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The retro handheld scene is booming, and the vertical "Game Boy-style" form factor is having a serious moment. Fresh off the heels of its popular RG406V, Anbernic is back with a new flagship vertical model: the RG477V. But the landscape has shifted dramatically. Where its predecessor had few direct rivals, the RG477V now faces stiff competition from value-packed options like the Retroid Pocket Classic and upcoming devices like the Pocket Vert.
So, does Anbernic’s latest justify its place at the premium end of the vertical handheld market? Let’s break down what this powerful little device brings to the table.
A Closer Look at the Specs That Matter
At its heart, the RG477V is powered by the potent MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset. This is a significant leap, pairing an octa-core CPU (1x Cortex-A715 & 7x Cortex-A510) with a Mali-G615 MP6 GPU. Coupled with your choice of 6GB or 8GB of RAM, this hardware targets flawless emulation up to and including the Nintendo Wii U and PlayStation 2 generations. For retro enthusiasts, that’s the sweet spot for a vast library of classic games.
The device is framed by a 4.7-inch IPS display with a sharp 1280 x 960 resolution. Anbernic didn’t just stop at clarity; they’ve included a buttery 120Hz refresh rate with support for Black Frame Insertion (BFI). This tech helps reduce motion blur, making fast-paced games look crisper, all while maintaining smooth 60 FPS gameplay.
Build, Controls, and Connectivity
Anbernic has a reputation for solid build quality, and the RG477V continues that tradition. The control layout is classic and comfortable: a precise four-way D-pad sits above Hall effect joysticks—a premium feature that eliminates joystick drift and ensures longevity. These are flanked by the standard ABXY face buttons.
Around back, you’ll find a substantial 5,500 mAh battery supporting 27W fast charging, meaning less time plugged in and more time playing. Modern connectivity is covered with Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E, ensuring fast file transfers and low-latency wireless audio.
For the full official specs and to see the device from all angles, you can check it out directly on the Anbernic RG477V product page.
The Competitive Landscape: Where Does It Stand?
The most direct competitor is the Retroid Pocket Classic. It’s notably cheaper and boasts a powerful Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip. For many, it will be the value-for-money king. The RG477V fights back with its superior Hall effect joysticks, that high-refresh-rate display, and a potentially more robust build.
Anbernic is positioning the RG477V as the premium, no-compromise option in the vertical space. It’s for the user who wants the best screen and controls and is willing to pay a bit more for them.
Pricing, Availability, and a Deadline
The RG477V is available now, but prospective buyers should act quickly. The entry model with 128GB storage (no microSD card included) starts at $199.99. Stepping up to 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM adds $40. A top-tier bundle with that configuration plus a 256GB microSD card in your choice of Black or Retro Grey is $269.99.
Heads up: Anbernic has announced a price increase of $20 across all configurations, effective December 23 at 10:00 UTC. If you’re on the fence, ordering before that date locks in the current price.
You can find the various purchase options available on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
The Anbernic RG477V doesn’t try to be the cheapest. Instead, it carves out a niche as the premium vertical handheld for discerning retro gamers. With its excellent Dimensity 8300 performance, drift-free Hall effect controls, and stunning 120Hz display, it makes a compelling case for itself in a suddenly crowded market. If your priority is top-tier build and display quality for PS2/GameCube/Wii U era gaming and beyond, the RG477V is a formidable contender worth your attention—especially before that price hike hits.