Anbernic reveals RG SP, a stickless clamshell handheld
Anbernic revealed the RG SP, a slim clamshell handheld with no analog sticks, a 3.4-inch IPS display, and a metallic finish. The stickless design targets pure 2D retro gaming.
Anbernic has announced the RG SP, a new clamshell handheld that strips things back to basics for retro purists. The stickless design is a deliberate move: no analog nubs, just a D-pad and tactile buttons inside a slim foldable shell that borrows its looks from the Game Boy Advance SP. It was revealed on July 21st, 2026, complete with a metallic paint finish across pink, teal, black, and grey colorways.
What’s inside remains unknown, but the screen is a 3.4-inch 720×480 IPS panel, the same one used in last year’s RG34XX SP. That model packed sunken dual sticks, so the RG SP effectively fuses the screen of one sibling with the stick-free approach of the older RG35XX SP (which I carry with me every day in my bag), then adds a 25% thinner top bezel and dual alloy hinges. The effect is a device that doubles down on 2D, no compromises for games that never needed an analog stick in the first place.
There’s no word on price or a release date yet, but a stickless clamshell with this kind of finish is a statement. Not every retro handheld needs to chase mid‑range 3D. Some of the best moments in the back catalogue work best on a portable that gets out of the way.