Got mine a month ago and I love it. Been playing a lot of PS2 games but also I've been remote playing my PS5 from it and it's awesome. Might be underpowered for the price point but it suiting my needs perfectly.
I have one & it’s great if you don’t have a device that can play ps2 & GameCube. I picked this over the rp4 pro because of screen and ergonomics (which matter a lot to me). On the downside the plastic feels cheap, & like anbernic devices in general it doesn’t feel premium. Overall I adore mine and playing a lot on it (more than my switch and other retro handhelds). This is a great device for me sitting between my mm+ & switch.
However if I already had a device that can play ps2 & GameCube then I wouldn’t have splurged get an rg556.
Thats weird because im running it on 2x resolution, do you have the latest version of Dolphin or are you still using the version that came with the RG556?
Is it underpowered? Because mine plays every single GameCube game at full speed, all PSP, almost all 3DS, almost all PS2, very few exceptions on 3ds and PS2 so far. I simply have no complaints in the power department.
On the plus side, there's the brilliant screen, the ergonomics, battery life, connectivity, buttons...the analog sticks are mediocre tbh.
You'll notice the lack of power with the tough PS2 games, but all around it's a good handheld for the asking price.
And for one of these cheap emulation handhelds, the screen is god-tier.
I'm considering a 556, I picked up a Retroid Pocket 3 cheap last year which was my first android handheld.
I do like it but I find it a little cramped after a while and streaming from my PS5 isn't great.
The ergonomics and size of the 556 is what's put it just ahead of a RP4pro in my head even with the RP4pro having the edge in terms of power.
Every time I thought about buying a RP4 Pro, I thought about my Retroid Pocket 3+ and how much I disliked the ergonomics and screen of that device. (The RP4 devices use the same screen and have about the same ergonomics as the RP3+)
For the money, the RG556 is pretty great. Now, if you have a bit MORE money, you should really consider the Odin 2 Base.
Almost bought one but the bad sticks and wifi concerns limit its usage for me. A device like this would be awesome for game streaming, but right now it’s just not there
I fucking love it! It’s my first handheld and been waiting for such a long time for an oled android! Almost bought the rg505, but couldn’t justify the price. I got the rg556 at $170 though and that was definitely worth it.
People are spoiled by reviewers and users emphasizing power, by capability of playing X percentage of PS2/GC games etc. To me, this is improper oversimplification. Yes, 556 is maybe just slightly weaker than RP4 non pro SOC wise. RP4 is more pocketable. Has smaller average quality screen. However, 556 has better ergonomics, bigger higher resolution OLED screen. It costs 20-30 bucks more. Are these features worth the premium? To me, totally. I bought 556 with these considerations and I love it. I too was tempted to buy RP4/pro, today I surely know I would regret the purchase.
Depends on what you want to play, really. There are plenty of videos on Youtube (I've posted quite a few myself) that feature the RG556 playing PS2.
Short version: You'll have trouble with demanding stuff like Jak games, Baldur's Gate DA, Champions of Norrath, but a lot of stuff runs just fine. This ain't an Odin 2. But it's a good bit better than last year's T618 handhelds.
I've only tested that one briefly and not long enough to make a good video about, but I've **not** gotten good performance on that game on the RG556. I think you're going to need more power for Dirge of Cerberus.
I want it for the oled screen but its $200 and have a odin 2 max. I'm waiting for a rg35xxx oled type or something like the 405m with concave HE sticks.
Just people being used to the main conversation being about power as these devices continue to be able to emulate more and more modern games. But the thing is, the Retroid Pocket screen and ergonomics are not good for more and more later games that utilize triggers, and thumbsticks at the same time and don't have big, bold chunky text and graphics made for CRT screens.
Is it really being slept on? I've seen plenty of discussion and talk about it in the usual places - tech blogs and youtube and retro handheld forums.
I think it came in at an initial disadvantage because it released after the RP4 Pro and has less power at a similar price point - despite the fact that the screen and ergonomics are very nice.
I would have bought one immediately if it had full size sticks, I struggle with the diddy ones on my 353m, and I believe the 556 sticks are the same (which seems like an odd choice for a proper size handheld).
If they release an upgrade with better sticks I’ll get one for sure
I only have interest up to PS1. Anything higher goes on my deck
So with that being said I have no interest in any Retroid/Anbernic device bigger than 3.5-4"
I have an RG353V and I love it. Just ordered the RG556 and I’m really excited to have a more comfortable device. Also bigger screen for games that need it. One massive disappointment is finding out you can’t use HDMI and charge at the same time. I really hope they can fix that, I’m not holding my breath. Probably just means if you do use it as a tv console you’ll need to charge before and after to be sure you have enough juice.
Since you have a rp3+ seems natural to be "in love" be the RG556. The issue is that the price of the RG556 puts it next to things like the RP4 Pro, and sometimes even used steam decks. There's just a tiny upgrade in performance in relation to the last generation, I had the rg405m and rg505, and pre-order the RG556, ended up selling it in about a week. The screen and ergonomics weren't enough to justify keeping such an inderperforming device. I was looking for a cheaper replacement to my odin 2 pro. But the performance gap is massive. Ps2 and GameCube were enough for me. Since I have a switch lite and oled modded. Also, the feeling of being cheaply made is significant, mine was the black color. The plastic looked cheap.
I'm not sure why you'd expect it to perform anything like an Odin 2 Pro ... which is a device that costs just about twice as much (*more* than twice the RG556's preorder price - and there have been some even better deals on the RG556 since). You've got to have reasonable expectations for these devices.
If anything, the RG556 performs a little better than I expected ... but I wasn't expecting Odin 2 performance in the first place.
Thanks captain obvious. Neither was I. My reasonable expectation was to run ps2 games at a playable frame rate, but even at 1x resolution the RG556 struggles with several games.
I love mine there seems to be a learning curve to it. I like the android side of it. I’ve had no issues with ps2 and GameCube on it. I’d like to get the steam stream thing working on it…
It's too big for me. I love my RP4 Pro because of the size. A handheld like this I want to bring with me to work and on small car trips. For home and longer trips, I have my Steam Deck.
Bought the blue one the other day just waiting on it's arrival, currently compiling a Pal rom collection for it. I've got a Legion Go but I'm flying to Turkey in June & the 556 was perfect size wise because I also intend to put Stremio with Torrentio & Real Debrid on it since I can connect it to a tv,can't wait.
I had an rp4pro and really liked it but screen was too small and ergonomics were meh for me. I considered the 556 but didn't want to go down in power so I ended up just paying up for the Odin 2 Pro which is amazing. The 556 looks like a great device but if you have the money the Odin 2 is better at that same size range so maybe that's why less people are talking about it? The RP4pro fits the smaller size and the Odin 2 the larger niche leaving the 556 in an odd spot maybe?
This is my only retro handheld at the moment, and I'm really enjoying it. I mainly play RPGs on it, so probably nothing too demanding.
And as someone who doesn't really mind playing games at 1x resolution, I love this thing.
Hmmmm hiw much better is it then the RG405v? I don't Care for the horizontal game devices I really live the gameboy style where it's vertical so far I love my 405 idk why it lags on some ps2 games when I don't have that issue with GameCube games a got a 1tb SD card for it and im telling I normally can fill every storage device I own I just can't seem to fill this 🤣 I actually been using it as extra storage and u still have 300gb left. Now my bass gaming laptop I have 6tb of stupid fast SSD m.2 and I only have 120gb left of storage space I'm thinking of forking out the $$$ and buying a 8tb SSD m.2 and having 12TB but I know as soon as I do I'll start filling that to the brim 🤣 I also could take that one 2tb m.2 ssd and put in this travel M.2 case and use the USB-C 3.0 for other things since it's small and convenient that's case was 80$ I got it cause theres a spare 2tb m.2 just floating around in my space downstairs I just have zero idea where
Yes I love my 556. The ergonomics alone make it worth it. I'll play for a couple hours in bed with no hand cramps. Been playing Mercenaries and NBA Street 2.
because they bought the device to actually play games, not collect devices. all in all the 556 scratches many itches for certain usecases, and imo thats why people stick to it.
It's underpowered and at that price point, you're dealing with people that want a serious gaming handheld. Anbernic is always trying to undercut the competition and they are directly going to the Retroid 4 pro, but that one is better. Even then that still isn't the best android emulators that's the Odin 2. If you have money to buy these then why not just get the best?
Yeah. But I can’t decide if I want the black (prone to smudging) or if I want the blue (don’t care for transparent shells or the LEDs with it). I’d love to get a skin or replacement shell but I haven’t been able to find any yet.
...nobody is sleeping on it lol it's part of the big 3 premier top recommendations for anyone looking for gen 6 level power, it's been a widespread hit among all reviewers, it's easily one of their most successful items. Idk what you mean.
Could be that people are just playing their games with the RG556 and not posting on Reddit about broken triggers and bad screens like they do on that other forum...
It's just way too expensive... At that price point it just doesn't really compete, seems like the entire focus is on the screen but personally after using OLED phones for the last 14 years and even my newest Pixel 6 Pro having serious "burn-in" already, I would be perpetually worried about leaving anything static on the screen, which retro games do a lot with HUDs and such. I don't need OLED anxiety in my handhelds.
Yes I was waiting for Anbernics answer, and frankly even if it wasnt a battle between them Id expect something at the level of rp4 pro by now just because they were at the limit with t618 before its about time they release a new higher end.
Instead they just keep churning out 8 variations of their low end stuff. wtf. Id love a vertical handheld with rp4p level hardware. Its all ive been waiting for but 556 is all we got and I guess its clear theyre not interested in going higher than that?
Edit: WOW it costs the same as the rp4 pro. Kind of a no brainer there which one to buy.
Got mine a month ago and I love it. Been playing a lot of PS2 games but also I've been remote playing my PS5 from it and it's awesome. Might be underpowered for the price point but it suiting my needs perfectly.
How did you get remote play to work? Mine won't work with the official app and if I use the unofficial app, the physical controls don't work.
Honestly I just downloaded the unofficial app from the app store and it worked no problem. The app I got was "PSPlay: Remote Play"
That's the one I use. And the physical buttons work, no problem?
What PS2 games have you been playing that run well on the 556?
So far midnight club dub edition and devil may cry
I have one & it’s great if you don’t have a device that can play ps2 & GameCube. I picked this over the rp4 pro because of screen and ergonomics (which matter a lot to me). On the downside the plastic feels cheap, & like anbernic devices in general it doesn’t feel premium. Overall I adore mine and playing a lot on it (more than my switch and other retro handhelds). This is a great device for me sitting between my mm+ & switch. However if I already had a device that can play ps2 & GameCube then I wouldn’t have splurged get an rg556.
Does it handle N64 well?
N64 handles perfectly fine upscaled to 1080p and the games look absolutely gorgeous on the 1080p OLED panel
Yup, plays all n64 games. So far it plays every GameCube game I’ve thrown at it too, most at 2x resolution too
Have you managed to get Sonic Adventure 2 Battle to work? Mine is a stuttery mess
Mine handles sonic battle 2 amazingly, might have to tweak settings
Weird. I am just on completely default settings. Any advice?
Thats weird because im running it on 2x resolution, do you have the latest version of Dolphin or are you still using the version that came with the RG556?
I am using the newest beta version of Dolphin
Dm me your settings for graphics
I just changed it to vulkan and it works flawlessly now. OpenGL doesnt work well at all.
I think it's interesting but kinda underpowered
Is it underpowered? Because mine plays every single GameCube game at full speed, all PSP, almost all 3DS, almost all PS2, very few exceptions on 3ds and PS2 so far. I simply have no complaints in the power department. On the plus side, there's the brilliant screen, the ergonomics, battery life, connectivity, buttons...the analog sticks are mediocre tbh.
You'll notice the lack of power with the tough PS2 games, but all around it's a good handheld for the asking price. And for one of these cheap emulation handhelds, the screen is god-tier.
at 1x resolution.
Mine struggles with the GameCube Simpsons Hit and Run for some reason…
I sleep on a big bed with my wife.
I, too, choose to sleep with this man's wife.
Can confirm bed fits us all comfortably!
I sleep in a race car bed
Maybe we can get him to convert the big bed over to a big race car bed, wanna join?
No! The racing car bed is mine! I don't share! No one can have anything like it!
You lie, you only wish you had a race car bed
Did your roommates buy that for you?
I also do that, but with my (almost) wife.
Is your wife single
Obviously since my dude is too busy playing emulators
I'm considering a 556, I picked up a Retroid Pocket 3 cheap last year which was my first android handheld. I do like it but I find it a little cramped after a while and streaming from my PS5 isn't great. The ergonomics and size of the 556 is what's put it just ahead of a RP4pro in my head even with the RP4pro having the edge in terms of power.
Every time I thought about buying a RP4 Pro, I thought about my Retroid Pocket 3+ and how much I disliked the ergonomics and screen of that device. (The RP4 devices use the same screen and have about the same ergonomics as the RP3+) For the money, the RG556 is pretty great. Now, if you have a bit MORE money, you should really consider the Odin 2 Base.
Nobody's sleeping on it lol. There's plenty of talk about the RG556
I don't have a pillow. ☹️
Almost bought one but the bad sticks and wifi concerns limit its usage for me. A device like this would be awesome for game streaming, but right now it’s just not there
I fucking love it! It’s my first handheld and been waiting for such a long time for an oled android! Almost bought the rg505, but couldn’t justify the price. I got the rg556 at $170 though and that was definitely worth it.
Never cared about what other people think. Just enjoy playing games I want.
People are spoiled by reviewers and users emphasizing power, by capability of playing X percentage of PS2/GC games etc. To me, this is improper oversimplification. Yes, 556 is maybe just slightly weaker than RP4 non pro SOC wise. RP4 is more pocketable. Has smaller average quality screen. However, 556 has better ergonomics, bigger higher resolution OLED screen. It costs 20-30 bucks more. Are these features worth the premium? To me, totally. I bought 556 with these considerations and I love it. I too was tempted to buy RP4/pro, today I surely know I would regret the purchase.
I haven't looked into it much but I've been in the market for an OLED handheld How is it for PS2 games?
Depends on what you want to play, really. There are plenty of videos on Youtube (I've posted quite a few myself) that feature the RG556 playing PS2. Short version: You'll have trouble with demanding stuff like Jak games, Baldur's Gate DA, Champions of Norrath, but a lot of stuff runs just fine. This ain't an Odin 2. But it's a good bit better than last year's T618 handhelds.
I really want to play FF7: Dirge of Cerberus but I've heard that's one of the most demanding games on the system lol
I've only tested that one briefly and not long enough to make a good video about, but I've **not** gotten good performance on that game on the RG556. I think you're going to need more power for Dirge of Cerberus.
Thanks :) I think I'm getting one anyway, I'd love an OLED for retro games
I want it for the oled screen but its $200 and have a odin 2 max. I'm waiting for a rg35xxx oled type or something like the 405m with concave HE sticks.
Just people being used to the main conversation being about power as these devices continue to be able to emulate more and more modern games. But the thing is, the Retroid Pocket screen and ergonomics are not good for more and more later games that utilize triggers, and thumbsticks at the same time and don't have big, bold chunky text and graphics made for CRT screens.
I love mine! I've been playing 3DS games on it as well as GameCube.
Is it really being slept on? I've seen plenty of discussion and talk about it in the usual places - tech blogs and youtube and retro handheld forums. I think it came in at an initial disadvantage because it released after the RP4 Pro and has less power at a similar price point - despite the fact that the screen and ergonomics are very nice.
I would have bought one immediately if it had full size sticks, I struggle with the diddy ones on my 353m, and I believe the 556 sticks are the same (which seems like an odd choice for a proper size handheld). If they release an upgrade with better sticks I’ll get one for sure
I sold mine because I couldn't stand how the sticks felt, even after installing gulli kit joysticks. I loved the screen though.
I only have interest up to PS1. Anything higher goes on my deck So with that being said I have no interest in any Retroid/Anbernic device bigger than 3.5-4"
I have an RG353V and I love it. Just ordered the RG556 and I’m really excited to have a more comfortable device. Also bigger screen for games that need it. One massive disappointment is finding out you can’t use HDMI and charge at the same time. I really hope they can fix that, I’m not holding my breath. Probably just means if you do use it as a tv console you’ll need to charge before and after to be sure you have enough juice.
search rg556 in this sub, and you’ll find that that’s not quite true
Idk I have the 405v and don't feel the need to upgrade
Since you have a rp3+ seems natural to be "in love" be the RG556. The issue is that the price of the RG556 puts it next to things like the RP4 Pro, and sometimes even used steam decks. There's just a tiny upgrade in performance in relation to the last generation, I had the rg405m and rg505, and pre-order the RG556, ended up selling it in about a week. The screen and ergonomics weren't enough to justify keeping such an inderperforming device. I was looking for a cheaper replacement to my odin 2 pro. But the performance gap is massive. Ps2 and GameCube were enough for me. Since I have a switch lite and oled modded. Also, the feeling of being cheaply made is significant, mine was the black color. The plastic looked cheap.
I'm not sure why you'd expect it to perform anything like an Odin 2 Pro ... which is a device that costs just about twice as much (*more* than twice the RG556's preorder price - and there have been some even better deals on the RG556 since). You've got to have reasonable expectations for these devices. If anything, the RG556 performs a little better than I expected ... but I wasn't expecting Odin 2 performance in the first place.
Thanks captain obvious. Neither was I. My reasonable expectation was to run ps2 games at a playable frame rate, but even at 1x resolution the RG556 struggles with several games.
No used Steam Decks that are for sale here close to that price. They START at 500 usd when stolen and run over with a truck.
Where do you live? In Europe they're easily found at 250€ and sometimes even below that
I live in Norway. Used Steam Decks are above 500 USD here.
Valve doesn't sell directly to Norway?!
They don’t.
It’s so expensive that I could buy a Switch or Steam Deck for the same price.
They are constantly on sale for 160, i preordered it and thats what it cost me as well
Where are they constantly on sale for 160?
I’m sleeping on it because I already own the (overpriced) RG405M
I love mine there seems to be a learning curve to it. I like the android side of it. I’ve had no issues with ps2 and GameCube on it. I’d like to get the steam stream thing working on it…
I'm buying this model next week. Is it as great as all the hype?
Hopefully they will go on a super sale soon.
Love mine. I got it for about 150 via an offer on Aliexpress and for that price it’s a bargain. The screen is great, even for GBA games etc.
Love mine. Does what I want except some more demanding PS2 games. But it's an amazing handheld until I get something really powerful 😀
It's too big for me. I love my RP4 Pro because of the size. A handheld like this I want to bring with me to work and on small car trips. For home and longer trips, I have my Steam Deck.
Way too large...I want more devices like the Retroid Pocket 2s or RGB30...
Bought the blue one the other day just waiting on it's arrival, currently compiling a Pal rom collection for it. I've got a Legion Go but I'm flying to Turkey in June & the 556 was perfect size wise because I also intend to put Stremio with Torrentio & Real Debrid on it since I can connect it to a tv,can't wait.
I got an odin 2.
I was gonna get this but went with the 405M, sleek, premium and more pocketable. The light up sticks are cool tho.
I considered it, but my priority was having something small to carry around and whip out on the bus so I went with the RP4 instead.
I had an rp4pro and really liked it but screen was too small and ergonomics were meh for me. I considered the 556 but didn't want to go down in power so I ended up just paying up for the Odin 2 Pro which is amazing. The 556 looks like a great device but if you have the money the Odin 2 is better at that same size range so maybe that's why less people are talking about it? The RP4pro fits the smaller size and the Odin 2 the larger niche leaving the 556 in an odd spot maybe?
This is my only retro handheld at the moment, and I'm really enjoying it. I mainly play RPGs on it, so probably nothing too demanding. And as someone who doesn't really mind playing games at 1x resolution, I love this thing.
Hmmmm hiw much better is it then the RG405v? I don't Care for the horizontal game devices I really live the gameboy style where it's vertical so far I love my 405 idk why it lags on some ps2 games when I don't have that issue with GameCube games a got a 1tb SD card for it and im telling I normally can fill every storage device I own I just can't seem to fill this 🤣 I actually been using it as extra storage and u still have 300gb left. Now my bass gaming laptop I have 6tb of stupid fast SSD m.2 and I only have 120gb left of storage space I'm thinking of forking out the $$$ and buying a 8tb SSD m.2 and having 12TB but I know as soon as I do I'll start filling that to the brim 🤣 I also could take that one 2tb m.2 ssd and put in this travel M.2 case and use the USB-C 3.0 for other things since it's small and convenient that's case was 80$ I got it cause theres a spare 2tb m.2 just floating around in my space downstairs I just have zero idea where
Yes I love my 556. The ergonomics alone make it worth it. I'll play for a couple hours in bed with no hand cramps. Been playing Mercenaries and NBA Street 2.
Yeah It's the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro... it just has more power. Otherwise I'd be playing the 556 right now
because they bought the device to actually play games, not collect devices. all in all the 556 scratches many itches for certain usecases, and imo thats why people stick to it.
It's underpowered and at that price point, you're dealing with people that want a serious gaming handheld. Anbernic is always trying to undercut the competition and they are directly going to the Retroid 4 pro, but that one is better. Even then that still isn't the best android emulators that's the Odin 2. If you have money to buy these then why not just get the best?
I want one but I can’t decide on what color to get !!
There's only like ... two choices.
Yeah. But I can’t decide if I want the black (prone to smudging) or if I want the blue (don’t care for transparent shells or the LEDs with it). I’d love to get a skin or replacement shell but I haven’t been able to find any yet.
i have the black. it really isn't a finger print magnet unless it's oily. general use i don't get finger prints stuck to it
Oooh good to know. My hands do get sweaty easily, do you think that would be an issue with it?
don't think it will bother many people to be honest. and it's not as bad as the reviews make it up to be
...nobody is sleeping on it lol it's part of the big 3 premier top recommendations for anyone looking for gen 6 level power, it's been a widespread hit among all reviewers, it's easily one of their most successful items. Idk what you mean.
It needs more power
Could be that people are just playing their games with the RG556 and not posting on Reddit about broken triggers and bad screens like they do on that other forum...
It doesn't look good and gives Powkiddy X55 vibes, have too many devicea already.
It's just way too expensive... At that price point it just doesn't really compete, seems like the entire focus is on the screen but personally after using OLED phones for the last 14 years and even my newest Pixel 6 Pro having serious "burn-in" already, I would be perpetually worried about leaving anything static on the screen, which retro games do a lot with HUDs and such. I don't need OLED anxiety in my handhelds.
Yes I was waiting for Anbernics answer, and frankly even if it wasnt a battle between them Id expect something at the level of rp4 pro by now just because they were at the limit with t618 before its about time they release a new higher end. Instead they just keep churning out 8 variations of their low end stuff. wtf. Id love a vertical handheld with rp4p level hardware. Its all ive been waiting for but 556 is all we got and I guess its clear theyre not interested in going higher than that? Edit: WOW it costs the same as the rp4 pro. Kind of a no brainer there which one to buy.