There's no need for new sticks, the old ones are already hall sticks you just have to apply Gamma os's fix to the software to solve the cardinal snapping (meaning its a software issue that Anbernic is too lazy to fix via software update to old handhelds)
Great review, I love that purple color! I have the white one myself. I have to say though that my Ps2 and GameCube performance has been great so far and that’s with upscaling to 1.5x on ps2 and 2x on GameCube. Granted I have only played maybe 10 or 15 games on each system but I have had no problems so far. If your like me and only like 4:3 screens then this is kinda our only powerful option beside the Retroid Mini and that screen is just a touch too small for me. That’s the so-called killer feature for me. It’s the screen aspect ratio as no one else is really doing high resolution 4:3 screens. To me that 0.3 inch difference is pretty big when you have them side-by-side and I would choose the IPS 4inch over a smaller oled.
I've waited so long to make a decision, and the phone I'm using for Android emulation doesn't give up that much in performance to the T820 Anbernics, that at this point I think the best move is to wait and see what Anbernic does with the "RG557". I'd be sick if I dropped $220 on a Retroid Pocket 5 now only to see Anbernic come out in February with a Snapdragon 888 powered handheld for the same money. Happy New Year's, Joey. Thanks for all the news and reviews I can use.
There's a lot to like about this Frankenstein. It's the mid-range device we've all been hoping for. Admittedly, the delivered price has to be $165 or less to remain competitive today. Thank you Joey for your emphasis on comfort with stick-on-top ergonomics for 3D retro gaming. We need that type of common sense to prevail as these devices achieve perfect PSP or better.
Paid exactly $165 off anbernics ebay store with a coupon. Perfectly priced imo cause a rp5 was almost $250 after adding a screen protector & case which is a big enough difference that they shouldnt be compared.
6:03 same thing happened with my 40XXV. The face buttons just became really stiff one day. It’s like the rubber pad seized up. The ones on my 406V are fine. Some weird Anbernic QC issue.
For whatever reasons (and I have them) I don't like my Retroid Pocket Mini. Playing on the RG406h with the 4" screen just makes a big difference. Gonna sell the mini and buy the RP5. Keep the RG406h as my main 4:3.
4:3 gaming on 406 devices can't be topped by anything else. It's just not possible. I decided against buying RP4 when it came out simply because it would be a downgrade from my 405M for 4:3 games. I'm still considering whether RP5 would be a good purchase because I've been spoilt by the pocketable design of 405. Anything else just wouldn't be as portable as that.
I’d like the sticks to be these, but inset, imagine if this was pocketable! Look at 10:57 how much slimmer the RP5 is from sticks alone. I sold my T820 chip device recently as it just couldn’t quite do GC or PS2 at the resolutions and frame rates I wanted, user discretion is advised - Joey is correct. At 1x and yes 4:3 helps, but this is not aimed at those systems.
Well, sounds pretty fair, actually. I’m waiting for my 406h to come, paid $160 shipped, and it was about $60 cheaper than RPM and a lot cheaper than RP5. Outside of some shmups that are easy to run, PS2 is not really my focus, and I waited out the entire T618 generation, so basically just wanted something tinker-free for the 5th gen/PSP/DC. Basically I needed a bigger comfier RP2S and I think this should be it. Slightly bummed out to hear about bad wifi and slow charging though.
This thing is 165 shipped at Ali Express where 90% of the people Buy ir from. So the dofferences is 55 dollars with the mini and closer to 80 bucks with the RP5
thanks for another honest review. is the d-pad as nice as it is on the RG arc? they look identical but have seen some say it’s not as nice on the RG cube / cube xx so got me wondering
As much crap as people give Anbernic over all their H700 devices, I feel like that's where Anbernic shines. Their foray into higher end Android devices isn't bad but when you can spend just a bit more and get a much better device like the RP5, Anbernic's options just feel unnecessary. I do love the RG406V though since no one else makes a reasonably priced vertical Android device, and I'm not paying an exorbitant amount for the Ayaneo Pocket DMG.
I've watched almost every review on this thing and ended up ordering it. I'm actually a little concerned here after watching this review but I guess we'll see. If I end up disappointed you might end up my go to reviewer for actual honest assessments lol.
I'm torn on this one. I like the ergonomics and the overall design, but those sticks are way too tall for my liking and the T820 is a little underpowered. On the flip side, I hate the all glass front design of the RP5 and RP Mini so much that I'd never buy one. So, I think I'll just sit tight with my RG556 for now and wait to see what next year brings.
Anbernic, if you’re reading this/looking for customer feedback: I need to be able to “dock” a device like this with video out, Bluetooth, and power in - all at the same time. If this shipped with the same cheap mini HDMI you’ve used on devices like my 35XXH, I would’ve bought it. Instead I went with Retroid
Still can’t see anything on the market that’ll make me leave my Odin 2 and Miyoo Mini + combo. All bases covered right there. Hope you’re enjoying the Festive season Joey.
I keep reading about ghosting issues on the Odin 2 screen, have you had that? If the Odin had OLED, it would likely be my end-game until PS3 emulation was out.
joey bro whats your fav. NHL team? Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames or the Vancouver Canucks?
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds nice! I was born in 83 and was a big fan of Mats Sundin! one of the best Centers ever! his backhand was absolutely gorgeous. and yes , unfortunately the last stanley cup was quite a while ago :/ greez from austria!
Another one... Ambernic is the manufacturer that makes more handhelds but in the end they bring nothing new, they just play around with the form factor and buttons. No software development. We don't see evolution on the software side and that is what is going to push the device to the next level. I really hope in a near future will have the developers working side by side with the manufacturers to make a great emulation device. Thanks for the update and all your hard work. Keep it up 💪
The sticks look like they have the same shape slot as the Ayn Odin 2 from pictures I've seen. Funnily enough I want to change my Odin 2 thumbsticks as well and the only options out there are 3d printed ones or a big rubber cap stuck on the top of the current sticks. Seems like a gap in the market for new aftermarket thumbsticks that people actually like.
Anbernic has good ergonomics and buttons, now if only they could improve their QC and source some better snapdragon chips..... If they could redo the RG406H with the same chip as the RP5 it'd be a no brainer for me.
No charging while docked like the other anbernic t820 and t618 devices.. why anbernic? Retroid devices did it. Surely they're not intentionally crippling it so that people wanting to play while docked would buy a higher spec device because .. do they even sell a higher spec device? Is it just incompetence?
I bought RG406H but in only 1 week there is already a problem with screen looks like light bleed and my screen has color green all around. Anbernic should improve their screens more... Are anbernic screens really that bad? Getting a return and refund btw
And I don’t thinks they are a comparable devices at all it fit in it’s on place for me I got it instead of rtp mini. And the rtp pocket 5 is my handheld for everything higher then PlayStation portable and some PlayStation 2 and some game cube..
It's so frustrating. I won't buy anything until retroid 5 stick gonna be up top. Or anbernic 556 gonna have new sticks and new chip that handles ps2 and GC better. And please save your comments for yourselves if you wanna convince me, that RP5 stick placement is fine. It isn't for me, I hate it. I already have up to ps1 pocketable handheld for 15-30min sessions of dpad centric retro games. Why would I waste money on half baked devices like this, 556, or even RP5. Its better to save the money and get the steamdeck
And I don’t thinks they are a comparable devices at all it fit in it’s on place for me I got it instead of rtp mini. And the rtp pocket 5 is my handheld for everything higher then PlayStation portable and some PlayStation 2 and some game cube..
A 556 Refresh with just the new sticks (and maybe more colors) would sell well for Anbernic
There's no need for new sticks, the old ones are already hall sticks you just have to apply Gamma os's fix to the software to solve the cardinal snapping (meaning its a software issue that Anbernic is too lazy to fix via software update to old handhelds)
@@ronaldomanzoli3964 I would like taller sticks
@@ronaldomanzoli3964can you point me in the right direction to apply that patch?
New sticks, less smudgy plastic and a little more power for the ultimate non-pocketable handheld.
They should also be able to fit a 6-inch screen in that shell.
Great review, I love that purple color! I have the white one myself. I have to say though that my Ps2 and GameCube performance has been great so far and that’s with upscaling to 1.5x on ps2 and 2x on GameCube. Granted I have only played maybe 10 or 15 games on each system but I have had no problems so far. If your like me and only like 4:3 screens then this is kinda our only powerful option beside the Retroid Mini and that screen is just a touch too small for me. That’s the so-called killer feature for me. It’s the screen aspect ratio as no one else is really doing high resolution 4:3 screens. To me that 0.3 inch difference is pretty big when you have them side-by-side and I would choose the IPS 4inch over a smaller oled.
I've waited so long to make a decision, and the phone I'm using for Android emulation doesn't give up that much in performance to the T820 Anbernics, that at this point I think the best move is to wait and see what Anbernic does with the "RG557". I'd be sick if I dropped $220 on a Retroid Pocket 5 now only to see Anbernic come out in February with a Snapdragon 888 powered handheld for the same money.
Happy New Year's, Joey. Thanks for all the news and reviews I can use.
Great review that points out the devices' shortcomings. Appreciate the honesty.
Great Review as always, Joey's! Thanks. Battery life is really good.
This was a very helpful review!
There's a lot to like about this Frankenstein. It's the mid-range device we've all been hoping for. Admittedly, the delivered price has to be $165 or less to remain competitive today. Thank you Joey for your emphasis on comfort with stick-on-top ergonomics for 3D retro gaming. We need that type of common sense to prevail as these devices achieve perfect PSP or better.
Paid exactly $165 off anbernics ebay store with a coupon. Perfectly priced imo cause a rp5 was almost $250 after adding a screen protector & case which is a big enough difference that they shouldnt be compared.
I blame your cold Canadian hands for everything Joey! EVERYTHING! Have a safe and happy new year 🎊! Thanks for the in depth review as always 💝.
I've been loving mine! Perfect for gamecube so far.
6:03 same thing happened with my 40XXV.
The face buttons just became really stiff one day. It’s like the rubber pad seized up. The ones on my 406V are fine.
Some weird Anbernic QC issue.
One of the negatives is "you still can't do this thing that it wouldn't make sense to use this for anyway"
For whatever reasons (and I have them) I don't like my Retroid Pocket Mini. Playing on the RG406h with the 4" screen just makes a big difference. Gonna sell the mini and buy the RP5. Keep the RG406h as my main 4:3.
I own both the Mini and the 5, Mini is definitely thicker but I don't think I could get rid of it for a non-OLED system.
4:3 gaming on 406 devices can't be topped by anything else. It's just not possible. I decided against buying RP4 when it came out simply because it would be a downgrade from my 405M for 4:3 games. I'm still considering whether RP5 would be a good purchase because I've been spoilt by the pocketable design of 405. Anything else just wouldn't be as portable as that.
@@TimothyStuder If the mini's OLED screen was a true 4" 4:3 you couldn't pry it out of my cold dead hands. I gotcha.
I really appreciate the input lag report on the spec sheet, thanks! May I ask, where did you get that info?
Personal testing counting frames.
I’d like the sticks to be these, but inset, imagine if this was pocketable! Look at 10:57 how much slimmer the RP5 is from sticks alone. I sold my T820 chip device recently as it just couldn’t quite do GC or PS2 at the resolutions and frame rates I wanted, user discretion is advised - Joey is correct. At 1x and yes 4:3 helps, but this is not aimed at those systems.
Well, sounds pretty fair, actually.
I’m waiting for my 406h to come, paid $160 shipped, and it was about $60 cheaper than RPM and a lot cheaper than RP5. Outside of some shmups that are easy to run, PS2 is not really my focus, and I waited out the entire T618 generation, so basically just wanted something tinker-free for the 5th gen/PSP/DC. Basically I needed a bigger comfier RP2S and I think this should be it.
Slightly bummed out to hear about bad wifi and slow charging though.
I'm just glad this doesn't have a transparent black model else I'd be broke already.
This thing is 165 shipped at Ali Express where 90% of the people Buy ir from. So the dofferences is 55 dollars with the mini and closer to 80 bucks with the RP5
wish they would just release some software updates for the rg556
Same!
In it's first year out it already feels abandoned lol, that's unacceptable in today's environment tbh (unless the device worked perfectly)
bought the 406h for my son and he loves it. while me, got the rp5 because why not 😅
thanks for another honest review. is the d-pad as nice as it is on the RG arc? they look identical but have seen some say it’s not as nice on the RG cube / cube xx so got me wondering
As much crap as people give Anbernic over all their H700 devices, I feel like that's where Anbernic shines. Their foray into higher end Android devices isn't bad but when you can spend just a bit more and get a much better device like the RP5, Anbernic's options just feel unnecessary. I do love the RG406V though since no one else makes a reasonably priced vertical Android device, and I'm not paying an exorbitant amount for the Ayaneo Pocket DMG.
I've watched almost every review on this thing and ended up ordering it. I'm actually a little concerned here after watching this review but I guess we'll see. If I end up disappointed you might end up my go to reviewer for actual honest assessments lol.
I'm torn on this one. I like the ergonomics and the overall design, but those sticks are way too tall for my liking and the T820 is a little underpowered. On the flip side, I hate the all glass front design of the RP5 and RP Mini so much that I'd never buy one. So, I think I'll just sit tight with my RG556 for now and wait to see what next year brings.
Anbernic, if you’re reading this/looking for customer feedback: I need to be able to “dock” a device like this with video out, Bluetooth, and power in - all at the same time. If this shipped with the same cheap mini HDMI you’ve used on devices like my 35XXH, I would’ve bought it. Instead I went with Retroid
Still can’t see anything on the market that’ll make me leave my Odin 2 and Miyoo Mini + combo. All bases covered right there. Hope you’re enjoying the Festive season Joey.
I keep reading about ghosting issues on the Odin 2 screen, have you had that? If the Odin had OLED, it would likely be my end-game until PS3 emulation was out.
Odin 2 is too expensive and don't ship nicely to my country so f it. Steamdeck for the win
Man i just finished setting up my RP5 and i cant put this thing down. It'll play up to ps2 amazingly and the size is perfect.
Slap a Snapdragon in there and I'll buy one.
Oh look the Odin pro is back
joey bro
whats your fav. NHL team?
Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames or the Vancouver Canucks?
Leafs of course!
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds nice!
I was born in 83 and was a big fan of Mats Sundin! one of the best Centers ever! his backhand was absolutely gorgeous.
and yes , unfortunately the last stanley cup was quite a while ago :/
greez from austria!
Love you Joey 🦘
I like watching our videos Mainly because you have a Bold IDGAF Aspect to how people feel about what you say about them and that's why I follow you
Another one... Ambernic is the manufacturer that makes more handhelds but in the end they bring nothing new, they just play around with the form factor and buttons. No software development. We don't see evolution on the software side and that is what is going to push the device to the next level.
I really hope in a near future will have the developers working side by side with the manufacturers to make a great emulation device.
Thanks for the update and all your hard work. Keep it up 💪
Finally people are starting noticing how superior sega dpads are when compared to nintendo cross style
Bought mine for 158 in Aliexpress (178 with shipping and the case). I like the Retroid 5 but no the front glass and the sticks on bottom.
Can you play SNES with the fan off?
What device would you recommend for someone wanting to play ps2 titles without having to adjust the settings?
Any of the Odin 2 family. Keep in mind there are a handful of games that no matter what device will need tweaks.
@ thanks for the reply. Just one more question, which handhelds would you recommend as your top 5 favorites?
@@dakotaday6815 Check out my best of 2024 video! Namely, the end :)
The sticks look like they have the same shape slot as the Ayn Odin 2 from pictures I've seen.
Funnily enough I want to change my Odin 2 thumbsticks as well and the only options out there are 3d printed ones or a big rubber cap stuck on the top of the current sticks.
Seems like a gap in the market for new aftermarket thumbsticks that people actually like.
Anbernic has good ergonomics and buttons, now if only they could improve their QC and source some better snapdragon chips..... If they could redo the RG406H with the same chip as the RP5 it'd be a no brainer for me.
if you don't need all that power save $100 and get an RG Arc.
This came out a little too late for me, I already bought an RP4 pro. This would have been perfect if it came out after the RG556.
Grip tape is needed
Make it a flip clamshell!!!
Dream device: RG406H OLED and Snapdragon 865 or better, let's see what Anbernic cooks for the RG407H
Agree, but in the RG556 shell instead for me
No charging while docked like the other anbernic t820 and t618 devices.. why anbernic? Retroid devices did it. Surely they're not intentionally crippling it so that people wanting to play while docked would buy a higher spec device because .. do they even sell a higher spec device? Is it just incompetence?
That price, ouch. This should be about a sub-$100 unit.
wow that's crazy
I bought RG406H but in only 1 week there is already a problem with screen looks like light bleed and my screen has color green all around. Anbernic should improve their screens more... Are anbernic screens really that bad? Getting a return and refund btw
Ayyyyeeee Joey!!! 👏👏👏
Thickness is all right spots. Now, this is something I can get into
And I don’t thinks they are a comparable devices at all it fit in it’s on place for me I got it instead of rtp mini. And the rtp pocket 5 is my handheld for everything higher then PlayStation portable and some PlayStation 2 and some game cube..
I really want one of these, but it’s super overpriced atm. It must have a huge profit margin.
I’d only pay something closer to $80 - $90.
Has calling these types of things 'Frankenstein' become a bit now?
First time I've ever done it. Can't speak to others.
For
I live mines..
Those bezels..😢
Look at retroid
@johnsmith8988 i will keep my 405m instead
The problem with this device is the Retroid Mini is better in every way except the screen size at the same price point.
It's so frustrating. I won't buy anything until retroid 5 stick gonna be up top. Or anbernic 556 gonna have new sticks and new chip that handles ps2 and GC better. And please save your comments for yourselves if you wanna convince me, that RP5 stick placement is fine. It isn't for me, I hate it. I already have up to ps1 pocketable handheld for 15-30min sessions of dpad centric retro games. Why would I waste money on half baked devices like this, 556, or even RP5. Its better to save the money and get the steamdeck
Chipset is underpowered, really think they could've done significantly better
bad ps2 performance is a big no for me
Looks good but also looks like "more of the same"
Perfect size , poor cpu
Why do I feel like I already saw this video even tho it's new? Maybe because these handhelds all look the same 🤔
CPU is too weak and its too close in price to devices with better CPU's
First
First?
And I don’t thinks they are a comparable devices at all it fit in it’s on place for me I got it instead of rtp mini. And the rtp pocket 5 is my handheld for everything higher then PlayStation portable and some PlayStation 2 and some game cube..