HardwareHandheldsI love playing retro games on this handheld, and the latest version is even cheaper right nowWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsI love playing retro games on this handheld, and the latest version is even cheaper right nowWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
At a glance, the Anbernic RG Cube looks like a fictional handheld from a ’90s anime, but it’s one of my favorite portable retro machines. Its unconventionally square screen makes it wonderfully versatile for vintage outings, and the extra vertical space makes it a mean alternative to a real Nintendo DS. So, when I spotted the new cheaper version for even less, it’s safe to say I got pretty excited, even if it was missing a few perks.
At Geekbuying right now, you can grab the new Anbernic RG CubeXX forjust $73.88. That’s thanks to a 17% discount knocking even more off its already lower $88.99 MSRP, which isn’t honestly a lot to pay for a 720p device that’ll run a chunk of yourretro consolecollection. Does it scale back compared to the version included in mybest gaming handheldroundup? Absolutely, but I’ll get on to why it feels like a nice price and specs balance.
It’s worth noting that the RG CubeXX is also available at Amazon, but it’ll set you back$94.99. That higher price helps drive home how nice this offer is, especially since Anbernic only released the scaled-down version at the end of October.
Anbernic RG CubeXX|$88.99$73.88 at GeekbuyingSave $15.11 -The new CubeXX version of Anbernic’s square screen handheld is already cheaper than the original, but an additional 17% off makes it even more affordable. You’re trading away some specs to bring the cost down, but the main draw is that 1:1 aspect ratio, picking this handheld up is a no brainer.Buy it if:✅You want a a versatile retro handheld✅ You prefer vertical layouts✅ You need pixel accuracyDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather use an Android handheld❌ You’re looking to run newer than PS1Price check:Amazon $94.99|Walmart (out of stock)View Deal
Anbernic RG CubeXX|$88.99$73.88 at GeekbuyingSave $15.11 -The new CubeXX version of Anbernic’s square screen handheld is already cheaper than the original, but an additional 17% off makes it even more affordable. You’re trading away some specs to bring the cost down, but the main draw is that 1:1 aspect ratio, picking this handheld up is a no brainer.Buy it if:✅You want a a versatile retro handheld✅ You prefer vertical layouts✅ You need pixel accuracyDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather use an Android handheld❌ You’re looking to run newer than PS1Price check:Amazon $94.99|Walmart (out of stock)View Deal
Anbernic RG CubeXX|$88.99$73.88 at GeekbuyingSave $15.11 -The new CubeXX version of Anbernic’s square screen handheld is already cheaper than the original, but an additional 17% off makes it even more affordable. You’re trading away some specs to bring the cost down, but the main draw is that 1:1 aspect ratio, picking this handheld up is a no brainer.Buy it if:✅You want a a versatile retro handheld✅ You prefer vertical layouts✅ You need pixel accuracyDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather use an Android handheld❌ You’re looking to run newer than PS1Price check:Amazon $94.99|Walmart (out of stock)View Deal
Anbernic RG CubeXX|$88.99$73.88 at GeekbuyingSave $15.11 -The new CubeXX version of Anbernic’s square screen handheld is already cheaper than the original, but an additional 17% off makes it even more affordable. You’re trading away some specs to bring the cost down, but the main draw is that 1:1 aspect ratio, picking this handheld up is a no brainer.Buy it if:✅You want a a versatile retro handheld✅ You prefer vertical layouts✅ You need pixel accuracyDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather use an Android handheld❌ You’re looking to run newer than PS1Price check:Amazon $94.99|Walmart (out of stock)
Anbernic RG CubeXX|$88.99$73.88 at GeekbuyingSave $15.11 -The new CubeXX version of Anbernic’s square screen handheld is already cheaper than the original, but an additional 17% off makes it even more affordable. You’re trading away some specs to bring the cost down, but the main draw is that 1:1 aspect ratio, picking this handheld up is a no brainer.Buy it if:✅You want a a versatile retro handheld✅ You prefer vertical layouts✅ You need pixel accuracyDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather use an Android handheld❌ You’re looking to run newer than PS1Price check:Amazon $94.99|Walmart (out of stock)
Anbernic RG CubeXX|$88.99$73.88 at GeekbuyingSave $15.11 -The new CubeXX version of Anbernic’s square screen handheld is already cheaper than the original, but an additional 17% off makes it even more affordable. You’re trading away some specs to bring the cost down, but the main draw is that 1:1 aspect ratio, picking this handheld up is a no brainer.
Buy it if:✅You want a a versatile retro handheld✅ You prefer vertical layouts✅ You need pixel accuracyDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather use an Android handheld❌ You’re looking to run newer than PS1
Price check:Amazon $94.99|Walmart (out of stock)
View Deal
View Deal
View Deal
Should you buy the Anbernic RG CubeXX?
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
I’ve been pestering my friends to get theAnbernic RG Cubefor months now, but if I’m being honest, $169.99 is a bit of a hard sell. I like to think that now the cheaper RG CubeXX is kicking around, my handheld-loving pals might be more willing to pay under $80 for almost the same portable, but there are a few differences that will ultimately change the core experience.
For starters, the new RG CubeXX uses a custom Linux operating system instead of Android 13, meaning you won’t be able to fetch games and emulators from the Play Store. The good news is that Anbernic will still include everything you need to run your retro collection without much faff, allowing you to run a whole bunch of classics using 1GB LPDDR4 RAM and ARM Cortex A53 chipset.
Those specs are down a chunk compared to the Octa-core Unisoc T820 and 8GB LPDDR4X included with the original. But, for what it’s worth, I don’t think most players will notice when trying to run appropriate old retro games. You’ll still be playing Game Boy, GBC, GBA, SNES, andSegaGenesis games at full speed, and a bunch of OG PS1 games will run nicely too. Just don’t pick up this handheld expecting it to pull off newer systems, as even 3DS will prove a bit challenging.
ANBERNIC RG CubeXX Official Promo Video - YouTubeWatch On
ANBERNIC RG CubeXX Official Promo Video - YouTube
ANBERNIC RG CubeXX Official Promo Video - YouTube
Another omission with the CubeXX compared to Anbernic’s higher spec model is its lack of hall-effect joysticks. For those of you with a feat of stick drift, this may have you worried, but it is a feature typically reserved for premium handhelds. I do think there’s still a place for traditional thumb sticks, and having done a sort of casual Pepsi challenge with some friends recently, I don’t think many of you will feel a difference.
For under $80, the Anbernic RG CubeXX is a solid handheld that covers a lot of retro gaming ground. There are of course cheaper devices out there if you’re on a tighter budget, including theAnbernic RG35XX Plusand the wonderfulSuper Pocket. That latter alternative is firmly on myBlack Friday gaming dealswatchlist since it uses Evercade cartridges instead of ROMs, making it a more suitable present for less tech savvy family members (my gran is getting one whether she likes it or not.)
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This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
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Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
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4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”