I've had so many SP's, but I think while I adore the form factor so much, the modern conveniences of things like save states, fast-forwarding, the display and all the other bits make this the logical choice...for me.

Physical it feels exactly the same in my hands, a perfect little boxy box :)

But seems like the tape mod is supposed to work pretty well?

I wouldn't even call these the most clicky-clicky. They are a bit, but they're really fine. Two layers will dampen that totally though, and you'll have zero issues at all. I really can't recommend this one enough, if you're after GBA games as good as they can be!

The largest problem I have with the SP is that it doesn’t go into sleep mode.

Here's my own review of the Rotate, just for some context:

https://gardinerbryant.com/hands-on-with-the-anbernic-rg-rotate/

But yes, the RG Rotate is far more powerful. It'll run your PSX games upscaled. This one has 3GB RAM, which is a far cry from the RGSP's 1GB, so you'll have the benefits of:

• Upscaling the PlayStation (or N64, or DC) games without an issue
• Having enough overhead to run whatever shaders you like. I only tried a few, because shaders are just not my thing. But they'll absolutely be happier on the Rotate
• Enough power in the to run some fun Android games. I know, you're looking for specifically retro, but it is nice to have options.
• It is also beautifully unique. I love the rotating screen. I just had another delivered actually. Anbernic sent me the metal one to review back on release, but I just got the plastic version for a follow-up article I'm working on right now! My most recommended apps, programs and some physical accessories.

If GBA is your dream, you just can't beat the RGSP. If you want DC/N64/PSX without compromises? Then the Rotate is your answer. I do just love them both though, just for different reasons.

Have you tried Aliexpress?

From what I've seen, that is the option which saves the most on shipping. Anbernic's own site adds way too much with shipping, but when they sell on Aliexpress that drops so significantly. I've seen a few users saying it is the way to go, so maybe it is worth a look!

Literally what stopped me from putting in my payment info. Even the cheapest tier (16GB w/o SD card) puts it at nearly $90 to purchase. I just bought an Ayn Thor Pro (with 4.0 processor) off Swappa. With that, my Steam Deck and my Switch 2, I think I'll be fine for handheld GBA emulation.

...but fffffffuuuuuuuuuck, the form factor of the SP and the fact that it was my second and most memorable handheld in my life (aside from my DS Lite) is calling me like a siren.

If units were to be shipped to the US, would the price be increased at all?

A dedicated Game Boy Advance console, literally designed to be a love letter with thumbsticks just doesn't feel right to me! Luckily for you though, they make GBA-esque one with the sticks: the RG34XX SP

Fun fact, Anbernic makes one with joy pads.

It's so cheap and so portable. It doesn't really compete with the Steam Deck. You can take it places you would never take a Steam Deck.