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Anbernic sells two budget handhelds with nearly identical names and identical guts. The RG35XX H and the RG35XX Plus share the same Allwinner H700 chip, the same sharp 3.5 inch 640x480 screen, the same 3,300mAh battery, and the same 1GB of RAM. The whole decision comes down to the body. The H is horizontal with dual analog sticks. The Plus is vertical with none.
That one difference decides which games feel good, how the device carries, and which one you should buy.
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Specs Compared
| RG35XX H | RG35XX Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Horizontal, GBA style | Vertical, GBC style |
| Screen | 3.5" IPS, 640x480, laminated | 3.5" IPS, 640x480, laminated |
| Processor | Allwinner H700 | Allwinner H700 |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Analog sticks | Dual low profile sticks | None |
| Battery | 3,300 mAh, ~8 hours | 3,300 mAh, ~8 hours |
| Connectivity | 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, BT 4.2, HDMI out | 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, BT 4.2, HDMI out |
| Size and weight | 145 x 69 x 16 mm, 180 g | 117 x 81 x 22 mm, 186 g |
| Firmware | muOS, KNULLI, stock | muOS, KNULLI, GarlicOS 2, stock |
| Typical price | $58 | $50 to $64 |
The Body Decides Everything
Performance is a tie. Both run 8 bit through PS1 at full speed, and both hit the same wall at demanding N64, Dreamcast, and anything beyond. Same chip, same result.
So pick by shape. The horizontal H spreads your hands apart like a GBA, and that makes long sessions noticeably more comfortable. The vertical Plus stacks everything in a tall Game Boy Color silhouette, and that makes it far easier to slip into a jeans pocket. Comfort or carry. That is the real trade.
The Sticks Are the Tiebreaker
The H's dual analog sticks are small, but they exist, and that matters. Lighter N64 games like Mario 64 become genuinely playable. A decent slice of the Dreamcast library works too. The Plus simply cannot join that party. No sticks means 3D systems are off the table no matter what the chip could technically render.
If your list is strictly NES through PS1, you will never miss the sticks. The moment you get curious about N64, the H is the only sane pick of the two.
Everything They Share
Both devices have the same excellent laminated 640x480 screen, and it is the best thing about either of them. Both include Wi-Fi for RetroAchievements, Bluetooth 4.2 for controllers, and HDMI out for TV play. Both are outstanding muOS devices, and both run KNULLI well if you prefer it. Whichever you buy, plan on custom firmware. It is a big upgrade over stock on both.
The Verdict
Buy the RG35XX H if you play longer sessions, you want a taste of N64 and Dreamcast, or you simply find horizontal handhelds more comfortable. It is the more versatile device for a few dollars more.
Buy the RG35XX Plus if pocketability is the priority and your library is 2D. It is the cheaper of the two, it carries better, and for NES through PS1 it gives up nothing.
If neither feels right, the RG40XXV offers a bigger 4 inch screen in the same family, and our best handhelds under $100 guide covers the whole budget field.
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