The sliding handheld form factor is making an unexpected return to the gaming world. Anbernic has unveiled its latest retro gaming device, the RG Slide, which resurrects the nostalgic sliding design reminiscent of the Sony Xperia Play and early 2000s sliding phones. This unique approach sets it apart in a crowded handheld gaming market dominated by traditional clamshell and candy bar designs.
Display and Design Innovation
The RG Slide features a 4.7-inch LTPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, specifically optimized for retro gaming experiences. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate with 1,280 x 960 pixel resolution, offering a contrast ratio of 1200:1 and maximum brightness of 500 nits. The sliding mechanism reveals a comprehensive control layout including dual thumbsticks, a D-pad, ABXY buttons, and start/select buttons positioned in the center.
Display Specifications
- Screen Size: 4.7-inch LTPS
- Resolution: 1,280 x 960 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Contrast Ratio: 1200:1
- Maximum Brightness: 500 nits
Emulation Performance Capabilities
Anbernic has demonstrated the RG Slide's ability to handle demanding emulation tasks, including PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii games. The device can emulate PS2, Wii, GameCube, and Dreamcast titles at 640 x 480 resolution, while PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 games run at 320 x 240 resolution. Performance demonstrations show smooth gameplay across various demanding titles, suggesting robust hardware capabilities beneath the nostalgic exterior.
Emulation Performance
- PS2, Wii, GameCube, Dreamcast: 640 x 480 resolution
- PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64: 320 x 240 resolution
- Android games support (including Genshin Impact)
- Likely powered by UNISOC Tiger T820 processor
Android-Based Gaming Platform
Unlike many budget retro handhelds that rely on Linux-based systems, the RG Slide runs Android, opening up additional gaming possibilities. This choice enables compatibility with modern mobile games like Genshin Impact, as demonstrated in Anbernic's promotional materials. The Android implementation also explains the inclusion of a cooling fan vent on the device's rear panel, a feature typically reserved for more powerful hardware configurations.
Control Layout
- Dual analog thumbsticks
- D-pad
- ABXY buttons
- Start and Select buttons
- Touchscreen support
- Sliding form factor design
Hardware Specifications and Timing
The RG Slide likely utilizes the UNISOC Tiger T820 processor, a chipset that Anbernic has employed across multiple devices in recent years. While not cutting-edge, this processor proves adequate for the demonstrated emulation performance and Android gaming requirements. The timing of this announcement appears strategic, coinciding with the expiration of Sony's sliding design patent later this month, potentially opening the door for similar devices from other manufacturers.
Market Positioning and Availability
Anbernic has not yet announced official pricing or release dates for the RG Slide. However, based on the company's history of competitive pricing across its extensive handheld lineup, the device is expected to maintain affordability while delivering unique form factor appeal. The touchscreen functionality adds versatility for mobile gaming, though the physical controls remain the primary input method for most gaming scenarios.