🎮 The RG Slide Review: Anbernic’s Best Idea Yet?

Hey fam! 🙌

Today, we’re digging DEEP into a device that’s been turning heads in the retro handheld world, the Anbernic RG Slide. Now I’ve handled a lot of consoles in my day, but this one’s got something different going on.

With its unique slider mechanism, bold specs under $200, and Anbernic’s best packaging to date, it’s trying hard to stand out. But does it actually deliver?

Let’s break it down the only way we know how, using the legendary 0–69 scale to evaluate what works, what doesn’t, and who this chunky little slider is really for.

✨ First Impressions

Let’s start at the very beginning. What’s it like when you first meet the RG Slide?

Well, Anbernic absolutely brought their A-game here. The outer sleeve literally slides off (nice touch 👏), revealing a surprisingly premium black box underneath. Slide that open, and boom, you’re greeted with a slick envelope that includes manuals and a high-quality tempered glass screen protector. Already a strong start!

Underneath the foam, you’ll meet the star of the show, the RG Slide itself. And wow, this thing is chonky in the best way possible. It’s not heavy, but it feels substantial, like it could survive a drop off your bunk bed. There's a sense of craftsmanship you don’t always get from Anbernic. And then there’s that sliding mechanism, which is smooth, firm, and satisfying. You can’t help but smile the first time you pop it open.

Power it on, and you’re greeted by a crisp Anbernic logo followed by… vanilla Android 13. No bloat, no weird launcher, just a clean, flexible Android. A breath of fresh air.

First Impressions score: 59/69

🧠 Internals

Time to peel back the casing and see what powers this chunky boi. The RG Slide runs on a Unisoc T820, a 6nm octa-core SoC with a surprising amount of muscle. Paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, this combo puts it far above the RK3566 or T618 devices in this price range.

You're not getting Odin 2 or Ally-level performance here (which makes sense, given they start at $330+), but you can dip into the PS2 generation comfortably. Expect fluid Dreamcast, PSP, GameCube, and PS1 emulation, and even some playable PS2 titles on AetherSX2. Just don’t expect miracles, some heavier PS2 games will stutter or dip in framerate.

The LTPS 4.7” screen is also a win here. At 1280x960, it’s rocking a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is perfect for older systems like SNES, PS1, and GBA. It’s not OLED, but you wouldn’t know that at first glance. Colors pop, blacks are inky, and the screen is honestly one of the most impressive I’ve seen on an Anbernic device.

Throw in Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a high-speed active cooling system, and you’ve got a well-rounded internals package.

Internals score: 53/69

🤩 Feel in Hand

This one surprised me. The RG Slide is thick, but not in a bad way. The ergonomics are solid despite the flat back. There are no rear grips, which would have been nice, but the weight distribution feels balanced, and you get a very “solid hardware” vibe right from the jump.

The sliding mechanism is just plain fun. It’s a conversation starter. I’ve shown this to non-gamer friends, and they instantly smile when they slide it open. There's a real toyetic charm here, paired with legitimate functionality.

The device is also relatively quiet. You won’t hear loud clacky buttons here, other than the shoulder triggers, start, select, home, and back buttons. It’s understated and grown-up in just the right way.

Feel in Hand score: 57/69

🧭 Ease of Use

Out of the box, the RG Slide runs a clean Android 13 experience. If you’re used to smartphones or Android handhelds like the Odin, you’ll feel right at home. You can jump straight into the Google Play Store and download RetroArch, DuckStation, AetherSX2, or even Netflix if that’s your vibe.

Now, I will say this: if you’re coming from a Linux-based device like the RG35XX Pro or Miyoo Mini, expect a learning curve. Android handhelds are powerful but a bit more involved. And if you’re an iOS lifer, expect to spend a little time learning where things live.

Still, the Slide supports custom launchers, so if you want it to boot directly into EmulationStation DesktopEdition (ESDE for short) or reset to a simpler layout, that’s possible too. Flexibility is the keyword here.

Ease of Use score: 55/69

🛠️ Customizability

This category is where the Slide shines. Android is basically a playground for tinkerers. You can change the launcher, map sliders to sleep/wake the device, download alternate stores, set macros, and customize every aspect of your UI and button mappings.

You can make this look like a PS Vita. Or a Nintendo Switch. Or a Game Boy. Whatever your flavor is, the Slide supports it.

Hardware-wise, the device includes two sets of joystick caps (white and black), a tempered glass protector, and has aftermarket cases and screen protectors already available online. The one thing missing? Custom grips. But I’m sure Etsy sellers are on it already.

Customizability score: 64/69

🎮 Controls

Alright. So this is where things get subjective—but also where a few quirks pop up.

Let’s start with the good: the face buttons and D-pad are top-tier Anbernic quality. The D-pad is snappy and perfect for 2D games like Mega Man X or Street Fighter Alpha 3, while the ABXY buttons have that classic soft-but-firm travel that doesn’t tire your fingers out during long sessions. The dual analog sticks, tucked low in Switch-style placement, feel responsive and smooth, and the included rubber caps add welcome texture and grip.

But let’s talk about the shoulder layout, because it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

You’ve got inline L1/L2 and R1/R2, which are fine in theory, but here’s the issue: they’re clickier than I’d like, especially for longer gameplay sessions. There’s a noticeable tactile snap, not horrible, but it might fatigue your fingers over time or just sound annoying during quiet play. And for those with misophonia or just a dislike of loud clicky buttons… it may be a dealbreaker.

The same goes for the Start, Select, Home, and Back buttons—they're loud and clicky, which makes them feel a bit out of place on an otherwise smooth-feeling handheld. Compared to the more muted tone of face buttons and the D-pad, these utility buttons stand out (and not in the best way).

Lastly, it would’ve been nice to see stacked triggers like on the Odin 2 or ROG Ally X, which are far more ergonomic for PS2 and GameCube titles. And while the flat back isn’t a disaster, some light sculpted grips would’ve gone a long way in making the Slide feel like a proper controller during intense play.

Still, overall, it’s a solid showing from Anbernic, especially for casual and retro use.

Controls score: 55/69

💸 Value

Now here’s the kicker: this device retails under US$200, and for that price, it’s punching way above its weight class.

You get:

• A truly unique sliding form factor

• Great performance for everything up to GameCube/PS2

• A premium screen

• Clean Android

• Expandable storage

• Included goodies (caps + screen protector)

Compare that to the Odin 2 or ROG Ally X, and you’re saving $130–200, while still having a great time. If Anbernic made a few tweaks (stacked triggers, beefier SoC), they could raise the price, and I’d still recommend it.

Value score: 62/69

🧩 Putting It All Together: The Final Verdict

Let’s break it down category by category:

Category	Highlight	Score (out of 69)
First Impressions	Premium box, surprise extras, that SLIDE! 😎	59
Internals	T820 chip handles most retro tasks + sharp 4:3 LTPS display	53
Feel in Hand	Balanced and joyful with a charming slider mechanism	57
Ease of Use	Android + Play Store = powerful and flexible if you're willing to learn	55
Customizability	Software + hardware flexibility out of the box	64
Controls	Good feel, decent layout, some room to grow ergonomically	55
Value	Under $200 for PS2-capable Android handheld + freebies in box	62

🎯 Average Score: 58 / 69📊 Final Verdict: A confident, premium-feeling Android handheld that stands out. If you’re even slightly curious, you won’t regret trying it.

🔝 Top 4 Pros

✅ Excellent 4:3 display that looks much more premium than expected

✅ Clean Android 13 experience, ready to roll

✅ Thoughtful packaging and included extras

✅ Unique sliding form factor that feels great in hand

⚠️ Top 4 Cons

❌ Inline triggers are overly clicky and not ideal for longer play sessions

❌ Start, Select, Home, and Back buttons are also very clicky—less premium-feeling than the rest of the device

❌ No games preloaded unless you order a special SD card package

❌ Lack of ergonomic back grips and smaller analog sticks limits comfort over time

👤 Who Should Buy This

🎮 Gamers who want a full-featured Android handheld with Play Store access, emulation flexibility, and enough power to enjoy some PS2 games

🧠 Customizers and tinkerers who want a canvas they can personalize inside and out

🙅 Who Should Skip This

📦 Folks who want a preloaded Linux-based plug-and-play device, go with something like the RG35XX Plus

🕹️ Ergonomics purists or competitive gamers who need stacked triggers and bigger sticks for FPS titles

📣 Final Thoughts & Where to Buy

The RG Slide is one of my favorite surprises this year. It’s fun, flexible, and just plain satisfying. If you love handheld gaming and enjoy Android flexibility, this one belongs in your collection.

👉 You can grab the RG Slide from:

• 🛒 Anbernic Official Store (non-affiliate link): Buy here

• 🛒 Anbernic Official Store (affiliate link): Supports the blog

• 🛒 AliExpress (non-affiliate): Buy here

• 🛒 AliExpress (affiliate link): Supports the blog

Once you've had your hands on it, come talk about it with the rest of the fam over at อาณาบริเวณของ Anbernic Annex!

Until next time! 👋

P'Nick ✨