Mysterious Anbernic gaming handheld rumoured with Xperia Play vibes

Anbernic is preparing to launch the RG34XX SP later this week, fresh from the release of the RG557 (curr. $339.99 on Amazon). After introducing two new devices in as many months, many of its peers would hold fire for a few months. However, it looks like Anbernic is pressing ahead with its plans to introduce upwards of a dozen gaming handhelds this year.

With an image of an RG34XX SP prototype having leaked yesterday, rumours of an entirely new handheld have now turned up online. Unnamed for now, the device has a sliding mechanism that hides its controls when not in use. In that sense, the device simultaneously harks back to the Xperia Play while adopting a control layout pursued by the MCon.

At this stage, it is unclear whether Anbernic actually plans to put this design into production. With that being said, the likes of Retro Handhelds indicate that it is being considered internally. Currently, the prototype is said to combine a 5-inch display with a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset that Anbernic already uses inside the RG557. Thus, we would expect this unnamed device to be at the pricier end of Anbernic's product stack than the forthcoming RG34XX SP.