Anbernic reveals RG VITA handhelds with a design you definitely recognize

Retro hardware manufacturer Anbernic has released the first official teaser for its upcoming RG VITA and RG VITA Pro handheld gaming consoles. According to the official announcement, the new devices will feature a streamlined body and are intended to focus on ergonomics and minimalist design.

The naming convention here is not exactly subtle. Anbernic has a history of creating devices that closely mimic the form factors of historic hardware, such as the Game Boy Advance SP-styled RG35XXSP. With the RG VITA, the company appears to be targeting the silhouette of Sony's PlayStation Vita, a system that launched in Japan in 2011 and garnered a dedicated cult following despite struggling commercially against the Nintendo 3DS.

Design and Aesthetics

The RG VITA series will launch in two color options: a matte black and a white model. The button layout adheres to the standard Anbernic configuration, which typically involves a D-pad on the top left and face buttons on the top right, similar to the layout found on the Wii U GamePad or the original PlayStation controllers. This differs slightly from many modern handhelds that favor the offset stick layout popularized by the Xbox 360.

Anbernic describes the device as having "signature craftsmanship" and a "classic button layout." Based on the visual evidence, the device sports dual analog sticks, stacked shoulder buttons, and a widescreen display. The screen aspect ratio is particularly relevant here. If Anbernic is mimicking the Vita's 16:9 ratio, this device could be positioned as a strong candidate for PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulation or game streaming, rather than the 4:3 aspect ratio preferred for older home consoles like the SNES or PlayStation 1.

The Specs Remains a Mystery

While the exterior is now public, Anbernic has not yet released the internal specifications for either the RG VITA or the RG VITA Pro. The distinction between the standard and "Pro" models is also currently unclear. In previous Anbernic releases, a "Pro" designation has sometimes indicated a better screen, such as an OLED panel, or a slight bump in processing power.

Speculation within the community often looks to Anbernic's recent history for clues. The company frequently reuses chipsets across multiple form factors. It is possible these units could utilize the Allwinner H700 chipset found in their recent budget Linux devices, or perhaps the Unisoc T820 processor seen in their higher-end Android handhelds like the RG556. The choice of processor will ultimately dictate whether this device can actually emulate the system it is named after. Emulating the PlayStation Vita requires significantly more power than emulating 16-bit or 32-bit consoles.

Anbernic's Release Strategy

This announcement fits into Anbernic's aggressive release schedule. The company is known for iterating rapidly, often releasing multiple devices with similar specifications but different form factors within the same quarter. This "shotgun approach" allows them to cater to very specific nostalgic itches. Some users prefer vertical Game Boy-style units, while others prefer horizontal layouts.

By adopting the Vita's ergonomics, Anbernic is tapping into a specific vein of hardware nostalgia. The original PS Vita was praised for its comfortable grip and high-quality d-pad, even if its proprietary memory cards and lack of L2/R2 buttons frustrated players. If Anbernic can replicate the comfort of that chassis while adding modern conveniences like standard USB-C charging and non-proprietary storage, it could find a receptive audience among collectors who found the original hardware too restrictive.