After months of anticipation, we finally see more from the elusive Anbernic RG Nano handheld emulator. A teeny tiny handheld aimed to be the most pocketable game device out there.
It was back in January when we first wrote our article ‘Is Anbernic Really Making a Micro Device?‘ after catching wind of this small console.
At that time, we only had one image of a rough test unit. So we knew that progress on this one was slow and that it wasn’t a sure bet. And I was clearly quite reluctant to even talk about it much at that time.
But it would seem that this is, in fact, a device that Anbernic plans to put into production. It makes us wonder – is this something we would even want?
Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Update May 25, 2023: Anbernic just dropped their official promo for the RG Nano on Youtube. And we can see that they have three colors: blue, purple, and red.
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Anbernic RG Nano
This reveal has been brought to us by NITTRX On Youtube. It appears that embedding has been disabled on their video, so you can check it out here.
Unfortunately, this is our only source of information so far. But we will update details and photos as they become available.
Appearance
The Anbernic RG Nano is no longer a rough 3d printed test unit. We can now see what looks like a finished device. That means we might actually see these made available for purchase quite soon.
The new shell is shown in that iconic Anbernic blue color that I love, and has the full Anbernic info panel printed on the back as well.
On that panel, we can clearly see the name “RG Nano” as well as the 1050mAh battery label.
It is unclear if this is a plastic or metal device. With it aimed to be pocket and budget friendly, I would think plastic. But metal would certainly add to reasons to buy it.
The device does actually feature a keychain, which is a clear sign of its size and intended use. This is supposed to be a toy that you keep attacked to the zipper pull of your backpack. Not a serious emulation device.
Anbernic has also opted to go with those candy colored action buttons that were used in their recent RG353PS handheld, providing more toy like features.
Game Play
The Anbernic RG Nano device uses Linux and is capable of emulating up to Game Boy Advance.
You can expect to be able to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Sega Game Gear, early Atari, and finally… the Game Boy Advance.
This is a micro game device, so it’s going to be very difficult to pack much into the form.
The RG Nano features one USB-C input used for both charging and headphone output, and a single speaker vent at the bottom.
The screen size has yet to be confirmed, but it would be roughly one inch in size.
I’m quite surprised we can even fit something like Nintendo, Super Nintendo, or Game Boy Advance on a screen that small. It certainly won’t be easy to see.
If you intended to actually play this device, I would suggest the simplistic graphics of Game Boy and Game Boy Color. At least those graphics are designed for small screens.
Update May 16, 2023: This new image from Neon Rabbit shows the RG Nano in red, as well as the box design.
Impressions
With devices like the FunKey S or the Pocket Sprite, we learned that micro emulators are fun, but not something we play games on for long.
These type of handhelds are a cute novelty, something you give as a gift to a friend or family member.
It was the Miyoo Mini that found that sweet spot of small enough to be considered “mini”, but large enough to be enjoyable.
With this new device packing what we can only expect to be roughly a 1 inch screen, I wouldn’t expect a lot in terms of playability.
I certainly do not see this new Anbernic RG Nano as something truly playable or worth your money as your next favorite emulation device.
With these facts in mind, we would hope that Anbernic prices it accordingly. If they can get the RG Nano down to around $30USD, then we wouldn’t be too upset at it. But if the price is $40 or more, it’s for sure a no go.
When you can purchase novelty game emulators for $10-20 now, there would be no justifying a $40+ joke gift that will live on a zipper pull.
So what do you guys think? Would you buy an Anbernic RG Nano? And what price is the absolute limit on this one?
