Anbernic RG40XXV Review: This Might Be My New FAVORITE Vertical

[@retrohandhelds]

Is the XXV worth it for the price to you? What's *your* current favorite vertical handheld? Notes: Anbernic now has sleep working properly this go-around (I discovered after posting this, dang!). The Blue unit's L1 issue: if you press Up on the dpad too hard, it clicks the L1, but doesn't register an L1 button press in game, so its just an annoying sound. I believe this might be related to the sensitive shoulder buttons in general, or somehow making contact inside the handheld. The white unit had no QC issues.

[@Sadtiric]

This one! Can't wait to order it tomorrow, 😅

[@retrohandhelds]

@@Sadtiric Ah nice!! What color?

[@Sadtiric]

​@@retrohandheldsI WANT all 3, but I'm getting white.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@Sadtiric My fav of the bunch so far!

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

No woodgrain color is a miss. Come on anbernic. Also how far are you into Star Ocean?

[@Kusanagi13]

I love verticals, that white one looks so classy

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah very premium looking!

[@nikhil.360]

@@Kusanagi13 does it get yellow over time?

[@Kusanagi13]

@@nikhil.360 barely had it for a couple of weeks and most of the time it’s in its box in storage, it’s not my fault driver, so it doesn’t see much use.

[@chedhead3278]

I don't really want to encourage Anbernic in their H700 frenzy, but, a 4 inch clamshell? Mmm, nice

[@KawikaLee408]

i really like the look of this one and there's so many people, myself included that want a 4'' screen. that being said i have such mixed feelings about anbernic now. i got my first device from them with the 35xx h and its just developed more and more problems over time unfortunately. i also had some buyers remorse once the 40xx h released. at first i loved the thought of being able to play some ''bonus'' systems but after having that capability I'm now a bit tired of companies giving us more performance but essentially keeping them as ''ps1 and under'' devices. if you're going to give us more performance and a stick or two, make it so we can play the full n64/dreamcast/psp library or just leave the sticks off. and if you're going to put sticks on it then MAKE THEM BETTER!!

[@park78675]

@@KawikaLee408 I would easily have triple dipped on this one had it either had more power with a better stick, or stayed as it was power wise and dropping the stick as I pretty much LOVE the look of it in white.

[@cho-v4n]

That blue looks incredible 😍

[@BigMigzGaming]

Just ordered the Blue one with the carrying case. can't wait

[@WithADanceNumber]

ordered one of these as my first ever retro handheld. seems like a great starting point for a newbie. good price, good form factor.. excited to try it out :D

[@retrohandhelds]

@@WithADanceNumber hope you enjoy! Great choice

[@davedavenport8673]

Thank you for mentioning bluetooth audio. That is critical for me since my family members are sensory sensitive, and wired headphones suck for me when playing these devices. Maybe some future CFW will make it work so I will still keep checking on it.

[@harmonicaman79]

@@davedavenport8673 same here, that's super important.

[@mattdavis9601]

I saw where there was a new wildfire in California a couple of days ago. It's out in beautiful Mendecino County. My first thought was, "Oh no, Stubbs took his 35XX-SP camping with him." I'm happy to see that you got back unsinged and unsuspected. A few thoughts: • Yay, another obscure ROM recommendation coming in hot! I love Virtua Tennis and this looks like tennis so I'll give it the old college try. Watch it be something completely not tennis; but, totally awesome anyways. • That RG353 you showed in the comparison part of the video is lit. Absolutely smokin'. I like that it doesn't completely knock off certain Game Boy styling cues. It blazes its own path while still being a vertical unit. The R36S clearly copied off of Anbernic's homework. Hot take; the folks at the mysterious "Game Console" company improved the looks ever so slightly. They're both symmetrical in body with twin sticks and that sparks a lot of joy. • I don't really have any opinions that anyone would be stoked to read when it comes to the reviewed 40-V specifically. I don't want to flame the thing because Anbernic clearly burned the midnight oil and it's probably perfect for many of your viewers. The best thing to do is to quench this comment right here.

[@retrohandhelds]

Its always a good day when Matt Davis comments! Luckily no fires where we went camping haha. I appreciate your feedback and thoughts as always!

[@djwrahfael]

I like devices similar to the OG GB but I already have a RG35XXSP which I love so much. Great video as always! 😉

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks man! Great choice

[@KurtDavis-n5q]

i must say i enjoy watching your videos, think i'm gonna buy one of these, i want a nice vertical retro handheld.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@KurtDavis-n5q thanks so much! What one are you considering?

[@kyledupont7711]

Verticals are so much better than mid screen, you wouldn't think it makes much of a difference but the higher the screen, the better it is for your neck, you are looking down 5 or so inches lower with mid screen

[@ChrisKliewer]

Damn, the white model looks gorgeous

[@ThecrazycakeEATAH]

I'm gonna hold off on these 40xx devices until the next MUOS update adds compatibility

[@chucknorris8704]

That white looks so nice

[@retrohandhelds]

Its my favorite

[@FabuBrik]

ditch the half-assed stick and I'm in.

[@shyguy2046]

Awesome review!!! I have big hands so for me when you accidentally pushed the L2 R2 buttons in the back. It was an immediate nope. . But thanks for the epic review

[@retrohandhelds]

For sure! Thanks much. Yeah its tough for us big handed guys, I found if I hold my fingers below the shoulders while not using them, it corrects that issue. Its a bit better than RG405V in this regard as well.

[@shyguy2046]

@@retrohandhelds I also kinda wished the analogue stick was above the dpad . That's a personal preference bro

[@Sadtiric]

I'm glad they've made this, and I'm getting it asap! Just wish they would have waited a whole 'nother month.. 😅 💚

[@danz5607]

Just bought the white version with 256gb sd, its by far their best design, i have a rg503 which has a nice screen but the build quality is not great, feels very cheap and flimsy. ive grown to enjoy it abit more with some theme customization. looking forward to receiving the RG40XXV and seeing what it can do hands on,

[@bigymike808]

@@danz5607 if you get the 256g do you get more games on it from them ?

[@DigitalJedi898]

Current favorite is the rgb20sx but I'm super excited about this one!

[@nach0x]

"Anbernic is back" yeah is not like they release new handheld/variations every 2 to 4 months 🤪

[@retrohandhelds]

😂😅😅

[@Aygross]

Would want to see a comparison to the miyoo mini

[@MarcusIIFerreira]

Hi! Could you answer two of my questions? First: is this device comfortable for long game sessions? Second: This here is more specific. Do you have any idea if the device get warmer when is connected through HDMI functioning as a console? Thank you in advance.

[@retrohandhelds]

Hey there! Yes it's been good in longer play sessions, I haven't used hdmi heat testing, but I can try

[@MarcusIIFerreira]

@@retrohandhelds please.

[@Djehuti-85]

The RG40XXV is *almost* what I am looking for. I cant enjoy the Miyoo Mini+ and prefer about the size of the OG Gameboy. I wish the XXV would be more like the Analogue Pocket, without a joystick, even L1+R2 for SNES isnt necessary. IMO a vertical handheld should be focus on GB/GBC/NES without any compromise, for SNES/N64/PS1 upwards or those who wanna play *everything* with one device choose a horizontal handheld anyways.

[@Adalwolf17]

I must get that blue one

[@sargunsinghsahni5293]

Is this good for Gameboy advance ?? I am looking for a handheld particularly for that system

[@JasonH071]

I literally have no idea what my first handheld should be. Rg35xx plus and this one I was torn between. What do you recommend?

[@retrohandhelds]

I'd go for this over the plus so you have the option of the joystick to play a more diverse range of games, personally. So many to choose from! The CPU and software will be the same on both, so it's really up to personal preference. Getting more function for about the same price seems worth it to me.

[@JasonH071]

@@retrohandhelds thank you, I have followed your advice and got one on order 😆

[@retrohandhelds]

@@JasonH071 Hope you enjoy! What color?

[@JasonH071]

@@retrohandhelds Thanks. I went for the White

[@retrohandhelds]

@@JasonH071 *clean*!

[@hern3ana]

Where can i order that blue-ish d-pad on the miyoo mini plus? It looks great 👍

[@giovannioro1642]

Wish came without the analog. Want the SP but the whole overheating issue is a turn off

[@kitaraksasa]

4:48 Can you share us, where you buy the RG35xx Mod case?

[@saikrishankumar]

With the new Retroid Pocket Mini, it's making it really difficult to choose a new 4 inch device to purchase. I guess the question is, how much will RPM cost.

[@retrohandhelds]

Oh OLED all day, if you have the option. Price though is the thing yeah.

[@overoula]

man you comparing an 60dollar handheld that plays up to ps1 and some dreamcast /psp to a 150-200 dollar device which will play gamecube and even ps2... the pocket mini is more more powerfull but also will be more expensive

[@Lisa313shoe]

Can’t say the h is better because I don’t have that one but the h is great

[@retrohandhelds]

H is neat as well, and many enjoy that one (40XX) I dig the 35XX H a lot.

[@knewkid404]

Is it worth getting if I have the RGB20SX?

[@alexythimia23]

Ordered the purple one. Just love the look

[@evanfogel8069]

Thanks for the review. I have a powkiddy rgb20sx and love the form factor and screen but the d-pad is horrible for me. It’s so mushy and just overall pretty bad. If the d-pad in the 40xxv much better? Is the screen as good? Thanks!

[@retrohandhelds]

For sure! Dpad is a definite step above on this one, screen I still like better on 20sx for colors I think

[@thiagoaraujos]

I modded my RGB20SX with better membranes and tape mod, and kow it's perfect!

[@captgundam00]

It's my first device, which do you recommend, the blue or the white? :)

[@toniejay5090]

@@captgundam00 the black

[@GeekCornerNL]

@retrohandhelds can you showcase nintendo ds games on this handheld please? And maybe nintendo 3d? Mainly the pokemon games.

[@andys_gameroom]

Does the joystick get in the way very much when using the D-pad? This thing looks great and I love the H700 devices.

[@retrohandhelds]

It does not for me, the shoulders do a bit though.

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

Man, Stubbs selling me on a handheld I don’t need. Wish anbernic did had a woodgrain color also

[@retrohandhelds]

I wish (also you don't need it!)

[@SA-ls7cv]

What's the difference with RG35XX plus

[@ttimegaming740]

LOL I played the hell out of Cosmic Smash on Dreamcast back in the day

[@resultsfitnessco]

does it play pokemon games from gba-ds? and silly question, you can save progress on the games? do i need another sd card to do that?

Yes meng

[@burnzy3210]

Very cool but the joystick seems largely useless, would have been better to remove it and set the speaker in the centre.

[@Overgaming92]

For me it's good for N64 and games like Monster hunter on PSP that runs perfectly

[@burnzy3210]

@@Overgaming92 I'm not saying it isn't functional but look at how you have to hold it, that's a sub par experience that you will eventually regret buying into.

[@Overgaming92]

@@burnzy3210 I need it my hands are too Big for a rg35xx :(

[@goldenridges]

Does anyone know if the SD card in my RG35xx plus that's already loaded with games and Batocera will work with the new 40xx?

[@mbjac]

All you need is one vertical and one horizontal the only other question is how portable do you need them to be.

[@JosephTheRocker]

BANGER

[@vanessaamaro5099]

How long does it take to charge?

[@andrewc7475]

I just barely bought the trimui smart pro, but after receiving it yesterday, I’m not convinced the horizontal form factor and clicky buttons are for me… this vertical has me second guessing things a bit. (Mostly interested in GBA)

[@legendsteph7128]

Hey does it have mario, zelda and pokemon games ?

[@YgorNunesprof]

@@legendsteph7128 sure!

[@davidnonsuch4981]

I love when middle-aged white-guy releases a new video about chinese handheld. keep on truckin!

[@retrohandhelds]

I'll take it!

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

Nice shout out

[@retrohandhelds]

[@Nazghoul_89]

Can you speak more on the ergonomics? The ergonomics section didn’t really say much

[@stanmartinel3079]

I had to order mine from China, I hope I have no issues with the language.

[@allansnelder3292]

just bought the indigo and the clear black. the white does look really nice but my issue is i live in a really dusty environment and white will turn into icky brown......

[@koken2372]

I ordered an RG35XX Plus a few days ago, I wish I knew this existed 😓

[@retrohandhelds]

The Plus is still fantastic! Nice to not have the sticks sometimes.

[@clouphon3019]

Ordered the white

[@CaliRaisedXO]

Question...does it come with Pokemon games? Cool video by the way

[@retrohandhelds]

They *might* still be on here, but I believe Anbernic will be removing Nintendo games because of the legal stuff going on.

[@TheSonicbuum]

Yeah I really need to beat Star Ocean Blue spear 2. I got stuck somewhere for some reason. I got to figure out how to get past that part

[@GarethDavidStudio]

Don’t waste your money, got mine a week ago and already white lines down the screen that’s just getting worse. Experience ruined, and now unplayable. Really disappointed with it. Showed so much promise.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@GarethDavidStudio oh noo! Did you contact the shop to replace or refund?

[@IconSince87]

I hope they make a model without the joystick. I would never play a 3d game on this so the joystick just gets in the way for me.

[@chucknorris8704]

Question: How does the build quality compare to something like an OG Gameboy? Like, if you stepped on this Anbernic with your foot with shoes on accidentally, would it survive?

[@retrohandhelds]

Full pressure? That's an interesting test. I don't think the screen will survive, the shell probably.

[@chemicalburrito782]

The 28XX might survive that. I doubt any of the other XX models would - at least not without some significant damage. While I don't have this particular device, the Anbernics I *do* have are significantly worse than devices like pre-Switch Nintendo handhelds and the Sony PSP and Vita in terms of durability. And that's even true of the metal stuff like the RG405M, which I've had to open up and reseat cables to get the screen working again - and that's WITHOUT having dropped or stepped on it - just carrying it around in its case in a backpack. But for the most part, these Anbernics are also far cheaper than those Nintendo or Sony devices were - and the flimsiness at their price point is unsurprising. Those old Game Boys were pretty tough. I'm pretty sure an original Game Boy could survive a full-on assault from Chuck Norris and emerge unscathed. An Anbernic would probably crumble to dust just from being in the same zip code as Chuck Norris.

[@vitorharalambus6537]

Verticals hand cramp central for me lol

[@CLONE_IX]

That white one....hmmm... Thanks for the great video!

[@retrohandhelds]

Glad you enjoyed! Yeah white pops!

[@tommymcguire6014]

thank u

[@timika9814]

it's a shame that we don't talk enough about the noise the triggers make, all Chinese productions make noise, is this "new" version more discreet?

[@retrohandhelds]

@timika9814 shoulders are on the quieter side on this one, but still "thocky". You can hear it in the video at a few points.

[@adamkane7513]

I am hoping this becomes popular enough for a silicone shell. I am a clumsy fukker!

[@retrohandhelds]

Hahaha, I feel you there! I've been known to clumsy.

[@LageWasHere]

353V enters the chat

[@jsonharle]

I love you Stubbs❤❤❤ 😂

[@retrohandhelds]

Love you too! ❤

[@nichi446]

They will announce rg40xx sp then I swear

[@GeekCornerNL]

How about NDS games?

[@TarikA]

I hate the fact that there's no solid black model.

[@wojtekm1777]

Nice thumb

[@retrohandhelds]

[@soniczero532]

Is this android? I like the 353vs.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@soniczero532 ah Linux!

[@campogang3497]

I have no gb games thought it was a glitch so returned and replaced and same

[@uncooked_ham]

My husband has left.

[@retrohandhelds]

Because of the RG40XXV? I'm confused. Please explain further. - Gary

[@uncooked_ham]

@@retrohandhelds It's okay he's back now, he went to the shop to buy some cherry tomatoes and some cable ties. Thank you for your concern Gary.

[@stevenfinch4238]

Another bare h700 soc, cardinal snapping and shoulder button issues. 🙄😅

[@Dr.D00p]

Full disclosure, I don't own one of these vertical handhelds because to me, they just look so damn uncomfortable to use for more than anything but brief 20-minute sessions. They just look like a device to bring on hand cramps and muscle discomfort. Might be OK for smaller Asian hands, just like the N64 controller, but generally larger Western hands...nope.

[@retrohandhelds]

Only a few verticals work for my larger western hands to play comfortably for more than 30 minutes straight, those being the 35XX, Miyoo Mini Plus (with a grip), and this 40XX V so far.

[@allen0088]

Compare the bright whites between devices. Some of these screen have poor contrast. That's a deal breaker. R36s looks right. Rg405v looks like shit

[@Lisa313shoe]

I don’t like vertical handhelds personally

[@retrohandhelds]

When I started in the hobby I didn't either.

[@adamkane7513]

They look good, but comfort wise I choose horizontal everytime. Shame Miyoo never produced a horizontal, OnionOS means I cannot give up my Miyoo Minis!

[@tappersreviews4677]

@@adamkane7513 Miyoo A30 is horizontal. It's actually a very nice small handheld, but not the same guts as the Mini. It does have decent custom FW called Spruce that brings it up a level.

[@RyanKelly-l4l]

anne bur nick

[@jakesmith5278]

Hahahahahahaha...that's not how you throw a fire ball dude. It's alway funny to me to see people who don't play fighting games trying to do fighting game moves. Your timing is off. Russ is getting better though.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ha, I will keep practicing! Usually I edit out how much I suck while warming up and trying the hadouken streak test. This is a little more raw for your enjoyment and amusement!

[@housesg5981]

your right thumb is a little stubbed. nail is short. are you naturally a short tempered person; with frequent need to make decisions on the spot?

[@ArcadeFunBR]

These 2 colors look amazing! 😍 I want it... 🫴

[@STR82DVD]

Oh damn lad! I'm getting the white colourway for sure lad. The analog ripoff must be added to my collection! One question, did you have a tragic farming accident of some sort and the only way the surgeons could give you complete use of your hand again was to graft your large toe onto your hand to give you a new thumb? Just curious. 😉😂🛴

[@retrohandhelds]

Hahaha, that's the best backstory for my thumb yet. I'm using that.

[@STR82DVD]

@@retrohandhelds I thought you'd like that. 😉