If you’ve felt like the constant stream of new retro handhelds has slowed to a trickle recently, you’re not alone. After a busy summer that saw the launch of powerful devices like the RG476H and RG477M, manufacturer Anbernic has been relatively quiet. The October tease of the RG DS was a blip on the radar, but it left many enthusiasts wondering what was next for the brand.
As it turns out, Anbernic might have a surprise left in its 2024 playbook. Fresh rumors are pointing to a new device that could be the company's most compelling vertical handheld yet: the Anbernic RG477V.
A Leak Points to a "RG477M" in a Classic Shell
The news comes from the well-known leaker Neon Rabbit, who posted details on the Chinese video platform Bilibili. According to the leak, Anbernic is developing a new alternative to its popular RG406V, but with a significant internal upgrade.
The core of the rumor suggests that the RG477V will essentially reuse the powerful internals of the horizontal RG477M but house them in the beloved vertical, "Game Boy-inspired" shell of the 406V. This strategy would give fans of the classic form factor a massive performance boost without having to switch to a horizontal model.
You can see the original source of the leak, including potential early imagery, in Neon Rabbit's Bilibili video below:
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV17nyEBoEem/
Spec Bump: What’s Powering the RG477V?
So, what exactly would this "RG477M in a vertical shell" mean for performance? In a word: a lot. Based on the leak, here’s the speculated hardware lineup:
- Chipset: The star of the show is the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset. This is a substantial leap over the Unisoc processor found in the RG406V, placing the RG477V firmly in the upper tier of Android-based retro handhelds.
- Display: The device is said to feature a 4.7-inch IPS display. More importantly, this screen is rumored to run at a 960p resolution with a silky-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate isn't just for modern games; it's expected to be used for Black Frame Insertion (BFI), a technique that can dramatically improve motion clarity and enhance CRT shader effects for a more authentic retro gaming experience.
- Memory and Storage: The base model is expected to launch with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. For power users, a variant with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage is also anticipated.
- Battery: There is one slight trade-off. The battery capacity is rumored to drop slightly from the RG406V's 5,500 mAh to a still-respectable 5,300 mAh. Given the more efficient chipset, real-world battery life may not see a significant decrease.
Further analysis and community discussion about these specs can be found over at RetroHandhelds.gg, which has been tracking the announcement closely.
https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg477v-announcement-seems-imminent/
Pricing, Availability, and The Catch
Neon Rabbit believes that Anbernic is targeting a launch price of approximately CNY 1,599 (around $225) for the 8/128GB model in China. This would position it as a premium vertical handheld, but one with the power to justify the cost. As of now, official US pricing and availability have not been revealed.
The leak also suggests that the button layout will be carried over from the RG406V, which has received mixed reviews. While some appreciate its simplicity, others have criticized it for being less ergonomic than competing models. This would be a point of consideration for potential buyers.
For context, you can check out the current horizontal model that shares its guts with the upcoming RG477V, the RG477M, on Amazon to see what kind of performance to expect.
The Final Word: A Powerhouse in a Classic Form Factor
While these details are still in the rumor phase, the potential of the Anbernic RG477V is incredibly exciting for the retro gaming community. It represents a fusion of two popular trends: the nostalgic, pocketable vertical form factor and the raw power needed for higher-end emulation and Android gaming.
If the leaks hold true, Anbernic is poised to end the year with a bang, offering a definitive answer for gamers who want the best of both worlds. Keep your eyes peeled for an official announcement in the coming weeks.
