Anbernic’s most powerful handheld launches later this week, but it might be DOA

Still competition and looming tariffs threaten to torpedo the RG 557 before it even ships.

Apr 22, 2025 - 11:20

Anbernic’s most powerful handheld launches later this week, but it might be DOA

The Anbernic RG 557 will launch on April 25, with a special early bird discount.
It retails for $249, discounted to $234.99 for the first 72 hours.
It’s the most powerful device Anbernic has ever released, but it faces stiff competition and looming tariffs.

Anbernic is one of the most prolific retro gaming handheld makers, but it has chosen a strange time to launch its first device of 2025. First teased earlier this month, the RG 557 will finally go on sale on April 25, but pricing and shipping troubles may put a damper on Anbernic’s most powerful handheld to date.

According to Retro Handhelds, the RG 557 will retail for $249, with a special discount bringing the price down to $234.99 for the first 72 hours. That puts it in an awkward spot since it’s priced right between the Retroid Pocket 5/Flip 2 and the AYN Odin 2. Thanks to their Snapdragon chips, any of those devices will have better compatibility with emulators on Android.