Anbernic RG406H In-Depth Review: The Best Mid-Tier Handheld Yet?

The Anbernic RG406H is the latest iteration in Anbernic's line of retro handhelds, boasting several upgrades that promise a better gaming experience. In this detailed review, we will explore its specifications, performance, and whether it stands out among its competitors.

Table of Contents

• 🌟 Introduction
• 💻 Specs and Pricing
• 📦 Unboxing and Impressions
• 📏 Size Comparisons
• 🎮 Controls
• 🔊 Sound and Video Out
• 🖥️ Software and Screen
• 🎮 Android Games
• 🕹️ Retro Game Emulation
• 🎮 PS1, N64, DC, and Saturn
• 🕹️ PSP and 3DS
• 🎮 GameCube and Wii
• 🎮 PS2 Testing
• 🕹️ Wii U and Switch
• 📋 Summary: Likes and Dislikes
• 🔚 Conclusion

🌟 Introduction

The Anbernic RG406H continues the legacy of Anbernic's popular handhelds, combining nostalgia with modern advancements. This device is designed for gamers who appreciate retro gaming while enjoying the convenience of modern technology. With its upgraded features, the RG406H is poised to cater to both casual and dedicated gamers. Let's dive into what this handheld has to offer.

💻 Specs and Pricing

The RG406H is powered by the Unisoc T820 CPU, an eight-core processor that delivers impressive performance for an array of gaming systems, from GameCube to PS2. It features:

• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128 GB internal, expandable via Micro SD card
• Display: 4-inch, 960x720 resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, offering 6-8 hours of gameplay
• Weight: 265 g
• Connectivity: 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
• Operating System: Android 13

Pricing for the RG406H is expected to be around $180, with potential early discounts available. This pricing strategy positions the device competitively within the mid-tier handheld market.

📦 Unboxing and Impressions

Upon unboxing the RG406H, users will find standard contents typical of Anbernic products: a screen protector, a quick user guide, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. The white model stands out with its clean design, reminiscent of Anbernic's previous releases. The ergonomic grips add to its comfort, making it a pleasure to hold for extended gaming sessions.

📏 Size Comparisons

When comparing the RG406H to other handhelds, its dimensions and screen size become key talking points. The RG406H is slightly wider than the RG Cube, but not as tall, making it a unique offering in Anbernic's lineup. Here are some notable comparisons:

• RG Cube: Similar chipset, but with a square aspect ratio display.
• RG 556: A larger 5.5-inch AMOLED display, but with older analog sticks.
• Retroid Pocket Mini: Smaller and more compact, but lacks the RG406H's screen quality.

Overall, while the RG406H is not the smallest handheld, it strikes a good balance between comfort and portability.

🎮 Controls

The RG406H features upgraded controls, including new Hall sensor analog sticks that provide a greater range of motion. The d-pad and face buttons maintain the familiar feel of Anbernic's previous designs, ensuring a comfortable gaming experience. The placement of the buttons is intuitive, making it easy for players to access everything without adjusting their grip.

🔊 Sound and Video Out

This handheld is equipped with down-firing stereo speakers that deliver surprisingly loud and clear audio. Users can expect a good balance of sound quality, although bass response may not be as robust as some might prefer. The RG406H also supports video output via USB-C, allowing for connection to larger displays.

When connected to an external display, the RG406H defaults to mirroring its screen in a 4:3 aspect ratio. However, switching to desktop mode allows for a full-screen experience, making it ideal for playing widescreen games. Just keep in mind that this feature does not allow for simultaneous charging.

The RG406H represents a significant step forward for Anbernic, merging retro gaming with modern capabilities. Its thoughtful design and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice for gamers looking to enjoy their favorite classics on the go.

🖥️ Software and Screen

The Anbernic RG406H runs on Android 13, providing a familiar interface for users. It comes pre-loaded with various apps, some of which are designed to optimize performance for the chipset. However, caution is advised as many of these apps are cracked versions of paid software.

Upon setup, it's recommended to delete these pre-installed emulators and install preferred ones from the Google Play Store. This flexibility allows users to customize their gaming experience fully.

The device features a 4-inch LCD display with a resolution of 960x720, which offers vibrant colors and decent brightness levels. However, it is not an OLED screen, so while the colors are good, they may not be as rich as those found on more advanced displays. Users can adjust the brightness, with optimal levels typically between 50% and 75% for indoor play.

📱 Navigating the Interface

Navigation through the system is intuitive. Users can swipe down from the top menu to access various settings, including the ability to adjust the analog stick color and button input layout. The newly added handheld game console settings make it easier to find relevant options without needing to sift through multiple menus.

For those who prefer third-party launchers, options like Emulation Station provide a streamlined experience, allowing users to organize and launch their games efficiently.

🎮 Android Games

While the RG406H is primarily designed for retro gaming, it also handles Android games well. Most titles run smoothly, with many supporting a 4x3 aspect ratio, making them a good fit for the device's display. Popular games like Minecraft and Stardew Valley perform adequately, providing an enjoyable experience.

However, some games may present challenges. For instance, Dead Cells may feel cramped due to the screen size, while others may experience occasional hiccups during gameplay. The RG406H is not primarily marketed for Android gaming, but it certainly holds its own for casual gaming sessions.

🕹️ Retro Game Emulation

Emulation is where the RG406H truly shines. Starting with handheld systems, both Game Boy and Game Boy Color games are perfectly scaled on the device. The integer scaling ensures that pixels are sharp, providing an authentic retro experience. With the right shaders, these games look stunning on the RG406H.

Moving to the Game Boy Advance, the RG406H handles the 4X integer scale exceptionally well. The display quality makes these classic titles shine, and the experience is further enhanced with LCD shaders that add depth to the visuals.

🕹️ Home Console Systems

The RG406H’s performance extends to home consoles, including NES and Super Nintendo. Although not perfect integer scaling, the visuals are still impressive. Using shaders like CRT easy mode can elevate the experience, creating a nostalgic feel while maintaining clarity.

🎮 PS1, N64, DC, and Saturn

When it comes to the PlayStation 1, the RG406H can upscale games to 720p, providing a sharp image. The option to apply CRT shaders gives players the choice between a remastered look or the original aesthetic, allowing for a personalized experience.

Nintendo 64 games also perform well, with the device capable of running them at a 720p upscale. While Sega Dreamcast games require the use of the Redream emulator for optimal performance, they run smoothly, even at higher resolutions.

Sega Saturn emulation is more demanding. While the preferred Beetle Saturn core may not be supported, the Yasan Shiro core offers a viable alternative, allowing most games to run effectively.

🕹️ PSP and 3DS

PSP games benefit from a perfect integer scale of 2X resolution. This ensures crisp visuals, although the 16:9 aspect ratio means some games will have black bars at the top and bottom. Titles like Outrun 2006 and X-Men Legends 2 perform well, with the option to play their GameCube counterparts for a fuller screen experience.

3DS emulation presents unique challenges due to its dual-screen layout. The RG406H can run most games at 2X or 3X resolutions, but the best approach is to display one screen at a time. This limitation may restrict the type of games that are enjoyable to play, but titles that primarily use the bottom screen can be quite engaging.

🎮 GameCube and Wii

GameCube games are a standout experience on the RG406H. Most titles run smoothly at a 2X resolution, making the most of the device's display. The nostalgic feel of playing GameCube games in 4x3 is enhanced by the screen quality, providing a satisfying gaming experience.

Wii games are similarly enjoyable, with many titles supporting 4x3. Users should adjust Dolphin settings to ensure optimal performance, often needing to play at native resolution for smoother gameplay. Despite the performance ceiling for some games, the RG406H manages to deliver a proficient experience across the board.

🎮 PS2 Testing

The Anbernic RG406H shows promising performance with PS2 games, especially considering its mid-tier status. While many games can run at a native 1X resolution, some titles benefit from a slight upscale to 1.5X. However, it's essential to note that performance can vary significantly between games.

For instance, classics like Dragon Quest 8 demonstrate that enabling the "High Mode" in the performance settings can lead to smoother gameplay. This adjustment is particularly noticeable in demanding scenarios, such as navigating through complex environments where other settings may falter.

However, not every game runs flawlessly. Titles like Ratchet and Clank and Beautiful Joe experience slowdown, which might detract from the overall experience. Players should be prepared for occasional dips in frame rates, reminiscent of playing on the original PS2 hardware.

It's also worth mentioning that some games, such as Area 51, are quite unplayable, suffering from severe graphical glitches and performance issues. This inconsistency means that while the RG406H can handle many PS2 titles well, some beloved classics may not deliver the experience players expect.

🕹️ Wii U and Switch

When testing the RG406H with Wii U games, results vary greatly depending on the game's complexity. Lightweight 2D platformers, like Guacamelee!, run smoothly, showcasing the device's potential for handling simpler titles.

However, as games become more demanding, such as DuckTales Remastered, performance drops significantly, showing that this handheld struggles with the Wii U's more intensive titles. The RG406H is best suited for casual play rather than as a primary device for Wii U gaming.

Switch emulation follows a similar pattern. While some lightweight indie games may function adequately, heavier titles like Blasphemous 2 will likely not maintain full speed. Thus, while the RG406H can serve as a secondary option for these systems, it's not advisable to purchase it solely for Wii U or Switch gaming.

📋 Summary: Likes and Dislikes

👍 Likes

• Comfortable Design: The RG406H's ergonomic grips enhance the overall gaming experience, making it enjoyable for long sessions.
• Screen Quality: The 720p resolution offers vibrant visuals, particularly effective for retro games.
• Versatility: The ability to play a range of systems, including PS2 and GameCube, makes it a versatile device.
• Price to Performance Ratio: At approximately $175, it provides good value for the performance it offers.

👎 Dislikes

• Bulky Build: The design, while comfortable, can be a bit thick, potentially discouraging portability.
• Performance Limitations: Some games experience slowdown or graphical issues, particularly with PS2 and demanding Wii U titles.
• Software Bugs: Initial issues with video output may affect gameplay, although updates are anticipated to resolve these.

🔚 Conclusion

The Anbernic RG406H stands as a solid mid-tier handheld gaming device, successfully merging retro gaming with modern features. Its ability to handle a wide variety of systems, including PS2 and GameCube, makes it a worthwhile investment for fans of classic gaming.

While it may not perform flawlessly with every title, the overall gaming experience is enjoyable, especially for retro enthusiasts. If you're seeking a device that balances comfort, performance, and price, the RG406H is a commendable choice. Just be aware of its limitations with more demanding games and consider it more as a secondary option for Wii U and Switch titles.