Anbernic, renowned for its wide selection of handheld gaming devices that emulate classic consoles, has officially unveiled the specifications and launch timeline for its latest offerings: the Anbernic RG Vita and RG Vita Pro.
This duo, which draws clear inspiration from Sony’s PlayStation Vita, represents the company's ongoing commitment to delivering quality retro handhelds at accessible price points. According to trusted retailer Retro Handhelds, both versions of the Anbernic RG Vita are expected to launch in the third week of March 2026.
In a direct confirmation from the store, it has been clarified that neither model will include an OLED screen, despite earlier hopes among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Instead, both the RG Vita and the RG Vita Pro are equipped with 5.46-inch LCD displays, with the standard version offering a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and the Pro model upgrading to 1920 x 1080 pixels, ensuring crisp visuals for classic and indie games alike. Under the hood, the Anbernic RG Vita features a Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset paired with a Mali-G52 MP2 GPU and 3GB of LPDDR4X RAM, while the RG Vita Pro steps up to a RockChip RK3576 chipset, coupled with a Mali-G52 MC3 GPU and 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM.
Both versions come with 64GB of built-in storage—expandable via microSD card slot—offering sufficient room for vast retro libraries. Battery performance varies between models.
The standard RG Vita is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging, and the Pro variant will offer an 18W charging option, though final capacity figures are yet to be confirmed.
Both devices support WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for smooth connectivity to controllers and other peripherals.
Additionally, Anbernic is set to ship both handhelds with a Linux operating system, continuing its tradition of open, user-friendly firmware that appeals to both casual players and emulator enthusiasts. Retail pricing is aimed at affordability, with the entry-level RG Vita expected to be available for under $100.
This continues Anbernic's reputation for competitive pricing in the emulation handheld market. Anbernic’s previous devices have emulated the form factors of iconic systems such as the Game Boy Advance (GBA), GBA SP, and Nintendo DS, making the RG Vita a logical next step in its product lineup.
The choice to echo the PlayStation Vita’s design is notable—Sony’s handheld was launched as a successor to the PSP, which shipped over 80 million units globally.
However, the Vita itself saw more modest success, with lifetime sales estimates ranging from 14 to 16 million units.
Despite this, the Vita has become a cult favorite thanks to its robust library and advanced hardware for its time. With the release of the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro, Anbernic aims to cater to demand for portable, versatile retro gaming devices in a landscape that has seen renewed interest, thanks to platforms like the Nintendo Switch and the ongoing popularity of game emulation.
The March 2026 release window positions Anbernic as a leader in the retro handheld scene and bolsters options for players seeking alternatives to mainstream consoles.
This duo, which draws clear inspiration from Sony’s PlayStation Vita, represents the company's ongoing commitment to delivering quality retro handhelds at accessible price points. According to trusted retailer Retro Handhelds, both versions of the Anbernic RG Vita are expected to launch in the third week of March 2026.
In a direct confirmation from the store, it has been clarified that neither model will include an OLED screen, despite earlier hopes among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Instead, both the RG Vita and the RG Vita Pro are equipped with 5.46-inch LCD displays, with the standard version offering a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and the Pro model upgrading to 1920 x 1080 pixels, ensuring crisp visuals for classic and indie games alike. Under the hood, the Anbernic RG Vita features a Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset paired with a Mali-G52 MP2 GPU and 3GB of LPDDR4X RAM, while the RG Vita Pro steps up to a RockChip RK3576 chipset, coupled with a Mali-G52 MC3 GPU and 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM.
Both versions come with 64GB of built-in storage—expandable via microSD card slot—offering sufficient room for vast retro libraries. Battery performance varies between models.
The standard RG Vita is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging, and the Pro variant will offer an 18W charging option, though final capacity figures are yet to be confirmed.
Both devices support WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for smooth connectivity to controllers and other peripherals.
Additionally, Anbernic is set to ship both handhelds with a Linux operating system, continuing its tradition of open, user-friendly firmware that appeals to both casual players and emulator enthusiasts. Retail pricing is aimed at affordability, with the entry-level RG Vita expected to be available for under $100.
This continues Anbernic's reputation for competitive pricing in the emulation handheld market. Anbernic’s previous devices have emulated the form factors of iconic systems such as the Game Boy Advance (GBA), GBA SP, and Nintendo DS, making the RG Vita a logical next step in its product lineup.
The choice to echo the PlayStation Vita’s design is notable—Sony’s handheld was launched as a successor to the PSP, which shipped over 80 million units globally.
However, the Vita itself saw more modest success, with lifetime sales estimates ranging from 14 to 16 million units.
Despite this, the Vita has become a cult favorite thanks to its robust library and advanced hardware for its time. With the release of the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro, Anbernic aims to cater to demand for portable, versatile retro gaming devices in a landscape that has seen renewed interest, thanks to platforms like the Nintendo Switch and the ongoing popularity of game emulation.
The March 2026 release window positions Anbernic as a leader in the retro handheld scene and bolsters options for players seeking alternatives to mainstream consoles.
