New 8BitDo Ultimate 2 rival: Anbernic reveals high-end wireless controller with heart rate sensors
Anbernic has had a slow start to the year. While rivals like TrimUI have presented new devices, the company has not announced any new handhelds since the RG477V. Announced at the start of December, the RG477V did not go on sale until a few days before Christmas. Now, Anbernic has finally started 2026 with a new product announcement to rival the likes of 8BitDo and GameSir.
However, it is not a gaming handheld as one may expect. Instead, the company has decided to return to the wireless controller market after releasing the RG P01 in late 2024 (curr. $24.99 on Amazon). By the looks of things, Anbernic's second wireless controller will not be another budget affair, though. Described as a tri-mode controller in the company's first teaser, the RG G01 is also said to deliver a 1,000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
Additionally, Anbernic has included a Bluetooth 5.0 compatible modem with support for Android, iOS, Linux, Steam, Switch consoles and Windows. Moreover, the RG G01 integrates familiar features like an Xbox control layout with a sculpted design. Not only that, but the RG G01 contains dual-mode triggers too, as well as a 6-axis gyroscope and programmable rear buttons.
Unusually, Anbernic has also equipped its new controller with a small IPS display for displaying key metrics. Weirder still, the RG G01 includes heart rate sensors mounted on each side. Anbernic has not confirmed pricing or availability yet. The timing of the controller's announcement indicates that an early to mid-February launch could be on the cards, though.
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