The Anbernic RG Cube is the only Android handheld in 2026 with a true square (1:1) display, and it's the device that finally makes the square-screen format work for the systems where a wider screen used to be required. A 3.95-inch 720×720 IPS, hall-effect triggers, WiFi 6, DisplayPort output, and $199.99. Worth it? Here's the breakdown.
Price: $199.99 at LitNXT. Buy the Anbernic RG Cube at LitNXT →
Quick verdict
The RG Cube is the right buy if you specifically want a square-screen Android handheld for pixel-art-heavy libraries (Game Boy, GBC, NES, SNES, Genesis, arcade) plus the Android emulator ecosystem for everything up to Dreamcast. It's a niche pick — for most buyers the Retroid Pocket 5 or RG VITA Pro is more practical. But if you understand exactly why a square screen matters, the RG Cube is the only one that delivers it with Android-class horsepower.
Key features and design
The Cube's headline is geometric: a 3.95-inch 720×720 IPS panel in a square chassis with all the usual Android handheld trimmings. Hall-effect triggers (not just sticks — the triggers too) eliminate analog drift on the back inputs. WiFi 6 is overkill for a handheld but appreciated for fast scraping and OTA updates. DisplayPort over USB-C means you can dock it for square-format couch play (TV/monitor must support 1:1 scaling, or you'll get pillarboxing).
The Android build is current and well-supported by community ROMs. Hall sticks have no drift, the D-pad is genuinely good for fighters, and the buttons have a clicky tactile feel.
Specifications at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Rockchip-tier octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 |
| RAM | 4GB / 8GB options |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB UFS + dual MicroSD |
| Screen | 3.95-inch IPS, 720×720 square |
| OS | Android with native dock-mode support |
| Joysticks | Dual hall-effect |
| Triggers | Hall-effect L1/R1/L2/R2 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C with DP-out |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, ~5h play |
| Special | Wireless screen casting, custom UI launcher |
| Price | $199.99 |
Performance by system
- Game Boy / GBC / NES / SNES / Genesis / arcade: Where the square panel shines. Sharp, square-aspect-native, perfect.
- GBA: Plays great; some letterboxing on the 3:2-aspect content but minimal.
- PS1: Full library at full speed. Final Fantasy VII, Symphony of the Night, Crash — all clean.
- N64: Mupen64Plus FZ handles the full library well.
- PSP: PPSSPP at 2x resolution clean.
- Dreamcast: Redream at native res. Marvel vs Capcom 2, Crazy Taxi, Skies of Arcadia — all great.
- GameCube: Light titles only. Skip for heavy GameCube.
- PS2: Not the right device — go to the RG VITA Pro or Retroid Pocket 5.
When does a square screen actually matter?
Genuine question, real answer: square screens (1:1) are objectively better for content originally designed at 1:1 or close-to-1:1 aspect ratios:
- Game Boy / GBC: 10:9 — basically square. Fills the panel.
- NES: 8:7 — close to square.
- SNES / Genesis: 4:3 — slight letterboxing top/bottom.
- Arcade: Most CPS/Neo Geo titles are 4:3 or 3:4 vertical (Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, vertical shmups).
If 60%+ of your library is from these systems, a square screen is sharper and feels more native than a 16:9 / 16:10 phone-style panel. If you play mostly 3D / widescreen content, you're paying for a feature you don't use.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- True square 720×720 panel — best in its class
- Hall-effect triggers AND sticks — no drift anywhere
- WiFi 6 (overkill but nice)
- DisplayPort output for docked play
- Premium Anbernic build quality
- Mature Android emulator ecosystem
Cons:
- Niche use case — only really makes sense if you understand why square matters
- 3.95" is on the smaller side for Android — Pocket 5 and RG VITA are bigger
- Not powerful enough for full PS2 / GameCube
- $200 is a lot for a square-screen device when Powkiddy RGB30 offers square at $70
- Mediocre speakers
How it compares
| Device | Screen | Form | Best for | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG Cube (this device) | 3.95" 720×720 IPS | Square Android | Square + Android emulators | $199.99 | LitNXT → |
| Powkiddy RGB30 | 4.0" 720×720 IPS | Square Linux | Square + Linux, budget | $69.99 | LitNXT → |
| MINILOONG Pocket 1 | 4.0" 960×720 IPS 4:3 | Open-source | Modular panels, retro purists | $99.99 | LitNXT → |
| Powkiddy RGB20SX | 4.0" Square IPS | Square Linux | Square + dual sticks, mid-budget | $89.99 | LitNXT → |
| RG Rotate | 3.5" 720×720 IPS | Swivel Android | Vertical/horizontal hybrid | $87.99 | Anbernic → |
The closest comparison is the RGB30 at $70 — same 720×720 panel, Linux instead of Android, no hall triggers. The RG Cube's $130 premium pays for Android, hall triggers everywhere, WiFi 6, and DP-out.
Should you buy the Anbernic RG Cube?
Yes if:
- 60%+ of your library is 4:3 / square-native content (8-bit, 16-bit, arcade)
- You want Android emulator support, not Linux
- You'll use DP-out for docked play
Skip it if:
- You play mostly 3D / widescreen — go to the RG VITA or Pocket 5
- You're on a budget — the Powkiddy RGB30 gives you the same screen for $130 less
- You need PS2 — the RG VITA Pro is the right call
The RG Cube is a specialist device. If you know exactly why you want a square screen with Android, it's the only handheld that delivers it well in 2026. If you don't, almost any other recommendation is more practical.
Buy the Anbernic RG Cube at LitNXT → — $199.99 with code NY2026 for 12% off.
Browse more in our Anbernic device guide or compare every device on the devices page.
