The main difference between the RG-280V and the RG-35XX is power.
The RG-35XX plays everything up to Dreamcast well, while the RG-280V tops out at PS1.
Other differences
- The RG-280V measures 78 x 89 x 18 mm and weighs 125 g; the RG-35XX measures 81 x 117 x 20 mm and weighs 175 g.
- The RG-35XX connects to a TV; the RG-280V cannot.
- The RG-280V runs on the Ingenic JZ4770, the RG-35XX on the Allwinner H700.
Which is better
Which fits in a pocket better?
RG-280VThe RG-280V (78 x 89 x 18 mm, 125 g). The RG-35XX is 81 x 117 x 20 mm, 175 g. Both fit a jeans pocket.
Which is better for PS2 games, the RG-280V or the RG-35XX?
NeitherNeither plays PS2 games.
Which costs less?
RG-35XXThe RG-35XX, at about $50 at launch against $70. Prices today vary by store and the used market.
Which is better for GBA games?
RG-280VThe RG-280V. GBA games fill 100% of the RG-280V's screen at 2x, a perfect fit with even pixels, against 50% of the RG-35XX's screen at 2x.
Which has the bigger battery?
RG-35XXThe RG-35XX, at 2,600 mAh against 2,100 mAh. That is capacity only: the chips differ, and the heavier the system you play, the faster either one drains.
Side by side
| RG-280V | RG-35XX | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $70 | $50 |
| Released | Nov 2020 | Mar 2024 |
| Plays well up to | PS1 | Dreamcast |
| Shape | Vertical | Vertical |
| Software | Linux | Linux |
| Chip | Ingenic JZ4770 | Allwinner H700 |
| Memory | 512 MB | 1 GB |
| Screen | 2.8 inch IPS 4:3 | 3.5 inch IPS 4:3 |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 2,100 mAh | 2,600 mAh |
| Weight | 125 g | 175 g |
| Size | 78 x 89 x 18 mm | 81 x 117 x 20 mm |
| Analog sticks | None | None |
| L2 and R2 | Yes, side by side | Yes, side by side |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Video out | No | Yes |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
Green marks the better value where one is clearly better. Prices are launch prices.
Emulation
- RG-280VRG-35XX
- Game Boy
- NES
- Genesis
- GBA
- SNES
- PS1
- DS
- N64
- Dreamcast
- PSP
- Saturn
- GameCube
100 means the system runs at full speed with no known issues.
Full details
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More comparisons
Why this pair: buyers weigh these two against each other. 56 comments by 39 different people compare them in community discussions, and 8 post titles name both. Specs, emulation scores and launch prices from the retrocatalog.com handheld database.