Anbernic RG556 Review - What Nobody told you about it

Summary

The RG 556 handheld console is a significant upgrade over the RG 353 P, offering improved performance, a stunning 1080p AMOLED display, and excellent battery life. With responsive controls, mechanical buttons, and whole-effect triggers, it provides a premium gaming experience. Despite its impressive performance running GameCube, PS2, and even some Switch games, the analog sticks suffer from dead zones, impacting precision. The device also offers useful features like Android OS, access to the Google Play Store, and desktop mode for external display use. While the RG 556 is one of the best retro handhelds, its analog stick issues remain a notable flaw.

Takeaways

• 😀 The RG 556 is a new handheld gaming console that is considered a successor to the RG 353P with better performance, screen quality, and battery life.
• 😀 The console features a transparent blue design, revealing its internal components, and comes with K silver analog sticks, a membran D-pad, and mechanical buttons.
• 😀 It includes a USB Type-C charging cable, a screen protector, a manual, and a headphone jack. The speakers are located at the bottom with one on each side.
• 😀 The RG 556 features a flat screen, enhanced ergonomics, and mechanical shoulder buttons, including a new addition of Hall Effect triggers for improved durability.
• 😀 The screen is a high-quality AMOLED 1080p display, offering vibrant colors and brightness, making it suitable for gaming and content viewing.
• 😀 The device supports Android OS and the Google Play Store, along with the EmberNick launcher, which allows for easy game selection and launching.
• 😀 The analog sticks have a dead zone issue, making them less precise for games that require fine control, but the D-pad and triggers work very well.
• 😀 The RG 556 can run various emulators, including GameCube and PS2 games, though performance can drop in demanding titles like F-Zero GX and some PS2 games.
• 😀 The handheld can emulate Switch games, though performance is hit or miss; lighter games perform well, but some like Genshin Impact run smoothly with max settings.
• 😀 The device supports USB-C to HDMI adapters for connecting to external displays and offers both desktop mode and handheld game console mode for a versatile experience.

Q & A

What is the key improvement of the RG 556 over the RG 353 P?

The RG 556 features a more comfortable design, better performance, an impressive AMOLED 1080p display, and longer battery life compared to the RG 353 P.

What comes inside the box with the RG 556?

Inside the box, you will find the RG 556 console, a USB Type-C charging cable, a screen protector, and a manual.

How does the transparent blue design of the RG 556 stand out?

The transparent blue design of the RG 556 is visually appealing, as it allows users to see the internal components clearly, adding a unique aesthetic to the handheld.

What type of buttons does the RG 556 feature?

The RG 556 features mechanical shoulder buttons, a membrane D-pad, mechanical select and start buttons, and responsive face buttons with some resistance.

What is the performance of the RG 556 like for gaming?

The RG 556 performs excellently for many games, including GameCube and PS2 titles, although more demanding games like F-Zero GX and certain PS2 games can struggle to maintain stable frame rates.

How does the RG 556 handle game emulation for the Nintendo Switch?

The RG 556 can emulate some Nintendo Switch games, though performance varies depending on the game. Lighter titles run well, but more demanding ones may experience issues with frame rates and glitches.

What are the standout features of the RG 556's display?

The RG 556 boasts a high-quality AMOLED 1080p display with excellent brightness and vibrant colors, making it great for both gaming and viewing content. It also features a flat screen design and the ability to switch to a vertical orientation.

What are the battery life results when testing the RG 556?

The RG 556 can last up to 8 hours of continuous gaming, even with demanding games like F-Zero GX. Less intensive games can lead to even longer battery life.

Can the RG 556 be connected to an external display?

Yes, the RG 556 can be connected to an external display using a USB Type-C to HDMI adapter or compatible docks. It offers desktop mode and handheld game console mode when connected to an external display.

What is the issue with the RG 556's analog sticks?

The analog sticks suffer from noticeable dead zones, which reduce precision and can make gameplay, especially in aiming or movement, feel imprecise and less enjoyable.