Anbernic RG405V 128GB + 256GB specifications and in-depth review

Anbernic RG405V 128GB + 256GB

Manufacturer: Anbernic

The Anbernic RG405V is a handheld retro game console built for enthusiasts who want a capable portable gaming device in a self-contained form factor. Running on 8 cores clocked at 2 GHz each, the unit pairs its processor with 4GB of DDR4 RAM running at 1866 MHz, giving it a reasonably robust foundation for emulation workloads. The device measures 165 mm tall, 125 mm wide, and 51 mm thick, weighing in at 440 g — a size that reflects its vertical orientation and the physical controls built into the chassis.

The RG405V features a 4-inch IPS LCD display with LED backlighting at a pixel density of 200 ppi and a 60 Hz refresh rate, alongside a capacitive touch layer for on-screen input. Storage comes in the form of 128 GB of internal flash memory, supplemented by an external memory slot and an additional 256 GB SSD, with the internal drive being user-replaceable. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while a 5500 mAh internal battery powers the unit. The controller layout provides two analog sticks and 14 buttons, with motion-sensing support and quick resume functionality also included.

Pros
  • The replaceable internal storage gives users the option to swap out the drive without needing to replace the entire unit
  • A 5500 mAh battery provides a substantial power reserve for extended handheld gaming sessions
  • Backwards compatibility support allows the device to run a wider range of titles beyond its native library
  • The touchscreen display adds an alternative input method alongside the physical controls
  • Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5 support offer reasonably current wireless connectivity for a handheld device
  • Quick resume functionality lets users return to a game without going through a full reload process
Cons
  • With only one channel of sound output despite having stereo speakers, audio output is limited
  • There is no HDMI output, so the display cannot be extended or mirrored to an external screen
  • The absence of an ethernet port means the device relies entirely on Wi-Fi for wired-style network stability
  • Only a single USB port is available, restricting simultaneous peripheral connections
  • No NFC support limits contactless interaction options that some users may expect on a modern handheld
  • Playing games while downloading content simultaneously is not supported, which can interrupt gaming sessions
Who is this for?

This device is well suited to retro gaming enthusiasts who want a self-contained handheld experience with a broad library reach, thanks to its backwards compatibility support and flash-based storage setup. Users who game on the go will appreciate the 5500 mAh battery combined with the compact physical form factor, making extended portable sessions practical without needing frequent access to a power source. The touchscreen display, quick resume functionality, and motion-sensing controller compatibility also make it a reasonable fit for users who prefer flexible input options within a single handheld unit.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who expect to connect their handheld to a television or external monitor will find this device unsuitable, as it lacks any HDMI output and offers no support for home-to-portable device connectivity. Those who rely on a wired network connection will also be frustrated by the absence of an RJ45 ethernet port, leaving Wi-Fi as the only networking option. Additionally, users who need to run multiple peripherals simultaneously or who expect features like 3D audio, VR support, or Discord voice chat integration will find those capabilities entirely absent from this device.

Performance:

CPU speed 8 x 2 GHz
RAM 4GB
GPU clock speed 850 MHz
supports ray tracing
Is an NVMe SSD
Can connect to an external drive
uses multithreading
refresh rate 60Hz
DDR memory version 4
RAM speed 1866 MHz

The Anbernic RG405V is powered by an 8-core CPU running at 2 GHz per core, paired with 4GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 1866 MHz to handle processing and multitasking demands, though the device does not utilize multithreading. The GPU operates at 850 MHz and does not support ray tracing. The display refreshes at 60 Hz, and while the system lacks NVMe storage and cannot connect to an external hard drive, its internal storage configuration is handled through other means covered separately. Overall, the performance hardware is oriented around efficiency for a handheld form factor rather than high-end computational throughput.

General info:

Type Handheld, Retro
Hard drive is replaceable
Has an internal power supply
Display type IPS, LCD, LED-backlit
internal storage 128GB
battery power 5500 mAh
Is region free
thickness 51 mm
width 125 mm
height 165 mm
volume 1051.875 cm³
Has an optical disc drive
weight 440 g

The Anbernic RG405V is a handheld retro console with an IPS LCD LED-backlit display and 128GB of internal replaceable storage, giving users the flexibility to swap out the drive if needed. It runs on an internal power supply backed by a 5500 mAh battery and has no optical disc drive. The device is region free, meaning it places no regional restrictions on content. Physically, it measures 165 mm tall, 125 mm wide, and 51 mm thick, with a total volume of 1051.875 cm³ and a weight of 440 g.

Connectivity:

has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
is DLNA-certified
USB ports 1
has an HDMI output
Bluetooth version 5
has an external memory slot
Supports connectivity between home and portable devices
Has USB Type-C
has a cellular module
has NFC
RJ45 ports 0

The Anbernic RG405V supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) for wireless networking, along with Bluetooth 5 for peripheral connections. Its single USB port uses the Type-C format, and there is also an external memory slot for expandable storage. A 3.5 mm headphone jack is present for wired audio output. The device does not include an HDMI output, an RJ45 ethernet port, a cellular module, NFC, or DLNA certification, and it does not support connectivity between home and portable devices.

Features:

has voice commands
backwards compatibility
pixel density 200 ppi
Can play games while they download
supports quick resume
supports Discord voice chat
Supports 3D audio
supports Dolby Vision
supports VR
Has a 4K Blu-ray drive
screen size 4"
number of channels of sound output 1
has a touch screen
Has optical tracking
Has an autostereoscopic display
Has a secondary screen
Can play Blu-ray Discs
has two sensors
Access high scores and achievements
has stereo speakers
Supports 3D
has a front camera
Uses flash storage
has a child lock

The Anbernic RG405V features a 4-inch touchscreen with a pixel density of 200 ppi, backed by flash storage and support for backwards compatibility and quick resume, allowing users to pick up where they left off without reloading. The device includes stereo speakers with one channel of sound output and grants access to high scores and achievements. It does not support voice commands, Discord voice chat, 3D audio, Dolby Vision, VR, or stereoscopic 3D, and there is no autostereoscopic display, secondary screen, front camera, optical tracking, or child lock. Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray playback are absent, and the device cannot play games while simultaneously downloading content.

Controllers:

number of controllers 1
has adaptive triggers
Compatible with a motion-sensing controller(s)
Has a wireless controller
number of analog sticks 2
has an integrated touchpad
Has dual force feedback
number of buttons 14

The Anbernic RG405V comes with one built-in controller offering 14 buttons and two analog sticks, providing a fairly complete physical input layout for a handheld device. It is compatible with motion-sensing controllers, adding an additional input option for supported titles. The controller does not include adaptive triggers, dual force feedback, or an integrated touchpad, and there is no wireless controller included with the unit.

Miscellaneous:

SSD storage capacity 256GB

The Anbernic RG405V includes 256GB of SSD storage capacity, providing a solid amount of space for storing games and related data.

Final Verdict

The Anbernic RG405V is a focused handheld retro console that delivers a coherent experience for its intended audience — users who want portable retro gaming with a self-contained, capable setup. Its 5500 mAh battery, backwards compatibility, and replaceable storage give it practical durability and flexibility for extended handheld sessions, while the touchscreen, quick resume, and motion-sensing controller support add meaningful usability to the package. Where it falls short — no HDMI output, a single USB port, no ethernet, and the absence of advanced audio or streaming features — reflects clear design trade-offs rather than oversights, limiting its appeal to those with broader display or connectivity needs. For retro gaming enthusiasts who prioritize a standalone portable experience over home console versatility, the RG405V presents a well-defined and purposeful option.