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| Anbernic's RG G01 controller will be available in three colours. |
The handheld and gaming accessory specialist Anbernic has kicked off its 2026 product lineup with a bold new announcement, shifting gears from budget-friendly options to challenge the established kings of the controller arena. The company has unveiled detailed specifications for the upcoming Anbernic RG G01, a feature-packed wireless controller that appears to leave its budget-focused predecessor, the RG P01, firmly in the rearview mirror.
The new official promotional video makes the ambition clear: the RG G01 is designed to compete directly with high-end favorites like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless, the Manba One V2, and the GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro. This isn't just an incremental update; it's a statement of intent.
From Budget to Best-in-Class: The RG G01's Impressive Spec Sheet
Anbernic has packed the RG G01 with nearly every modern feature an enthusiast could want. The goal is clear: to offer a premium, versatile controller for serious gamers across PC, mobile, and consoles. The confirmed hardware list is extensive:
- Premium Controls: Hall effect triggers (with switchable Linear/Tactile modes), capacitive joysticks with swappable thumbsticks, and micro-switch ABXY buttons arranged in the popular Xbox layout.
- High-Performance Connectivity: A blazing-fast 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, and a super-responsive 180 Hz rate over Bluetooth.
- Enhanced Customization: Four programmable rear macro buttons, a removable faceplate for personalization, and asymmetric pendulum vibration motors for nuanced haptic feedback.
- Motion & Battery: A full 6-axis gyroscope for motion-controlled games and a substantial 2,100 mAh battery rated for up to 21 hours of play.
You can get a full look at the design and features in Anbernic's own announcement video right here.
Beyond Gaming: A Unique Health-Focused Feature
In a surprising move that sets it apart from the competition, Anbernic has revealed the RG G01 will include a unique wellness function. The controller features a small built-in IPS display that, beyond showing connection status and battery life, can deliver warnings for abnormal heart rates. This suggests integrated sensors, potentially in the grips, aiming to add a layer of user awareness during long gaming sessions.
Broad Compatibility for Future-Proof Gaming
The RG G01 is built for a multi-platform world. Anbernic confirms support for Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Switch 2, alongside Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows devices. This wide compatibility makes it a potential single-controller solution for gamers who play across multiple ecosystems.
Availability and Expectations
While the promotional material stops short of announcing a concrete release date, industry speculation points to a launch window of February 2026. Given the loaded feature set aimed at the premium market, the RG G01 is expected to be priced competitively against its established rivals, though Anbernic has yet to reveal official pricing.
If the final product delivers on the promise of its specifications, the Anbernic RG G01 could be a compelling new contender in the high-end controller space, offering a compelling mix of performance, customization, and even unique health tracking.
For those interested in the budget model that started this evolution, the Anbernic RG P01 wireless controller is still available for purchase online here.