Head-to-Head
RG SP vs RG557
RG SP vs RG557: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | RG SP | RG557 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Clamshell | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Linux | Android 14 |
| Chipset | Allwinner H700 | MediaTek Dimensity 8300 |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 | 8 GB / 12 GB LPDDR5X |
| Screen | 3.4 inch | 5.48 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 480 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Battery | 3300 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Price | $65 | $249 + shipping |
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The RG SP and RG557 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 SP is powered by an Allwinner H700 with 1 GB LPDDR4. The RG557 uses a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 with 8 GB / 12 GB LPDDR5X. On our performance scale, the RG SP scores 10/10 and the RG557 scores 10/10. The RG 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. The RG557 grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, The RG557 reaches Gamecube, Wii, PS2 playable, some Switch playable.
Screen and ergonomics
The RG SP has a 3.4 inch display at 720 x 480. The RG557 has a 5.48 inch display at 1920 x 1080. The RG SP is a clamshell device, while the RG557 is horizontal. 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 SP carries a 3300 mAh battery, and the RG557 a 5500 mAh battery. On price, the RG SP sits around $65, while the RG557 is around $249 + shipping.
Which should you buy?
Their headline scores match, so the honest tiebreaker is where the grade sheets diverge: the RG557 grades Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS and Dreamcast higher. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.