Anbernic's RG XX handhelds just got a massive UI overhaul

Anbernic has released a comprehensive system update for ten of its RG XX series handhelds, introducing a completely overhauled user interface dubbed the MU 2 theme. The late May 2026 firmware drop covers almost every recent Allwinner H700-based device in the company's lineup, replacing the older stock menu system with a much faster, horizontally arranged layout.

The sheer volume of hardware Anbernic produces means this update casts a wide net. The patch applies to the RG 34XXSP, RG40XX H, RG35XX H, RG 34XX, RG CubeXX, RG 40XXV, RG35XXSP, RG35XX+-P, RG28XX, and the RG 35XXPro. I have a hard time keeping all these model numbers straight, but the unifying factor is that they all run similar Linux-based operating systems tailored for retro emulation. If you bought a budget Anbernic device in the last year, it probably made the list.

The hardware variety here is staggering. The RG35XXSP is a direct homage to the Game Boy Advance SP clamshell design, while the RG CubeXX uses a 1:1 aspect ratio screen perfect for Pico-8 and Game Boy titles. The RG28XX is a tiny, highly pocketable horizontal device. Unifying the software experience across all these different form factors and screen ratios is a smart move. It means players switching between a pocket device for commutes and a larger horizontal handheld for the couch get the exact same user experience.

L1 and R1 menu navigation

These devices handle everything from 8-bit Nintendo up through the original PlayStation, with varying degrees of success on Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast. Managing thousands of ROMs across those systems requires a clean interface. The stock OS has historically been functional but clunky, prompting many users to immediately install custom firmware like MuOS or GarlicOS. The MU 2 theme is a direct response to that.

The old vertical lists and nested folders are gone. Primary menus like Game Rooms and RA Games are now small icons anchored at the top of the screen. You switch between these main categories using the L1 and R1 shoulder buttons, while the D-pad handles the secondary game lists below.

Anbernic also stripped out the standalone search and settings sections to speed up navigation. Search is now mapped directly to the Y button, complete with support for first-letter initial queries. If you have a massive library of Super Nintendo games, typing "SMW" will pull up Super Mario World without forcing you to scroll through hundreds of titles. System and network management are unified under the M button. It is a much cleaner approach that cuts down on unnecessary button presses.

64GB minimum requirement

Applying the update requires a bit of manual work. You need a microSD card (or TF card, as Anbernic calls it) with at least 64GB of capacity. The flashing packages and tools are available directly through Anbernic, and the company has published a video breakdown of the new interface in action. The specific firmware versions are dated between May 21 and May 26, 2026, depending on the exact model you own.

The horizontal layout feels much more natural on the 16:9 screens of the RG40XX H and the 4:3 displays of the standard models than the old vertical text lists did. The retro handheld market moves incredibly fast, with companies releasing new hardware every few months. It is good to see older devices like the RG35XX H and the tiny RG28XX getting software support long after their initial launch windows.