Anbernic has adopted a considerably unusual improve path for its units of late. After the success of the RG351 (which spawned the superb RG351V), the RG300X and more moderen RG552 have maybe been a bit disappointing, and followers are nonetheless ready for a ‘true’ next-gen handheld from the corporate.
The $140 Anbernic RG503 is not that system, and we dare say that it’s going to displease many individuals consequently. Nonetheless, in some ways it represents a big step up for the corporate and handheld emulation units on the whole; it is the primary product of this kind to boast an OLED panel (made by Samsung, on this case) and likewise packs in 5GHz Wi-Fi as effectively; it is also the primary Anbernic handheld to be powered by the brand new Rockchip RK3566 processor.
A lot of the criticism aimed in direction of the RG503 ever because it was first revealed is targeted on its design. Not like earlier Anbernic units, it sports activities a really ’rounded’ look, virtually showing like a relic from the patron electronics wasteland that was the Nineties. The casing is constituted of plastic (Anbernic has opted for metallic bodywork on a few of its different handhelds, however not right here) and feels a bit low cost, but it surely’s nonetheless strong sufficient. Nothing strikes or creaks if you squeeze it, which is a bonus.
The management setup can be immediately acquainted to anybody who has used one of many agency’s merchandise previously; you get a superb D-pad, two analogue sticks and 4 most important face buttons, with 4 extra shoulder buttons thrown in for good measure. The ability and quantity controls are positioned on the left and proper edges respectively, whereas a ‘Reset’ button is positioned reasonably awkwardly on the underside edge; it’s miles too straightforward to by accident press this throughout use, particularly because it’s located subsequent to a ‘Operate’ key which is used to drop into the system menu throughout gameplay. Two MicroSD card slots are current; one incorporates the OS whereas the opposite has your ROMs (which you’ll, in fact, have sourced legally).
As a result of it is such a brand new system, customized firmware is not out there but, so that you’re caught with the default emuELEC OS. This truly does a fairly strong job of providing a clear, console-style interface; supported programs have their very own part within the UI, and you may even scrape on-line databases to drag in cowl artwork, screens and even video trailers. The RG503 helps consoles such because the NES, Sport Boy, SNES, N64, PlayStation, Mega Drive and Nintendo DS, and efficiency is mostly superb; the RK3566 shouldn’t be solely environment friendly, it isn’t as power-hungry as different SoC choices. Meaning the 3500 mAh Li-Po battery can provide over six hours of battery life, which is fairly respectable.
The star of the present is sort of definitely the display, which, in keeping with Anbernic, is similar 4.95-inch, 960×544 pixel OLED panel that was discovered within the unique mannequin of the PS Vita. It is vibrant and packs a critical punch, providing the unbelievable distinction OLED screens are well-known for (Change OLED Mannequin homeowners will want no introduction to this, in fact). The show is recessed barely into the casing which implies that mud tends to gather across the edges – we would reasonably have had a show that sat flush with the case, but it surely’s not a deal-breaker by any means. On the audio aspect of issues, the stereo audio system are surprisingly good, with wonderful quantity ranges and good bass.
It stays to be seen what customized firmware will do for the RG503 – it made an actual distinction with earlier Anbernic handhelds – however out of the field, this system delivers a satisfying retro gaming expertise. Positive, it isn’t worlds aside from what we have already seen (outdoors of the superb show, in fact) and does not fairly ship the ‘next-gen’ expertise many followers have been hoping for (Sega Saturn emulation is feasible, but it surely runs very poorly certainly), but it surely nonetheless provides a strong sufficient platform on which to expertise traditional video games.
The important thing drawback for present Anbernic followers is that the RG503 does not actually provide a huge step up from earlier fashions, outdoors of that incredible show.
Due to Hold Retro for supplying the Anbernic RG503 used on this evaluation.
