Anbernic Is Making Three New Gaming Handheld Devices. Here's What Makes Each One Different

Anbernic, a Chinese company that makes portable gaming devices, has released three new handhelds. Each one tries a different approach to gaming on the go. The company is competing against bigger names like the Steam Deck, as well as many smaller, budget-friendly retro gaming devices.

The three new devices are the RG Rotate (which has a screen that swivels), the RG VITA Pro (which can run two different operating systems), and the RG G01 (a game controller with health-tracking sensors).

RG Rotate: A Screen That Swivels

The RG Rotate's main feature is a hinge that lets you rotate the screen. This lets you flip the display between horizontal and vertical orientations—something handheld gaming devices have struggled with since the original Game Boy.

The device comes in two versions: one with an aluminum alloy body for durability, and one with plastic for lighter weight and lower cost. This mirrors how smartphone makers often offer both premium and budget models.

The swivel hinge is the trickiest part to manufacture. It has to survive thousands of rotations without falling apart, while still being thin enough not to make the device bulky. Whether this design holds up over time will determine if the device succeeds in the real world.

RG VITA Pro: Two Operating Systems, One Device

The RG VITA Pro can run both Android and retro gaming systems—think of it as carrying two separate gaming devices in one package. You can switch between modern mobile games and classic console games without buying separate hardware.

The device can also connect to an external monitor through its USB-C port. When you're sitting at home, you can play games on a bigger screen while using the handheld as a controller. This makes it work a bit like a portable home gaming console.

The device also has Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest standard for wireless internet. This supports cloud gaming (playing games streamed from the internet) and online multiplayer.

The practical appeal here is straightforward. Many people want access to both new mobile games and old-school console games, but switching between two devices is inconvenient. And when someone sits down at home, they often want to play on a bigger screen anyway. The RG VITA Pro tries to solve both problems in one device.

RG G01: A Game Controller That Tracks Your Heart Rate

The RG G01 is a game controller with an unusual feature: it has a heart rate sensor built in. It also includes motion sensors (a 6-axis gyroscope) so it can detect how you're moving the controller.

The controller can connect to multiple devices and gaming platforms using three different connection modes. This means you don't need separate controllers for different gaming systems.

Heart rate tracking in a gaming controller is mostly new territory. Fitness watches track heart rate all the time, but using that sensor in a game controller opens up interesting possibilities. Games could respond to how stressed or calm you are, or it could simply let health-conscious gamers monitor their fitness while they play.

Why Anbernic Is Doing This

We've seen this pattern before. When Nintendo released the DS with two screens, other manufacturers tried to copy that innovation with their own two-screen devices. Today, the Steam Deck has sparked a similar wave of experimentation. Smaller companies are trying different features and designs to find their own market niche.

Each of Anbernic's three devices targets something different. The RG Rotate focuses on a swiveling screen. The RG VITA Pro emphasizes flexibility and connectivity. The RG G01 explores health-tracking peripherals.

Android, the operating system powering most of these devices, has matured significantly as a gaming platform. Early Android gaming devices struggled with performance, but modern Android hardware can now deliver console-quality graphics while still running the full library of mobile games.

The Real Test: Can These Devices Actually Work Well Over Time?

Success or failure for these devices hinges on execution quality. The rotating hinge on the RG Rotate has to withstand years of use. The RG VITA Pro's dual operating system needs solid software engineering to prevent glitches. The RG G01's heart rate sensor needs to work accurately for different people in different conditions.

Power management is also crucial. The RG Rotate's motorized screen rotation will draw battery power. The RG VITA Pro needs extra processing power to drive an external display. The RG G01's sensors are always drawing power, which will drain the battery faster than a standard controller.

Anbernic is betting that innovation in design will set these devices apart. Most competitors focus on making their hardware faster rather than trying new shapes or features. That's a riskier approach—more can go wrong during development—but it also offers better chances of standing out in a crowded market.

History shows that handheld gaming devices succeed when they balance new ideas with practical usability. The question for Anbernic is whether these innovations work smoothly in everyday use, and whether game developers create experiences that actually take advantage of these new features. If both things happen, these devices could find their audience. If either falters, they'll fade away.