Anbernic is stepping into strange new territory with its latest accessory: a game controller that comes with a built-in screen and a heart-rate sensor.
Unlike Nintendo’s Wii U controller, this is not about second-screen gameplay. Instead, Anbernic says the display is meant to make controller customisation “intuitive and effortless.” And just in case that wasn’t unusual enough, the company also decided to add heart-rate monitoring into the mix.
If you’re going to be weird, you might as well fully commit.
A Controller Screen That’s Not for Gaming
The new controller is called the Anbernic RG G01, and it features a 2.5-inch HD display, which the company refers to as an “HD smart screen.”
Rather than showing game content, the screen is designed for on-device customisation. Users can:
- Remap buttons
- Program macros
- Adjust controller settings
All without needing extra software on a PC or phone. In theory, this means faster tweaks and less dependency on companion apps, especially for users who like fine-tuning their controls.
Yes, It Also Tracks Your Heart Rate
The most eyebrow-raising feature is easily the heart-rate sensor built into the controller.
According to Anbernic, this feature lets users “monitor their well-being during intense sessions.” How useful that will actually be is debatable. Most people with heart conditions would rely on proper medical or fitness devices, not a gamepad. And for everyone else, heart-rate tracking during gaming feels more like novelty than necessity.
Still, it fits the overall theme. Anbernic appears to be leaning hard into the curiosity factor, and the heart-rate sensor definitely helps the RG G01 stand out in a crowded controller market.
Connectivity and Hardware Features
Beyond the unusual extras, the RG G01 packs a fairly solid set of controller specs.
It supports three connection modes:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 2.4GHz wireless
- Wired connection
The controller also includes:
- Onboard calibration for triggers and joysticks
- A 6-axis gyroscope
- Four programmable back buttons, including macro support
- A promised 1,000Hz polling rate in both wired and wireless modes
In terms of compatibility, Anbernic says the controller works with PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS.
For now, Anbernic hasn’t shared much beyond the hardware details.
- There’s no confirmed release date, other than “coming soon”
- Pricing hasn’t been announced
- Long-term software support and real-world usefulness remain unknown
What we do know is that this is one of the more unconventional controllers we’ve seen in a while.