HardwareHandheldsThe first batch of Anbernic RG Cube handhelds is reportedly suffering from screen issuesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsThe first batch of Anbernic RG Cube handhelds is reportedly suffering from screen issuesWhen 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 / Anbernic)

If you’re considering picking up an Anbernic RG Cube, you might want to hold off for now, as early customers report screen issues. Not every version of the retro handheld is affected, but early “pre-production” units with light bleed have seemingly made their way into the wild.
When investing in thebest gaming handheld, the last thing you expect is to experience screen defects. However, all it takes is one design mishap for issues like light bleed to occur, as IPS display backlighting will seep out of bezels if given a chance. That appears to be what is happening with many early Anbernic RG Cube consoles right now, even though a revised version exists.
In disappointing news, RG Cubes are arriving to customers, and there are multiple reports of batch 1 retail units having light bleed, meaning the “pre-production” batch has been sent to paying customers.@anbernic_china @Anbernic_JP Is the next batch fixed (as I saw with my… pic.twitter.com/X3OHdgq0iJJune 17, 2024
In disappointing news, RG Cubes are arriving to customers, and there are multiple reports of batch 1 retail units having light bleed, meaning the “pre-production” batch has been sent to paying customers.@anbernic_china @Anbernic_JP Is the next batch fixed (as I saw with my… pic.twitter.com/X3OHdgq0iJJune 17, 2024
Retro Handhelds has tagged Anbernic in their post, and rightly recommends not buying an RG Cube until a statement has been made. The fact that the console makers have shipped versions to reviewers without light bleed is evidence that not every device will be affected, but it’s hard to tell whether we’re looking at a stock blunder or a more serious quality control mishap. Either way, I’d wait for some sort of answer before laying down any cash.
What is light bleed?
(Image credit: Retrohandhelds)

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Well, the Anbernic RG Cube complaints relate to light from the IPS display “leaking” out from behind the console’s bezel. You’re most likely not to notice symptoms of the fault when the screen is black, as white blotches of unequal illumination will show up around the edges of affected displays. The cause is usually related to the placement of LCD screens or an issue with backlighting escaping from behind a panel, and it can sometimes be remedied with some disassembly.
Light bleed can occur in any handheld, and even someSuper Pocketusers have shared their screen woes onReddit. It’s not necessarily a sign of bad quality, so it’s important not to completely write the Anbernic RG Cube off just yet. That said, the nature of mass-produced handhelds means that if a large quantity is already showing up with the issue, chances are that stock in circulation right now will feature the same symptoms.
It’s worth noting that OLED screens are less likely to suffer from light bleed, and if you fancy restoring your old handheld instead, you’ll want to check out thisGame Boy Color AMOLED touchscreen mod. As for those of you hellbent on picking up a new square-screen emulation device, I’d advise either checking out an alternative like theAnbernic RG35XX Plusor simply biding your time.
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Today’s best retro handheld dealsAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all pricesAyn Odin 2$449ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro handheld dealsAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all pricesAyn Odin 2$449ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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Anbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all pricesAyn Odin 2$449ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all prices

Anbernic RG35XX Plus
Anbernic RG35XX Plus

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$79.99$58.99
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HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all prices
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all prices

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HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket

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