Anbernic RG Vita Pro gets Play Store via latest update

It has been almost two months since Anbernic released the RG Vita Pro handheld. The device, which ships with dual operating systems — Android 14 and Linux — has now received a software update that adds a major feature.

Although the RG Vita Pro ships with Android 14, it doesn't come with Google Play Services installed. This should be obvious when you boot into Android as you won't find any Google app. While some might prefer the handheld that way, it appears there are those who don't, as Anbernic has released an update that adds the Google Play Store to the device.

The OTA update arrives as version 1.14, and according to the changelog, it adds the Google Play Store. This addition means users can download the Android apps they need from the Play Store instead of sideloading or using alternative app stores. The changelog also mentions the update fixes some bugs and optimizes the system.

Anbernic has been on a roll with its software releases. Earlier this month, it released a software update for the RG77V that added a new launcher and control center. Then it followed it up with a new Linux OS for the RG DS which originally ships with Android 14. Owners of the RG DS can install the new Linux OS on a microSD card and insert it into the device to boot up Linux, while still having Android on the device's internal storage.

With the rate at which these brands churn out new devices, it is nice to see that they are not getting abandoned.