The Anbernic RG VITA Pro just got its first big Linux update
Firmware version 1.0.1 adds new themes, per-system emulator configurations, and quick core switching to the dual-boot handheld.
Handheld manufacturer Anbernic has released firmware version 1.0.1 for the Linux side of the RG VITA Pro. The update brings per-system emulator configurations, new interface themes, and quality-of-life improvements for Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, and 3DS emulation.
The RG VITA Pro is a dual-boot device running both Android 14 and Linux. Dual-boot handhelds usually treat Android as the primary operating system for heavier 3D emulation and Linux as the streamlined, plug-and-play option. This update focuses entirely on refining that Linux experience.
The official download link for the update points straight to a random Google Drive folder. Downloading system firmware from a generic cloud storage link always feels a bit sketchy, but that is how Anbernic handles these files.
Emulation tweaks and menus
The biggest changes in version 1.0.1 involve how the handheld handles standalone emulators. You can now pull up an in-game menu while running Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, and 3DS games. This gives you quick access to save states, load states, gameplay guides, and advanced settings without having to back out to the main operating system.
The 3DS emulator, Azahar, also received a dedicated input method. If you are browsing your game list in the Game Room or RetroArch, you can now press the R2 button to quickly swap emulator cores. RetroArch has dozens of different cores for systems like the Super Nintendo or Game Boy Advance. If a ROM has audio glitches or runs slowly on the default emulator, you usually have to dig through five layers of settings to change the backend. Mapping that function to a single shoulder button right on the game select screen removes a lot of friction.
Anbernic also added a "Per-System Configuration" menu under the game settings tab. This lets you dial in individual emulator settings for different platforms instead of relying on global defaults.
Two new coats of paint
The update includes two new user interface themes: ANBERNICUI-VITA and ANBERNICUI-AURORA. The VITA theme mimics the bubble-based layout of Sony's PlayStation Vita. Anbernic clearly designed the physical hardware of the RG VITA Pro to resemble Sony's final dedicated handheld, complete with the dual analog sticks and rounded edges. Having a software theme that matches the hardware design completes the illusion. The AURORA theme provides a cleaner, more traditional list-based interface for people who prefer text over floating bubbles.
Anbernic's official update video detailing the changes.
Under the hood
The update also includes standard bug fixes.
Having a refined Linux interface makes navigating those larger libraries much easier. Android 14 is still there if you need standalone apps, but these Linux improvements make the custom operating system feel much more complete.
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