMF readers won't help to suss out actual issues, not even to detect a ghost. It could be an interesting idea, though. These devices shouldn't be any different from your smart phone in terms of negative ionization, but the tests would back that theory up. Hrm.

[@zu_perler3011]

​@@retrohandheldsDid you know that most smoke detectors have a small amount of Americium-241 to create the ionizing radiation used to detect smoke particles? The only source for this isotope is processed nuclear waste materials. It would be very difficult to ascertain the specific EMF from a handheld in my studio, as there is a smoke detector 10 feet from my desk!

[@retrohandhelds]

@@zu_perler3011 bro did the math

[@cho-v4n]

Nice 🙂. Thanks for the great review man

[@retrohandhelds]

No, thank you for watching!

[@wallyprichard7451]

Wow I just bought the Anbernic RG-CUBE but now I gotta purchase this one?

[@fleurdeliseffxiv1580]

You don't have to unless you've got the disposable income and really want it

[@retrohandhelds]

Nah, unless you really want the 4:3 screen and the better sticks. Cube is still probably more comfy and has analog triggers.

[@Lisa313shoe]

Definitely hope all the same with the horizontal one I just don’t like vertical handhelds.

[@retrohandhelds]

Agreed that would be great. And with analog triggers!

[@Aequalis-r6h]

Beautiful!😍

[@captainchuppachup]

My device is currently on its way to me. It's the first Anbernic device since I got the RG350 that has appealed to me and it's my first DMG style outside of the miiyo mini that I will have. The mini is great but not great for me to hold. I could have spent a bit more for the new retroid pocket 5 but for some reason the 406v has just appealed to me.

[@retrohandhelds]

I think if you’re playing 4:3 systems and like verticals this is a great choice. As long as you don’t care about pushing higher scaling on ps2.

[@captainchuppachup]

@@retrohandhelds x1-1.5 for PS2 is fine for me. I'm happy if I can get that and 1.5-2 on Gamecube.

[@augustopoliche8908]

I've seen reviews where they play switch quite well in this one.

[@dbozgt]

I received my rg406v yesterday.

[@6mazing]

How is it ?

[@retrohandhelds]

Nice, what are you playing?

[@nelcorazs]

Nice, what are you playing?

[@dbozgt]

@@6mazing very nice unit nice 4:3 screen I do love the screen on it much better screen then rg405v version and the new analog stick are amazing not going to lie.

[@dbozgt]

@@retrohandhelds switch - testing the unit out been playing on it yet just been scraping box art.

[@Aequalis-r6h]

LOVE IT 😍😍😍

[@leelee7334]

The 353M had great sticks. Seems like someone needs to make a flip.

[@otogiokami]

That bezel is like that so that the screen protector sits flush on the screen

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah, thanks for clarifying!

[@TheK20head]

i wish they made a vertical retroid 5

[@Aequalis-r6h]

We need detail performance because of different screen resolution

[@Stolastheowl]

Just once I wanna see somebody say "I didn't pay for this unit, I stole it."

[@Stolastheowl]

Alternatively, I wanna see a burglar create a KZbin channel in which he reviews stolen goods.

[@jonathanaguilar710]

Wish there were more powerful options for vertical handhelds besides the overkill of pocket dmg. 405v is too big for me tbh. Nothing tops my 353v so far in vertical handhelds. I would love to get the pocket dmg but its way too expensive for my uses tbh. Wish retroid could make a vertical but it looks like their not interested.

[@retrohandhelds]

Hopefully we will see something in the future that’s powerful, vertical, compact, and not too expensive!

[@jalene150]

Be careful with showing certain game characters from a certain huge Japanese company that’s known for copyright violations

[@thelibra101219]

I kinda want this one.... but then I really hate the look. If it looks more rectangle like the RG40XXV, then I might have bought one.

[@retrohandhelds]

To be fair when you’re holding it and gaming you’re looking at the screen, not the device. But yeah it is a bit bulbous…

[@chimrichalds81]

You are requesting sharper corners?

[@ProBlueCheese]

Does this one have video out? Im thinking this or rg cube but i would like connect to tv

[@mattdavis9601]

The specs sheet says that it does.

[@chimrichalds81]

You can use a USB to HDMI cable, but it won't charge your device. If you have battery issues there is always screen casting in these moments. Half of my testing has been on a 120 inch projector screen via screencast. Tiny lag though

[@Aequalis-r6h]

I want the same exact form factor but snapdragon in it

[@wolfunplugged]

I have the 405v. is the 406 worth the upgrade, what do you think? thanks a bunch...

[@retrohandhelds]

Do you play lots of joystick heavy games? Do you wish the screen had higher resolution? Do you want to play more ps2 and GameCube games than you currently can? If you answered yes to one of those or preferably two, then sure. If those three things don’t matter to you, then probably not.

[@wolfunplugged]

@@retrohandhelds hey thanks for your thoughts...then I'll probably stick to my 405v! once again thanks and best greetings

[@jackripper5270]

The most powerful vertical on the market.... And reviewers seem not to like it?? They want horizontal.... I like the vertical!!! I think it's beautiful!! Work of art!!!!

[@ElijahPs5]

The es game launcher you opened? Did it come with that if not how did you get that?

[@jeffreypeters5578]

Im pretty sure emulation station comes on the sd card already

[@jeffreypeters5578]

If not it's easy to do all you have to do is download it extract everything to the root of the sd then put your Roms in the Roms folder.Under Roms a bunch of systems will show up(folders) like SNES psx,GBA just put your games in each folder real easy

[@jeffreypeters5578]

Setup an account in emulation station you'll see it to scrape artwork from servers.Most games that come on it will have the metadata but if you add Roms to the system just hold down whatever the select button a or b and options will appear then click scrape artwork

[@retrohandhelds]

ES-DE Android is available via a one time Patreon payment (you can cancel after first month and still get updates).

[@marsoblivi0n945]

Makes no sense at this price range. Wait a couple weeks and few more dollars and you have a steam deck. I thought all of these devices were under $100. Then I could understand the hype.

[@TheK20head]

vertical>

[@Wavetheory85]

I pray they don’t sacrifice performance or comfort for cute on this vertical handheld.

[@retrohandhelds]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…

[@Aequalis-r6h]

So annoying to not do performance

[@feahnorl]

This. It’s the only thing I was searching for.

[@jinstinky501]

You let your kid enjoy fresh air? Freak! Lol :)

[@retrohandhelds]

There’s some irony in there that I was staring at a screen while she was off enjoying the real world.

[@chimrichalds81]

​@@retrohandheldsthat's my life everyday. I'm not going to raw-dog anything if I can help it.

[@Aequalis-r6h]

Needs a snapdragon in there

[@retrohandhelds]

If you’re willing to pay the price, next month the Ayaneo Pocket DMG will be a vertical with snapdragon and OLED.

[@BirdOdelette-j1n]

Fay Valley

[@RCCRAWL-q7g]

Not sure why people get hung up on black bars. They would rather trade a garbage control scheme for no bars. Thats insane to me. Cube all day over this.

[@Gliiitch305]

Naw bro I’ve been reading on it for a lil and I keep seeing cube users sell their cube for this one. 😂😂

[@NeiltendoPower]

Pop the screen protector on there and it’ll be flush!

[@retrohandhelds]

Now that’s an idea, haha. I just never use screen protectors… living life on the edge.

[@NeiltendoPower]

@@retrohandhelds the 556 and Cube are the same. it’s makes for a pretty satisfying application and alignment since it fits the cutout perfectly

[@PC_TV_73]

What’s crazy is up until a year ago I used to buy all the new releases of Anbernic and Powkiddy etc. I was getting a new handheld at least once a month then I realized they all basically play very similar and to be totally honest I don’t even like playing handheld 99% of the time even on my switch so I stopped buying them I think the last one I bought was a few months back with the Anbernic flip and even that one I haven’t touched. So what I plan on doing is selling some on eBay and given some away. Yep given some away I will put more details on my KZbin page sometime today along with a video of all of my handheld’s and which one I will keep and which ones I will sell and which ones I will give away. I probably have at least three or four of them. I will give completely away for free and the others I will sell at good prices on eBay. I will definitely get up a video later on even if it’s just a quick short of my collection and another short with what I will give away and put on eBay.

[@ShawnRaz87]

It's a 100% increase over 480p Going from 960 down to 480 is a 50% decrease Going from 480 to 960 is a 100% increase

[@henrywilliams6927]

so early i am

[@retrohandhelds]

Congrats here’s my extra special first comment award! ;)

[@Raphtor13]

That is one seriously UGLY handheld!

[@Gliiitch305]

Ima nic-name mines bertha