The Manba One V2 and Anbernic RG G01 look remarkably similar. Both feature a large, distinctive built-in display, a slightly unconventional system button layout, and nearly identical ergonomics, making the resemblance hard to ignore.
But looks are only part of the story. There’s a lot more to explore than what meets the eye. Under the hood, these two controllers offer different hardware, unique features, and different user experiences. So let’s see how they compare where it really matters.
Key Points
Analog sticks. Both controllers feature drift-resistant sticks, but they use different technologies. The Manba One V2 uses traditional Hall Effect sticks, while the Anbernic RG G01 uses capacitive sticks. Capacitive technology is newer and, on paper, offers several potential advantages, including higher resolution, better linearity, and immunity to magnetic interference. However, the final result depends far more on the manufacturer’s implementation than the underlying technology alone. In practice, I didn’t notice any meaningful difference in performance between the two controllers.
D-Pad. Although the Manba One V2’s D-pad feels excellent from a tactile standpoint, it struggles with diagonal inputs, making it less suitable for genres that rely heavily on precise D-pad inputs. The Anbernic RG G01 doesn’t suffer from this issue, making it a much more versatile option that’s well suited for virtually any genre, including fighting games and retro titles.
In the Box. The Manba One V2 includes a charging dock, which significantly improves day-to-day convenience. (Newer batches also ship with an updated dock featuring a USB port for the 2.4 GHz dongle, along with Smart Sleep/Wake support.) The Anbernic RG G01 ships without a charging dock and does not support one, as it lacks the required charging contacts.
Unique Features. The Anbernic RG G01 offers a genuinely unique feature rarely seen on game controllers: real-time heart-rate monitoring. It can display your heart rate while gaming and even alert you if it exceeds a user-defined threshold. While it’s an interesting feature that may be useful for some users, its practical value is fairly limited.
Accessory Cross-Compatibility.
As I mentioned earlier, the Anbernic RG G01 lacks the charging contacts required for a charging dock, so it cannot be charged using the Manba One V2’s dock. That said, thanks to their nearly identical shape and dimensions, you can still place the Anbernic on the Manba dock for storage or display.
The faceplates are not interchangeable. Although they look very similar, the magnetic mounting points are positioned differently, making them physically incompatible.
The thumbsticks are also not interchangeable. Despite using the same mounting system, the locking tabs are slightly different in size, preventing them from locking into place properly.
As you’ve seen, appearances can be deceiving. Despite their striking visual similarities, the Manba One V2 and Anbernic RG G01 have more differences than they might initially appear to. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and neither is objectively better in every aspect.
I hope this comparison has given you a clear picture of both the similarities and the differences between them, so you can decide for yourself which controller best suits your needs and preferences.
Controller and mechanical keyboard enthusiast. Tech reviewer, regularly sharing thoughts about gadgets and computer peripherals.
