 |
| A close-up of the RG477V with its dual joysticks and Nintendo-style ABXY button layout. |
The rumors have been confirmed. Anbernic, a staple name in the retro gaming handheld scene, is officially developing the RG477V, a new vertical-style device poised to succeed the popular RG406V with a significant power boost.
For those keeping score, the RG406V launched just over a year ago, impressing fans with its classic Game Boy-inspired form factor but sharing the same Unisoc T820 chipset as the RG Cube and the horizontal RG556 (currently $199 on Amazon). Now, the focus shifts to its successor.
What We Know So Far
Anbernic has played its cards close to the chest, offering no official hardware specifications at this time. The company has, however, formally acknowledged the RG477V's existence and revealed it will launch in at least two color options. Much of what we can glean comes from a brief teaser video shared by the brand.
A close look at the official teaser video reveals critical details. Most notably, the side profile clearly shows an exhaust vent, confirming the inclusion of active cooling. This almost certainly points to a small turbo fan, similar to the one in the RG406V, and is a strong indicator that Anbernic is packing a more potent, heat-generating chipset inside.
Decoding the Rumored Specs
If the latest whispers from supply chains and insider forums hold true, the RG477V marks a major leap for Anbernic. It is widely expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset. This is a substantial upgrade, featuring an octa-core CPU and an ARM Mali-G615 MP6 GPU. Such hardware would not only breeze through classic console emulation but also push the device further into Android gaming and more demanding systems like PlayStation 2, GameCube, and potentially even some PlayStation Portable titles at higher resolutions.
Design & Display Insights
The video also gives us a clear look at the familiar layout. The device retains the classic vertical design with in-line shoulder buttons (as opposed to stacked) and Anbernic's standard array of gamepad buttons, including dual analog sticks. The side bezels appear noticeably slim. This aligns with speculation that Anbernic has equipped the RG477V with the same 4.7-inch display used in the horizontal RG477M—a panel boasting a sharp 960p resolution and a buttery-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. This would be a fantastic upgrade for both game fluidity and general UI navigation.
Pricing & Availability
While global pricing remains unconfirmed, early rumors suggest a starting price of around CNY 1,599 (approximately $225) for the Chinese market. This model is expected to feature 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Given the specs, this would position the RG477V as a premium contender in the vertical handheld space.
The Bottom Line
The Anbernic RG477V shapes up to be the most powerful vertical handheld the company has ever produced. By potentially combining the Dimensity 8300's performance, a high-refresh-rate screen, and active cooling, Anbernic seems to be targeting enthusiasts who want a no-compromise retro experience in the beloved "classic Game Boy" form factor. While we await final confirmation on specs and global release dates, one thing is clear: the bar for vertical handhelds is about to be raised.
For those interested in the current horizontal flagship, you can check out the Anbernic RG556 on Amazon here.
