Anbernic RG35XX SP

The Verdict

The RG35XX SP is Anbernic's love letter to the GBA SP. Same H700 chip as the rest of the RG35XX family, but in a clamshell form factor that protects the screen. You're paying $20 more than the RG35XX Plus for the nostalgia and screen protection. N64, PSP, and DS all work on this chip. If you loved the GBA SP and want that experience with broader retro support, this is perfect.

First Thing to Do

1. **Install muOS or GarlicOS** — Stock firmware is fine, but custom is better

2. **Get a good MicroSD card** — Samsung EVO recommended

3. **Load GBA ROMs** — This form factor is made for GBA

4. **Connect to WiFi** — Scrape box art

The Loadout

→**GBA:** gpSP (perfect, and the clamshell is nostalgic AF)

→**N64:** Mupen64Plus (most games work, but no analog sticks)

→**PSP:** PPSSPP (lighter titles)

→**DS:** DraStic (most games work)

→**GB/GBC:** Gambatte (flawless)

→**SNES:** Snes9x (most games work)

→**Genesis:** PicoDrive (perfect)

→**NES:** FCEUmm (no issues)

→**PS1:** PCSX ReARMed (most games)

What It Crushes

→**GBA library** — The clamshell design is *chef's kiss* for GBA nostalgia

→**GB/GBC** — Perfect for Pokémon, Zelda, Tetris

→**Genesis** — Sonic, Streets of Rage all flawless

→**DS games** — Clamshell is surprisingly fitting for DS

What It Struggles With

→**N64 without analog sticks** — Playable with D-pad mapping but not ideal

→**PS1 3D games** — Same H700 limitations

→**SNES SuperFX** — Star Fox will have slowdown

Skip These

→**PS2/GameCube** — Not possible

→**3DS** — Not possible

Pro Tips

1. **Clamshell = screen protection** — Toss this in your bag with zero fear

2. **GBA SP nostalgia is real** — If you loved the SP, you'll love this

3. **No analog sticks is the big trade-off vs the H model** — Consider that for N64/PSP

Worth It?

If you love the GBA SP form factor and don't need analog sticks. At $85, you're paying a premium for the clamshell design. If you want N64/PSP, the RG35XX H is better due to analog sticks. But for GBA and screen protection, this is the one.