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| An alleged look at the next TrimUI Brick. |
The retro handheld scene is ending 2025 with a spectacular showdown, as two major players prepare to launch new vertical-form devices that promise to push the boundaries of portable classic gaming. At the heart of this competition is Anbernic's officially revealed RG477V, a powerhouse designed to emulate systems like the Nintendo Wii, and a rumored TrimUI Brick refresh that appears to be positioning itself as a budget-conscious alternative.
Here’s a quick overview of the two devices sparking excitement among retro gaming enthusiasts:
The Anbernic RG477V: A Vertical Powerhouse
Anbernic has officially pulled back the curtain on the RG477V, and its specifications signal a major leap forward. The device is designed to be a direct, more powerful successor to last year's RG406V.
The heart of this handheld is the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM (with a 12GB option likely). This hardware combination is the key to its ambitious performance goals, which include smoothly running emulators for the Nintendo Wii, Wii U, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo 3DS. To manage the heat from such demanding tasks, Anbernic has equipped the RG477V with an active cooling fan.
Visually, the device breaks new ground for vertical handhelds with a 4.7-inch "full-screen" display featuring a 960p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on Android 14 and includes a large 5,500 mAh battery promising up to 8 hours of gameplay. Anbernic’s teaser shows the device in at least two colorways: a glossy black and a classic "DMG" Game Boy-inspired theme.
The Rumored TrimUI Brick Refresh: A Budget Challenger
On the other side of the ring, leaks suggest TrimUI is preparing a significant update to its popular Brick handheld to directly compete with the RG477V on price.
The most noticeable change in the leaked image is the addition of dual analog joysticks, filling the distinctive center gap found on the current Brick model. This is a major functional upgrade, as it would natively support games from systems like the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 without requiring players to remap controls to the D-pad.
The leak also suggests the screen will grow from the current model's 3.2-inch panel to a 4-inch display. While full specifications and pricing remain unknown, analysts expect this new model to be a more affordable alternative to the RG477V, potentially leveraging its durable plastic build (as opposed to glass fronts) as a selling point.
Clash of Philosophies: Performance vs. Value
This upcoming release cycle highlights two distinct approaches in the retro handheld market. The Anbernic RG477V represents the high-end push, using premium Android smartphone components to constantly raise the emulation ceiling. Its target is the enthusiast who wants a single device capable of playing almost the entire history of 3D consoles.
In contrast, the TrimUI Brick refresh appears to follow a "value and refinement" strategy. Rather than chasing the highest-end emulation, it focuses on perfecting the experience for classic 2D and early 3D systems by adding crucial hardware features (the joysticks) at a competitive price.
The timing of these releases is also a key point of competition. The Anbernic RG477V is expected to launch before the end of 2025, with pre-orders likely starting soon. The new TrimUI Brick, however, is not expected to be officially launched until 2026.
What This Means for Gamers
The retro handheld market is booming, valued at $1.32 billion in 2024 and growing steadily. This competition between Anbernic and TrimUI is fantastic news for gamers, as it drives innovation and offers clearer choices.
If your priority is maximizing performance and you dream of playing Super Mario Galaxy or God of War on a vertical handheld, the RG477V is shaping up to be your device. You can check the latest official details and pricing for its predecessor, the RG406V, on Amazon for comparison.
If you prefer a compact, lightweight device focused on 8-bit to 32-bit classics and want the best possible value, the upcoming TrimUI Brick refresh could be the ideal choice, provided the rumors of its improved controls and screen hold true.
The final verdict will depend on real-world performance, battery life, and software optimization. But one thing is certain: for fans of vertical handhelds, the future has never looked brighter.
Which approach are you more excited about? Are you holding out for the high-powered RG477V, or are you more interested in the budget-focused TrimUI Brick refresh? Let us know in the comments below.
Hello 4 inch Trimui Brick with Sticks.... pic.twitter.com/BAEGboonDZ
— Retro Gaming With Deadfred (@RetroDeadFred) December 12, 2025