Head-to-Head
RG-557 vs RG-35XX SP
RG-557 vs RG-35XX SP: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | RG557 | RG35XX SP |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Clamshell |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Linux |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 8300 | Allwinner H700 |
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB LPDDR5X | 1 GB LPDDR4 |
| Screen | 5.48 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 5500 mAh | 3300 mAh (Swappable) |
| Price | $249 + shipping | $65 (+ shipping) |
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The RG-557 and RG-35XX SP are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist. They are not identical, and the right choice depends on what you actually want to play and how much you want to spend.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The RG-557 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 with 12 GB LPDDR5X. The RG-35XX SP uses an Allwinner H700 with 1 GB LPDDR4. On our performance scale, the RG-557 scores 10/10 and the RG-35XX SP scores 10/10. The RG-557 grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, The RG-35XX SP grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Dreamcast in the B range. In practice, the RG-557 reaches Gamecube, Wii, PS2 playable, some Switch playable. The RG-35XX SP reaches SNES FX & 3D PS1 (60 FPS), N64 and Dreamcast mostly playable, PSP somewhat playable, Saturn barely playable.
Screen and ergonomics
The RG-557 has a 5.48 inch display at 1920 x 1080. The RG-35XX SP has a 3.5 inch display at 640 x 480. The RG-557 is a horizontal device, while the RG-35XX SP is clamshell. That shape difference matters for how the device feels in the hand and how comfortable it is for longer sessions.
Battery and price
The RG-557 carries a 5500 mAh battery, and the RG-35XX SP a 3300 mAh (Swappable) battery. On price, the RG-557 sits around $249 + shipping, while the RG-35XX SP is around $65 (+ shipping).
Which should you buy?
Their headline scores match, so the honest tiebreaker is where the grade sheets diverge: the RG-557 grades Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS and Dreamcast higher. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.