Anbernic has unveiled the RG Cube, a compact handheld console that embraces a square, 1:1 display footprint. The reveal, reported by Retro Dodo, positions the device as a niche take on portable gaming that prioritizes a square aspect ratio as its defining visual signature.
The hardware package centers on a mid-range 8-core Unisoc Tiger T820 processor, paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage module, with support for microSD expansion. Despite the modest core components, the RG Cube is positioned to handle a surprising roster of classic and modern titles. Users can expect robust performance for Nintendo Dreamcast and Nintendo Wii emulation, along with Nintendo 64, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 titles, plus many other platforms that are less demanding on system resources. The blend of a capable CPU, ample RAM, and fast storage helps ensure smoother emulation experiences for a broad library and a wider age range of games.
Android 13 powers the RG Cube, enabling access to a wide array of mobile titles in addition to traditional console emulation. This software base broadens the device’s appeal to players who want flexibility and the ability to run apps, streaming services, and independent games alongside retro emulation. The combination of the Android environment and the hardware stack is intended to give users a versatile handheld that can switch between retro arcade sessions and contemporary mobile gaming with relative ease.
The display is a 3.95-inch square IPS panel delivering a 720 by 720 pixel resolution. The square screen design is aimed at matching the device’s 1:1 aspect and fosters a compact, pocketable footprint. Anbernic notes that the built-in 5200 mAh battery supports lengthy sessions, with claimed endurance of up to seven hours of continuous gameplay under typical usage scenarios. The unit also features backlighting around the thumb sticks to improve usability in dim environments, plus Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac for wireless connectivity, firmware updates, and online features that enhance the gaming experience. These components come together to provide a cohesive portable experience that emphasizes accessibility, quick lifting of games from storage, and convenient wireless connectivity for multiplayer and streaming needs.
Pricing details for the RG Cube had not been officially disclosed at the time of the initial announcement. Industry observers projected a launch price near the $100 mark, with a rough equivalent of about 8.9 thousand rubles translating to the anticipated street price. The estimate reflects the device’s mid-range positioning and the company’s strategy of delivering a compact, affordable option for fans of portable emulation and Android-based gaming within North American markets. Consumers evaluating the RG Cube will be weighing the blend of square-screen design, emulation breadth, and Android versatility against other compact handhelds in the same price band.
In related industry news, recent reports indicate that Steam and the Epic Games Store have begun offering a strategy game set in the Warhammer universe at no cost. This development underscores a broader trend of free and discounted digital releases that accompany new hardware introductions, creating additional value for early adopters and curious players alike. Such releases can complement a new handheld by giving users immediate, no-cost content to explore while they evaluate hardware capabilities and software compatibility across platforms.