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| Anbernic RG477V handheld running a racing game during gameplay |
The retro handheld market is buzzing over Anbernic’s latest powerhouse, the RG477V. Early reviews praised its solid build quality and sharp 4:3 display, but a common concern emerged around its Mali GPU’s capabilities. Now, a new deep-dive analysis from popular YouTube channel The Phawx suggests potential buyers should think twice before upgrading to the higher-tier 12GB RAM model, calling its value into question for most users.
The findings highlight a core mismatch: spending more on extra RAM doesn’t solve the device’s fundamental graphical limitations for the most demanding tasks.
Why More RAM Isn’t the Magic Fix
According to the detailed testing by The Phawx, the extra 4GB of RAM in the pricier model only shows real benefits in two specific scenarios: heavier Nintendo Switch emulation and playing more modern PC games. The problem, as highlighted in the video, is that these are precisely the areas where the RG477V’s Mali GPU and its Vulkan support become a significant bottleneck.
“Paying a premium for the 12GB configuration doesn’t overcome the core limitation for PC or Switch emulation on this chipset,” the reviewer notes. The investment may not translate to the performance leap users are hoping for.
For a complete look at the performance benchmarks, visual glitches, and side-by-side testing, check out the full review from The Phawx.
Emulation Performance: Vulkan vs. OpenGL Trade-Offs
The testing reveals important nuances for emulation enthusiasts. In GameCube emulation, titles like Metroid Prime exhibited graphical glitches when using the Vulkan API. The recommendation? Switch to OpenGL for better compatibility when tackling PS2 and GameCube libraries.
This presents a dilemma for PC gaming, however. Many modern PC game compatibility layers rely heavily on Vulkan. If Vulkan performance is inconsistent, the argument for investing in extra RAM to boost PC game performance weakens considerably.
It’s not all cautionary news, though. The RG477V’s Dimensity 8300 chip represents a clear CPU leap forward. The review confirms that this power allows PS2 and GameCube titles to run more smoothly at higher internal resolutions with far less tweaking than previous Anbernic models.
For classic retro gaming setups, the Vulkan support still finds a good purpose. Within RetroArch, using Vulkan enables features like black frame insertion on the device’s 120Hz display—a boon for motion clarity—along with run-ahead latency reduction for that crisp, vintage feel.
Hardware Impressions: Familiar Anbernic, With Some Tweaks
Beyond pure performance, the review touches on the physical experience. The current firmware is reported to have fairly large analog stick dead zones, which could affect precision in certain games. Additionally, the revised D-pad membrane, while quieter, is said to offer less tactility compared to the snappy feel of older Anbernic handhelds—a point that may matter to hardcore retro gamers.
The Verdict: Save Your Money for Storage
Anbernic’s official store lists the RG477V starting at $219.99 for the base 8GB model. The device supports microSD expansion up to a massive 2TB. The reviewer emphasizes that this is the smarter path for most users: buying a high-capacity microSD card is a far more cost-effective way to add storage than upgrading to the 12GB variant for minimal real-world gains.
The final buy-or-skip recommendation hinges on your needs. For players focused on PlayStation 1, PSP, and retro libraries below GameCube/PS2, the base model appears to be the sweet spot. Those chasing the bleeding edge of Switch or PC gaming on a handheld may find the RG477V’s architecture, regardless of RAM, presents inherent hurdles.
Ultimately, the RG477V shapes up as a powerful emulation device for its core retro strengths, but the pursuit of its highest-tier spec may not be the wise upgrade path it seems.