Anbernic RG35XX Plus Review

The RG35XX Plus is Anbernic's answer to the Miyoo Mini Plus. It is a refined version of their popular vertical form factor with the H700 processor, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a bigger battery. The result is a more capable machine that still stays under $70. One thing it does not add is analog sticks. The Plus stays a pure 2D device, and the horizontal RG35XX H is the family member that carries the sticks.

What's New Over the Base RG35XX

The Plus adds three meaningful upgrades over the standard RG35XX:

1. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi brings RetroAchievements and netplay, and Bluetooth 4.2 pairs external controllers.
2. Bigger battery. 3,300mAh vs 2,600mAh, rated about 8 hours of 2D play.
3. More RAM. 1GB, a fourfold jump over the original that keeps custom firmware and heavier PS1 titles comfortable.

The form factor is nearly identical. Same satisfying vertical shell, same matte finish, same satisfying D-pad. Anbernic didn't fix what wasn't broken.

Design and Build Quality

Build quality is consistent with Anbernic's track record. Solid, slightly plasticky, but built to last. The shell is the same general design as the RG35XX, which means the face buttons, D-pad, and shoulder buttons are identically good.

There are no analog sticks, and that is worth saying twice because the naming trips people up. The Plus is the vertical, stickless model. If you want sticks in this family, that is the RG35XX H, which trades pocketability for a horizontal grip and dual low profile sticks.

Emulation Performance

The H700 chip is a proven performer and handles everything up to PS1 flawlessly:

• NES / SNES / Genesis / Game Boy through GBA. Full speed across the board.
• PS1. The whole library runs well. This is the ceiling.
• N64 / Dreamcast / PSP. Not on this device. The chip could scrape through lighter titles, but with no analog sticks these libraries are impractical. That is the RG35XX H's job.

Judged as the 2D pocket machine it is, the Plus performs exactly as it should.

Should You Buy the Plus Over the Base RG35XX?

The modest premium buys you Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, four times the RAM, and about 25% more battery. If RetroAchievements, controller pairing, or long sessions matter to you, the Plus is worth it. If you want the absolute cheapest ticket into NES through PS1, the base RG35XX still delivers the same core experience.

How It Holds Up in 2026

The XX line has kept growing around the Plus. The RG35XX Pro and the clamshell RG34XX SP now share the same chip family, the RG35XX H offers the horizontal take with sticks, and the RG40XXV offers a bigger screen for a little more money. That crowding is the Plus's biggest problem today. It is still a fine device, and it remains the most pocketable of the bunch, but check our RG35XX H vs RG35XX Plus comparison before deciding which body suits you.

On the software side, muOS and KNULLI have taken over from Garlic OS as the community favorites for this hardware. Our muOS setup guide covers the install, and the firmware comparison explains which suits you. For the full budget picture, see the best handhelds under $100.

Final Verdict

The RG35XX Plus is a capable, well-built device that earns its place as a step above the standard model. The battery life is excellent, the Wi-Fi extras genuinely add value, and with muOS installed it's a pleasure to use. Just know that it is a 2D machine by design, and that the RG35XX H and RG40XXV offer more device for similar money.