Anbernic's Vita Pro handheld is missing two features I'd assumed were a no-brainer, but not all is lost

Just last week, Anbernic revealed its new RG Vita range that's set to revive Sony's last portable console. Yes, I'm not counting the PlayStation Portal since it's missing too many elements I'd associate with the best retro handhelds, but it turns out the "Pro" version is also missing two features that I had assumed were the whole point of the more expensive model.

According to a report by the lovely folks at Retrohandhelds that cites sources close to Anbernic, the RG Vita Pro won't come with an OLED display. I figured the more expensive model would include this, especially since Sony's OG portable used the screen tech, and it's partially why it's still regarded as a solid device by fans today. It will apparently also ship with Linux only, rather than tapping into Android, but GammaOS dual-booting capabilities are apparently being developed ahead of the launch.

Speaking of which, the Anbernic RG Vita duo will apparently land on the "third week of March," so you won't have to wait long for the tribute handhelds. While we don't have anything in the way of MSRPs yet, the publication's sources say the vanilla portable will cost under $100, meaning we could see a similar price structure to the Anbernic RG Cube and its cheaper $70 "XX" sibling.

ANBERNIC RG VITA — Classic Gaming & Advanced Features Demo - YouTube

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I stand by my original gripes that the RG Vita isn't enough like Sony's 2011 handheld, and the Pro version has elevated those concerns. Yes, the portable's screen tech these days is either reserved for the best gaming handhelds with PC innards like the Steam Deck OLED, or more premium Android setups like the new Mangmi Pocket Max that I'm currently testing with PS2 games.

However, the 5.46-inch handhelds could end up scratching a modern itch for a PS Vita-shaped device thanks to their size and specs. The base RG Vita is rocking a Mali-G52 MP2 GPU just like the Sega Saturn-themed RG ARC-D, and it's actually got 3GB RAM. That's not too shabby if it ends up coming in at under $100, but the Pro version dials things up a notch with 4GB memory and a punchier RockChip RK3576/Mali-G52 setup.

I should also point out that while we're not getting any OLED thrills, the cheapest RG Vita comes armed with a 720p IPS display. Again, that's not half bad considering many in its suspected price range hit 480p, and the Pro version does at least serve up 1080p goodness. Basically, if Anbernic can dial in pricing just right, we'll be looking at two pretty capable portables that are more than just a Vita tribute.

Ultimately, my real worry is that Vita emulation isn't going to be up to much on the cheapest Anbernic model. I'll need to get my hands on both to see how they really stack up in the crowded retro handheld scene, but it would feel slightly daft if something that's trying to look like Vita can't run its games without sweating. The last thing I want is to get the portable in my judgmental palms and instantly realize that it's really just a generic device in a Sony-themed costume, but that should become apparent if it arrives next month.

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