Anbernic drops bundled microSD cards from RG SP and RG Rotate handhelds

Anbernic is beginning to take steps that impact the way it markets its handheld gaming devices. The company is removing the ability to select handheld gaming devices that come with microSD cards pre-loaded. This is important because consumers have come to expect microSD cards to be full of games and system data, an unwritten rule in the world of retro handheld gaming that has been a common practice for years. Could this be the end to the 'unwritten rule' that more storage means more content?

Retro handheld buyers must now source their own ROMs after Anbernic policy shift

Anbernic is making changes to their online store that removes product variations from devices such as the RG SP and RG Rotate that offered additional storage options bundled into the device. This seems to be a direct reaction to the pushback from the law after being labeled as a 'superfake' by the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) in a recent request submitted to the USTR. Seems as though Anbernic is doing their best to dodge more legal issues by disconnecting hardware from software.

In the past, consumers would have the choice of buying a standard model or a model that shipped from China with additional microSD cards. It was an understood fact that these microSD cards had ROMs and games installed. While it was never explicitly mentioned in the product listings, it was an accepted practice that everyone understood. This is the norm for retro handheld OEM's, but the law is beginning to dictate how these bundled products are sold.

Will we see other companies such as AISLPC or LITNXT remove bundled content from their products in the same way? Who knows. For the time being, Anbernic has made the choice to no longer offer any product variations that have bundled storage. As a consumer, expect to have to buy the storage and software for yourself if you want to emulate prior generations of the devices.

For the RG SP and RG Rotate devices, Anbernic is effectively putting an end to the bundled game card days. The company seems to be more concerned about following the law than making the buying process easy for customers with pre-loaded expectations for bundled content. This is a significant change to the distribution method for retro handheld gaming devices.

Source: RetroHandhelds