This Weird Retro Handheld is Actually Pretty Great // RG Cube Review

[@lloydmilton9808]

I recently bought this for my wife and she loves it! She isn't as fussy as I am with her systems but she is a big fan of owning something that she can easily stash in her pocket when we are on the go. It won't likely replace her Steam Deck or Odin but it is powerful enough to play most emulators and android games. The fact that it has RGB lighting was a huge plus. I love that you've included Legacy of the Wizard in several of your videos. I was a huge fan of this game when I was in high school and still play it from time to time on my handheld devices.

[@MiDonGo]

Thanks! I've watched hundreds upon millions of your reviews(like you mentioned in a previous video) to help me decide on which device to decide on what to put under the tree this year. This is the one. Now if only Litnxt could make a Tech Dweeb theme for it...

[@SPAGGET_T]

I’m a simp for Tech Dweeb. You represent everything that I love about retro gaming! Just the greatest attitude and genuine love for all things retro gaming. Amazing vids and what a guy

[@mercyblack0101]

💯

[@TechDweeb]

Aw shucks 😊

[@aaronwalker1615]

​@@TechDweeb@ Well, definitely 😁 friends with that guy Russ 😜...

[@GoyoFreecs]

yep, we love this guy

[@tofu5690]

lately you've been dropping videos right when i end my shift and its a great gift to relax after work , keep it up dweeb!

[@VladNerd]

Amazing review, TD! ❤️

[@MisterDrumsNoob]

Hello, my beautiful dear nerd

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks motherflipper!

[@kratosonator]

I’ve decided to go for RGB30. I also bought odin 2 for ps2/gamecube/switch as I appreciate the larger screen. I do think this is quite a unique device if you’re fine with the smaller screen. Also, the way you review stuff is pure gold. I can’t stop watching your reviews even though I already found my top picks for handhelds.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Great review Nerd! This thing look so good! One Thing I wanted to say is most WII games have the option to be played in 4:3 and not 16:9 if you choose, making it look way better for this screen.

[@NekoLovely607]

I recently got the rg cube and I love it. It's soo cute! ❤ It's a like a cute chonky lil steamdeck. I'm one of the lucky ones that didn't get light bleed on mine. And it also plays certain switch games really well. I'm currently playing cattails wildwood and it plays very smoothly.

[@azucarilla11]

You are a super endearing guy, I loved the review and I love the vibes on your channel.

[@TechDweeb]

Aww thanks!

[@Arrows-N-eyez]

Man... we really are living in the future right now with all the dope things we can do with such tiny devices. It's just really crazy to think about.

[@edwardbell8771]

Good time to be alive for once

[@mattw.856]

Can you imagine having one of these fully loaded back in the late 80s or early 90s? You'd be a god at school lol.

[@canabisquick]

Such a great video. Tons of info, explaining everything we need to know, and your professional opinion on how you feel about this device. Not many channels do it this well, thank you!

[@arielcarrillobuzo9916]

I love my RGB30. In honestly having a blast with it (got it because of tour review btw!).that being said, this chunky guy seems like the perfect upgrade. Maybe once my RGB30 dies i could justify upgrading to this one (or maybe even a better upgraded verdion released further down the line). Thanks for the review!

[@deathtollwrx]

You know what's great? Waking up and making coffee just to see a new TechDweeb video!

[@TechDweeb]

The finer things in life

[@gvipaiva]

There's actually a Root Beer link on the doodad below. Oh TechDweeb, what a guy!

[@PaperBanjo64]

Techdweeb is a man of culture! Root beer bros unite!

[@brickinacup6303]

the white with rainbow buttons variant of this is just perfect for me because i love rainbow buttons on controllers

[@flightless]

I absolutely love my RG Cube! Looking forward to GammaOS support to fix the sticks and remove the RG Launcher 😅 This thing is suprisingly powerful! I have the black one, which looks great and helps you forget about the black borders you'll be seeing in most games. I expected to play more older games on it, but I've actually be gravitating toward newer ones. Psx looks suprisingly great here, but I've been playing a lot of gamecube and even switch (yes, I know, despite how itty bitty 16:9 games are on this screen). The biggest thing for me are the ergonomics and practically weightlessness of this device. You can play it practically forever without discomfort and fatigue.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

The cardinal snapping has been fixed by users. Thank God 😆

[@gamesbymanuel]

How I hope that fix also makes it to other Anbernic devices!

[@CapnRetro]

Video tutorials?

[@artemmakhaydinov3586]

is it fixed only in android devices?

[@rainydaygirlz]

link?

[@keevacarroll5768]

Where is this information?

[@jasonshiers5771]

I've just ordered the Cube can't wait to get my hands on it

[@STR82DVD]

Great colourway lad. I went with the white rather than grey this time. My first one by one except for my Funkey S critters. Should be fun to experiment with. Great critique young lad. Thanks kid.

[@anthonycastaneda7311]

Wow, this review made me reconsider wanting a more premium device. Like the thing just radiates fun

[@bryndal36]

Awesome review and the Cube looks like a cool device for those systems that work well on it. With that said, I'm glad that I went the extra mile getting an Ayaneo Pocket Air as having the widescreen means I can also enjoy games that utilize that as well. But yes, you're correct in that Android devices do need to be tinkered with to get stuff working but that's ok also. I had an Ambernic RG351P and as good as it was that everything was setup to run on it out of the box, it wasn't powerful enough to run higher end games.

[@beowolf410]

This device looks great. Another great video. I feel like anbernic takes more chances with their devices to see what sticks. 405V was also a weird device that for some reason felt great in the hands.

[@8bitnation419]

Great for Gameboy, DS and Vertical Arcade Games. Love the Sega Style DPad.

[@AvidNarwhal829]

Idk about any of the other dweebs, but I would love to hear more about your dnd hobby!

[@zehdarian81]

Excellent choice on the DOTS in your pocket.

[@morterox2]

You summarized it very well, you could expand a little on the hussle that it is to use it connected to a TV vs the RGB30 wirth ArkOS which is just plug and play

[@AsciiSmoke]

Really hope that an 'H' version turns up with the same internals but with a 3:2 screen, which I feel is the best compromise between 16:9 and 4:3, and also perfect for GBA. I really want to play the whole range from 16bit systems up through to GC, PSP and some Switch.

[@TechDweeb]

I'm so with you. 3:2 screens are the perfect middle ground.

[@JD96893]

I think it's better just to get a handheld for 2d and then one for 3d. I can't stand the dpad position on the bottom when play games that use it and I can't stand the analog stick on the bottom when I'm playing games that need it. Steam deck is the only handheld to do this right. They are both very close and the same height. Ergonomic wise it is better to just have and an analog centric device like the cube and then a cheaper dpad centric device like the 35xx or miyoo mini. .

[@michaeldemers2716]

DS,3DS,Gamecube,Pico 8,Wii,Dreamcast, PSP, low end Switch. I am in. Plus I like how it keeps its aspect ratio on a touch monitor.

[@X862go]

I love this little guy. Mine gets here tomorrow 🎉

[@JonathanHeben]

Did your unit have any light blled issues?

[@X862go]

@@JonathanHeben ill let you know in a few hours. I'm at work atm but it should be at my house by 5pm.

[@nickentros]

The cardinal direction snapping is going to be fixed by GammaOS when that comes out

[@TechDweeb]

Gamma will save us!

[@cuongdc_unreal]

love your pocket test :D

[@TechDweeb]

🍬

[@KrazyShark]

Good stuff as usual. Can't wait to see your review of the Powkiddy V10 (if it's on the way) :)) Also wish for a version 2 of the RGB30 fixing most of the issues but yeah, guess Anbernic made their premium option and it looks great.

[@ismailmuttaqien1203]

Watched several of your vid, this one got me. I subscribe.

[@TechDweeb]

Glad I got ya!

[@CornyPuddle]

Very interesting device. Thank you for the video!

[@albertiglesias5309]

I already have the RGB30. I love GBA on the RGB30. Only gripe is long play time cramps my hands. Maybe this cube will remedy my old man finger cramps..

[@DemocracyJones]

I just recently got a RGB30 and it's not displaying the battery percentage correctly. You having that issue too? Battery percentage is wonky on JELOS, ROCKNIX, and ArkOS. I also opened it up and disconnected the battery for a while which I read as a possible solution from someone else on Reddit

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

Have you considered a custom made controller grip? There are some options on Etsy for 15-20 bucks. I have pretty big hands, so, I usually need to get a comfortable grip for any handheld I use, lol.

[@arielcarrillobuzo9916]

​@@Lost_n_Found_1I totally agree! I honestly find the RGB30 quite comfortable considering it's flat, but I decided to buy a 3D printed grip and the comfy levels went through the roof. Especially playing twin stick games it feels like night and day.

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

@@arielcarrillobuzo9916 That's what's I'm talkin' about! Game on!

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

@@arielcarrillobuzo9916 That's what's I'm talking about, dude! Game on!

[@STR82DVD]

I laughed and laughed; you're definitely NOT getting advance review units from Anbernic! 😂

[@TechDweeb]

I made my bed, now time to sleep in it!

[@STR82DVD]

@@TechDweeb I predict an interruption in your REM cycle. Ownership of one's convictions is often painfully disruptive. 😉🤘

[@litnxt_official]

Great video as usual!!😉❤‍🔥

[@Reed-Publications]

I finally found a fellow gamer who appreciates the D-Pad on top!

[@titantim]

I have an RGB30 and love it. My main gripes with it are the cpu power, the clunky square feel to it, lack of proper sleep mode, and annoying charging issues. That being said, I'm now a proud owner of the RG Cube, and it fixes all the issues I had with the RGB30 (Just for a premium). I'll sell off my RGB30 and RP3+ to justify this one.

[@adinwalls]

Wait… that was me… in that second about Winlator… yes it was me. Also, there’s been an update so when I work on my Cube video I will simultaneously update my written guide about winlator. So sorry if you went there and it didn’t work, which is probably won’t.

[@TechDweeb]

Oh, is there special considerations for the Cube? I didn't do it yet (because I'm holding off spending a lot of time customizing this until we get Gamma OS, since I'll need to start from scratch when that drops).

[@Heru3005]

That D-pad speaks to my soul.

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

You put candy in your pocket for a bit... You're an absolute madman!

[@Nick-hz9no]

Thanks for the video! I'm curious why no mention of DS? On that note, can we get a dedicated video about the BEST ways to play DS games? Like, with touch controls? is it a vertical tablet, is it your cell phone? The DS has such an incredible lib, but seems no one ever gives it enough love.

[@EnbyFish]

I’ve been looking at this one closely. It’s definitely tempting

[@GearWorksRc]

I can’t wait to get one I’ll be playing mine in a couple of months.

[@AndrewStottisTheIndiWerWlf]

You and the Wolff and your Mary-Oh. You're lucky you're both otherwise wonderful and make amazing videos.

[@drewgrgich]

Can't wait to compare this to the Retroid Pocket 5.

[@walled_city_98]

Your videos are incredibly, truly

[@alexanderthompson6296]

Thanks for the review

[@Bruwulf]

My one gripe is what you touched on in the end... It's gorgeous, looks comfortable, etc... but it's expensive for a retro gaming handheld. It's creeping closer to "PC gaming handheld" prices than I like.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

The cube is pretty much a perfect shmup machine... I almost ordered it a few times, but I'm still waiting for my Odin 2 mini to ship 😄

[@mont-doggBeats]

Part of me is tempted to get the cube also its almost the perfect little device that emulates up to just the right generation of systems…but the odin 2 mini is literally the perfect device for me. Nothing is touching it as far as specs , design and size

[@Aaron-ge7ho]

I really enjoy TOO MUCH this kind of Dpad. It's like the one i have most used in my childhood with SEGA consoles in the 90ies and still the most confortable to the fingers i already could try among the vast selection of game controllers i already touched in 35 years! The downside that makes me not considering this amazing cube as a second travel "gameboy" is it's price beeing so near the RG556 while having almost the same specs other than screen format and resolution, which turn the 556 a better option (for me). But if i would use it just as my main device to play on the go and also when conected in a TV at home or whatever i was crashing, theres no why not consider it. Anyway. That was a really good review: straight to the point as showing the thing and what can be done with it after a little intro. Hard to find stuff like it about new products nowadays!

[@marimakesstuff3900]

neat little device. I love my steam deck for gamecube and ps2 but it's too big for my hands for long play sessions and portability. I might look into buying this one

[@CapnRetro]

TD, I got a question. You mentioned 5:10 (thumbstick snapping) You also praised it a lot for GameCube performance. 11:48 I'm wondering, how is the thumbstick performance with the GameCube? If there's a better machine with better button/thumbstick performance, which would you recommend most? (Edit: Typos) Ps: I've been waiting for your review about the Cube. Thank you! 😊

[@damiengrief]

I have an RGB30 and love the 1:1 aspect ratio. But it does have a somewhat cheaper build quality. And I'd love something that can play more demanding systems like GameCube. So the RG Cube is pretty damn tempting for me.

[@LeFroggie404]

A setup vid for this or emu handhelds in general would be great for noobs like me. Also, which do you like more? The 405v or this? Thx ❤

[@KyIeMcCIeIIan]

I bought a Gamesir X2, took a salon board to it so I didn't have to take my phone out of it's case, and my pixel 6a couldn't handle Wind Waker at the resolution and speed I wanted. I don't think we are there yet for Dreamcast, GameCube, and PS2

[@thomaschipman]

this is what the rp2s should have been. the rp2s already has proper sticks, analog triggers, and dpad in the right spot for retro focus; its greatest weakness is its 3.5in screen. this screen in the rp2s would've really checked all the boxes.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

The dpad would be on top is it was for platformers

[@strongbad79]

My main wish for the follow-up to the rp2s is a bigger screen. I would love ifif they took the rp2s as it is and just put this screen in it with all the same exact controls and a little more power and it would be perfect.

[@rodrigocoronado5248]

Also a better resolution screen, the Cube has a 720p x 720p screen and it's a game changer

[@EightPieceBox]

I like the RG Cube, but I think the RGB30 is a much better value because it can play pretty much everything the screen is best for. On the other hand, this one being Android gave me an excuse to buy both.

[@strongbad79]

I'm loving my cube. Definite upgrade over the RGB 30.. My only real gripe is I wish the d-pad was on top. And I wish the sticks were a little better even though they're completely usable and fine most of the time. I doubt it will happen but I would love a retroid pocket 2s successor with the exact same controls as the 2s but with a little more power to at least match this but with the 2s' superior controls. For me that would be the ultimate 1x1 screen device. Comparing the two now besides being slightly taller it's not much different in size to the 2s.

[@O-TicTac]

Great review - The GameCube games look excellent! This looks worth the price of admission alone. 🙂 I was wondering about the PS2 though - I saw you demo Ratchet and Clank. Was that upscaled or just running native? For PS2 I'd really want the Tony Hawk series, the Sly Cooper series, the Jack and Daxter series and Midnight Club 3. Have you tried any of these running native and how did it go? Please... LOL - thank you.

[@reillysilveira3811]

I love how ugly and spectacularly cute and adorable it is somehow simultaneously. I was bothered by how Anbernic was clearly trying to destroy the ZPG A1 Unicorn with this thing, but I have to admit I'm won over, I used to use a Japanese Sega Saturn controller for all my retro gaming for a while and that Dpad looks great, and unlike the Anbernic RG-ARC it actually has enough power to properly play Saturn too!

[@E.Cristian7]

Tech, will you review the Miyoo A30 too?

[@michaeltaylor4817]

i have one and love using it. just wish the chip was a tiny bit more powerful to run ps2 more comfortably. and im happier carrying this around, instead of my $350+ odin2

[@ohdaUtube]

If they could put this in a 4:3 screen with 6 front facing buttons like the ARC-D, and get NDS/3DS to work in TATE mode where the lower right stick becomes the dpad, that'd be amazing for NDS/3DS. when both screens are used for the same scene, when they're directly on top of each other, it looks a bit odd. Allowing the two screens to have a gap in between would remove those odd looking scenes. One day..

[@AidinZolghadr]

Love the wallpaper! Cant find it online.

[@xalberrious]

What game is that at 10:45??! Those pixel graphics are stunning!

[@Pridetoons]

Actraiser 2, it's a REALLY hard game if you decide to play it.

[@Pridetoons]

Actraiser 2

[@erikhidayanto]

i'm really interested in tv experience. can you connect two or more controllers wired/wirelessly for multiplayer session? can you change resolutions and aspect ratio in tv mode? if so, would be really helpful when you wan to play psp games and would it be possible to use device screen as buttom screen when playing ds/3ds on tv (wiiu style)?

[@shyguy2046]

Dude. You are epic. Love the vids. Curious tho in DnD. What do you play as?

[@TheDualityeq]

You didn't show switch emulation Tech Dweeb! I play mario wonder and many more like advanced wars with no issues.😢 I stretch to fill screen and games look amazing 🤩

[@dazamad]

What do you currently recommend for psp games? I did love this review

[@zombee38]

I see weird and Techdweeb in the title and for some reason I can't resist to click on it....isn't that weird !

[@TechDweeb]

Super normal

[@zombee38]

@@TechDweeb Yey now I can sleep at night !

[@gabrieltorres6633]

You sound like Charlie from smiling friends with a slight cold

[@Some_Cat_]

Hmmmm. I have an RGB30 but I'm still tempted by the upgraded performance of the RG Cube.

[@benc.5558]

12:09: "It's got a high enough resolution that you can actually take advantage of upscaling." Does it, though? By my napkin math the screen can only display 4:3 GameCube games at 1.1x resolution. That's not exactly much in the way of upscaling.

[@TechDweeb]

640x480 upscaled to 720x540 = 1.26x resolution (which does look significantly sharper than 640x480 on this screen) (source: www.omnicalculator.com/other/resolution-scale). Also upscaling beyond the native resolution yields a sharper image with better antialiasing. Also when you connect to an external display you can upscale further to the native resolution of your display.

[@GlitzPixie]

i like the narration

[@wonderingworld119]

I have always wanted a 4:3 device that can play all the 4:3 systems. This is 1:1 and it is close enough. Not perfect, will need a bit of tinkering, but close enough.

[@CLONE_IX]

Can you make video about using a tablet + BSP D8 Pro as a main device? I find this solution basically kills all the other options.

[@n8ofsp8ds]

I have light bleed but it's very small on the top and hardly noticeable. By the way, have you gotten to try out ultimate qix yet?

[@Srhyle]

Genuine question: why would you choose this over the RG CubeXX?

[@jobearesto9746]

Nice, just waiting for the rg35 xx sp so may give this one a pass. If it gets discounted maybe when the new handheld gets released from ambernic.. I am still thinking of the rp4 pro.. or this... Not decided yet... By the way what is gamegear like?

[@tbatrics]

I want one. All that gaming and it has rgb lights. Yep!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

I LOVE mine so far.

[@Chopstick2U]

Does Litnxt provide any additional buyer protection against screen bleed issues? Would that be considered a "defective item" that they pay return shipping for?

[@VilerVicious]

I wonder how many of those t-shirts you own, man

[@STR82DVD]

I'm thinking - I know it's a different kind of beast this is giving fpga analogue pocket a run for its money.

[@williambrockbrader8646]

If bought from linxt is it worth it to get the games card did your review unit come with it?

[@TechDweeb]

My review unit did come with the games card (and you can get that through LitNXT). I personally prefer using my own rom libraries because these pre-made game cards are always too disorganized for my liking.

[@williambrockbrader8646]

@@TechDweeb ok I actually just got my first retro handheld yesterday and more so wondering if it’s something good to invest in as a beginner until later on after learning more about

[@williambrockbrader8646]

RGB30 inspired by yourself Adin and Retro Corps got a games card with that for context would like this later in the year for N64 and GameCube mostly if experience goes well which I don’t doubt

[@pandabearmadness6263]

I really want this bc i love my rgb30 only thing i don't like the dpad placement. I wish i got this over 405v

[@Tugennov]

Pocketable with non-baggy jeans? It looks very interesting. Thanks for the video!

[@TechDweeb]

Probably not TBH

[@Tugennov]

@@TechDweeb Thanks

[@Jason-dq2ch]

Anberlick?

[@Jason-dq2ch]

I said the same thing

[@niveketihw1897]

I like it a lot, I wonder if they'll make a 1280 x 720 version at some point.

[@Triknor]

Good on you for dealing with the fact that the RG Cube matches absolutely nothing in your studio 😅

[@RichardCraig]

Something tells me Anbernic might send you something if you stop calling them Amber Lick 😂

[@TechDweeb]

NEVER!

[@CDubya.82]

No screen light bleed ? Ive seen reports of that issue here

[@MegaKiri11]

Love my RGB30, but now I regret buying it, should have bought the Cube instead!

[@RoadieSanchez]

Imo if you like how the 3ds looks n feels then psp is not much different it's just not utilising the extra space for the second screen. I do like idea of buying and testing one though. I'll rewatch the video just incase BC I missed the specs

[@darkasian755]

What game is at 10:45?? It's the only game you didn't label lol

[@TechDweeb]

Sorry. Actraiser 2.

[@nathanjasenn2350]

Those watermelon helmets are giving me a Saskatchewan kid vibe 🧐

[@raulfrias8436]

why didnt they put this chip set in the 40xx models? ...

[@anbernicguy]

It should be a 6 button layout.