Best Midrange Handheld? (RP4 Pro vs RG556)

[@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. ❤️

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@n3xomancer]

can i know what is the name of the gulikit thumbstick?

[@blicky308]

Ngl this is the comment thats making me choose the 556 over the retroid . wanna get these for my 6 and 7 year old as christmas gifts and having swappable gulikit sticks seems like a great way to extend the life of this device . if the kids can get two/three years out of these I'm sold .

[@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!

[@SMG.Trill.92]

Love that Russ Referee cameo! Lol🤣

[@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.

[@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.

[@saikrishankumar]

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

[@MarioMartinez-gu4wg]

Your videos always make the day better. Thanks!

[@spider55661983]

I feeling the same

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@beowolf410]

More of this! Love the SMACKDOWN!!!

[@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!

[@robertleon1195]

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

[@Khemikal_X]

great production bro, it was a fun time

[@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).

[@fmulleady]

TechDweeb & Retro Game Corps are the Kings of the Retro Realm! We expect a big giveaway when TechDweeb reaches 100k lol! Go TD!

[@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 😆

[@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!

[@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.

[@VladNerd]

Amazing video as always, TD. ❤️

[@Hayfever33]

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

[@TechDweeb]

Get back to work!

[@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. 🤤

[@Busyshark92]

I'm going Retroid Pocket 4 Pro!

[@CommanderCOOL45]

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

[@11.darklone]

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

[@jeremysart]

Whichever I go with, I’ll be using it on the tv as much if not more than handheld, so it’s a super tough call. The ergonomics, screen quality and fact that the price comes in slightly under while still doing what I want (psp, ps2, gcn, 3DS, dc) makes the 556 enticing, however the build quality and extra power (future proofing to an extent) and OS of the RP4P make IT enticing as well. Tough call

[@NickyG_vz]

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

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

Please do way more videos like this!

[@TechDweeb]

YES SIR!

[@randyedmonds8742]

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

[@forblaze74]

Russ as the ref had me cackling.

[@itsdeonlol]

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

[@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

[@ChopeZzz]

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

[@tonymurrietta]

Thank you for not making this comparison so over complicated compared to over KZbin channels! Lol

[@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!

[@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.

[@TeepoST88]

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

[@digitizer3627]

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

[@Drivenby]

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

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Great comparison, and uncannily similar to my own thought! It’s funny that we both prefer the device that’s less performant.

[@TechDweeb]

That doesn't surprise me. You seem to be an ergonomics & screen kinda dweeb like me

[@ekinteko]

​@@TechDweeb The RP4p is actually pocketable. The Anbernic RG 556 is not. Huge difference. Your comparison makes as much sense as comparing the Anbernic RG 405M against the AYN Odin Lite. Both similar priced and close in performance, but massively different size and comfort. If you want ergonomics, sure the Anbernic RG 556 is better in bed, but then even better is the AYN Odin2, and even better than that is a ReFurbished SteamDeck, and even better than that is a brand new Valve SteamDeck OLED or ASUS ROG Ally X or the Ayaneo Kun. See how that logic works?

[@ytshotmaker]

No, because the main attribute that has him pitting these devices is price. That's the primary metric - not size, not pocketability. Those are attributes to compare, but price is what puts them in the same category to compare against each other in the first place. Very fair to compare these, and it's a question many ask when looking within this price bracket, RG556 vs rp4pro. Also, 556 is more comfortable in bed than odin 2

[@crystal_is_cozy]

@@ekinteko I think the whole point is that these devices have comparable specs and aren’t that much different in price. Comparing these to an Ayaneo Kun or Steam Deck doesn’t make as much sense because those are both a lot more expensive. So that would not be super logical, yeah. I guess it’s lucky he’s not actually making that comparison 😝. I don’t see how comparing the rp4p and the rg556 doesn’t make sense, though. A lot of people are wondering how these compare to each other, which is why this video even exists. I’m sure if plenty of people ask “should I buy an ayaneo kun or an rg405m” then there would be comparison videos of those, too. But I dunno, not many people ask that.

[@ekinteko]

@@crystal_is_cozy I get your point, but he has totally misunderstood the point of these devices. They have different target audiences. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, is about having the best emulation experience in a device that is pocketable. The Anbernic RG 556, is about making an acceptable device in this under USD $200 (low-cost) segment. So out goes pocketability. Out goes software support. Out goes many other improvements and features it could have had. It's hard not to see the RG 556 as a kneejerk reaction by Anbernic to Retroid and the affordable Pocket 4. Anbernic is a very different company to Retroid. While Retroid is making roughly one device per year, Anbernic does a dozen or more. And it's this throw at the wall and see what sticks approach that truly differentiates them. Retroid was a ragtag team of enthusiasts from around the world from the Retroid 1 to the late-2, but they consolidated their team and headquarters in China back in 2021 and released the long awaited 2+. Around that time they were working on the Retroid Pocket 3, and delayed that device by almost a year, since they got acquired, and now have a parent company from AYN. The team that worked and continue working on the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, they have stuck with their core values. Meanwhile, Anbernic also have a parent company, PowKiddy, and they themselves are a small division of that who focus on higher-priced yet higher-quality products. Yes, Anbernic is just another Generic Chinese Company that "borrows" things from other companies (see Hardkernel). Then they repackage their clones, as their traditional business model. So they have vastly different core values. Historically they have overcharged for this service, gotten away with it too because this is a niche, and retro-enthusiasts have championed them for a lack of options. But they're not alone anymore, and Anbernic is not happy. They finally do have competition in the market, as they're no longer the premium go-to brand. Anbernic is relatively new for offering an AndroidOS system and higher resolution screen and faster processors. They feel much more at home when doing low-cost, low-resolution, Linux-based devices. Stuff like the Anbernic RG 353m (and the like) are really their best products.

[@soulchaser7]

I knew the RP4 Pro gonna win! In Techdweebyness

[@AutumnAdmiral]

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

[@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.

[@toycoma98]

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

[@LogosGaming]

Just ordered my first amberlick ❤ 35xx H shabazazzable ULTRA! see how it Will fair against my baby R36S🎉

[@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.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Thanks for showing me these .

[@jkjkl567]

Moms always pulling pranks like that 😂

[@Baumie11]

Love my RP4 Pro!

[@mattdrifts]

556 wins for me easily I'm only interested a a couple ps2 games. Mostly nnds or ps1. And streaming from ps5 and pc. Oled screen and battery life make it a clean winner for me. I've ordered one and will do the stick fix when it arrives

[@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.

[@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.

[@mattdrifts]

Odins better but not $150 better for many

[@jjayala]

I debated these 2 for a min. Ultimately got the rp4 pro and glad I did. Wrong grip came at first so first 2 weeks I got uses to it even with my gorilla hands. And now I have the grip and it is just super. The portability and just product build is what sold the rp4 pro for me. It just feels very premium and right for what I was looking for.

[@theminimalistgamer4201]

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

[@-Airwalk1616-]

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

[@KyleRuggles]

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

[@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.

[@mattdrifts]

He prefers his 556 anyway

[@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.

[@cosmicgamingunlimited]

These two devices existing is a big win for everyone.

[@TheDarkstar826]

After looking at specs. Rp4 pro is faster than rg556 in real world performance and synthetic performance. AnTuTu 10: Unisoc T820 492038 MediaTek Dimensity 1100 +59% 786669 Geekbench 6 Single Core: Unisoc T820 764 MediaTek Dimensity 1100 +44% 1107 Geekbench 6 Multi Core: Unisoc T820 2301 MediaTek Dimensity 1100 +44% 3332 FP32 (float): Unisoc T820 435 MediaTek Dimensity 1100 +125% 979 If you want something that last long. RP4 Pro. If you want something comfortable but its decent. Get the RG556.

[@mussamussa7483]

Best screen, comfort ergonomic, nice speakers of course RG556

[@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!

[@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! 💚

[@mrplaomeow768]

For me the anbernic rg 556 is the best $100 handheld console. . .tiktok shop flash sale form a few months back

[@Hesiodzz]

Damn i wish those were available outside of the UK, 100 got a 556 is an insane deal

[@SauravSharma3600]

Amazing Video!

[@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.

[@raniel0511]

We need this to become a series and Russ participating

[@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

[@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.

[@thomasbryans6547]

I ended up selling my RP3+ in favor of the RG505. The screen was beautiful and the device just felt better to hold and play. I imagine it’d be the same comparison here.

[@richiecantrell9928]

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

[@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+.

[@davidalvarado4445]

My 556 will forever be a winner in value, simply because I was able to pick up one on the Tiktok shop with a 500 gb SD card for $118!

[@salmansur7529]

I was also on the fence on what to get the rp4 pro or rg556 . I went with the rg556 and been playing it for the past 3 weeks . I gotta say I have thrown everything to it and has played nearly everything I wanted . The rp4 pro is slightly faster as heard but rg556 can play most popular games from the ps2 , GameCube Dreamcast and Saturn and lower era .

[@johnboy4955]

WHAT DUDE!!! You were playing Fortnite on that thing holy cow!!!

[@Red-Revolution708]

I adore this guy.

[@RitzyBusiness]

What a shame, the ambernics screen really has my heart but not willing to get such a broken product. Hopefully more devices start using oleds in the near future. Controls are probably my most important category since 100% of usage is going to be interacting with them. Display comss second.

[@cocozimme]

Im gonna get the cube, it looks so sick 😊

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah I love the look of it!

[@goodbyenicotine8788]

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

[@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.

[@jeremy.wilson]

A big desire of mine for a retro handheld is to have a nice big screen (otherwise I might as well use my Android phone), and my budget is around $200, so after watching all the reviews on the RG556 and the RP4 Pro, I decided to go with the RG556. I was really interested in N64 emulation, since that console has max nostalgia for me. Unfortunately, the analog sticks are truly as bad as they say. I tried playing Goldeneye, but it was impossible to aim properly. I then hooked up an Xbox One controller, and then I had no issues aiming in the game. In Banjo Kazooie, it was difficult to navigate tight platforming challenges. I was also disappointed in the "dockability" of the handheld, since you cannot charge the battery and use the external display capability at the same time (I tried it with two separate docks, and you can check the forums to see others have reported the same issue). If you are doing light emulation, then the battery may last long enough for a decent docked play session, but I just didn't find it to be an acceptable way to dock the console. I will say that the screen is beautiful, and I found the other controls on the console to be perfectly adequate. Emulation performance up to N64 worked without problems, although some shaders even on NES struggled to run smoothly when docked. I think if you don't need precise analog control, and you don't plan to dock the console often, then it may be a good pick for you. This was my first dip into the waters of handheld emulators, and I have since returned the RG556 to Aliexpress. I now think I'll just save up a bit more and wait for Steam Deck refurbs to go on sale again and snatch up a 64 GB model. Anyway, even though it didn't work out for me, thanks for the reviews TechDweeb!

[@-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.

[@GurrehmatO]

If the 556 had better sticks this would be such an immediate choice!

[@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

[@sleepydanpunk]

RG556 rocks. I paid £155 delivered and love it. As you said the screen is ace with rich colours and great blacks. I Recommend changing the R hot key to another front end. I use Beacon which rocks. I’m mainly using it for me fav games Waverace Bluestorm on the gamecube and Tony Hawk 3 on PS2.

[@sarahdaviscc]

I can't believe Hermione added a Subscribe chapter to your video.

[@neilphilippeocampo4420]

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

[@VGFreak]

For ergonomics you should have mentioned the official RP4 Grip, and see how it feels compared to the RG556.

[@Evergreen085]

I personally like the smaller form factor of my RP4 Pro.

[@wanotai91]

RP4 pro is double the price of RG556 in my country... so its a no brainer

[@CupOfNoodlesMusic]

"So without further lolly gagging, lets move on to the blood bath" - TechDweeb's Momma

[@supa-hero7184]

Damn it I really want that rg556 but so many people have issues with the weak wifi signal