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Anbernic RG Rotate (Metal)Retro / Emulation
Retro / EmulationAvailable now

Anbernic RG Rotate (Metal)

Anbernic · Released May 2026 ·

The Anbernic RG Rotate (Metal) is a 3.5" IPS handheld from Anbernic powered by the UNISOC Tiger T618. It launched at around $105.

6.9
out of 10
$105
Launch price $105
⚖️ Compare this device

Pros

  • +Premium-feeling metal shell
  • +Small device, very pocketable
  • +Access to mobile games and apps
  • +Square screen is perfect for Game Boy, NES, SNES, Pico-8...
  • +The touchscreen is useful for navigation and touch/stylus-based games

Cons

  • Can run systems that would benefit from analog sticks
  • Powerful device, but the screen dimensions aren't ideal for widescreen games
  • No headphone jack
  • No video out, can't be connected to an external display

What can it play?

Emulation performance by platform, based on real-world testing.

Full speedPlayableLimitedNot supported
Game BoyFull speed
Game Boy AdvanceFull speed
NESFull speed
SNESFull speed
Nintendo 64Full speed
GameCubeLimited
WiiLimited
Wii UNot supported
Nintendo DSFull speed
Nintendo 3DSLimited
Nintendo SwitchNot supported
Sega GenesisFull speed
Sega SaturnLimited
DreamcastFull speed
PlayStationFull speed
PlayStation 2Limited
PlayStation 3Not supported
PSPFull speed

Full specifications

Hardware

Chipset (SoC)
UNISOC Tiger T618
CPU
Cortex-A75, 8 cores, 2.0 GHz
GPU
Mali-G52 MP2, 850 MHz
RAM
3 GB
Storage
32GB eMCP
Weight
204 g
Dimensions
80 x 130 x 21 mm
Cooling
Passive

Display

Size
3.5″
Resolution
720 x 720
Panel
IPS
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Touchscreen
Yes

Battery & Connectivity

Battery
2000 mAh
Real-world life
~0 hours
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0
Ports
USB-C, microSD
Expandable storage
Yes (microSD)

Controls

Analog sticks
0
D-pad
Yes
Face buttons
Yes
Analog triggers
No
Gyroscope
Yes
Hall effect sticks
No

Software & custom firmware

Ships with: Android 12

Also plays natively: Android

No third-party custom firmware tracked for this device.

Our verdict

Value8.0
Build6.9
Screen8.7
Performance5.5

The Anbernic RG Rotate (Metal) is a 3.5" IPS handheld from Anbernic powered by the UNISOC Tiger T618. It launched at around $105. It carries 3 GB of RAM and runs Android 12. Highlights include: Premium-feeling metal shell; Small device, very pocketable; Access to mobile games and apps; Square screen is perfect for Game Boy, NES, SNES, Pico-8.... Trade-offs to note: Can run systems that would benefit from analog sticks; Powerful device, but the screen dimensions aren't ideal for widescreen games; No headphone jack.