RG SP_

The ANBERNIC RG SP brings the familiar clamshell design of the Game Boy Advance SP into the modern retro handheld market. Its folding body makes it easy to carry and protects the 3.4-inch display when the system is closed, while the stickless controls keep it well suited to the 2D games it was clearly designed around. Powered by the Allwinner H700 with 1GB of RAM, the RG SP handles older systems comfortably, including Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, SNES and PlayStation. Its 720×480 display is a little unusual for a retro handheld, but gives the device a sharp image and enough resolution for systems beyond the original hardware it resembles. The built-in Hall-effect lid sensor is another nice touch, automatically putting the console to sleep when closed and waking it again when opened. The main limitation is its performance ceiling. The RG SP is not designed for demanding 3D emulation, and its small screen can also feel cramped in games with lots of text. For players who value portability, physical controls and the convenience of a clamshell design, though, it is one of the more appealing ways to revisit classic handheld gaming.