Anbernic has revealed its latest retro gaming device, the RG Vita, which draws inspiration from the PlayStation Vita but falls short in emulating most Vita titles. The handheld features mid-range hardware running Android 12, suitable for lighter retro emulation tasks. Details on pricing and release remain undisclosed.
Anbernic recently shared initial details about the RG Vita, a new retro gaming handheld designed to evoke the look of Sony's PlayStation Vita. According to a review by The Phawx, the device prioritizes portability and classic gaming revival, though its capabilities are constrained by its hardware.
The RG Vita sports a 5.46-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels. It is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, paired with 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMCP storage, expandable via microSD up to 2 TB. A 5,000 mAh battery supports extended play, while connectivity includes Bluetooth 5 and WiFi 5. Additional features comprise Hall effect joysticks for precise control, stereo speakers, and a 6-axis gyroscope for motion-based gaming. Notably, it operates on Android 12, differing from the newer Android 14 on Anbernic's RG477V model.
Emulation performance varies. The Phawx's tests show the RG Vita struggling with most PlayStation Vita games; while Gravity Rush runs adequately, titles like Killzone: Mercenary and Uncharted: Golden Abyss prove unplayable due to insufficient power. However, it manages GameCube, Saturn, PSP, and PlayStation 2 emulation, albeit with some limitations depending on the titles.
This positions the RG Vita as a capable option for older retro systems but not a full Vita successor. Anbernic has yet to announce pricing or an exact release date, leaving enthusiasts awaiting further updates.
