The Anbernic RG SP arrives as a sleek update to one of gaming’s most iconic handhelds. It’s a clear nod to the Game Boy Advance SP, but with modern tech and a slimmer profile.
This model follows the RG 34XXSP and the 2024 RG 35XXSP. Anbernic revamped the chassis, replacing 90 percent of the parts with custom-molded components. The case itself is 10 percent thinner than its predecessors, and the top bezel is 25 percent slimmer, making the display feel more immersive.
The RG SP sports a 3.4-inch IPS screen with a sharp 720 x 480 resolution. That’s exactly three times the pixel count of the original GBA SP. Dual hinges offer a wider range of viewing angles, a subtle but welcome upgrade for those who like to adjust their screen on the fly.
Under the hood, the console runs on an H700 chip and a Linux-based operating system. Unlike the RG 34XXSP, which added analog sticks, the RG SP drops them entirely. It sticks to a classic control scheme but improves button design for better tactile response. Connectivity remains practical with a microSD card slot and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The RG SP will come in metallic colors like silver, black, pink, and teal. Pricing hasn’t been announced. Previous models sold for $65 and $67, and this one is expected to stay under $100. That’s reasonable for a device blending nostalgia with modern hardware.
Playdate Breaks 3D Barriers
In related handheld news, developer Cristina Ramos challenged expectations around the Playdate platform. She posted a video showcasing a working 3D game demo, defying claims that the Playdate couldn’t handle 3D graphics.
“I was told you couldn’t do 3D on the Playdate, so I did it,” Ramos said. She also proved skeptics wrong by creating exterior levels reminiscent of Mirror’s Edge. The demo features platforming and open-sky jumping, stretching what’s possible on the tiny device.
Xteink X4 Pro Targets Minimalist Readers
Meanwhile, the Xteink X4 Pro enters the ereader scene. It’s a featherweight at 72 grams and just 5.95mm thick. Designed to clip magnetically to the back of a phone, it offers page turn buttons, a circular home button, and a touchscreen.
The device boasts a 1,100mAh battery and 16GB of built-in storage, expandable up to 256GB via microSD. Its front light adjusts for any reading condition. Priced at $99, it aims to be a practical, portable option for DRM-free ebooks imported wirelessly or by USB.
These three devices show how specialized handheld tech can still innovate, whether by reviving classic gaming, pushing platform limits, or streamlining digital reading.
Based on
- The Anbernic RG SP looks like an awesome update to one of the most iconic Game Boys of all time — engadget.com
- Anbernic refreshed and slimmed its Game Boy Advance SP. | The Verge — theverge.com
- Check Out This Nifty 3D Playdate Game Demo — engadget.com
- The Xteink X4 Pro Is A Tiny Ereader With More Features Than You Might Expect — engadget.com
