Hello everyone, this is Super Asurada77.
The RG477M is a retro handheld console with a 4.7-inch display, 1280×960 resolution, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate.
Its metal body gives it a premium look and feel — one you can proudly take out and play on the subway without hesitation.
Although it’s portable, it weighs about 365g, which might feel a bit hefty at first.
The metal body gives it that luxury feel, but it also adds to the overall weight.
Still, even during a one-hour subway commute, I didn’t really find it tiring to hold — probably because I rested it on my backpack while playing. 😄
The 4:3 ratio 4.7-inch screen is absolutely perfect for retro gaming.
Especially for those of us in our 40s and 50s, this screen feels like a cure for aging eyes!
It’s easy on the eyes — truly comfortable.
The ABXY buttons are quiet enough to enjoy shooting games even in public.
However, the L1/L2 and R1/R2 buttons make a noticeable clicking sound, so I tend to avoid pressing them too much.
See that vent? Even when playing PS2 games, the device barely gets warm.
I was hoping it could double as a hand-warmer in winter… but nope, it stays cool! 😆
The fan noise is audible, but once you plug in your earphones, it fades into the background.
Because the R2 and L2 buttons aren’t analog triggers, games that require pressing both can feel a bit awkward to hold.
But hey, just play games that don’t need them! 😂
It supports 3.5mm headphones, and even 4-pole headsets work perfectly.
However, when using Bluetooth earphones, I sometimes experienced disconnections in specific subway sections — but the signal returns right after passing those areas. T.T
You can enjoy PS2 games in 4:3 ratio on this 4.7-inch screen without letterboxing.
For middle-aged eyes, it’s a true blessing. 👀✨
In Super Robot Wars Impact, the map and robot icons look crystal clear.
On the Retroid Pocket 5 Mini, it was hard to tell whether I was looking at Mazinger or Great Mazinger, but
on the RG477M, the difference is obvious — which makes me really happy.
Recently, SEGA Ages Virtua Fighter 2 for PS2 runs perfectly after emulator updates.
There’s minor glitching on the character selection screen, but gameplay is smooth.
The Retroid Pocket 5 also runs it fine, but at 3x resolution the performance drops noticeably.
On the RG477M, however, you can knock down your opponent, jump up, and slam them at full speed — even at 3x scaling.
(2x scaling also runs well on the Pocket 5.)
When you play PSP games (16:9) on the 4:3 screen, you’ll get letterboxing at the top and bottom.
It makes the image appear smaller, but still perfectly playable.
If you stretch it to full screen, it fills the display — though characters look a bit elongated. 😅
Here’s the original ratio screen of PSP Super Robot Wars A Portable.
And this is the stretched full-screen version — taller and thinner, but still playable.
PSP Tekken 5 in its original aspect ratio.
And here’s the full-screen stretched version — the fighters look long and lean. 😂
Now here’s Bubble Bobble running on the 4.7-inch 4:3 display.
Looks spacious, right? Super comfortable on the eyes!
Super Famicom (SNES) games also look amazing on this wide 4:3 screen.
Here’s Game Boy Super Robot Wars G — you can see a slight letterbox on the sides,
but it’s still a great experience on the larger display.
Famicom (NES) Super Mario 3 also looks great on the big screen,
though pressing A and B together can be tricky due to the narrow button spacing.
But hey, just skip the running and focus on jumping! 😆
Even MAME Run and Gun 2 runs beautifully — smooth and vibrant!
Here’s a size comparison between the Retroid Pocket 5 (top) and the RG477M (bottom), both in 4:3 mode.
The RG477M’s display is clearly larger, though the Pocket 5 still holds up nicely.
Here’s another comparison — PS2 Super Robot Wars Impact:
the Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
Notice how much larger the text appears on the RG477M.
And this one compares PSP gameplay — Pocket 5 (top) and RG477M (bottom) stretched to full screen.
The RG477M still handles PSP games decently well!
Here’s the original aspect ratio comparison — Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
Smaller but much sharper and cleaner visuals on the RG477M.
Here’s Yoshi’s Island on SFC (SNES) — Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
The 4.7-inch 4:3 screen truly shines for retro titles like this.
Game Boy games look pretty similar between the two devices.
Finally, GBA (Game Boy Advance) comparison — Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
The RG477M’s screen is slightly smaller but still crisp and clear — perfectly enjoyable. 😄
Make sure to use a 5V 2A charger or higher!
Using a 5V 1A charger can overheat or even damage it — mine got really hot during charging.
With my daily 3-hour commute, the battery easily lasted until Wednesday, which is pretty impressive!
Final Thoughts
Despite a few downsides — a bit of weight, Bluetooth dropouts in certain subway areas, and slightly awkward R2/L2 buttons —
the 4.7-inch 4:3 screen is a huge strength, especially for middle-aged gamers fighting presbyopia. 👓
It’s a wonderful retro gaming device that brings back old-school joy without eye strain.
Enjoy your retro adventures, everyone!
– Super Asurada77, Retro Joy Lab
Original article in Korean: [link]