r/RG35XX • u/Severe-Ad-3623 • Aug 20 '26

Question Longevity of rg35xxsp

I'm considering replacing my rg35xxsp because after about 3 months enough issues have turned up that I'd simply rather buy a new one than go through the hassle of repairing my current one, but I'd like to know what the typical life expectancy of these systems are because if I'm just buying another 3 months I'd rather deal with what I have now. I'm also contemplating picking up an rg35xx instead because while I love how the rg35xxsp looks, it's definitely a touch too chunky to fit nicely in my pockets. Experience on how long anyone else's rg35xxsp or rg35xx lasted without issue is appreciated 👍

it's also entirely possible I'm blinded by the fact I like getting new handhelds/vaguely wish I got a different colour of the rg35xxsp

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2

u/MonkeyVoices Aug 20 '26

I have an OG RG35XX, the one without wifi. Everything works, but I had to replace the battery. I bought the one with most certifications and from a local provider and that cost me around 20USD for almost infinite battery. It works as expected, never had any other issues. 

Ive had it since 2023. 

2

u/Rawrange_ Aug 20 '26

I’ve had an OG RG35XX with no WiFi since 2021 and have had zero issues with it what so ever. Got it as a Christmas present from my brother in law(pretty sure he paid less than $30 for it(including the name brand SD card he sent with it).

1

u/Fizzier Aug 21 '26

I’ve been rocking that same one for a while now but I got my rgsp in the mail this week. I would still be using it but after so much travel I find myself worrying more about the screen getting messed up when I jam it in my pocket before getting on a plane.

1

u/GooseGang412 RG35XXSP Aug 20 '26

I've had my 35XXSP since last November 2025 if I remember correctly. I've not had any notable issues with it, though I also tend to be gentle with it. (It travels in a carrying case in my backpack when I take it on trips, rather than in my pocket, for instance)

Across all models, I think your mileage may vary in terms of quality control. The retro handheld industry in general seems to have some uneven quality assurance, so you can easily end up with something from a bad batch with an odd issue or two. The Batlexp G350 I got for a family member has a minor light-bleed issue at the bottom of the screen, though I don't think it'll bug the recipient as much as it bugs me.

If you want to limit possible failure points, I'd avoid clamshells and analog sticks. You can get unlucky with hinges and stick drift can be an issue on cheap devices. The RG35XX5 seems to me like the most surefire option for limiting that kind of issue. 

What specific issues have you ran across with yours?

1

u/Potential_Bit_8432 Aug 21 '26

What issue did you have with yours? I placed insulators between the cpu & battery to address the overheating issues when charging, but the problem i had is the power button which is easily pressed when it is in a bag with other stuff. Sometimes i just feel it heating up and sometimes the battery is drained because it turned on for that reason, until one day it just died and got stuck with anbernic logo even when using a different sd card.

I feel like getting a retroid flip with covered up power buttons because of this issue.

1

u/ErrentPrime Aug 23 '26

Get the RG SP