If you’re looking for portable gaming consoles akin to the Nintendo Switch or the Steam Deck but are constrained by a tight budget or ethical considerations regarding Nintendo products, then exploring alternatives like Anbernic RG CubeXX might be your best option. Anbernic offers a wide array of portable consoles, featuring diverse screen sizes and configurations to cater to various user preferences.
So, what sets it apart as a commendable console? Why did I specifically choose the RG CubeXX over other models? This review aims to provide some clarity.
Price and Availability
The Anbernic RG CubeXX stands out with its affordability and global availability. Priced around $65 for the 32GB version and $75 for the 64GB version, it offers a stark contrast to the high costs of the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, including their pricey game library. When I purchased mine, I paid approximately R$350, roughly equivalent to $60, excluding shipping.
Both versions come with a micro SD card in one slot and an additional empty slot for storage expansion, no internal storage. This setup is advantageous because, should the storage fail—which can happen after years of use—you can easily replace the SD card without affecting the console’s hardware.
I personally recommend acquiring a new micro SD card upon receiving the device, as the included one may not inspire confidence in terms of durability.
Performance and Battery
While the RG CubeXX’s specs may seem modest—a quad-core Allwinner H700 CPU with ARM A53 cores and roughly 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM—it is more than capable of emulating older consoles up to the PSP and PS1 without any noticeable issues.
Battery performance is equally impressive. The console is equipped with a 3800mAh battery that provides approximately 6 hours of gameplay on average load. The downside is the relatively slow charging time of about 2 hours, likely due to the absence of fast charging technology.
Screen and Controls
The RG CubeXX features a 1:1 aspect ratio screen with a resolution of 720×720 pixels, which is ideal for classic games designed for square screens. The console also includes an HDMI port, allowing you to enjoy your games on a 4K screen if desired.
The controls, however, are somewhat of a drawback. Given the console’s price point, the joysticks and buttons have a cheap feel to them. They’ve functioned well for me during the first month of use, but I anticipate that they may not withstand extended periods of intense gaming. Although you can set up deadzones for the joysticks, this merely delays the inevitable wear and tear.
Others and Conclusion
Overall, I would rate the Anbernic RG CubeXX at a solid 8/10. It’s incredibly affordable, boasts a pleasant screen, decent audio, and the flexibility of interchangeable “internal” storage, which means even the 32GB version can house hundreds of games. The battery life is commendable for a portable console.
The device also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for headphones, external controllers, and multiplayer connectivity, and it receives periodic updates. It includes additional features such as a PDF reader and the capacity to install user-created applications.
Highly recommend!
