Discover the full Anbernic RG477M review, covering its premium metal build, 4.7-inch 120Hz display, emulation performance, and Dimensity 8300 chipset. Explore its battery life, control layout, and Android gaming capabilities. Ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts and those looking for the best Android retro handheld in 2025.
Table of Contents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD, 1280×960 resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8300 (8-core) |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB + 128GB / 12GB + 256GB |
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C Video Out, 3.5mm Audio Jack |
| Build | CNC Aluminum Shell, Available in Silver Blade and Chocolate Bronze |
| Battery | 5300mAh with 27W Fast Charging |
| Weight | 355g |
| Audio | Stereo Downward-Firing Speakers |
| Emulation Support | Up to GameCube, PS2, and partial Nintendo Switch support |
Anbernic RG477M Detailed Review
The retro handheld gaming world has seen some serious growth in the last few years. Anbernic, a long-standing name in the scene, is back with its most premium device yet—the Anbernic RG477M. This is the spiritual successor to the highly-praised RG405M, a device many considered near-perfect when it launched. But now, with a sleeker form factor, 120Hz 4.7-inch display, and the Dimensity 8300 chipset, the RG477M raises the bar even further.
What makes this Anbernic RG477M handheld stand out isn’t just raw power. It’s the carefully considered design choices—a metal body, fantastic D-pad, and perfect 4:3 display—that make it feel like it was built by retro gamers, for retro gamers. Whether you’re into NES classics, PS2 epics, or even testing out the limits of Android-based Switch emulation, this little powerhouse aims to handle it all in style.
Design and Build Quality
The Anbernic RG477M looks and feels premium from the moment you unbox it. Anbernic has opted for a full CNC-machined aluminum body, giving the device an industrial, solid feel. The finish on the Silver Blade and Chocolate Bronze variants is clean and minimalist, though the silver version has a slightly raw, unfinished vibe. It’s subjective, but many users find the chocolate bronze finish to be the more refined of the two.
Despite being made of metal, the Anbernic RG477M device is impressively slim, measuring about 15.5mm thick without the sticks and 21mm with them. At 355 grams, it’s on the heavier side—almost double the weight of the RG35XXH—but the weight is evenly distributed, and the slim body makes it very pocket-friendly. It slips into jacket or cargo pockets with ease, which is rare for a handheld capable of PS2-level emulation.
Another nice touch: Anbernic RG477M ships with a rubber grip case and a screen protector, both included in the box. These thoughtful extras make a difference in daily use and extend the longevity of your handheld.
Display: Built for Retro Gaming
The 4.7-inch LCD display is easily one of the best features of the RG477M. Anbernic RG477M has a 1280×960 resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio, and a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate—ideal for retro gaming. Unlike widescreen handhelds, the 4:3 display keeps classic games looking authentic and sharp. There’s no need to deal with awkward stretching or massive black borders.
Brightness is impressive too. You can comfortably game in a dim room or a sunny backyard. Colors are vibrant without being oversaturated, though it’s not OLED-level punchy. Still, it strikes an excellent balance for a handheld in this price range.
The 120Hz refresh rate improves motion clarity, especially in fast-scrolling games like Sonic, Contra, and racing titles. Even though most retro games run at 60 FPS, the higher refresh rate smooths out motion blur and enhances responsiveness. If you’re into CRT shaders, scanline filters, or even black frame insertion techniques, this Anbernic RG477M screen supports all those enhancements beautifully.
Performance: Dimensity 8300 Delivers
Powering this Anbernic RG477M beast is the MediaTek Dimensity 8300, an 8-core processor that’s quickly becoming the go-to chip for high-performance handhelds. It’s the same chipset found in the RG557, but slightly underclocked in the RG477M to manage thermals due to the smaller chassis and metal body.
In benchmark tests, the Anbernic RG477M holds its own against similarly priced competitors, scoring around 2700 on 3DMark Wild Life Extreme—way ahead of older models like the RG405M. It comfortably handles everything from NES, SNES, GBA, and PSP to more demanding platforms like PS2, GameCube, and even some Nintendo Switch titles.
Two models are available:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage
For most users, the Anbernic RG477M 8GB model is more than enough, especially for emulation up to PS2. The 12GB version is better suited for those who plan to install massive libraries, explore Android gaming, or experiment with Switch and PC game streaming. Both models offer smooth multitasking and quick load times.
Controls and Ergonomics
The Anbernic RG477M doesn’t just look good—it plays great, too. The D-pad is, quite simply, one of the best Anbernic has ever made. It uses a rubber membrane for responsive yet precise feedback, passing the “Contra test” with ease. You can execute directional inputs with pinpoint accuracy—perfect for platformers like Celeste or fighters like Street Fighter III.
The hall sensor analog sticks are also a highlight. These provide smooth, drift-free movement and can be customized with different caps. They stick out a bit, which can make pocketing the device slightly trickier, but their accuracy and feel more than make up for it. They even come with RGB lighting, which can be customized or turned off entirely.
Face buttons are classic Anbernic—glossy, soft, and satisfying to press. Start and Select are placed near the bottom, which might feel like a stretch during intense moments, but it’s a layout returning users will be familiar with.
Shoulder and trigger buttons are functional in Anbernic RG477M, though slightly less comfortable due to their inline placement. They work fine for casual PS2 or Switch gaming, but extended sessions in shooters or modern 3D games might feel cramped. A 3D-printed grip or shell mod could be a worthwhile add-on for heavy users.
Connectivity and I/O
Anbernic packed the Anbernic RG477M with all the ports and connectivity features you’d expect:
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.3
- USB-C with video out
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- MicroSD slot
Anbernic RG477M also includes dual downward-firing stereo speakers, which get quite loud and maintain decent clarity. They won’t replace your Bluetooth headphones, but they’re solid for handheld use. Audio is good across lows, mids, and highs, and even with the slim body, there’s minimal distortion at higher volumes.
Software and Gaming Experience
The Anbernic RG477M runs on Android 14, giving users tons of flexibility. It comes preloaded with emulators, but most enthusiasts will likely install their preferred apps and frontends like Emulation Station or RetroArch. You can also remap the RG button to open your favorite frontend instead of Anbernic’s default launcher.
From a software standpoint, Anbernic RG477M is mostly plug-and-play. However, like many Android-based handhelds, there are occasional compatibility issues—for example, some Android games won’t detect the built-in controls. Games like Diablo Immortal or Grid Legends have reported issues, while cloud streaming services like GeForce Now may not work reliably without workarounds.
That said, once set up correctly, emulation is a dream. You can play:
- NES/SNES/Genesis/GBA – perfect scaling, sharp visuals
- PSP – smooth at 3x resolution
- N64/Dreamcast – flawless upscaled performance
- PS1/GameCube/PS2 – native 2x resolution with minimal tweaking
Even Nintendo Switch games are playable with the right emulator updates, though more graphically intensive titles may stutter or crash. Stick with indie and 2D Switch games for the best results.
Battery Life and Heat Management
The Anbernic RG477M houses a 5,300mAh battery, which delivers respectable life depending on usage:
- Light emulation (SNES, GBA): ~8–9 hours
- GameCube/PS2 (2x res): ~6–7 hours
- Heavy emulation or high brightness + fan: ~3 hours
Charging supports 27W fast charging, topping up the device quickly when needed.
Thermal performance is excellent thanks to the metal body and large heat shield inside. Even during extended PS2 sessions, the Anbernic RG477M unit gets warm—not hot. The active cooling fan does a great job, but it’s noticeably loud when on high settings. Set it to “Auto” for a balance between noise and cooling.
Final Verdict: Anbernic RG477M Review
The Anbernic RG477M is one of the most refined retro handhelds ever released. It’s not just another Android emulator machine—it’s thoughtfully crafted with a focus on what retro gamers actually want: a sharp 4:3 screen, stellar D-pad, premium build, and smooth performance up through PS2 and GameCube.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning 4.7” 120Hz display with 4:3 ratio | Heavier than most handhelds (355g) |
| Excellent D-pad and hall sensor analog sticks | Inline shoulder buttons are less ergonomic |
| Powerful Dimensity 8300 chipset for high-end emulation | Loud fan noise under high load |
| Premium CNC aluminum build | Some Android games may have control compatibility issues |
| Fast charging and good battery optimization | Price is on the higher end |
It’s not perfect. The fan noise, shoulder button ergonomics, and price ($240–$290) may put off casual buyers. But for those who’ve been chasing the dream of a truly high-end pocketable retro console—this is it.
If you’re serious about retro emulation and want a device you won’t need to replace for years, the Anbernic RG477M is a stellar choice.
FAQs: Anbernic RG477M Review
1. Is the Anbernic RG477M good for PS2 and GameCube emulation?
Yes, it handles most PS2 and GameCube games at 2x resolution with minimal tweaking, offering smooth and sharp gameplay.
2. How long does the Anbernic RG477M battery last?
Between 3 to 9 hours depending on what you’re playing and brightness/fan settings.
3. Does the Anbernic RG477M metal body get hot?
It gets warm during intensive play but not uncomfortably hot. The metal helps dissipate heat better than plastic.
4. Should I get the 8GB or 12GB version Anbernic RG477M ?
Go for 8GB unless you need more storage or plan to run very heavy games or multitask often.
5. Is Anbernic RG477M good for Android games and streaming?
Partially. Some Android games and services may not recognize the built-in controls. Stick to emulation and lighter Android games for best results.
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
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