Anbernic Develops Android Handheld With Slide-Out Controls: A Modern Successor to the Xperia Play

Anbernic Eyes Retro Gaming Market With Android Handheld Device Inspired by Xperia Play Anbernic, a well-regarded manufacturer in the retro gaming handheld market, is reportedly in the advanced stages of developing an Android-based portable device that draws clear inspiration from the iconic Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.

The original Xperia Play, launched in 2011, made headlines by combining the versatility of smartphone technology with the tactile satisfaction of slide-out PlayStation controls.

While it offered native support for a variety of PS1 classics and quickly became a favorite within the emulation community, the Xperia Play ultimately saw only limited commercial success, leaving fans and industry watchers wondering if its distinctive hardware concept would ever be revived. According to recent coverage from Notebook Check, Anbernic is currently testing an internal prototype that could serve as a spiritual successor to Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play.

Like its inspiration, the device is built around the Android operating system and features a set of slide-out physical controls, which enables a more authentic experience for fans of classic games and portable emulation.

The prototype boasts a 5-inch display powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, a modern and capable processor recognized for its balance of performance and efficiency in portable devices. The updated design highlights Anbernic's intent to cater to a growing audience of retro gaming enthusiasts who value both nostalgia and functionality.

Although details on the final hardware specifications remain limited, the decision to employ Android as the main platform opens up immediate access to a wide library of games, emulators, and applications available on the Google Play Store.

This focus aligns with Anbernic’s track record, as the company has previously earned acclaim for handheld devices delivering strong performance and broad compatibility across a range of classic gaming platforms. There is still uncertainty around whether this new handheld will include cellular connectivity to replicate the full smartphone experience of the Xperia Play.

As the Android platform inherently supports voice calls and messaging, adding cellular capabilities remains a possibility, depending on how Anbernic positions the final product.

For now, the development of a dedicated device with modern hardware offers significant appeal for users seeking a reliable, all-in-one solution for portable gaming and emulation. While Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play remains a unique footnote in tech history, Anbernic’s efforts could bring its core concepts into the modern era, delivering on the promise of a device uniquely tailored to gaming on the go.

As the prototype advances toward potential mass production, retro gaming fans are keeping a close eye on Anbernic and its ambitious take on handheld gaming innovation.

Android Anbernic Notebook Check Sony Ericsson Xperia Play MediaTek Dimensity 8300