ANBERNIC RG Cube: What to Know Before Your First Boot
By Anbernic | The best retro game console | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Product Reviews
Get clear answers on ANBERNIC RG Cube setup, first boot, screen questions, controls, and buying decisions so you start playing with fewer surprises.
Quick answer
Expect an Android 13 handheld with a 3.95-inch 720x720 touchscreen, not a plug-and-play retro console. Charge it, complete Android setup, and connect Wi-Fi before adding games or emulators.
Why the square screen changes your setup choices
The RG Cube's 720x720 IPS panel is square, so classic 4:3 games fill more of the display than they would on a widescreen handheld, while 16:9 content will show side bars. That makes it a better fit for older consoles than for modern widescreen titles.
The screen supports multi-touch and OCA full lamination, which helps with Android navigation and touch-friendly emulator menus. If you mainly play games that expect physical controls, the touch layer is a convenience rather than a requirement.
Android first boot is not the same as a retro console boot
Because the RG Cube runs Android 13, your first session looks more like setting up a phone than starting a dedicated handheld. You will see Android prompts for language, Wi-Fi, and account or privacy options before you reach any game frontend.
That extra step is the main trade-off: Android gives you broad app access, but it also means you should plan for updates, permissions, and storage management. The 128GB UFS 2.2 storage is shared across Android, apps, and game files, so keep an eye on free space if you add large libraries.
RG Cube first boot and setup FAQ
- What should I do before the first power-on?
- Charge the handheld fully, have your Wi-Fi password ready, and decide whether you will sign in with a Google account. The RG Cube uses Android 13, so those choices come up early. A charged battery and known Wi-Fi details make the first boot smoother.
- How do I complete the initial Android setup?
- Follow the on-screen prompts for language, Wi-Fi, and account or privacy options. Take your time on each screen; you can change most settings later in Android Settings.
- Do I need to install emulators or a frontend?
- The RG Cube does not include a curated retro game library out of the box in the supplied specs. Plan to install the emulator apps or frontend you prefer after Android setup, and check that each app supports Android 13. Treat the first boot as Android setup, then add your own emulation apps.
- What should I know about the RG Cube screen?
- The 720x720 IPS screen is square, so 4:3 retro games use more of the panel than on a 16:9 handheld. Widescreen content will show bars, and the multi-touch layer helps with Android menus and touch controls.
- How do the controls work on Android?
- The RG Cube has built-in physical controls for gaming, but Android apps may treat them differently. Test the buttons and sticks in your emulator's input settings after setup, and map any missing inputs there. Check button mapping in each emulator rather than assuming Android handles it.
- Is the RG Cube a good first retro handheld?
- It is a reasonable choice if you want a square screen for 4:3 classics and are comfortable with Android setup. If you want a simpler, game-first interface, a non-Android handheld may suit you better. Choose the RG Cube for Android flexibility, not for a console-like out-of-box experience.
RG Cube specs that affect first boot
- ANBERNIC RG Cube: Runs Android 13 on a Unisoc T820 processor with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM. Android setup and app installation are part of the first-boot process, so budget time for them before gaming.
ANBERNIC RG Cube - ANBERNIC RG Cube: 3.95-inch IPS screen with 720x720 resolution, OCA full lamination, and multi-touch. The square, touch-enabled display suits 4:3 retro games and Android menus, but widescreen games will letterbox.
