Anbernic RG SP Refines the Game Boy Advance SP Design With a Slimmer Body

Anbernic has revealed the RG SP, a new clamshell retro handheld that follows the design of Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance SP more closely than the company’s earlier models.

The device is positioned as a revision of the RG34XX SP, but Anbernic has simplified the name to match newer products such as the RG DS. The change removes references to screen size and chipset generation, making the product name easier to understand.

The RG SP is Anbernic’s third handheld inspired by the Game Boy Advance SP. Its design focuses more strongly on the original Nintendo system, with a slimmer body, smaller display borders and no analogue sticks.

Removing the sticks is one of the biggest changes. The RG34XX SP included analogue controls to support a wider range of emulated systems, but some buyers felt they weakened the Game Boy Advance SP style. The new model returns to a simpler control layout built around a directional pad and face buttons.

A slimmer shell brings the design closer to Nintendo’s original

Anbernic says the RG SP is around 10 percent slimmer than the RG34XX SP. The company has also reduced the upper bezel by approximately 25 percent.

The smaller border should make the screen area look more balanced when the device is open. The earlier model had a larger section beneath the upper edge of the shell, which made the display feel more recessed.

These changes give the RG SP a shape that more closely resembles the original Game Boy Advance SP. The familiar folding design protects the display during transport and allows the handheld to fit into a smaller space when closed.

Anbernic has not yet provided full dimensions, weight or display specifications. It is also unclear whether the internal hardware will change from the RG34XX SP or whether the new model will mainly focus on exterior improvements.

The earlier handheld used Anbernic’s H700 platform, which is capable of running many older console and arcade games. Until the company releases a complete specification sheet, the processor, memory and battery details for the RG SP remain unconfirmed.

Colour choices are based on classic Game Boy Advance SP models

The RG SP will be available in silver, black, light pink and light blue.

These colours are more closely connected to versions of the Game Boy Advance SP than the themes offered with the earlier Anbernic model. The silver edition in particular resembles the original system’s familiar launch appearance.

The black, pink and blue finishes are not exact copies of Nintendo’s colours, but they continue the same general direction. This gives the RG SP a more consistent identity as a modern interpretation of the SP rather than a wider collection of unrelated retro themes.

Anbernic describes the shell as having an aluminium finish. That wording does not necessarily confirm a metal body. Previous models have used plastic shells with metallic looking surfaces, so the final material will need to be confirmed when the company provides more details or review units become available.

Removing analogue sticks creates a more focused handheld

The absence of analogue sticks limits the RG SP’s suitability for games that require precise three dimensional movement. However, the control layout should work well for Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and many older two dimensional systems.

This narrower focus may appeal to buyers who want a cleaner handheld without extra controls placed around the traditional SP layout.

It could also improve comfort and portability by keeping the lower half of the device flatter. Analogue sticks can add thickness and may press against other surfaces when a clamshell handheld is closed.

Anbernic has not announced pricing or a release date. The RG SP’s value will depend on its internal specifications, display quality, hinge durability and whether the claimed slimmer body affects battery capacity or cooling.

The early design suggests that Anbernic is responding directly to feedback from retro handheld enthusiasts. Instead of adding more controls, the RG SP removes unnecessary elements and concentrates on recreating the simple appeal of the Game Boy Advance SP.