Get your hands on ANBERNIC retro handhelds now available at Best Buy stores in the US and Canada.
ANBERNIC Retro Handhelds Hit Best Buy Shelves
I never thought I’d be writing this, but here we are: Best Buy is now selling ANBERNIC retro handheld gaming devices! If you’re into retro gaming, you know these emulators are a bit of a grey zone because they tend to encourage downloading game files you might not legally own. Still, the appeal of these handhelds is undeniable—they let you carry your favorite classic games in a sleek, portable device that can even handle PS2 emulation with buttery-smooth frame rates.
ANBERNIC usually sells these gadgets on their official site, AliExpress, and sometimes through sketchy Amazon listings with inflated prices. But the good news for gamers in America and Canada? Best Buy has just started offering these retro handhelds, giving you a more reliable option to grab one.
What’s Available at Best Buy USA?
Best Buy’s US site features a handful of popular ANBERNIC models:
- RG556 – 5.5-inch AMOLED screen, Android 13, Unisoc T820, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- RG406H – 4-inch IPS touchscreen, Android 13, Unisoc T820, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- RG406V – 4-inch IPS touchscreen, Android 13, Unisoc T820, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
You can either buy online with fast delivery (about two days) or pick up in-store within 4 to 5 days, but be aware that these devices carry a hefty markup—upwards of $100 more than on ANBERNIC’s official website.
A heads-up: these devices almost certainly won’t come pre-loaded with ROMs, which is illegal. Best Buy won’t touch anything that could land them in hot water. In fact, second-hand stores in the UK selling used devices often remove any SD cards loaded with games for legal reasons. Best Buy is probably doing the same.
Best Buy Canada’s ANBERNIC Selection
Over in Canada, the Best Buy store offers a slightly different range of ANBERNIC handhelds. These are often Linux-based rather than Android, and the markup is more reasonable—somewhere between $20 and $60 extra.
Two popular models you can find online in Canada are:
- RG40XXV
- RG34XX
Interestingly, some of these might come with pre-loaded games from ANBERNIC itself, which is why you might spot “open box” in the product listing. It’s likely Best Buy or ANBERNIC staff open the boxes to remove or replace the SD cards loaded with games to keep everything above board. Time will tell for sure.
What This Means for Retro Gaming
This move by Best Buy is big news for ANBERNIC, stepping their devices into the mainstream spotlight. It won’t be long before other brands like GoRetroid jump on board. Even big names like Analogue haven’t hit retail shelves yet, but ModRetro’s partnership with GameStop and AYANEO’s presence at Best Buy show this trend is gaining momentum.
Could this be tied to Best Buy’s upcoming Marketplace platform that connects trusted brands with sellers? Possibly. But since that’s not fully rolled out yet, it seems Best Buy is officially stocking ANBERNIC products themselves.
“It’s a big step for ANBERNIC to make their devices more mainstream... perhaps this is the beginning of these niche devices becoming ‘mainstream’?”
— Retro Gaming Enthusiast
Why Buy ANBERNIC from Best Buy?
- Reliable retailer with official warranty
- Faster shipping and easy returns
- Access to in-store pickup in select locations
- Safer alternative to third-party sellers with inflated prices
If you’ve been on the fence about grabbing an ANBERNIC handheld, Best Buy’s presence might just push you over the edge.
Conclusion
In short, Best Buy now offers a legit and convenient way for gamers in the US and Canada to get their hands on ANBERNIC retro handhelds. Whether you want the Android-powered RG556 or the Linux-based Canadian models, these devices bring retro gaming into the palm of your hand with ease. The move could signal a wider retail embrace of niche gaming hardware, making it easier than ever to enjoy classic titles on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes ANBERNIC handhelds special?
ANBERNIC devices combine powerful hardware with user-friendly designs, letting you play a wide range of retro games from consoles like Game Boy, SNES, and even PS2 with smooth performance. - Will these handhelds come with games pre-installed?
Most likely not. Best Buy and legal regulations prevent sellers from including ROMs, so you’ll need to source your own games responsibly. - Are ANBERNIC handhelds available in physical Best Buy stores?
In the US, select stores carry them, but availability varies. Canadian users mostly have online purchase options. - Do these handhelds run on Android or Linux?
US models at Best Buy run Android, while Canadian versions tend to operate on Linux. - Is the price at Best Buy higher than buying directly from ANBERNIC?
Yes, Best Buy's prices are marked up—sometimes by $100+ in the US and $20-$60 in Canada—but you gain convenience and warranty assurance.
