Anbernic RG 557 Launches on April 25th: Price, Features, and Availability Detailed

Anbernic, a leading manufacturer in the retro handheld emulation scene, has officially unveiled the launch details for its highly anticipated Anbernic RG 557 device.

After a series of confirmed leaks and months of speculation, the company announced that the Android-based handheld will be available for purchase starting April 25th, 2025, at 6:00 PM Beijing Time (11:00 AM BST / 6:00 AM EDT), directly through the Anbernic website. The Anbernic RG 557 enters the market at an introductory price of $234.99, thanks to a limited-time $15 discount valid until April 28th.

After this promotional period, the price will rise to the standard retail price of $249.99.

Initial public response has noted that the pricing is higher than some retro gaming enthusiasts anticipated.

Many commenters on Anbernic’s official YouTube channel have voiced disappointment, particularly in comparison to previous product launches in the handheld emulation segment. For US-based customers, Anbernic has adjusted its shipping process.

Due to recent shipping suspensions from China to the US, buyers are advised to select the ‘US’ shipping option at checkout.

This ensures orders are fulfilled from Anbernic’s US-based warehouse, improving delivery speed and reliability for North American customers. Unveiled just weeks ago in an official YouTube showcase, the RG 557 has garnered attention for its robust technical specifications.

The device boasts a nearly 5.5-inch (5.48-inch) AMOLED display, supporting a crisp 1920x1080 resolution.

Two distinct color options—translucent purple and white—are available at launch.

First-look videos published by outlets like Retro Game Corps highlight the device’s capabilities, including smooth emulation across multiple retro platforms, from the Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo Wii to the Wii U, PS2, PSP, and PS Vita. Initial information about the handheld’s existence emerged earlier in the year, following reports by industry outlets SiliconDen and RetroHandhelds.gg.

According to early details, the RG 557 would leverage LPDDR4 8GB storage, Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, a six-axis Gyroscope, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon Custom G2 chipset—although Anbernic has yet to formally confirm the exact chipset powering the new device. In a statement summarizing the RG 557’s core features, Anbernic described the device as having 'an ergonomic grip and a complete redesign, available in purple and white.' The company emphasizes the handheld’s vibrant 5.48-inch AMOLED screen, its ability to deliver sharp visuals and high color contrast, and the responsive touch interface.

According to the manufacturer, the RG 557 provides ample performance for retro games, large mobile titles, AAA streaming, and classic PC game emulation, all while remaining accessible to beginners through the company’s custom RG frontend. By launching the RG 557 with modern hardware, design updates, and expanded compatibility with popular Nintendo and PlayStation legacy platforms, Anbernic continues to solidify its reputation within the retro gaming community.

As more reviews emerge and the device reaches consumers worldwide, expectations are high for Anbernic’s latest entry in the burgeoning handheld emulation market.

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