RG35XXSP (Flippy Boy) Review - What Others Aren't Telling You

[@VladNerd]

Check the description if you want to help the channel grow. Also, *cool nerds help other nerds out by liking and subscribing.* ❤

[@TechDweeb]

Like for the hammock

[@davidtharp2125]

Damn, you know everybody…

[@TracknJoy]

yeah like too coz it's remind me your f*ckin* review of Paw-Kitty vee ninetee on camping stuff

[@Mullratte]

I like the bulkiness my hands are very large which is funny because when I was a kid when the GBA SP launched it fit in my hands perfectly but now the GBA SP is too small for my hands but when I got my Anbernic SP it felt exactly like how I remember it was to hold the GBA SP

[@Soaches]

Man, the old lady who sells fruit is gonna love this!

[@djwrahfael]

I received mine on monday and I'm loving it. Takes me back to the early 2000s... It's already the best handheld of 2024! 🎉

[@3daystrial]

I much prefer watching your reviews on handhelds compared to the other channels that go so in-depth that most of the time regular consumers just won't care. Unlike your videos, you don't go so much into specs but rather the experience of using these devices. Which is way more important for me. I bought the RG35XXH after watching your videos. I hope your channel grows more.

[@VladNerd]

Thanks a lot! The more direct reviews have their place as well, but yeah, I also like "heart to heart" talks like these. It makes videos way more personal and enjoyable, almost like talking to a friend. Regarding specs, I'd usually put a lot of importance on this, but since most Linux Anbernic handhelds are mostly identical under the hood these days, they quickly lost a lot of relevance (at least currently). When something with different specs comes along, I'll be one of the first nerds to concentrate on that. 😁

[@davidtharp2125]

1st time…

[@justarandomguy2126]

I was never a fan of OG SP back then, so this Anbernic SP doesn't attract me at all, but yeah, nostalgia plays a big role on these things and they know it. That's why I love my GB-colored RG35XX Plus, despite its black bezels 😂

[@mrp1zz492]

Actually the black bezels help hide where the screen has bezels from running a system that is wide screen. I have the gray unit like in the video and the gray bezels are my only gripe. A small gripe tho.

[@justsomebody-1665]

I love my flippy boy! The thickness makes it more comfy to hold for long periods, I think. And it still fits in my pocket just fine. Plus I can throw it in my car or pocket or bag and I dont need a case to protect it.

[@VladNerd]

Which color Flippy boy you're rocking, my guy?

[@justsomebody-1665]

@@VladNerd I've got the silver one

[@LogicProphet]

One reviewer stated that you can turn the buttons to analog sticks by double tapping the power button. I haven't gotten around to confirm it but for games that use the sticks as camera adjustments this would be a better than nothing. Can anyone confirm that? I asked on reddit and fb and can't get a clear answer.

[@derekgonsoulin116]

"It would be Flippy Boy awesome if you joined the channel." FTFY

[@FS-zt6tm]

I have a black transparent one and my hinge creaks. I think it has more to do with the hinge mechanism than the plastics on the device

[@VladNerd]

Thanks for telling me this. Then the only thing that comes to my mind is that some might have tightly-screwed hinges. In which case, there should be an easy fix for this. I'll cover this in a next video once I open blueboy up.

[@STR82DVD]

Personally, I think it's going to more popular than the OG Miyoo. Just my opinion. Thanks Vlad. BTW, I was older than you NOW when the original SP was released. Just saying, still looking for my tree.

[@VladNerd]

You need to wait until i build that cabin first. Then you can accidentally find it while looking for that tree, and we'll crack open a couple of beers by the campfire and share stories about how horrible those Atari 2600 thumbstick controllers were!

[@STR82DVD]

@@VladNerd LMAO. Youngster. Critter.

[@Hulkachan]

I love mine, feels great and stock OS is waaay better than my OG RG35XX. Now we need a RG35XX DS.

[@jang.6097]

I am sorry. None needs it...

[@VladNerd]

I have this theory that Anbernic will try to sell us just about any form factor imaginable. My money is on "just wait and it'll happen". 😄

[@MadShmupper]

Anbernic, hear me!! Give us an ANBERNIC LYNX!😀👾

[@TheScripflipNetwork]

Yes, the thumb sticks are sorely missed which makes me only more prepared for a 3ds ripoff from Anbernic

[@VladNerd]

Give them a couple of months 😆

[@TheScripflipNetwork]

@@VladNerd lol yerp

[@Tynted]

One thing I don't think I've seen any reviewer talk about is the fact that the flippy screen keeps it at a much better angle for you to look at while you play it. As in, you don't have to crane your head lower or hold/angle your hands as severely to get into a good position for playing/viewing the screen. I think this makes it significantly more comfortable to game on than a flat device like a phone or the RG35XX H for example. And if you have a 3D printer, you can print out a grip for it so that you can have a more comfortable grip on the device when you want long sessions.

[@kklum6998]

My blue boy arrived yesterday. Nostalgia. No Mario though.

[@GameOver_Jay]

About the creak. You are probably hearing the screen ribbon "flick" across itself. You can maybe fix by rewrapping it. Can even see them touching on the transparent ones.

[@VladNerd]

The blue one doesn't creak though, buy thanks for the tip! I'll keep an eye out for this when I open up greyboy. 🍻

[@GameOver_Jay]

@@VladNerd my blue creaks and I can see the ribbon flicking off each other. But figured best to ignore it lol. Don't wanna break that.

[@soupnazi81]

Definitely do the button tape mod like Retrogamecorps. Made a huge difference for sound and button directness for me.

[@VladNerd]

I'm thinking of covering moding this thing in a future video (can't wait to put a VN logo in it)

[@soupnazi81]

@@VladNerd yeah that would be awesome behind the clear blue shell. One thing to try is print something but ensure the blue channel isnt printed so the blue shell will compensate. (so item isn't a blue tint)

[@JankenChamp]

Great video!! Your channel icon would look sweet under the hood of that blue one. Although the A30 took the wind out of my sail,.. I'm still hoping for a great Miyoo "flippy boy".

[@whocares5114]

Missing an analog stick is a big let down for me. N64 Dreamcast and PS1 emulation depend on it.

[@GrimMeNaCe]

PS1 doesn't depend on it, the console only had a d-pad before it got joysticks. Ape Escape from what I know is the only one that requires the joystick.

[@AndrewStottisTheIndiWerWlf]

Great video. I love mine and I'm so glad it doesn't have thumb sticks!

[@VladNerd]

Glad you like it!

[@urdadspapi7248]

Fun fact if you press the power button on the side once the d pad turns into a joystick

[@NonyaDamnbusiness]

I have both the Anbernic SP and an original GBA SP. Fun fact: when a plastic case is put on the GBA SP it's the same exact size as the Anbernic SP. Same. Exact. Size.

[@joeym4090]

I think that the SP is amazing. I have the gray one and it looks very retro looking. I like the fact that on games that require a joystick, if you press the power button it will enable the joystick functionality on the dpad without requiring mapping. That’s an amazing feature. However, after playing for an hour non-stop, I noticed that my hands were hurting. I had not experience pain with the H, the Plus, or even the tiny 28xx. Maybe I’m getting old, Lol. Who knows. I still like it though. The clicky buttons make noise but if you’re wearing headphones, you won’t noticed it. And there’s something about the clicky sound that makes the gaming experience fun. However, for sure it won’t be the handheld for times when I’m waiting at the doctors office etc. i will still play games but perhaps not for an hour straight. Lol. I believe out of the 35xx family, the H is by far my favorite all in one hand held and the price is a no brainer to own an least 2. I’m hoping Anbernic releases a retro gray version of the H to complement the handhelds I have. So Anbernic if you’re reading this…. Give us a retro gray if the H.

[@Solid_Snack]

A real sp is double the costs for inferior screen and short battery also you have to buy games.

[@rvkasper]

You've arrived and I'm so happy 🎉 someone finally sent you a device. Well deserved fellow nerd

[@Edwinschuur]

I don't understand the criticism for nothing having sticks. That's basically the point if this device. To resemble a GBA So as much as possible. There are 4 different devices in the RG35xx family so everyone can buy what suits them. With the same reasoning I don't understand people buying the H version and taking off the sticks when you could have gone for another device in the family without them.

[@chuckwhite7941]

I'm with you Vlad, I want thumb sticks and am anticipating the miyoo flip, that being said I'm a weak man and have my flippy boy in the mail as we speak lol

[@bland9876]

Removing the thumb stick doesn't make any sense and I'm very confused by anyone would do that Just ignore them if you don't want to use them. Also I could have swore I saw a clamshell device that had thumb sticks but I could be wrong. I do remember I saw a KZbin video where the KZbinr had a device that looked like an SP but it was smaller than an official SP If size is a big problem for you.

[@WillC1020]

Thanks for the heads up, my transparent black 35XXSP arrives today. I have the H and love it, but I like the nostalgic form factor of the SP. I may try a different CFW for the SP. I already use modified stock on the H.

[@DWS2020]

I mean this as a compliment. But you kind of look like Post Malone without all the tattoos. I thought that was pretty cool. Thank you for the video. I've got a blue one coming tomorrow.

[@VladNerd]

Surprisingly enough, that's not the first time I've heard that. 😆

[@davidtharp2125]

I love your both your accent & sense of humor…

[@Nielss5913]

This way of explanation is really awesome❤❤❤😂🎉

[@greenprotag]

Generally speaking, I started calling it the "35-SP" I have the clear blue and I love it. I am waiting for Knulli to add the sleep function to the lid and I will be 100% satisfied. I am also actively researching portmaster ports like SkiFree and Space Cadet Pinball

[@greenprotag]

Also, I personally don't mind the bulk, but would like it slimmer. Overall it still does the thing I am concerned about the most... it protects the screen

[@davidtharp2125]

I love your both your accent & sense of humor…

[@topherperry3244]

I bought the silver the first week this was available. I had hinge creak issues as well. I also felt it was too bulky. I wanted to replace my Miyoo Mini + with something more powerful and portable but wasn’t satisfied. I returned it and got the 28xx instead. I’m glad I did too, GBA just looks gorgeous on the smaller screen and it just slides into my pocket.

[@KeeYeongTan]

I have a blue boy but have been lusting over the IBM PC Grey one for a while now... all I need is a little sale to push me over the edge!

[@Warrior0fDoom]

I really enjoy your videos. They are like talking to a friend between classes 😁

[@VladNerd]

That's exactly how I wanted them to feel! Glad you picked up on that. 🥰

[@kenysc]

“this mother flipper” 😂😂😂

[@Mystninja]

I can't wait for the RG40xxsp

[@NipplesOfDestiny]

My opinion on thumbsticks: like cars, they're nice when they're new, but they have rubber parts that need to be replaced and by the time they wear out they don't make parts for them anymore. That's where you contact it the most often too, imagine buyng a car that you can't change the tires? If they're rubber parts and they're not easily replaceable I don't want them

[@nzxtsnue1139]

they should have put 3ds thumbstick , with a normal stick the device would have been much thinker.

[@andrerodriguesuzmakiuchiha1059]

Your explanation is great. I really wanted this RG35xx SP. It was my dream, especially the blue color. My original was stolen by my addicted friend. He glued it without me. This console is great, but I can't afford to buy it for several reasons. When it turns out that this product is available, my entire childhood was liberating. I'm from Brazil. tumara translator is great from google

[@roberthunter7247]

This man is a different kind of Post Malone, in my opinion.

[@neilfarquhar716]

The cardigan chess club friend and the go to the rave and tell jokes friend... I feel like we need both of these friends in our lives to be a complete human being. I'm going to buy both. Great video Vlad, love your work brother 😃👍🏻

[@mrp1zz492]

I agree with you on a lot of things but the SP is very much so the most pocketable. While it is a thick boi, that's all it is. Its very small in length and width so it fits the pocket better. It also protects the screen so you dont have to worry about being delicate going in and out of the pocket. The RG35xxH is less pocketable because it's screen is exposed and you're messing up your analog sticks. The SP is the ideal for any retro style games that don't use analog sticks. And if i want sticks I can just use a Bluetooth controller. I like my handheld without the sticks so its not as cluttered as well.

[@YouJGSousa]

For me the problem is how hard the buttons are no the sound. For a game like contra you either use turbo or your finger will be destroyed after some minutes of play.

[@LautrecDS]

I use It expecially for Pokémon hack roms, cause I hate to play on the smartphone touchscreen. I didnt have the Nintendo sp but i play a lot on the Nintendo Ds and the gb color. And the shell configuration for me works the best cause I can put It wherever I want without risking to scratch the screen. Just an amazing console

[@IM0001]

While I love the Retro Colors of these things, it's the transparent models that just, are so dang neat and well, that's why both my RG35XX H and Plus are both transparent colors. And my Steam Deck OLED LE, etc...

[@reggieh6038]

i try to stay away from clear plastics as those tend to be the weakest kind. since this is a flip up i can't see the hinges lasting long. Please anbernic make a solid black one that isn't clear. I always wanted the black gb sp

[@leuchtrakete7093]

cant decide between these two color patterns? which to choose? :0

[@EnchikSama]

FINALLY YOU DID IT, THE VOLUME IS LOUD,U ARE NOT SOFT, YESSSAAAAA!!!!

[@VladNerd]

Yeah, finding the right settings for this flipping mic took way longer than I wanted tbh. I'm glad it finally outputs decent sound.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

I would say the flip screen is for protecting the screen from scratches.

[@stewartlegg2269]

Im waiting for the RG35xxsp V2 :)

[@seraeo8226]

Man, I just recently got into the retro handheld space. Been loving my RG35XX Plus (Mother No-Flipper) but your channel is by far my favorite retro handheld channel! The humor is on point, the focus on the overall feel and user experience with the device is refreshing to say the least! #PeopleAreHorriblePetsReignSupreme

[@VladNerd]

Thanks so much! ❤️ Also, loving the hashtag. 😁

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

I disagree about the size. Unless you're putting the device straight in your pocket with no other items, a standard handheld is going to need some sort of case to protect the screen and controls. Those cases add a lot of bulk. The SP form factor eliminates the need for a case, so the end result is much more compact.

[@VladNerd]

Fair point, but I also think that something like the RG35XX H would be pretty safe. I mean, the thing still has plastic around the screen + in case of a drop, the sticks and buttons would be the first ones making contact. It'd still be more vulnerable than the SP, but overall more protected than we might think at first glance. It's great for how it is, but I still think Anbernic could've made it slimmer, though. :)

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

@@VladNerd Yes I'm sure they could have. Maybe they decided that a thicker design would more closely resemble the SP, and at the same time allow them to use a bigger battery. There certainly doesn't seem to be any wasted space inside the unit, so maybe the slimmer design seen in that engineering model didn't work out for some reason.

[@FS-zt6tm]

if the miyoo flip can fix the issues with the rg35xxsp (clicky buttons, thickness and lack of thumbstick(s)) I wouldn't mind double dipping and picking one up even though I bought the sp. I just love this form factor. I mainly want thumbsticks. I'll even be happy with just one thumbstick where the speaker is located on the sp considering most games this thing will be able to emulate require only one

[@mdr8615]

Our teams are facing off in the EC tonight. May the best Nerds win!

[@catalinnicolaevici2061]

Love this bro glad someone pointed this out! This could make some ppl mad. Also I have a idea! Maybe you can help out! I wanna make a baby RGB thin film lair with different color LEDs with a baby lithium battery and it's own micro charge controller that all you have to do is remove some screws unplug your battery then plug in a 2 way wire for the battery and bam! RGB in these thing is I down own the RG3xxSP I own a RG405V clear purple which I absolutely love and I still have a RG353V black clear. Send me a message back if you can tell me if your battery is soldered to the abernic motherboard or is it a plug that you can pop out cause I wanna make these for bunch of different models. Also you seem like a real smart person being European im guessing. I'm Romanian lol but you can help with the designs also the thickness could work in our favor for this idea

[@BeatemupMaster]

Well, you can hate it, because it has no Arcade Stick for Real Arcade Nostalgic 😂👍

[@CaDzA818]

From what i have herd and you didn't talk about, some people don't like loudness of buttons, i hope if they make them more soff, if they manage to make device more slim it would be instant hit.

[@VladNerd]

they're a bit clicky, but that didn't really bother me. You're right, I should've totally mentioned it. I'll cover it in a next video where I mod the RG35XXSP to fix this. :)

[@Veddy74]

I got both of those and the black, too. The DMG looks great, but I worry it will scuff too easily.

[@VladNerd]

I'm actually looking into getting some rubber pads from AE exactly for this reason. It looks like it's gonna gather scratches like a mflipper

[@yugo85]

Really enjoyed this review! I already got my hands on the silver one and I am really enjoying it! The only thing I'm not fond of is the clickyness of the buttons and they're not super comfy to use when playing racing games like mario kart but beyond that, it's one of my favourites :D

[@VladNerd]

These clicky buttons I really don't mind. I'm still pretty upset at whoever decided to put "mouse-like-clicky-buttons" on controllers, though. ... some people just want to watch the world burn, I guess. 😄

[@crashingthroughnothing]

You completely lost me in the comparison between the two Edit: watched a bit more of the video and realized it was a rationalization to justify having both. Fair enough lol

[@Veddy74]

I was 29 when the SP came out, I owned platinum.

[@ASAN2042]

It's a fun device but I can't get over how great my 35xx+ feels in hand.

[@shiryu105]

Yea I first bought the RG35XXH but Pokemon games feel so much more right on the RG35XX Plus

[@BombayFr33sia]

LMAO my blue boy legit just got delivered today so i was picking up when i started watching your video. Yeah i... would have really preferred something thinner but im very excited regardless

[@PongbyAtari]

I purchased the Anbernic SP knowing I was mainly going to play the GB family of games and consoles up to the SNES so I'm fine with not having thumbsticks I actually prefer it without sticks.

[@eucharistenjoyer]

I wish Powkiddy would make an updated version of the V90. Make the screen actually 3" (instead of 2.7"), make it 640x480 and add a beefier processor (something like the one from the R36S would be more than enough). It can actually play GBA through GPSP 1.2.2 pretty dang well, but sadly we have no GBA color correction or grid shaders. If we at least had enough resolution to scale it without looking like shit (or have an actual integer scaling, which is impossible on the 320x240), that be more than enough.

[@VladNerd]

I'd so love to see that happen. It'd be a day one purchase for me!

[@exodous02]

I wonder if someone will figure out the hinges. On reddit someone had one that was missing what looked like a bolt in the hinge. It looks like it can be tightened to adjust the holding/closing force and maybe the angle. I love mine, I have the blue, I had my Steam Deck on once in the since I got mine. That what it is for me, a companion for my Steam Deck. If my SP plays it that is where it is played, saving my Steam Deck battery life.

[@robertnewton2304]

I can't decide on whether I like the RP Flip or the SP better... I am thinking about doing PS2, PSP, N64 and GC on the Flip and older on the SP... But man I love these handhelds haha

[@catalinnicolaevici2061]

The color thing you pointed out I can almost put money down on its deferent manufacturers of the case there not made in the same place also makes sence why the plastic is different

[@piper77]

i got the blue boy and love it. some of the emulation doesn't translate well because the lack of thumbsticks. i like it still but now one the RG Cube now because it emulations my favorite generations of the PS2/Game Cube era, and it's also android.

[@DeshanNaidoo]

Dude, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I have a question: If u had a choice between the RG35XX SP, H, or Plus, and u could only have 1. Which would it be? The H, right?

[@VladNerd]

That's literally a video idea that I have. Not to leave you hanging my nerd, but you have to wait a bit on this one. 😄

[@DeshanNaidoo]

@@VladNerd that's fine. I eagerly look forward to it!

[@pedrocasevero7019]

12:42 is that the psp version of pac-man?

[@VladNerd]

Heck yeah, sharp eyes you have there. :)

[@Rayu25Demon]

Vlad is back ❤❤❤❤

[@VladNerd]

You know it! ❤️ I need to figure out how to streamline these videos. Nowadays it takes me roughly 4.5 days to push one out. I'd love it if I could lower this down to one every 2 days or so.

[@NicoSensei]

Honestly the size is a non-issue. It's not that bigger than the OG SP, it's way heavier though.

[@dustyr112]

Lovin' your content, Vlad! Kisses bro!

[@davidtharp2125]

You also have to take planned obsolescence into consideration…

[@davidtharp2125]

Have you seen Tech Dweeb’s actual face?

[@stevedogwildman2133]

Is this better than an XU10?

[@Chrisdumm1]

GBA Rave Cool Kid Blue. 😎 Sign me up.

[@gem8164]

tell us more about firmware for this tools , custom ...

[@VladNerd]

Will do. I just couldn't stuff everything in one video (it'd take forever). :) Expect other videos on this, though!

[@GreenTeaViewer]

Flippy boy vs flipzizzle: who wins? That is the real question you must address.

[@VladNerd]

They are natural allies. Sworn to always rise up for each other!

[@redpaw1234]

Kareem benzema?

[@LogosGaming]

Vlad bro i would like to ask you when Knulli or Mu OS master Portmaster on the codee and compability department you please make a video to led US know. Knulli hás bigger potencial but Portmaster is better só far on MU OS.

[@Stunnax757]

Went through all your videos (okay, maybe only like 10 or so) waiting to see your pet Bear...

[@VladNerd]

No pet bear, I'm afraid. Just a black cat. 😆

[@davidtharp2125]

1. Trimui Smart Pro 2. RGB30 3. RG35XX H 4. RG35XXSP

[@DARTHDANSAN]

I ordered one today

[@benpregent]

I have a silver and a silver and I have the same differences between the two. Except my blue one (newer batch) has way quieter and easier to press switches on the buttons. It's quieter and softer than the one with the tape mod

[@VladNerd]

Thanks for confirming it!

[@westonscampbell]

Are you saying Anbernic is already releasing new revisions with quieter buttons? I just ordered a Gray SP model from their official AliExpress page about 2 days ago. I'm wondering how mine will be.

[@benpregent]

​@@westonscampbellI took apart the new blue one to do the tape mod and there was a little removable heat shield between the battery and the cpu! They definitely made changes already! So I did the tape mode for the sound, the actuation force was already lower on the new ones.

[@brownwallet942]

Which color is the best looking in person is all I need to know

[@VladNerd]

I like the blue one, but I have this suspicion that black also looks gorgeous irl.

[@jayp3564]

I want one so bad but I'm holding out for a better version. Size, no left joystick and proper sleep just holds me back right now. Plus it's higher priced than the rg35xxH which I have already.

[@VladNerd]

Yeah, the H is actually very nice as well. It's a real swiss army knife type of handheld. Still one of my favorites. ❤️

[@Filsaveol]

What about fingerprints? Do they smudge easily? Do the transparent show less dirt?

[@VladNerd]

I haven't noticed smudging on either tbh. They have a slightly matte surface to them, which helps with this. Scratches might be way more visible on the non-transparent ones though, since they don't have a rubberized pad underneath like the RG35XXH. :)

[@Filsaveol]

@@VladNerd thank you for answering, my dear nerd!

[@KingKalos5th]

Different plastic or quality control issues... Thank you for the Honest review Vlad!

[@VladNerd]

Definitely different plastic. I think the transparent ones have a slightly softer plastic used for the shell. This doesn't mean "lower quality" plastic, but it's a notable difference nonetheless! :)

[@KingKalos5th]

@@VladNerd I meant the squeaking and yeah now reading the comment I do realise I didn't specify. :)

[@LogosGaming]

I need thumsticks the H, is better🎉 BTW my favourite console is GBA

[@eatereater6312]

I should’ve got the DMG instead of the silver…

[@VladNerd]

The silver is nice as well. I think Anbernic just wants us to collect all colors like Pokemon cards. 😄

[@bland9876]

Not show this guy an Nvidia Shield if he thinks this thing is too thick when closed.

[@seethruhead7119]

this device needed a different chip with a real sleep function (like the trimiu smart pro) and it needed a better screen for GBA! gba sucks on this screen, the text is all wobbly and crazy. 640x480 will never be good for gba my rg35xxSP has seen almost no serious playtime because of these two issues. I don't it will ever make it into regular use for me

[@RetroWolfsGamingDen]

Now you got me waiting for the blue one 😂🎉