Anbernic RG477V 8 GB model may be the better buy than the 12 GB variant, handheld gaming tester explains why

After early impressions praised the Anbernic RG477V’s build and 4:3 display but flagged its Mali GPU, a separate review video from the YouTube channel The Phawx explains why the 12 GB RAM configuration may be poor value compared to the base 8 GB model.

The tester’s main point is that the extra memory only really matters if you are chasing heavier Nintendo Switch emulation or PC game playing, and those are exactly the areas where the RG477V’s Mali GPU and Vulkan support can become a bottleneck. In other words, paying more for the 12 GB model does not fix the core limitation for PC or Switch emulation.

In GameCube emulation, the YouTuber shows Vulkan glitches in Metroid Prime, which is why they recommend using OpenGL for PS2 and GameCube for better compatibility. The downside is that many PC gaming compatibility layers lean heavily on Vulkan, which makes paying extra for more RAM less compelling if the goal is better PC game performance on this device.

The YouTuber also compares the RG477V’s Dimensity 8300 performance against prior models, saying the CPU uplift helps PS2 and GameCube run more cleanly at higher internal resolutions with less tweaking than before. For retro-focused setups, the video also highlights benefits like using Vulkan in RetroArch for features such as black frame insertion on the 120 Hz panel, along with run-ahead to reduce input latency.

Outside performance, the tester mentions large analog stick dead zones on current firmware and says the quieter revised D-pad membrane reduces tactility compared to older Anbernic handhelds.

Anbernic’s own store lists the RG477V starting at $219.99, and the handheld supports microSD expansion (up to 2 TB), which the tester highlights as the more sensible way to add storage versus paying extra for the 12 GB variant.

The YouTuber gives a buy-or-skip recommendation for the Anbernic RG477V in their video, which is linked below.