HardwareHandheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWhen 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)
I love a pocket-sized handheld, but they’re becoming increasing rare. Mammoth portables like the Steam Deck are chonkier than ever, not to mention they munch battery life like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet. So, when I come across a device like the Anbernic RG28XX, it ends up in my good booked based on size alone.
Don’t get me wrong, theAnbernic RX28XXhas more than size going for it - it’s also a phenomenal emulator. You’d be surprised how well something that’s no bigger than an old NES gamepad can hold up against thebest gaming handheldsout there, as this thing can run everything right up to the PS1 and Dreamcast. Better still, it’ll set you back less than a new PS5 game.
Are there far more capable handhelds out there? You bet there are, especially if you’re willing to spend well over $100. The RG28XX isn’t for theretro consoleenthusiast looking to emulate every single system that’s ever existed, especially since PS2 games are off limits here. But, it is your tiny ticket to years of classic capers, and it’s hard to believe micro consoles like this can do so much.
Anbernic RG28XX |View at AmazonThis remarkably small handheld takes queues from the Game Boy Micro, but it can run a large chunk of retro consoles for under $60. It’s a fantastic option for quick retro gaming sessions or even a backup way to play your favorite adventures for your pocket.Buy it if:✅ You want a super compact handheld✅ You’re looking to play 16-bit classics✅ You want to dabble with PS1 and DreamcastDon’t buy it if:❌ You’re looking to play PS2 games❌ You’d prefer something largerView Deal
Anbernic RG28XX |View at AmazonThis remarkably small handheld takes queues from the Game Boy Micro, but it can run a large chunk of retro consoles for under $60. It’s a fantastic option for quick retro gaming sessions or even a backup way to play your favorite adventures for your pocket.Buy it if:✅ You want a super compact handheld✅ You’re looking to play 16-bit classics✅ You want to dabble with PS1 and DreamcastDon’t buy it if:❌ You’re looking to play PS2 games❌ You’d prefer something largerView Deal
Anbernic RG28XX |View at AmazonThis remarkably small handheld takes queues from the Game Boy Micro, but it can run a large chunk of retro consoles for under $60. It’s a fantastic option for quick retro gaming sessions or even a backup way to play your favorite adventures for your pocket.Buy it if:✅ You want a super compact handheld✅ You’re looking to play 16-bit classics✅ You want to dabble with PS1 and DreamcastDon’t buy it if:❌ You’re looking to play PS2 games❌ You’d prefer something largerView Deal
Anbernic RG28XX |View at AmazonThis remarkably small handheld takes queues from the Game Boy Micro, but it can run a large chunk of retro consoles for under $60. It’s a fantastic option for quick retro gaming sessions or even a backup way to play your favorite adventures for your pocket.Buy it if:✅ You want a super compact handheld✅ You’re looking to play 16-bit classics✅ You want to dabble with PS1 and DreamcastDon’t buy it if:❌ You’re looking to play PS2 games❌ You’d prefer something larger
Anbernic RG28XX |View at AmazonThis remarkably small handheld takes queues from the Game Boy Micro, but it can run a large chunk of retro consoles for under $60. It’s a fantastic option for quick retro gaming sessions or even a backup way to play your favorite adventures for your pocket.Buy it if:✅ You want a super compact handheld✅ You’re looking to play 16-bit classics✅ You want to dabble with PS1 and DreamcastDon’t buy it if:❌ You’re looking to play PS2 games❌ You’d prefer something larger
Anbernic RG28XX |View at AmazonThis remarkably small handheld takes queues from the Game Boy Micro, but it can run a large chunk of retro consoles for under $60. It’s a fantastic option for quick retro gaming sessions or even a backup way to play your favorite adventures for your pocket.
Buy it if:
✅ You want a super compact handheld✅ You’re looking to play 16-bit classics✅ You want to dabble with PS1 and Dreamcast
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re looking to play PS2 games❌ You’d prefer something larger
View Deal
View Deal
View Deal
Should you buy the Anbernic RG28XX?
Image1of5(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Image1of5(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Image1of5
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
The Anbernic RG28XX is just one of countless handhelds out there that can emulate retro consoles. I’ll no doubt talk about a dozen others that will release in the year ahead too, but I can see this tiny Game Boy Micro homage maintaining its position as one of the top options for under $60.
To get the most out of the RG28XX, you’ll have to use your own collection of ROMs. That means backing up physical games that you already own so that they can be used with the handheld’s built-in emulators. Those of you who are familiar with that whole process have a lot to gain from the RG28XX, but I also think this cheap device is a great starting point for those of you looking for more ways to play your classic collection.
I’m personally going to keep the device in my main jacket pocket, as you never know when the need for some retro escapism will arrive. Sure, you could say that’s a bit daft seeing as I also carry around a backpack with aSteam Deck OLEDin it most of the time. However, I like the idea of being able to chip through Pokemon Blue or even play arcade mode in Tekken 3 without having to worry about battery life.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
On that note, the RG28XX has ridiculous stamina. Even when pushing it to the limit with some Dreamcast sessions, Anbernic’s heroic handheld can last for up to 8 hours. Sticking to Game Boy adventures actually enabled to stretch that to over 10 hours, which feels like an eternity compared to new portable PCs.
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One of the only real complains I have about the RG28XX links directly to its compact size. Using the D-pad and tiny buttons is comfortable enough if you stick to older handheld emulation, but its back triggers can strain your hands over time. Don’t get me wrong, I was able to drift through Crash Team Racing for far longer than I’d have expected, but a complete lack of curves on the back is troublesome.
Luckily, there are a few options that perform similar tricks to the RG28XX while offering up a different formfactor. Players who have fond memories of the GBA SP will absolutely want to check out theAnbernic RG35XXSPsince it looks identical to Ninty’s 2000s console. TheRG35XX Plusalso sticks with a more conventional Game Boy approach, but it will set you back slightly more thanks to beefier specs.
I’ve already recommended the RG28XX to a few friends who’ve already picked one up, and I’ve yet to hear any moans or groans from anyone. The consensus is that its a surprisingly nice handheld for the price, and its novel size makes it worth owning alongside other devices.
Today’s best retro handheld dealsAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG28XX$60.99$49.99ViewSee 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 pricesAnbernic RG28XX$60.99$49.99ViewSee 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 pricesAnbernic RG28XX$60.99$49.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro handheld deals
Anbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG28XX$60.99$49.99ViewSee 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
$79.99$58.99View
$79.99$58.99
$58.99
See all prices
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all prices
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$55.99ViewSee all prices
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket
$55.99View
$55.99
$55.99
See all prices
Anbernic RG28XX$60.99$49.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG28XX$60.99$49.99ViewSee all prices
Anbernic RG28XX
Anbernic RG28XX
$60.99$49.99View
$60.99$49.99
$49.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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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 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”
4
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”
5
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”
1
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
Secret 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”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
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”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”