Anbernic has announced its latest retro handheld emulator, the RG34XX, which draws inspiration from Nintendo's iconic Game Boy Advance (GBA). The new device boasts a larger 3.4-inch display, additional action and shoulder buttons, and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a promising option for gamers seeking a nostalgic experience.

The RG34XX's design is unmistakably influenced by the GBA, with a similar form factor and color options, including purple, black, transparent red, and green. However, Anbernic has made significant upgrades to the original design, most notably the inclusion of a larger, backlit display with a 720x480 resolution. This addresses one of the major limitations of the original GBA, which lacked a backlight and was often difficult to use in low-light environments.

In addition to its improved display, the RG34XX features two sets of shoulder buttons, a mini HDMI port, USB-C charging, and dual microSD slots. The device also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling online play and streaming PC titles through Moonlight, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless controllers. This array of features makes the RG34XX a versatile handheld emulator capable of playing games from older consoles, including the original Sony PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Sega Dreamcast.

Unlike some other retro handhelds, such as the Analogue Pocket or ModRetro Chromatic, the RG34XX does not have a cartridge slot. Instead, it relies on software emulation to play games. While details on the device's processor are scarce, speculation suggests it may be based on the Allwinner H700 chipset, which has been used in Anbernic's other XX series handhelds.

This is not the first time Anbernic has drawn inspiration from Nintendo's designs. Earlier this year, the company released the RG35XXSP, which was modeled after the clamshell Game Boy Advance SP. However, the RG35XXSP was marred by controversy due to the inclusion of pre-installed pirated ROMs. It remains to be seen whether the RG34XX will avoid similar issues.

Despite the lack of pricing and availability information, the Anbernic RG34XX is generating significant buzz among retro gaming enthusiasts. With its impressive feature set and nostalgic design, it has the potential to satisfy gamers seeking a reliable and enjoyable handheld emulator experience.

As the retro gaming market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the RG34XX compares to other handheld emulators on the market. With its unique blend of nostalgia and modern features, Anbernic's latest offering is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming community.