ANBERNIC RG556 handheld game console test
The perfect handheld console for retro gamers?

Source: Geekbuying – ANBERNIC RG556
In recent years, the market for retro handheld game consoles has shown significant growth, and the ANBERNIC brand plays a prominent role in this segment. Their RG556 model has received a lot of attention from the gaming community. In this detailed review, we will examine the hardware and software features of the game console, its user experience, and compare it with other similar devices. It is definitely noteworthy for its price, because now Geekbuying NNNABNRG556HU only 76 with its coupon FtDue to the conversion rates of the webshops, the prices may differ for different currencies (e.g. if you set the webshop to HUF, the prices are usually higher than if you set it to USD). The prices indicated in the article are informative and in all cases are HUF equivalents of the price displayed on the webshop's interface in USD (or in EUR, if there is no USD option) (according to the interbank exchange rate valid at the time of writing the article).with free shipping.
Packaging and accessories – what do we get for our money?
Anyone who has ever ordered an ANBERNIC console knows that the packaging is usually not a design award-winning experience, but it is still fair. In the case of the RG556, you don't have to expect a shiny premium box either - the in a standard white cardboard box comes with a minimalist product image and some basic specifications.
The contents of the box are more important:
- ANBERNIC RG556 handheld console – of course, the main attraction, carefully wrapped in a protective bag.
- USB-C charging cable – a decent quality, 1 meter cable, but unfortunately an adapter is not included, so it must be purchased separately.
- User's Guide – a basic description of how to turn on and start the system (although no one will probably read it).
- Screen protector – fortunately, we also find a pre-cut screen protector in the box, which is useful since AMOLED panels are prone to scratches.
- MicroSD card (depending on version) – if you buy the larger storage version, you also get a pre-formatted SD card pre-installed with games.
Overall, the package doesn't include too many extras, but you get everything you need to get started. If you want more serious accessories – such as a carrying case or an extra charging adapter – you'll have to buy them separately.

Source: Geekbuying – ANBERNIC RG556
Appearance and ergonomics
The design of the RG556 differs from previous ANBERNIC models, breaking away from the traditional, rectangular shape. Dimensions of the device It is 223 millimeters wide, 90 millimeters high and 15 millimeters thick, and weighs 331 grams., which is considered heavier in its category. The device has a durable plastic housing, which does not creak or crackle during use, and the back is slightly textured so it does not slip out of your hand easily.
The console is available in two colors: black and transparent blue. The transparent blue version is particularly nostalgic feeling arose, recalling the Late 90s and early 2000s design. The striking, raised grip surfaces and the asymmetrical analog stick Its layout ensures a comfortable grip and use even during extended gaming sessions. ANBERNIC has been continuously improving the build quality of its consoles in recent years, and the RG556 continues this trend.
🎮 Buttons and controls
- D pad: A classic ANBERNIC-style D-pad here too it's great, precise and perfect for fighting games.
- Analog sticks: The analog sticks move well and have L3/R3 pressure sensing is.
- Cunning: Az L2/R2 triggers are analog, so they can be dosed finely, which is a big advantage in car games.
- A/B/X/Y buttons: Slightly concave and they travel a short distance, allowing for quick reactions.
🛠️ Other physical characteristics
- USB-C charging and data transfer, with fast charging.
- 3,5 mm jack connector, which is rare these days, but useful.
- Stereo speakers at the bottom of the console – the sound quality is surprisingly good, but does not reach the Steam deck Or the AYN Odin 2 level.
Gallery
Source: Order China
Hardware, performance and display
Inside the console is a Unisoc Tiger T820 processor It has 1 ARM Cortex A76 core at 2,7 GHz, 3 ARM Cortex A76 cores at 2,3 GHz, and 4 ARM Cortex A55 cores at 2,1 GHz. Graphics processing is handled by a Mali G57 MP4 GPU clocked at 780 MHz. The tool It has 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2TB with a microSD card., but basically
You can choose a 256 GB card, so you will immediately receive 8714 games.
One of the most outstanding features of the RG556 is 5,48-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This display delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, which is especially beneficial for retro games. The 16:9 aspect ratio and 402 PPI pixel density result in sharp and clear images. The device is a With a battery with a capacity of 5500 mAh It has an average battery life of 6-8 hours on a single charge, depending on your personal settings, such as how hard you run the fan. This is enough to keep you entertained during long trips or multi-hour gaming marathons.
Although the ANBERNIC RG556 is primarily designed as a handheld console, it is possible to also for projection on an external display. The USB-C port supports DisplayPort output, so a USB-C → HDMI converter with ease You can connect it to a TV or monitor, but as an Android-based device, wireless also capable of screen mirroring (Miracast, Chromecast). Bluetooth 5.0 and you can connect wireless controllers, headphones, or a keyboard to it. Supports PlayStation, Xbox and other Bluetooth controllers when using an external display, or USB-C OTG support It also allows you to connect wired controllers.
Overall, the ANBERNIC RG556 is not just a simple handheld console, but a true all-rounder that you can connect to a TV, mirror wirelessly, and boost with Bluetooth or wired controllers – so really You can make the most of it in almost any situation!
Gallery
Source: Geekbuying – ANBERNIC RG556
Software and emulation
The RG556 Android 13 operating system runs, which allows you to access the Google Play Store and install additional applications. The device comes with a wide range of pre-installed emulators, including PPSSPP, GBA.emu, Snes9X EX+, DuckStation and AetherSX2These emulators allow you to run games from various retro consoles, from the NES to the PlayStation 2. To run the games, you need to ROM or ISO files need to be copied to the SD card or the console's internal storage. It's important to know that downloading ROMs and ISOs is a legal gray area, so officially you can only emulate games that you already own.
A dedicated settings button allows users to easily change emulator settings, such as button mapping or graphics settings, while playing. This is especially useful for those who want to optimize the gaming experience for individual titles. This hardware configuration allows games from PlayStation 2 and older consoles to run smoothly. In our tests, most PSP and Dreamcast games were stable Ran at 60 FPS, even at higher resolutions. We also experienced good performance with PlayStation 2 titles, although in some cases we needed to fine-tune the graphics settings for the perfect experience.
🎮 What games can be played on the ANBERNIC RG556?
One of the biggest strengths of the ANBERNIC RG556 is that it is an Android-based handheld console, which means that can run not only emulators but also native Android gamesBased on its performance, it is mainly retro consoles and older generation 3D consoles games run smoothly on it, but there are exceptions.
🕹️Classic retro consoles (8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit)
Az NES, SNES, Sega Genesis (Mega Drive), Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games run perfectly on it of course. These emulators have minimal hardware requirements and since the RG556 is more powerful than any previous ANBERNIC model, all games run at a stable 60 FPSThe display's deep blacks and contrast make pixel-art graphics look amazing.
Super Mario Bros. (NES) / Super Mario World (SNES)
The AMOLED display makes these games more beautiful than ever! contrasting colors and 60 FPS stability they provide a perfect nostalgic experience. The RG556's D-pad is excellent, so provides pixel-precise control.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
The retro-style graphics look brilliant on the AMOLED display and the adventure gameplay mixed with RPG elements It runs smoothly, there are no technical obstacles to your enjoyment..
Donkey Kong Country (SNES)
One of the most beautiful 16-bit games that runs perfectly on the RG556, the screen's HDR-like contrast brings out the CGI-like graphics.
🕹️ PlayStation 1 (PS1)
With the DuckStation emulator, you can all PlayStation 1 games runs on it, and scaled to higher resolution. Classics such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2 or Gran Turismo, not only are they playable, but they look significantly better than on the original hardware.
Final Fantasy VII / VIII / IX
PS1 emulation works perfectly, FMVs also run perfectly, and the combat system and story are just as immersive as on the original console.
Metal Gear Solid
The movie-worthy story and stealth great to enjoy on the console, the buttons respond quickly and accurately.
Gran Turismo 2
The D-pad and analog sticks work well for control, but for car game lovers The RG556's short analog triggers may not be your first choice.
Resident Evil 2 / 3: Nemesis
Survival horror games run very well, the dark environment with the deep blacks of the AMOLED display adds extra atmosphere to the experience.
🕹️Playstation Portable (PSP)
PSP emulation (PPSSPP) is stable even with more powerful games. Titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus or Tekken 6, run at higher resolutions and 60 FPSThe only exception is some very hardware-intensive games, such as Midnight Club 3, which can sometimes cause FPS to drop.
God of War: Chains of Olympus / Ghost of Sparta
The PSP version is one of the best-looking games you can run on this console. Scaled to a higher resolution Runs at 60 FPS, with fantastic visuals and a fast-paced combat system.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories / Liberty City Stories
GTA games on RG556 Playable in PS2 quality, with steady speed and good control.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
One of the best portable versions of the series and on the RG556 playable in higher resolution, like on the original PSP.
Tekken 6
For fighting game lovers, this is a perfect experience, since the 60 FPS is stable, the buttons are fast and responsive.
🕹️ Dreamcast
With the Redream emulator, you can play all Dreamcast games runs at near perfect speed. Sonic Adventure 2, Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio and similar titles They run smoothly, without any graphical errors..
Sonic Adventure 2
Runs smoothly at 60 FPS, the colors are vibrant, and the console shape is comfortable for quick platforming movements.
Crazy Taxi
Perfect game for a portable console, as it consists of short, fast-paced runs and runs at full speed on the RG556.
Jet Set Radio
The unique cel-shaded graphics look beautiful on the RG556's display, and the game runs smoothly with emulator.
🕹️ PlayStation 2
One of the main questions about the RG556 is how well it handles PS2 emulation. The answer is: variable. With the AetherSX2 emulator, less hardware-intensive titles such as Kingdom Hearts, Shadow of the Colossus (with low settings) or Resident Evil 4 they run at playable speed. However the most demanding PS2 games (e.g. Gran Turismo 4, Jak and Daxter, Metal Gear Solid 3) no longer run stably, even at low settings.
Kingdom Hearts 1 & 2
One of the most stable PS2 games on the RG556. Lowering some graphics settings 60 FPS is also available.
Resident Evil 4
Playable at lower graphics settings, but the PlayStation 4 or PC versions offer a much better experience.
Gran Turismo 4 / Jak & Daxter / God of War 2
Unfortunately, these games don't run very well on the RG556. – they are still struggling a bit with emulation.
🕹️Nintendo DS and 3DS
The DS emulation is excellent, but the Citra (3DS) emulator has mixed results. 3DS games with lower graphics, such as Mario barth 7 or the The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds run enjoyably, but more complex 3D titles, such as Pokémon Sun & Moon they may already be stuck.
Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver / Black & White / Platinum
The Pokémon games they run perfectly, and since the DraStic emulator supports both quick save and acceleration, slower parts (e.g. long dialogues) can be skipped. Stylus-based interactions are also handled well by the touchscreen.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass / Spirit Tracks
A touchscreen control works perfectly and stylus-based puzzles are also handled well on the RG556's capacitive touchscreen.
New Super Mario Bros.
This game looks very good with upscaled graphics and runs at 60 FPS in all conditions. Controls are via the D-pad and buttons perfectly at hand.
Mario Kart DS
It runs very smoothly. and the Stable 60 FPS makes the experience perfectThe analog sticks make the controls feel a little different, but they're easy to get used to.
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow / Portrait of Ruin / Order of Ecclesia
The Castlevania games on DS they run exceptionally well and are enjoyable on the RG556The deep blacks of the AMOLED display highlight the dark Gothic style.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
One of the best DS games and the emulator runs flawlessly at 60 FPS. The RG556 Touchscreen controls also work well for minigames (e.g. when breaking into a car).
⚠️ One of the main problems with the Nintendo DS is that it originally had two displays..
The emulator allows you to Switch between the two displays with a single button press, but in some games (e.g. Zelda) touchscreen elements are essential. The citra emulator you can also run 3DS games on the ANBERNIC RG556, but performance is not always perfectWhile DS games run smoothly, the 3DS There are already FPS drops due to its higher hardware requirements.
Pokemon X / Y / Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
They run at lower settings, but not always stable at 30 FPSThere is some lag during battles and in cities, but it is playable.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
One best running 3DS game, because there is not too much graphics load. On the RG556 smooth to play.
Super Mario 3D Land
It can be enjoyed with the right settings, but the FPS sometimes fluctuates. If you accept it 50-60% speed, then it's still playable, but it's not the real thing.
Mario barth 7
Az one of the most enjoyable 3DS games in an emulatorbecause it runs more stable even at lower settings. The analog stick handles the controls excellently.
❌ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D / Majora's Mask 3D
These games run, but in larger areas and battles, the FPS drops significantly (up to 15-20 FPS), so it's not really enjoyable.
❌ Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Unfortunately, it doesn't run at playable speed. The FPS is so low that it is not really recommended with this emulator.
🕹️Native Android games and streaming-based gaming
Because the RG556 Runs Android 13, so we can also play native Android games on it. Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact and Fortnite also starts, but this is not the console's strength. The Moonlight Streaming but it's fantastic on it, so even You can also stream Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden RingIf you're specifically looking for Android gaming, a device with a Snapdragon 870 or higher processor may be a better choice.
Gallery
Source: Order China
🔧 How to set up Moonlight on RG556?
1️⃣ Installation and preparations
✅ Make sure that the Your PC uses an NVIDIA GeForce GPU and the GeForce Experience installed.
✅ Enable the GameStream function:
- Open the GeForce Experience-t, go to Settings > Shield ear and turn on the GameStream.
2️⃣ Make a connection
✅ Launch Moonlight on RG556 and It should automatically find your PC on the network..
✅ If it doesn't appear, manually enter the PC's IP address.
✅ After pairing, a message will appear on the screen PIN code displayed, which you need to enter on your PC.
3️⃣ Game streaming and optimization
✅ A Within Moonlight, select Steam or the desired game and you can go now!
✅ The for an optimal experience:
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the smaller delay.
- For manual settings set the 60 FPS and Full HD (1920×1080) resolution.
- If you have a Bluetooth controller, the experience will be even better.
What games does it work well with?
✅ Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Forza Horizon 5, Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War – Practically any PC game can be run on the RG556, if your PC is powerful enough.
✅ Retro emulators on PC – If your PC is capable of stronger PS2/PS3/Wii U emulation, then Streaming to RG556 with Moonlight gives you the perfect experience.
Source: Geekbuying – ANBERNIC RG556
Frame Rate and FPS – Why is it important?
Az FPS (Frames Per Second) indicates that the game how many frames per second it displays. Most classic games on consoles Runs at 30 FPS or 60 FPSIf a game drop, meaning the FPS drops, then the may cause stalling or slowdown, which degrades the gaming experience. For example, SNES, PlayStation 1 and Dreamcast games run at 60 FPS on the RG556, but for PS2 and 3DS emulations they may be Dropping to 30 FPS or lower moments.
🔧 Fine-tuning and power settings on the RG556
The emulators behind the RG556's built-in launcher come with default settings, which are sufficient for most games, but some fine-tuning may be required if, for example, you want higher anisotropic filtering or a 16:9 aspect ratio for PlayStation 2 titles. The default button mapping is enabled overlay can also be removed.
Since it is an Android-based device, it is worth making some optimizations, such as Turn off notifications and screen lock, or set a longer time for the automatic display to turn off. You can easily switch between performance profiles in the quick settings bar, where normal and game mode available.
The CPU can be set to automatic or maximum performance mode, which ensures that the processor cores are constantly running at maximum clock speed. The fan control is also adjustable., but since the device does not tend to overheat even under load, it is advisable to leave it on automatic or offThe most powerful cooling settings can be particularly noisy – the highest level is downright annoyingly loud, even compared to a device with more powerful hardware, and even it also drains the battery faster.
Gallery
Source: Order China

Source: Geekbuying – ANBERNIC RG556
Comparison with other handheld game consoles
- Retroid Pocket 5: This console is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and 8GB of RAM. Its display is a 5,5-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Compared to the RG556, the Retroid Pocket 5 boasts a more powerful processor and faster UFS 3.1 storage, however, the RG556 has a more ergonomic design and better battery life.
- AYN Odin 2: The Odin 2 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. Its display is a 6-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Although the Odin 2 has more powerful hardware, the RG556 AMOLED display provides more vibrant colors and better contrast. The Odin 2 is also powered by a larger battery (8000 mAh) and faster charging.
Benchmark test summary
Geekbench 6
- Single-Core: 857 points
- Multi-Core: 2433 points
- OpenCL GPU: 2274 points
- Vulkan GPU: 2267 points
- Single-core score: The device's single-core performance is at the level of mid-range devices, exceeding the performance of the T618 and Helio G99 processors, but falling short of the Snapdragon 855 and Dimensity 1100/1200.
- Multi-core score: Multi-core performance shows a similar trend, providing adequate performance for most emulation tasks and Android games.
3DMark
- Wildlife (1440p): 2014 points (12,07 FPS)
- Wildlife Extreme (4K): 563 points (3,35 FPS)
Antutu 3D Lite (V10.3.3)
- CPU: 173 points
- GPU: 96 points
- MEM: 113 points
- UX: 108 points
Overall, the ANBERNIC RG556 benchmark results show that the device performs well in retro games and emulation tasks, and is capable of running most Android games. However, performance limitations may occur with the latest and most demanding titles. In terms of price-performance ratio, the RG556 competitive choice in the mid-range handheld console market.
❌ What could be better about ANBERNIC RG556? – Weaknesses and shortcomings
Although the ANBERNIC RG556 is a great handheld console, like any device, it has its weaknesses. Some issues are minor, while others are real compromises that are worth considering before purchasing. The user experience can be overshadowed by minor or major flaws, which occur both at the hardware and software levels. The buttons take some getting used to, but Analog sticks are not the best for FPS gamesThe large display size is an advantage, but old games optimized for CRT can be quite pixelated without upscalingThe software also hides quirks, for example, the volume control is not always intuitive and while we can quickly return to the Android menu, returning to games is not as smooth.
1. The processor is not powerful enough for the heavier PS2 and 3DS emulation
Az Unisoc Tiger T820 a decent mid-range chip, but pushes the boundaries of PS2 and Nintendo 3DS emulationWhile many PS2 games run well, the truly spectacular or technically complex titles like Gran Turismo 4, Metal Gear Solid 3, God of War 2 they are already struggling. Therefore, if you are primarily looking for a console for PS2 emulation, you are better off with an alternative equipped with a more powerful Snapdragon or Dimensity chip.
2. Battery life could be longer
Although it is 5500 mAh battery not bad and approx. It provides a working time of 6-8 hours, under heavy use (e.g. PS2, PSP, Dreamcast emulation) it can be reduced to 3-4 hoursIf you take it with you on a long trip, you may need to charge it during the day.
3. The quality of the buttons and joysticks is not perfect
Although the RG556's build quality is generally okay, the buttons and joysticks they do not reach premium quality.
- A D-pad is excellent, but it is A/B/X/Y buttons a bit they feel like cheap plastic and sometimes they "clack" a bit after prolonged use.
- Az analog sticks they don't drift (like the Switch Joy-Con), but a little more wobbly, such as the joysticks of an Xbox or PlayStation controller.
- Az L2/R2 triggers are analog, which is a great advantage, but their journey is too short, which is not good for car games.
4. Lack of Android optimization and system updates
Az Android 13 operating system is a big advantage because it provides wide compatibility, but ANBERNIC's software support notoriously weak. They often do not release updates and the pre-installed Android system not always well optimized.
5. Speaker volume and quality are mediocre
The RG556 has stereo speakers, which is good news, but not the real thing due to the lack of volume and bassIn a louder environment, it is easily drowned out by background noise.
These problems don't make the RG556 a bad console, but if ANBERNIC were to fix these weaknesses in the next model, we would have a truly perfect retro console.
Summary
The ANBERNIC RG556 a well-built console that is excellent for emulating classic and early 3D consolesThe AMOLED display is great, the console is comfortable to use, and the build quality is solid. The analog triggers and powerful hardware PlayStation 1, PSP and Dreamcast games run great on it. The PS2 emulation isn't always perfect, but many titles can still be enjoyed. For beginners, setting up emulators can be a bit of a challenge, but those with a basic understanding of the concepts will have no problem. Overall, it's hard to find any serious criticism of the ANBERNIC RG556. While the D-pad could be better and there's still room for software tweaking, the build quality, excellent display, pre-installed content, overall good battery life, and efficient cooling all strongly support the positive side.
The Anbernic RG556 console 256 GB version with thousands of pre-installed games, it can be purchased on the following page in black and transparent blue. To purchase, you can enter the NNNABNRG556HU coupon code to reduce the final price of the machine 76 700 FtDue to the conversion rates of the webshops, the prices may differ for different currencies (e.g. if you set the webshop to HUF, the prices are usually higher than if you set it to USD). The prices indicated in the article are informative and in all cases are HUF equivalents of the price displayed on the webshop's interface in USD (or in EUR, if there is no USD option) (according to the interbank exchange rate valid at the time of writing the article). The product will arrive quickly from the Polish warehouse, with free shipping.
Pro
- AMOLED display – Vivid colors, deep blacks, excellent contrast, and better energy efficiency.
- Excellent emulation performance (PS1, PSP, Dreamcast, DS, SNES, NES) – These platforms run at a stable 60 FPS.
- Good ergonomics and comfortable grip – The Xbox-style analog sticks and design make it comfortable even during extended gaming sessions.
- Powerful mid-range hardware – The Unisoc Tiger T820 and Mali G57 MP4 GPU are powerful enough for PSP and Dreamcast emulation.
- Android 13 operating system – Access to the Google Play Store, extensive application support.
- Excellent D-pad and high-quality buttons – Precise control for fighting and platform games.
- L2/R2 analog triggers – Fine control in driving and shooting games.
- MicroSD expandability (up to 2TB) – No need to worry about storage space.
- Pre-installed emulators – Easy to use even for beginners.
Kontra
- PS2 and 3DS emulation is not always perfect - More powerful titles (e.g. God of War 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D) may lag or run with unstable FPS.
- The analog stick is a bit wobbly – It doesn't reach the quality of an Xbox or PlayStation controller.
- The Android interface is not optimized for handheld consoles – The lack of a unique UI or gaming launcher makes the experience a bit “phone-like”.
- DS/3DS games with multiple buttons are sometimes inconvenient - Since you have one display, it can be cumbersome to manipulate the touchscreen elements.
Emulation – What does it mean and how does it work?
Emulation means that an old console is imitated in software on another device, in this case the ANBERNIC RG556. This allows you to run old NES, SNES, PlayStation, PSP or even PS2 games without the need for the original hardware. For the emulation to work you need an emulator and the appropriate game files (ROM or ISO).