Anbernic is making the Sega Saturn handheld I’ve been waiting for a reality

Anbernic Sega Saturn handheld with Street Fighter 2 gameplay on screen — (Image credit: Anbernic)

I’ve been waiting for, let’s say, around 15 years for a Sega Saturn handheld, and console makers Anbernic just revealed that they’re on the case. A fresh demonstration of an engineering sample showcases the portable’s Saturn-inspired shape, buttons, and colorways, as well as some gameplay that’s sure to delight fans of the PlayStation’s ‘90s rival.

Anbernic isn’t a stranger to the best gaming handheld battlefield, and the company knows its stuff when it comes to emulation devices. Many manufacturers catering to the retro scene normally stick with a Gameboy-inspired design, which admittedly gets a bit samey after a while. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some grey, rectangular plastic, but you’re more likely to catch my attention these days by turning one of my favorite controllers into a standalone console. And that’s exactly what Anbernic is about to do with its next project, so you’ll want to stick with us if that gives you ‘shut up and take my money’ vibes.

Over on Anbernic’s YouTube channel, the company shows off the RG ARC, an “Android+Linux dual system” that comes in a few familiar colors. The clip kicks things off by revealing a design based on the Japanese White Sega Saturn, complete with its colorful buttons and iconic maroon triggers. Additional colorways include the translucent version of the console and a more conservative black edition that looks closer to the system you’d have picked up in the West.

Being an Android device, the handheld will also be able to handle various other emulated platforms, with Anbernic listing the Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and Arcade systems as examples. In theory, it should be able to handle original PlayStation games just fine too, which is amusing considering its rival shape.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the Anbernic RG ARC, so stay tuned for release date and price information when it becomes available. From what we can tell, playing classics like Capcom vs Street Fighter on this handheld’s four-inch IPS display is going to be a pure joy, and it might save me getting the original console out every time I’m itching to throw a few punches in my favorite 90’s fighting romps.

In the meantime, if you're looking for a handheld that takes newly released cartridges, you'll want to keep an eye out for our upcoming Super Pocket review, as we'll soon be revealing our thoughts on the next Evercade console. We're also already looking for our Black Friday Steam Deck deals ahead of the November sale, so swing by our hub for some decent early offers.

Got Valve's portable powerhouse? Check out our best Steam Deck dock picks for our favorite add-ons. If you'd rather play PC games on the go, make sure to peek at our Black Friday gaming laptop deals page for some early offers.

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.