What consoles can the RG cube emulate?

Here's a detailed breakdown of the Anbernic RG Cube's emulation capabilities (based on its Unisoc T820 chipset, Android 13 OS, and 4.5" 720p display). This pocket powerhouse targets GameCube/PS2 performance at a $150–$170 price point:

✅ Flawless Performance (60 FPS Full Speed)

System Note
PS1 5x resolution, widescreen hacks
N64 3x resolution, Vulkan support
Dreamcast 2x resolution
PSP 3x resolution, God of War playable
SNES/GBA/Genesis Pixel-perfect upscaling
NDS Touchscreen via hotkey mapping
Arcade FBNeo/MAME up to CPS3

⚡ Playable with Tweaks (30-60 FPS)

System Performance Required Settings
GameCube 90% games 1-2x res (Mario Sunshine, Melee) 1x res, Vulkan, skip EFB access
PS2 70% games 1x res (FFX, KH1, GTA:SA) Vulkan, underclock EE, disable Vsync
3DS Light 2D games (Pokémon, Fire Emblem) Citra MMJ, 1x res
Saturn 2D games flawless; 3D (Panzer Dragoon) 30 FPS Yaba Sanshiro 2 core

🚫 Not Recommended / Unplayable

  • Switch (Yuzu Lite struggles)

  • PS3/Xbox 360 (too demanding)

  • Wii U

  • Vita

🔧 Key Performance Boosters

  1. Active Cooling: Fan prevents thermal throttling (rare at this size!)

  2. Vulkan API: 20–40% speed boost vs. OpenGL in GC/PS2 emulation

  3. Optimized Emulators:

    • AetherSX2 v1.5-4248 (most stable PS2 build)

    • Dolphin MMJR 2.0 (best for GameCube)

    • M64Plus FZ Pro (N64 Vulkan)

⚠️ Game-Specific Performance

Game System FPS (RG Cube)
The Simpsons: Hit & Run GameCube 55–60 FPS (1x)
Shadow of the Colossus PS2 25–40 FPS (1x)
Burnout 3 PS2 45–60 FPS (1x)
Metroid Prime GameCube 50–60 FPS (1x)

🆚 How It Compares to Competitors

Device PS2/GC Perf Price
RG Cube ★★★★☆ (1-2x res) $160
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro ★★★★☆ (1.5-2x res) $199
Odroid Go Ultra ★★★☆☆ (1x res) $130
Steam Deck ★★★★★ (3x res) $399

💡 Setup Tips for Best Results

  1. BIOS Files: Essential for PS2/Saturn/Dreamcast

  2. Optimize AetherSX2:

    • GPU: Vulkan → Disable "Hardware Readbacks"

    • System: Underclock EE → 75%

  3. Dolphin Settings:

    • Backend: Vulkan → Async Shaders ON

    • Enhancements: 1x IR, Skip EFB Access

⚖️ Legal Note

  • Never use pre-loaded ROMs (delete them immediately).

  • Source BIOS/games legally from consoles you own.

🎮 Perfect For:

  • PS2/GC enthusiasts wanting pocketable power

  • Android emulation without phone overheating

  • DS/PSP fans craving sharp 720p screens

❌ Avoid If:

  • You expect flawless all PS2/GC games

  • You prefer Linux/RetroArch simplicity

💰 For Your Store: Bundle RG Cube with:

  • A quality microSD card (Samsung EVO)

  • USB-C controller (for TV mode)

  • Your "Legal ROM Setup Guide"

The RG Cube is a groundbreaking value – finally bringing GameCube/PS2 to a sub-$200 pocket form factor. Just manage expectations for heavier 3D titles!

Official Source: Anbernic RG Cube