Anbernic Throws a Curveball at 8BitDo with RG G01, a Smart Controller That Watches Your Pulse

Anbernic, the company behind a host of inexpensive retro gaming handhelds, is now targeting the high-end wireless controller market with the RG G01. This is a significant move because they’re basically going head-to-head with 8BitDo, and their Ultimate series in particular, which has been running the show in the premium gamepad space for a while now, but it appears Anbernic isn’t just trying to catch up; they’ve created a controller that’s jam-packed with features you wouldn’t normally expect to see.

If you’re used to the Xbox controller layout, the asymmetric analog sticks and grippy handle will feel right at home. There’s a little 2.5-inch IPS screen in the center, which is surprisingly bright and allows you to alter settings or check your heart rate (more on that later) without having to launch the program on your phone or whatever else you’re playing on. You can pretty much make all of the fundamental changes to the controller on the fly, including remapping some buttons, creating custom macros, and calibrating the sticks and triggers.

Then there are the four customizable rear buttons, which are asking to be used as shortcuts to your most often used commands. Oh, and the macro support allows you to chain together a series of activities for those times when you need to do the same thing repeatedly. There are numerous communication choices available, including Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and traditional cable USB. When using the wired or 2.4 GHz modes, you get a serious polling rate of 1,000 Hz, which is essentially the only method to achieve the most responsive performance. Meanwhile, the RG G01 is compatible with almost everything, including PC, Switch, Android, iOS, and possibly the Steam Deck or Linux.

The 6-axis gyroscope will be useful for motion controls if the game supports them, and the dual-mode triggers may be adjusted to suit different playstyles or locked in place for perfect precision every time. Then there’s the haptic rumbly motors, which provide substantial feedback and vibrate directly through the controller. The heart rate sensors on the sides of the grips, as well as the small screen on the front, drew my attention immediately. It’s an unusual function for a controller, but it supposedly shows your pulse rate in real time and may even warn you if you’re getting too worked up (perhaps literally, as they’ll need to explain that one). Whatever the case may be, I’m fascinated.

The joysticks in the RG G01 appear to use some sophisticated inductive technology that detects movement without using the standard magnetic route. Supposedly, this ensures smooth, drift-free movement with pinpoint accuracy. Some of the internal components, such as rumbling motors, are visible through the translucent plastic shell, and it is available in simple white, gray, or bright yellow finishes.

We don’t know anything about the battery life or playtime, or even whether it will come with a charging port. We also don’t know how much it’ll cost, which is significant given that the previous Anbernic controller, the RG P01, cost less than $20. We do know it’s coming out in early to mid-February, though, and we’re still in the announcement phase for now.