Chapter 1: A Shift in Gaming Preferences

In my gaming journey, I’ve always leaned toward portable devices rather than traditional consoles. My experience with consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X is virtually nonexistent, and I even sold my Nintendo Switch during the pandemic for a tidy profit. While I enjoyed playing games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Dance Dance Revolution with my wife, I often found it hard to stay engaged for long periods on the couch. The portability of the Switch was a significant factor in my enjoyment, but my skills never quite matched my enthusiasm, leading to occasional frustration.

Reflecting on past gaming experiences, I remember playing 007 GoldenEye on the Nintendo 64 with my younger brother. While I eventually improved, I could never reach the same skill level as him or my cousins, which diminished my interest in competitive gaming. However, I fondly recall playing Nintendo games on the Game Boy during my childhood, especially Pokémon on my Game Boy Pocket. This nostalgia was reignited when I purchased a modded Game Boy Advance from eBay early in the pandemic.

Chapter 2: Discovering the Anbernic RG552

Playing Pokémon Fire Red on my Game Boy Advance with its IPS display has been a joy, but I frequently struggled with the quick depletion of AA batteries. To solve this, I invested in a rechargeable battery that fit into the AA slot with a bit of modification. My search for further modding ideas led me to discover the Anbernic RG552, an emulator console I had never heard of before. This revelation opened my eyes to a thriving market for retro gaming devices.

After weighing various options, I decided on the RG552, drawn to its design reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch and its suitability for playing Game Boy Advance titles.

Video Description: This video showcases the Anbernic RG552, detailing its features and performance, particularly for handheld gaming enthusiasts.

The RG552 arrived after what felt like an eternity (though it was only six days), and my first impression was its surprising thickness and weight compared to the Switch. It felt solid and comfortable in my hands, with the buttons, D-Pad, and joysticks providing a premium feel. The 5.36-inch screen was visually stunning, and the speakers produced impressive sound—often too loud for late-night gaming sessions.

Despite being initially puzzled by the presence of a fan, I found it to be nearly silent during use. The battery life has also been remarkable, easily lasting through my sporadic gaming sessions.

Chapter 3: Technical Specifications

The RG552 is equipped with a 5.36-inch OCA IPS display boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1152, powered by an RK3399 Hexagon-core 64-bit processor running at 1.8GHz. It features 64GB of RAM and supports both Android and Linux operating systems. The device comes with dual microSD slots, a 3.5mm headphone jack, HDMI output, and two USB-C ports for power and connectivity.

One challenge I faced was inserting the microSD cards into the slots. The first slot is dedicated to the Linux OS, which was initially confusing. However, once I figured out the correct placement technique, I successfully booted into Anbernic's custom Linux OS, which has proven to be quite impressive.

Video Description: A deep dive into the Anbernic RG552's software capabilities, highlighting the dual operating systems and gaming performance.

Chapter 4: Software Experience

This is my first encounter with a device that can boot into two operating systems. Initially perplexed, I eventually learned how to navigate the Linux environment. The RG552’s custom Linux OS was a pleasant surprise, offering a smooth experience while playing my favorite games, including various Pokémon titles and some Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo.

As a newcomer to emulators, I have minimal complaints. The vast library of over 4,000 games on the 64GB microSD card automatically categorizes by console, simplifying my gaming experience. I haven’t yet explored Nintendo 64 or PlayStation games, but I look forward to diving into more retro classics.

Chapter 5: Conclusion

While I consider letting go of my Game Boy Advance, I’m reminded of the nostalgia that the Anbernic RG552 brings. The simplicity of a dedicated gaming device has been a welcome relief amid my busy life, filled with work and family responsibilities. The RG552 provides a much-needed escape, allowing me to enjoy gaming without the complexities of modern devices.