This year has been a little slow for exciting, affordable retro handhelds, likely because of the price increase of storage affecting many manufacturers, alongside uncertain shipping times.
One device that you are likely familiar with and have seen teased across socials and our website is ANBERNIC's upcoming handheld called the RG Rotate. A handheld that slides/rotates out to reveal a gamepad underneath, to pair with the 1:1 display.
ANBERNIC are kindly sending us a review sample next week (join our newsletter to read it first) and has informed us of the specifications, pricing and release date of this new device, which I believe has yet to be officially announced, so you're reading it here first, folks!
RG Rotate Specifications
- 3.5" IPS 1:1 720X720 Display
- Unisoc Tiger T618 Octa-core CPU
- Mali G52 GPU
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB Storage
- OS: Android 12
- 2000MAH Battery
- WiFi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0
- USB-C Port
- Interchangeable Shoulder Buttons
These are specifications we have seen before, for example its very similar to the Retroid Pocket Flip, RG405M, and RG405V yet features a square 1:1 display that is surprisingly big, coming in at 3.5", so I think many like myself believed that this would be a fairly small device, but in reality, it's going to be larger than anticipated.
These specifications will likely be able to emulate your PS1, Nintendo 64 and smaller GameCube games, should you want to push the small 1:1 display to the limit, and the small battery too.
This is going to be a device for the smaller consoles, and those who love their 1:1 consoles, such as GAME BOY, Neo Geo and perhaps a handful of PS1 games if you don't mind borders. I am excited about this one, but like many, I am disappointed that there's no 3.5mm headphone jack; instead, we now have to take an annoying dongle with us.
RG Rotate Pricing
The RG Rotate will come in two different variants: Polar Black, made with a plastic backshell and a metal front (around the display), starting at $87.99, and the Aurora Silver version, which features a complete metal body, will cost $107.99.
However, there will be early bird offers for those who order within the first 72 hours, reducing the Polar Black version to $82.99 ($5 off) and the Aurora Silver to $99.99 ($8 off). Pre-orders will be available at ANBERNIC.com. Save this link!
Pre-release Timings
ANBERNIC has informed us that the "release time" has been scheduled for 11th May 2026 at 18:00 Beijing Time, which is the following for countries around the world:
- Amsterdam - 12:00
- Athens - 13:00
- Berlin - 12:00
- California - 03:00
- Dubai - 14:00
- London - 11:00
- Madrid - 12:00
- Moscow - 13:00
- New York - 06:00
- Paris - 12:00
- Rome - 12:00
- Stockholm - 12:00
- Sydney - 20:00
- Toronto - 06:00
- Vancouver - 02:00
- Zurich - 12:00
They have not confirmed if that's the pre-order date, the official shipping date or both. So, my bed is that they may open up pre-orders and ship instantly, which would be very helpful for early birds and those wanting to get this as early as possible.
If that's not the case, ANBERNIC has been known to ship products just a week or two after the pre-order date, so either way, you'll get them quickly!
Quick Thoughts
I think this is a good price for this device, especially when you consider the early bird pricing pushes both units under the $100 mark. I know, many of us already have a retro handheld that can do everything this can, and for many, this isn't going to be a big enough pull to purchase one.
But it is the first time we're seeing an affordable flip-style retro handheld with good enough power to scratch your retro gaming itch in a form factor that is undeniably cool and likely satisfying to use. That said, I do recommend waiting for our review article/video, as I really want to put this rotating mechanism to the test.
It's likely going to be under continuous pressure multiple times a day, and I want to make sure that it can withstand weeks, months and even years of use by literally opening it and closing it hundreds, if not thousands of times! Join our newsletter and subscribe to our YouTube channel to see that in a week or so.
Let me know your thoughts on the specifications and pricing in the comments below! 👇
