Thursday, September 25, 2025

Review of the ANBERNIC RG Cubexx

 

Overview

The RG Cubexx (CubeXX) is a niche retro handheld built around a square 1:1 aspect ratio screen (3.95″ IPS, 720×720) with a Linux-based system. It is marketed as a retro gaming device capable of emulating classic consoles and offering features like WiFi, Bluetooth, online play, and streaming support. It may also ship (or be sold) in variants with a 64 GB card preloaded with thousands of games (though legality of that is a separate issue). The hardware sits in the low-to-mid range of current retro handhelds.

Many reviews emphasize that this device is meant for enthusiasts of square-screen (1:1) gaming experiences, such as Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance (with letterboxing or scaling), Pico-8, and vertical arcade shooters. The unusual aspect ratio is both its biggest selling point and its limiting factor.

Let’s dig deeper into each aspect.

Design & Build Quality

Form factor & ergonomics
The CubeXX maintains the “cube” aesthetic (relatively square) but incorporates grips on the back so you can still hold it in a more traditional handheld posture. Reports suggest that the grips help reduce hand fatigue, and many users note that it is lighter than some of its siblings in the Anbernic H700 lineup. Reviewers note that the ergonomics are “excellent,” squashing one of the major criticisms of square-screen designs.

However, because the screen is square, supporting 4:3 or 16:9 games means you’ll often get black bars or scaling adjustments, which may feel odd in some titles.

Materials & finish
The shell is typical retro-handheld plastic: solid enough for day-to-day use, but not premium. Buttons and D-pad are generally well regarded. The D-pad is styled in a “Sega-like” shape in many reviews, and users report it is accurate and comfortable for retro titles. The shoulder buttons and triggers are adequate for the class, though not exceptional.

One decorative flourish is the RGB joystick lighting ring, with support for multiple modes (steady, breathing, chasing, etc.). That adds a flair of flair (pun intended), though it doesn’t affect gameplay.

Overall, build quality is respectable for its price range—nothing luxurious, but solid and functional.

Display

Specs

  • 3.95-inch IPS panel

  • 720 × 720 resolution

  • OCA full lamination for better visual clarity

The square, 720×720 resolution is what defines this device. It isn’t high by modern gaming standards, but it is sharp enough for retro titles. The full lamination helps reduce internal reflections and improves contrast.

Visual experience
For games originally designed for square or vertical formats (e.g. Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Pico-8, vertical shooters), the Cubexx shines. Titles that map naturally to square layout look very clean. For 4:3 or 16:9 titles, you’ll see either black bars (letterboxing or pillarboxing) or scaling or cropping, depending on emulator settings or user preferences.

Reviews frequently praise how excellent Game Boy, GBC, and Pico-8 games look on this display. However, the compromises in other aspect ratios are unavoidable with a square screen.

Brightness, color, and viewing angles are adequate for indoor use. Outdoors or under strong light, readability drops, but that’s common in this category of device.

Hardware & Performance

Core hardware

This hardware is similar to other budget Linux-based retro handhelds in the H700 class. It is not a powerful chip by modern mobile or gaming standards, but it is well-suited to retro emulation up to a point.

Emulation & performance
In practice, the Cubexx handles simpler systems (NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA, Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, Game Boy Advance) very competently at full speed. Many users report that it handles DS, PSP, Dreamcast, and Nintendo 64 titles with varying success depending on the game, config, and frame skip settings. Some titles may require adjusting settings or accept compromises (frame drops, lower resolution).

Because of the square screen, some games may need custom scaling or cropping to play well visually. The community has been developing custom firmware (e.g. Knulli builds) to better optimize for the 1:1 form factor.

Reviewers note occasional limitations: heavy 3D games or more demanding titles (e.g. certain PSP or Dreamcast games) will push the hardware and may suffer.

All told, the RG Cubexx delivers solid performance for many classic consoles, but is not flawless for every title above PS1/N64 territory.

Software, OS & Interface

Stock system
The device ships with a Linux-based front end (often with EmuElec or a custom interface). This allows for multiple emulators, file management, video playback, music, and possibly streaming features. The UI is serviceable, though not always polished compared to higher-end systems.

Custom firmware & community
A strong point is the community support. Custom firmware (CFW) efforts like muOS or Knulli are being developed to improve performance, UI experience, and 1:1 aspect handling. Some users report that newer builds add features or improved support for emulators.

One caveat: certain features (e.g. Bluetooth) may not be fully supported in all custom firmware at launch, so if you rely on wireless controllers, the stock firmware might be safer initially.

Features & extras

  • WiFi enables online multiplayer, ROM download (if allowed), OTA updates, and possibly retro-achievements.

  • Bluetooth allows pairing of external controllers or headsets (depending on firmware support).

  • HDMI/TV output: you can connect the device to a larger screen for a console-like experience.

  • Video and music playback: it supports common video and audio formats, making it useful as a media player in addition to gaming.

  • Lighting customization: you can adjust or disable RGB effects to conserve battery.

The software stack is flexible, and power users will appreciate the ability to tinker, though novices may face a slight learning curve.

Battery & Power

With its 3,800 mAh battery, real-world runtime is about 5 to 7 hours depending on usage (game type, brightness, WiFi on, etc.). Some users report around 6.5 hours under favorable conditions.

Charging is via USB-C with support for typical 5 V/1.5 A charging. There is no fast-charging support.

For most retro sessions, the battery life is reasonable. But for heavy 3D emulation, streaming, or high brightness, you’ll see shorter times.

Connectivity, Streaming & Online Use

One of the selling points is support for 5G WiFi (i.e. 5 GHz) and Bluetooth, which helps with smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and wireless peripherals.

In practices:

  • Streaming: With stable WiFi, you can use online streaming of titles (depending on the software), or possibly cloud/remote streaming. The 5 GHz support helps reduce latency and buffering.

  • Online multiplayer: The WiFi stack allows connecting with others or using features like retro-achievements or ROM sharing (within legal limits).

  • Bluetooth: You can pair external controllers or audio devices (but again, whether this works depends on firmware support).

  • TV output: You can output to a TV via HDMI or related options, turning your handheld into a console-like device on a larger screen.

These features elevate the device beyond being just another emulator box — you can integrate it with modern connectivity.

Strengths & Highlights

Weaknesses & Limitations

  • Not ideal for heavy 3D titles: Demanding PSP, Dreamcast, or N64 games may suffer from frame drops or require aggressive configuration.

  • Aspect ratio tradeoffs: 4:3 and 16:9 games are not native to the display, and scaling or black bars are inevitable.

  • RAM limitation: Only 1 GB of RAM limits more sophisticated tasks or multiple concurrent processes.

  • Battery life is average: Good for its class, but not exceptional.

  • Firmware maturity: Some custom builds may lack full support for all features (e.g. Bluetooth) initially.

  • Legality & “preloaded games” concern: While many sellers indicate preloaded game lists (e.g. 5,000+ or 5,373 games), distribution of copyrighted ROMs may violate laws in many jurisdictions. It’s safer to use your own legally obtained ROMs and homebrew.

Use Cases & Who Should Buy It

This device is best for:

  • Retro handheld enthusiasts who want something unique in display and form factor.

  • Fans of Game Boy / square / vertical formats who want native support.

  • Tinkerers and modders who enjoy installing custom firmware and optimizing experience.

  • Casual retro gamers who primarily play 8- to 16-bit console games and don’t require perfect performance on heavier systems.

It is less ideal for:

Final Verdict

The RG Cubexx / RG CubeXX is a distinctive handheld that leans into a niche: square-screen retro gaming. It succeeds in that niche better than most rivals. If your library is heavy on Game Boy, vertical shooters, Pico-8, and classic 8/16-bit consoles, the visual payoff is very satisfying.

Hardware-wise, it’s not cutting-edge, but it’s well-chosen for its intended audience. The tradeoffs—especially when running more demanding emulation—are real, but acceptable in context. The strong community backing and firmware options add long-term viability.

If you go in understanding its constraints and embrace the quirks of square-screen gaming, the Cubexx can be a beloved addition to your retro hardware collection.

See The Cubexx On Amazon!

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Thursday, September 11, 2025

Grand Theft Auto VI {GTA 6}: The Unofficial Guide


Paperback – Large Print, August 8, 2025
by Micheal Nelson

Micheal Nelson’s unofficial guide to Grand Theft Auto VI arrives as a confident, conversational companion for players who want to get more from Rockstar’s sprawling playground. Presented in a large-print format that prioritizes readability, this guide aims to bridge the gap between casual exploration and completionist mastery. Below I’ll walk through what the book offers, how it’s written, who it’s for, and where it shines and stumbles.

Overview and structure


The guide opens with a short primer that frames GTA 6 not just as a game to be played but as a world to be understood: its economies, social systems, and recurrent design patterns. From there Nelson moves through a fairly standard progression: getting started, core mechanics, major missions and story beats (walkthrough-style but spoiler-aware), side activities and collectibles, vehicles and weapons, economy and progression strategies, multiplayer and social systems, and finally advanced tips, troubleshooting, and appendices.

What sets the structure apart is its layered approach. Early chapters assume a new player’s perspective and explain the basics with patience and concrete examples. Later chapters assume familiarity and switch to deeper strategy, offering routes to maximize cash flow, exploit systems responsibly, and approach missions with varied loadouts. The large-print layout makes dense sections easier to consume, and chapter breaks are frequent, which helps readers jump exactly where they need.

Writing style and clarity


Nelson writes in a direct, plainspoken voice that balances humor and utility. Sentences are short enough to keep momentum but long enough to convey nuance. Where many game guides lean technical or bloat with needless jargon, this guide favors clear, practical language: how to approach a heist, why a certain vehicle matters, or when a shortcut will cost you more in time than it saves. Tips are explained with the “why” as often as the “how,” which helps players internalize systems rather than memorize steps.

The large-print edition is more than a typographic nicety: it forces the author to be concise. Nelson leverages that constraint effectively, trimming filler and leaning on example-driven explanation. The pacing is generally solid; dense strategy sections take longer to read but are broken into digestible chunks.

Depth and usefulness


For new players, the guide offers a reliable onboarding: basic controls, best beginner weapons and vehicles, explanation of the HUD and map layers, and how in-game reputation and money systems work. For intermediate and experienced players, the meatier chapters deliver strategies for mission optimization, crafting diverse loadouts, and exploiting non-obvious mechanics to gain an edge without breaking immersion.

Nelson’s coverage of economic systems — earning money through missions, businesses, side hustles, and long-term investments — is one of the stronger elements. He outlines multiple income paths, compares time-to-reward ratios, and gives realistic examples of early- to late-game cash flow management. This is useful because GTA games often reward creative economic setups, and the guide gives practical routes rather than theoretical platitudes.

Walkthroughs and spoilers


Nelson handles spoilers thoughtfully. Major plot points are flagged and summarized in a way that lets readers choose how deep they want to go. Walkthrough segments emphasize decision points and alternate approaches — stealth vs. loud, single-player finesse vs. multiplayer support. Players who want a full, hand-holding walkthrough will find it here, but so will those who prefer hints and tactics that preserve story surprises.

Maps, visuals, and layout


In a guide where spatial awareness matters, maps and diagrams are essential. Nelson’s book includes annotated maps and mission flowcharts that clarify choke points, getaway routes, and ideal vehicle spawn locations. The large-print format gives these visual aids extra breathing room; annotations are easier to read and instructions align cleanly with map callouts. The layout places maps near the corresponding text so readers don’t have to flip back and forth.

Practical guides: vehicles, weapons, and loadouts


The vehicle and weapons sections read like a mechanic’s primer. Vehicles are categorized by role (getaway, off-road, speed, cargo), with pros and cons and suggested mods or upgrades. Weapon chapters recommend loadouts by mission type and player playstyle, and Nelson explains how ammo economy and weapon handling scale across difficulty levels. The advice errs on the side of balance rather than exploit, making it useful for players who want to improve legitimately.

Multiplayer and social systems


Given how modern GTA titles blend single-player structure with persistent online worlds, the guide devotes a healthy section to multiplayer basics and strategies: forming crews, income-sharing tactics, mitigating griefing, and leveraging in-game markets. Nelson’s tone here is pragmatic; he offers ways to protect your progress and find cooperative players without promising magical fixes for an inherently social and chaotic environment.

Accessibility and the large-print edition


The large-print format is a big selling point. Font sizes, margins, and spacing make reading long strategy sections less tiring. For players who read on breaks, while commuting, or in low-light conditions, this edition is considerate. The prose is laid out with frequent headers, clear subheadings, and short paragraphs so readers can skim and then dive deeper where necessary.

What could be stronger


No guide is perfect. A few areas where Nelson’s book could improve:

• Depth in niche systems: A handful of highly specialized mechanics receive only surface treatment. Completionists may want more exhaustive tables or exhaustive spawn lists for certain collectibles.
• Change log sensitivity: GTA VI will evolve post-launch with patches and seasonal content. The guide is static, and while Nelson advises on interpreting patch notes, readers must still reconcile guide strategies with live-game balance changes as patches arrive.
• Mod and third-party tool discussion: The guide touches on mods and community tools but remains cautious and light. Readers seeking deep modding tutorials or third-party analytics will need to look elsewhere.

Audience and who will benefit


This guide is aimed primarily at players who want a practical, readable companion: those who enjoy the world-building of GTA but hate getting stuck on specific missions, players who want to earn money efficiently, and newcomers who prefer a clear path into the game’s many systems. Completionists will get solid mileage but might need supplemental, community-sourced checklists for absolute completion. Multiplayer-focused players will appreciate the social strategies and practical tips for crew play.

Final verdict


Micheal Nelson’s Grand Theft Auto VI: The Unofficial Guide is a thoughtful, well-organized manual that balances beginner-friendly explanations with meaningful advanced strategies. The large-print format makes it particularly accessible and pleasant to read, and the author’s emphasis on why systems work as they do helps players internalize game mechanics instead of rote-following walkthroughs. It is not an exhaustive encyclopedia of every single collectible or every patch-induced meta shift, but as a readable, practical, and strategically minded guide it delivers excellent value to most players.

If you want a clear, approachable guide that respects the player’s intelligence and helps turn chaotic open-world play into purposeful fun, this book is a smart pick. If you need absolutely exhaustive, constantly-updated lists of every spawn and minuscule stat line, plan to pair it with active community resources. Overall, Nelson offers a solid companion for exploring, surviving, and thriving in GTA VI’s ambitious sandbox.

Get Grand Theft Auto VI Guide On Amazon!

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