GKD Miniplus vs Anbernic RG35XX: Which Should You Buy?

Two of the most popular budget retro handhelds on the market — the GKD Miniplus and the Anbernic RG35XX — are often compared side by side. Both offer excellent value, but they target slightly different types of gamers. Here's our detailed breakdown to help you decide.

Design & Build

GKD Miniplus: The Miniplus has a horizontal layout similar to a Game Boy Advance SP. The build quality is excellent for the price, with a satisfying clicky d-pad and responsive face buttons. It feels premium in hand.

Anbernic RG35XX: The RG35XX has a more traditional vertical Game Boy-style form factor. It's compact and pocketable, making it ideal for gaming on the go. Build quality is solid but slightly below the Miniplus.

Display

GKD Miniplus: Features a 3.5" IPS screen with excellent color reproduction and viewing angles. Games look sharp and vibrant — a genuine highlight of the device.

Anbernic RG35XX: The 3.5" IPS display is comparable but slightly less bright. Still perfectly adequate for retro gaming in most lighting conditions.

Performance

GKD Miniplus: Handles everything up to PS1 and N64 with ease. Some GBA and SNES games run at full speed with enhanced graphics. The GKD Miniplus is a powerhouse for its size.

Anbernic RG35XX: Slightly less powerful, best suited for 8-bit and 16-bit systems. PS1 performance is hit-or-miss depending on the game.

Battery Life

GKD Miniplus: Approximately 5-6 hours of gameplay — solid for a device this size.

Anbernic RG35XX: Similar battery life at around 5 hours, though the smaller battery means more frequent charging.

Software & Connectivity

GKD Miniplus: Runs Linux with WiFi and Bluetooth built in — great for wireless controllers and online features. Easy to set up with pre-installed emulators.

Anbernic RG35XX: Also runs Linux but lacks WiFi on the base model. Simpler setup but fewer connectivity options.

Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Choose the GKD Miniplus if: You want the best performance, WiFi connectivity, and a premium feel. It handles more systems and has better build quality overall.

Choose the Anbernic RG35XX if: You want the most pocketable device and primarily play 8-bit and 16-bit games.

For most gamers, the GKD Miniplus is the better buy — the extra features justify the slightly higher price. Check it out in our store today!