Anbernic's First Snapdragon Handheld: A Switch Lite Lookalike That Struggles With PS2

Ever wished your favorite retro handheld could run PS2 games without breaking a sweat? Well, Anbernic's latest might make you think twice.

Meet the RG 55G1, Anbernic's first device to sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. On the outside, it's a dead ringer for a Switch Lite—or maybe even a Switch 2 Lite, if that's a thing. But under the hood, it's a different story.

The big selling point here is that Snapdragon processor, which is a first for Anbernic. That's exciting because it could mean better performance for more demanding emulators. But here's the catch: it might still struggle with PS2 games.

Yes, you read that right. Despite the new chip, the RG 55G1 is expected to sweat when tackling PS2 titles. That's a bummer for those hoping for a budget-friendly PS2 powerhouse. The device looks the part, but the performance might not live up to the hype.

So, what does this mean for you? If you're into lighter retro gaming—think GBA, SNES, or even some PSP—this could still be a solid pick. But if you're dreaming of playing your favorite PS2 classics on the go, you might want to temper your expectations.

Anbernic has been killing it with handhelds lately, and this Snapdragon move is a step in the right direction. But it's clear that the RG 55G1 is more about style and chipset novelty than raw power for the heaviest emulation.

Will you be picking this up for your retro collection, or will you wait for something with more PS2 muscle? Let us know in the comments!