The expanding landscape of retro gaming has introduced a myriad of handheld gaming consoles, each promising a unique throwback experience. Two key players in the field are Retroid and Anbernic, emerging as unparalleled contenders in their unique ways.
Retroid Pocket 2 and Anbernic RG351P, the flagship products from these brands, have taken the world of retro gaming by storm. Amid the plethora of choices, deciding between the two can prove to be a daunting task. This detailed and researched comparison aims to simplify this selection process, optimizing your retro gaming experience.
Design
Retroid Pocket 2 boasts a sleek design reminiscent of Gameboy Advance, offered in various vibrant colors. The device’s weight and size give a sturdy handheld feel, comfortable for extended gaming hours. The button layout is symmetrical, with a D-pad, thumbstick, and action buttons on the front with additional L and R trigger buttons on top.
On the other hand, Anbernic RG351P, inspired by the classic Gameboy Color, has a compact and hefty design. It comes in several colors, featuring a D-pad, twin thumbsticks, and action buttons. The Anbernic also includes L and R triggers, and additional L2 and R2 buttons on top.
Display
The Retroid Pocket 2 features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a 640×480 resolution. Its 3:2 aspect ratio is perfect for classic games, but might present black bars on the sides for some games requiring a different ratio.
Anbernic RG351P is equipped with a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 320×480. Its slightly lower resolution, confined to a 4:3 aspect ratio, might compromise graphics quality for games designed for higher resolutions.
Performance
Powered by an Arm Cortex-A7 quad-core processor, Retroid Pocket 2 provides a smooth gaming experience with little to no lag. Anbernic RG351P, using a Rockchip RK3326 quad-core processor, offers a comparative performance with faster boot times.
However, Retroid tends to heat up after prolonged gaming, which Anbernic effectively mitigates with its optimization.
Battery Life
Retroid Pocket 2, equipped with a 4000mAh battery, offers up to six hours of continuous gaming. It is efficiently optimized to lessen battery drain during gameplay.
On the other hand, Anbernic RG351P, powered by a 3500mAh battery, ranges between three to six hours depending on the game. Although lesser in battery size, its performance is sufficiently power-efficient.
Operating System
Retroid wins in this aspect with a dual-boot setup, allowing you to switch between Android and a custom Linux-based operating system. Android supports online multiplayer games, streaming apps like Netflix, and even gamepad mapping apps, significantly expanding its gaming and media capabilities.
Anbernic runs on EmuELEC (a Linux-based OS) exclusively, which is more focused and uncomplicated, delivering a straightforward gaming experience.
Game Support
Retroid Pocket 2, due to its Android support, has a broad game library from Android’s Play Store, retro console emulators and ROMS. It also supports PSP, Dreamcast, NDS, and N64 emulation, reaching a reasonable level of playability.
Anbernic’s RG351P can flawlessly emulate consoles up to the PS1 era and supports PSP and NDS emulation. Its built-in emulator doesn’t support Dreamcast or N64, however, third-party emulators can be installed to enable these.
Price
Retroid’s price point is slightly higher than Anbernic, making the latter more affordable. However, the price difference may be justified, given Retroid’s extensive features and capabilities.
In conclusion, both Retroid and Anbernic offer distinct game play experiences. Retroid Pocket 2 stands out for its Android compatibility and extensive game library, while Anbernic RG351P impresses with its straightforward performance and simplicity. The choice hinges on a user’s gaming preferences. The gaming experience offered by both consoles is a testament to their dedication to recreating a unique retro gaming experience. Prioritise your gaming requirements, and you will find the perfect retro gaming console between Retroid and Anbernic.
