Retro handheld maker Anbernic is launching the RG G01, a gamepad with a 2.5-inch screen and a heart rate sensor. Unlike Nintendo's Wii U, the display isn't for gaming but for customizing controls directly on the device, aiming to make remapping buttons and programming macros more intuitive.

The controller connects via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, or wired, promising a 1,000Hz polling rate for low latency. It supports calibration for triggers, joysticks, and a 6-axis gyroscope, with four programmable back buttons. Anbernic states the heart rate monitor helps track well-being during intense sessions, though its practical gaming use is unclear.

Availability and pricing remain unknown, listed only as "coming soon." This move fits Anbernic's pattern of exploring niche, feature-rich accessories. For consumers, it represents an experimental alternative to standard controllers, while for the industry, it highlights a trend of incorporating biometric and secondary screens into peripherals.