Anbernic RG Slide Review: A Retro Gaming Handheld with a Heavy Twist
If you're curious about the new Anbernic RG Slide, you’re probably asking: Is this the best retro handheld in 2025? Is the sliding screen worth the weight? Can it fit in my pocket? This detailed Anbernic RG Slide review covers everything you need to know—performance, design, display, battery life, and whether it’s the right pick for your retro gaming needs.
Let’s dig into this nostalgic yet modern console that’s got retro fans buzzing.
Sliding Nostalgia Meets 2025 Power – Anbernic RG Slide Review
The Anbernic RG Slide is a unique retro gaming handheld with a bold sliding screen design that instantly sparks nostalgia for the PSP Go and Xperia Play. Priced at $189, it’s slated for release on June 20th, 2025, and early hands-on reviews suggest that Anbernic is trying to walk a fine line between retro inspiration and modern emulation power.
Under the hood, it features an octa-core Unisoc Tiger T820 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage—specs that rival some budget smartphones and make it capable of emulating games from consoles like PS2, Dreamcast, and GameCube. The console also includes a microSD slot, so you can easily expand your library of retro ROMs.
Its 5,000mAh battery promises around six hours of playtime, and the included Android-based OS offers flexibility in terms of emulation apps and settings. However, as we’ll explore further, the RG Slide’s physical form factor may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Display and Build Quality: Vibrant Screen, Bulky Frame
One of the biggest strengths of the RG Slide is its display. The 4.7-inch IPS screen with a 1280x960 resolution is vivid, bright, and crystal clear. According to Retro Dodo, retro games look “slightly more vivid” compared to older Anbernic devices, which is a major win for fans of pixel-perfect emulation. Whether you're booting up Mario Kart: Double Dash!! or Sonic Adventure, the graphics pop on this screen.
The sliding mechanism, which is the RG Slide’s signature feature, is solid and satisfying. Reviewers noted a sharp “clack” sound when opening and closing the screen—some found it charmingly retro, while others felt it was too loud for public use.
Where the RG Slide stumbles is its overall size and weight. Weighing in at 380 grams, it’s nearly as heavy as the original Nintendo Switch (390 grams), and much bulkier than the 158g PSP Go it’s inspired by. This heft makes it awkward for truly portable gaming and borderline impossible to slip into a pocket. The chunky form also makes long play sessions a bit tiring for the hands, especially if you’re used to lighter handhelds like the Miyoo Mini Plus or even the Steam Deck OLED.
Gaming Performance: Emulation Muscle Without the Ergonomics
Performance-wise, the RG Slide doesn’t disappoint. Powered by the same Unisoc T820 chipset found in the higher-end Anbernic RG Cube, this device can handle PlayStation 2, GameCube, Dreamcast, and even Nintendo DS and PSP emulation with ease. Emulators like AetherSX2 and Dolphin run well, especially with the system’s 8GB RAM and responsive controls.
However, control ergonomics fall short of expectations. While the buttons, triggers, and joysticks are of decent quality—similar to what you’ll find on other Anbernic devices—they aren't as comfortable as the layout on handhelds like the Aya Neo Air or the GPD Win 4. The flat body design compromises grip, and some reviewers said their fingers got fatigued during longer sessions.
On a positive note, Android enthusiasts will appreciate the versatility the RG Slide offers in terms of sideloading apps, emulator customization, and even cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass or NVIDIA GeForce Now. However, the average retro gamer might find the Android interface overwhelming compared to dedicated Linux-based OS handhelds.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Anbernic RG Slide?
So, is the Anbernic RG Slide worth it in 2025? That depends on what you value most in a handheld console.
If you’re a retro gaming enthusiast who prioritizes powerful emulation, customizability, and a gorgeous display, the RG Slide checks most of the boxes. It brings back nostalgic vibes in a modern format and has enough processing muscle to handle demanding retro titles.
But if portability, weight, and long-term comfort are deal-breakers, you might want to consider alternatives. Devices like the Anbernic RG351MP, Miyoo Mini Plus, or even Retroid Pocket 4 Pro offer a better balance of form and function—without sacrificing too much on power.
Here’s a quick summary of the Anbernic RG Slide review:
Pros
✅ Crisp and vivid 4.7" screen
✅ Powerful Unisoc T820 processor
✅ Handles PS2, GameCube, and Dreamcast emulation smoothly
✅ Expandable storage + Android OS flexibility
Cons
❌ Too heavy and bulky for true pocket use
❌ Ergonomics aren’t ideal for long sessions
❌ Sliding screen adds bulk without true functional advantage
Final Thoughts on the Anbernic RG Slide
As 2025 continues the retro handheld boom, the Anbernic RG Slide stands out for its sliding screen design and robust performance. While its aesthetics might win over fans of early 2000s tech, its weight and size make it better suited for couch gaming than commuting.
Whether you're looking for a secondary handheld to show off or a powerful emulation device with a nostalgic twist, the RG Slide is an intriguing option—but not without compromise.
