The Anbernic RG G01 Smart Controller Incorporates a Display and Cardiac Monitor

Anbernic's latest RG G01 controller is designed for professional gamers, with an integrated display, wellness monitoring, and tri-mode wireless connectivity.

Anbernic

Anbernic established its reputation with vintage portable devices; however, the RG G01 smart controller indicates the brand's ambition to enter the premium peripheral market. The startup is promoting an Xbox-style controller featuring asymmetric sticks, textured grips, and a curved 2.5-inch IPS display that enables users to remap buttons, develop macros, and adjust settings without the need to access a PC or mobile application.

The peculiar emphasis is on the wellness aspect. Sensors concealed within both grips monitor your pulse in real time, displaying your BPM on the central screen and issuing alerts when your heart rate escalates during intense encounters. Anbernic presents it as a method to “assess your well-being during intense sessions,” transforming tilt-induced frustration into merely another data point. The RG G01 is designed as a tournament-ready pad rather than a mere curiosity item. A tri-mode wireless stack encompasses Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C, all specified for a 1000Hz polling rate, while the Purple Kirin electro-inductive joysticks are marketed as an anti-drift enhancement compared to Hall effect technology. Dual-mode triggers can transition from full analogue travel to hair-trigger clicks, a six-axis gyro enables motion targeting on Switch and PC, and four rear buttons are available for macros, combinations, or movement bindings.

The action appears to be Anbernic assessing the extent to which its community will support it beyond clamshell and candybar designs. A transparent-shell variation prominently displays the rumble motors, appealing to hardware enthusiasts, while the heart monitor caters to the quantified-self demographic that meticulously analyses various metrics, from sleep patterns to gaming sessions. Should the price be significantly lower than that of first-party pro pads, the RG G01 may emerge as the preferred choice for players seeking a more unconventional and feature-rich alternative to the standard black-and-grey gamepad configuration.