By far my favorite retro handheld; the ergonomics and performance make it perfect for my needs… if only the screen had been the 4 inch version from the RG Arc this would have been my perfect device. I still love it and have bought multiple color versions too Ark OS makes the perfect compliment too! Love your videos Joey, you are the the Anthony’s Customs of the Retro handheld world; you tell it straight
I just got it last week in grey color. I installed ArkOS (thanks four your step by step video) and it goes perfect. I really use it only for GB, GBC, GBA, Sega Genesis and SNES. I love how portable and confortable it is, and screen and colors it has! For systems like PS1 and above, I use my RP3+, since I think I need a bigger screen for those systems. Your videos are great man 👍
I am now waiting to receive mine. Curious: how is the experience with the hdmi feature? Does that allow you to play psp (which is rather too small on the device) nicely on the bigger screen?
Thank you for the review. RG353PS looks interesting and well made, but I can hardly even justify my 60$ MM+ considering very occasional play sessions, let alone 130$ device. Also the chase of perfect daily drivers reminds me of my old mechanical keyboard hobby with the chase of "perfect sounding most smoothest switch" that turned out to be superficial. Hobby downward spiral never ends. I just want my V2 SF2000 (or lookalike) with smooth decent controls and open-source CFW that costs 30-40$ and it will be perfect 😋
@@nocturnalsonder I ended up with SMK 2nd gen White switches on custom 60% PCB. I always liked their feel and fortunately bought enough NOS Whites and spares for the build before they went out of stock. After this kind of stopped chasing everything else.
17:28 I disagree that playing PS1 games on a SNES controller is weird, since the PS1 controller petty much IS a SNES controller. If you take a SNES controller, add hand grips and an extra pair of shoulder buttons, you have a PS1 controller. This is not surprising, since the PS1 project started out as a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony to develop a CD drive for the SNES.
The RG35XX nails the price/performance if you don't mind the lack of wifi and the vertical format. It runs everything it's capable of perfectly on garlic os.
agreed, 35xx is that really good device that you can always recommend, got one for ~50 CAD with shipping and it's been my main device until my RGB30 arrives
I have the P, but i already have weird battery issues. Aswell as the weird V1 screen that got extremly hot. So i decided to get the PS as replacement. And i am super happy with it. I feel like they smooth out the things of the P.
Hey man, I work in a bank so its very quiet most of the time, any recommendations on a handheld with the quietest buttons? Preferably in the $100 or less range. Thanks!
Hey Joey for a noob like me whenever games quickly come on screen can you put the title? Specifically referring to the intro a couple games were displayed. Thanks for all the handheld vids!
Wuzaaaaaaaaaaaaap! Great review, great first podcast on Retro Handhelds! For N64 change your retroarch core to Mupen64+ Next GLES 3 or whatever to fix those graphic anomalies. Looks like you're using the parallel core. I'm pretty sure this handheld can do n64 but just the wrong core.
Definitely, I tested many N64 games and once you find the right core for each you can set it and forget it, and about 90% ran well. Ocarina can run near perfect at 2x resolution with fast forward, so it's quite a bit better then this video suggested
@KyleRuggles @Mite000 Not finding that at all. Have tried each core, including your suggestion and while the graphic anomalies go away, frame drops and audio crackling exist now. And this is just Ocarina. But yeah again, having to do all of this on a game by game basis is exhausting when I can just use another device without concern to play perfect N64.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds What you need to do for Ocarina in particular, when using Ark OS, is standard Retroarch with the Mupen64Plus core. You can get solid fps without graphical issues, 2x resolution and the ability to fast forward. If you're getting low fps, you might have rewind on for example since that will make N64 chug. That was my issue originally. I know tweeking isn't always everyone's cup of tea and you can always just default to a stronger device, but not everyone has that option. So I find it's worth it when you can get good results from a device cheaper then you can generally find solid N64.
Yep, Mupen64Plus works the best out of all. It still has occasional frame drops and random stutters, but otherwise works just fine. You're absolutely right with your last sentence which is why I added the line in the video about tweaking, and if you're comfortable with that, you can likely get these games to run just fine.
Any handheld nowadays needs HDMI out and Bluetooth. I am waiting for Gamecube Emulation but I could get Resident Evil Code Name Veronica for Dreamcast going and Dracula X and Ultimate Ghosts n Goblins for PSP probably too. I love Linux.
100% perfect for linux operating, basically rg353p’s younger brother, great for the price, but if you are focusing on linux, rg503 is also a great option (in my opinion)
I’m such a noob at this. I’m trying to figure out how to use the thumb sticks…I can use them in the menu but if i try to use them in a game like Ape Escape, it doesn’t work. Any ideas?
Hey Joey, Can you do a quick follow up video of you playing this on a bigger screen with hdmi, especially psp games which look smallish on the device.. but i assume would look nice on a bigger screen. Also would love to see some ps1 games like Tomb Raider 1 and 2. That will get you a lot of views.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Aww dang it. Thank you for letting me know! Btw, would you say this is better than the MM+ or 35XX? I'm stuck between the 3 for my first retro handheld.
Uh, it's better performance wise, but depends on the form factor you want. I did a video comparing those two that you can check out. Of the three, I use the PS the most.
The RG353PS connects to the TV and it’s a great experience to play arcade and other games on the big screen. With the vertical form factor, it’s a really good retro handheld for regular TV sessions. Bluetooth controllers should work fine.
@@neilritchiecaguioa8593 No worries, enjoy your 353PS, it’s a great console for the TV. When I bought mine, despite previously owning a bunch of other Anbernics and a Retroid PR3+, I only played my favourite childhood arcade games on the 353PS and completed P.O.W, Moonwalker, Bomberman U, Ghosts’n Goblins on the first week of owning mine.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds the problem is that comparable (performance-wise) devices have existed for a long time. The RG351P started at way less, of what this one goes for...and the performance difference isn't really all that high.
You'd have to jump into the Steam Deck to get worthwhile PS2 performance. Odin Lite can do some, with concessions, but if you want perfection, Steam Deck (or Ally).
I love my RG353P. I bring it everywhere. Fantastic battery life. I have mine on stock firmware and it works great. Doesn't have as many systems that ArkOS does, but has the majority of the ones people will actually be playing. Do you really need Channel F for example? You can even watch live tv on the Linux side. Then when I want to boot into Android, I don't have to take the SD card out of slot 1, so less wear and tear on that plus the risk of losing the card.
If you have default boot on android, when it boots, hold the function and power button so it loads to linux, thats what I do, and I agree, but I have mine with play store installed ( from a tutorial on his channel)
@@Cheesey421 Since I have mine on stock, it boots into Linux, which for me personally is better than Android so I prefer that more. To boot into Android all I have to do is hold the function button until I see the green light. I too installed Play Store thanks to Joey's video. I made a little video about what's on my RG353P if interested. Shows Play Store icon in the first few seconds of the video.
It hasn't, serves different purposes for me. I like using the 405m as an n64, DC and ps1 device, rg353ps does everything below, Rog ally everything above.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds ah I see, interesting. The reason I ask is because the 405M has a similar size and form factor while also having more power, so I’m curious what drew you to the 353ps over it as a daily driver
This is already a budget version. So it does not make a sense to do the budget version of the budget version. It is a budget version of 353P… the “S” means “lite”
@@Chris.P.Bacon7 then it would be missing this in other single OS models like androids RG405M . Anbernic has some logic behind the names. RG means retrogame, V means Vertical, P means plastic, S means lite, first to digit like "35, 40, 50" means screen size, the last digit means the chipset (e.g. 5 means chipset T618, 3 means chipset RK3566, 1 means chipset RK 3326), XX means probably "no idea what to put there"). Retro Game Corps explained that here: ruclips.net/video/GfilkFTRU8E/видео.html
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Got it, but it won´t be a budget version of this model, just different form of RG35xx... so if they do RG35xx-H (H=horizontal):-)
They basically need to put these internals in the body of the RG35XX.... It would give the hardware headroom necessary to play flawless PS1 games, and provide WIFI to that system. I realize the 353 exists, but they need to get rid of those stupid analog sticks.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I like that your reviews have a heavy focus on practical considerations like ergonomics rather than just tech specs.
By far my favorite retro handheld; the ergonomics and performance make it perfect for my needs… if only the screen had been the 4 inch version from the RG Arc this would have been my perfect device. I still love it and have bought multiple color versions too
Ark OS makes the perfect compliment too!
Love your videos Joey, you are the the Anthony’s Customs of the Retro handheld world; you tell it straight
The specs of the RG405M in this form factor would be perfect!
Love the music in your videos. Well chosen
This is my first handheld retro device. I love it. Playing PSX, PSP or any other high res game could be a strain on the bec of the small screen.
I just got it last week in grey color. I installed ArkOS (thanks four your step by step video) and it goes perfect. I really use it only for GB, GBC, GBA, Sega Genesis and SNES. I love how portable and confortable it is, and screen and colors it has! For systems like PS1 and above, I use my RP3+, since I think I need a bigger screen for those systems. Your videos are great man 👍
Nes game are the best
Does it come with games like Pokemon, final fantasy, and Chrono trigger???
I am now waiting to receive mine. Curious: how is the experience with the hdmi feature? Does that allow you to play psp (which is rather too small on the device) nicely on the bigger screen?
Thank you for the review. RG353PS looks interesting and well made, but I can hardly even justify my 60$ MM+ considering very occasional play sessions, let alone 130$ device.
Also the chase of perfect daily drivers reminds me of my old mechanical keyboard hobby with the chase of "perfect sounding most smoothest switch" that turned out to be superficial.
Hobby downward spiral never ends. I just want my V2 SF2000 (or lookalike) with smooth decent controls and open-source CFW that costs 30-40$ and it will be perfect 😋
This hobby really destroys you with new awesome devices that replace your old ones so quickly, lol
Coming from the mechanical keyboard community myself, I feel you. I am curious, what keeb you working with these days after your time?
@@nocturnalsonder I ended up with SMK 2nd gen White switches on custom 60% PCB. I always liked their feel and fortunately bought enough NOS Whites and spares for the build before they went out of stock. After this kind of stopped chasing everything else.
17:28 I disagree that playing PS1 games on a SNES controller is weird, since the PS1 controller petty much IS a SNES controller.
If you take a SNES controller, add hand grips and an extra pair of shoulder buttons, you have a PS1 controller.
This is not surprising, since the PS1 project started out as a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony to develop a CD drive for the SNES.
Thanks for an awesome and detailed review. Cheers 😊
I’m really wanting to get into the retro gaming hobby but it’s so hard to keep up it feels like. I’ve watched so many review videos in the past month
That's what happens! Just gotta pick one and jump right in, new ones come out so quickly that it's hard to time it.
The RG35XX nails the price/performance if you don't mind the lack of wifi and the vertical format. It runs everything it's capable of perfectly on garlic os.
Agreed! I have a clear white one and a PSP 1000 and I use the 35XX a bit more
I specifically wanted no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. 35xx is nice
I just bought one the other day. I paid 61 Canadian shipping included. I can't wait.
agreed, 35xx is that really good device that you can always recommend, got one for ~50 CAD with shipping and it's been my main device until my RGB30 arrives
@@glazedbelmontwhere did you buy it from at that price? Thanks!
Damnit. Now I need one of these too
Nice review!
As a small criticism (sorry...): it would be helpful if in the comparison of size/screens (@8:00) all the devices show the same content.
Mine 353PS just arrived and I would appreciate a bit of manual how to work with the linux system:-)
Great video! One question, which theme are you running in this video? I like the cleanliness of it.
i would go with the native linux port of smb64 and ocarina should work perfect even 30 or 60 frames a second
I have the P, but i already have weird battery issues. Aswell as the weird V1 screen that got extremly hot. So i decided to get the PS as replacement. And i am super happy with it. I feel like they smooth out the things of the P.
I want this model, but i got my 35xx today for 19.46 vs 90.62 for this haha that's no brainer. Currently happy w/ my 35xx 🔥
Where did you find the 35xx at that price??!
Without the N64 issues, I probably would scoop one up immediately. Really unfortunate, but maybe in the future it will be fixed.
It's probably too weak for it.
@@ondrej1893 You never know, emulation is always improving.
It just needs a bit of tweaking. There are bunch of videos showing that is handheld is capable of playing many N64 games
Hey man, I work in a bank so its very quiet most of the time, any recommendations on a handheld with the quietest buttons? Preferably in the $100 or less range. Thanks!
Hey Joey for a noob like me whenever games quickly come on screen can you put the title? Specifically referring to the intro a couple games were displayed. Thanks for all the handheld vids!
Hey! Should be top left? Did I miss one? Edit: Shoot, you're right, my fault.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds yeah the bmx game peeked my interest but I’m not sure what it’s called. Thanks!
Oh! Sorry, Dave Mirras BMX for PS1.
Wuzaaaaaaaaaaaaap! Great review, great first podcast on Retro Handhelds! For N64 change your retroarch core to Mupen64+ Next GLES 3 or whatever to fix those graphic anomalies. Looks like you're using the parallel core. I'm pretty sure this handheld can do n64 but just the wrong core.
Thank you! It was fun, gotta get on there again :)
Definitely, I tested many N64 games and once you find the right core for each you can set it and forget it, and about 90% ran well. Ocarina can run near perfect at 2x resolution with fast forward, so it's quite a bit better then this video suggested
@KyleRuggles @Mite000 Not finding that at all. Have tried each core, including your suggestion and while the graphic anomalies go away, frame drops and audio crackling exist now. And this is just Ocarina. But yeah again, having to do all of this on a game by game basis is exhausting when I can just use another device without concern to play perfect N64.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds What you need to do for Ocarina in particular, when using Ark OS, is standard Retroarch with the Mupen64Plus core. You can get solid fps without graphical issues, 2x resolution and the ability to fast forward. If you're getting low fps, you might have rewind on for example since that will make N64 chug. That was my issue originally. I know tweeking isn't always everyone's cup of tea and you can always just default to a stronger device, but not everyone has that option. So I find it's worth it when you can get good results from a device cheaper then you can generally find solid N64.
Yep, Mupen64Plus works the best out of all. It still has occasional frame drops and random stutters, but otherwise works just fine.
You're absolutely right with your last sentence which is why I added the line in the video about tweaking, and if you're comfortable with that, you can likely get these games to run just fine.
Any handheld nowadays needs HDMI out and Bluetooth. I am waiting for Gamecube Emulation but I could get Resident Evil Code Name Veronica for Dreamcast going and Dracula X and Ultimate Ghosts n Goblins for PSP probably too. I love Linux.
100% perfect for linux operating, basically rg353p’s younger brother, great for the price, but if you are focusing on linux, rg503 is also a great option (in my opinion)
Does anyone know of your able to download wild tangent games like FATE on this little thing ?
I'll probably stick to GBA, PSX and PortMaster with my 353PS. These are the best and 100% running systems, right?
Yep!
I want the RG353PS those Stacked Shoulder Buttons will be great for playing Sin and Punishment! 😁
They're so comfy!
Can garlic run on this ?
I’m such a noob at this. I’m trying to figure out how to use the thumb sticks…I can use them in the menu but if i try to use them in a game like Ape Escape, it doesn’t work. Any ideas?
Please do a ps video showing off the difference of cfw ,jelos ark retroarena ,stock. Why has noone done this.
Hey Joey, Can you do a quick follow up video of you playing this on a bigger screen with hdmi, especially psp games which look smallish on the device.. but i assume would look nice on a bigger screen. Also would love to see some ps1 games like Tomb Raider 1 and 2. That will get you a lot of views.
Hey, won't be doing the video, but psp doesn't play well on this chip.
I actually saw on Anbernic's page that this thing is also capable of Bluetooth. Have you tried testing whether bluetooth headphones work or not?
Seems to depend on the headphone model, but latency is.. Bad.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Aww dang it. Thank you for letting me know! Btw, would you say this is better than the MM+ or 35XX? I'm stuck between the 3 for my first retro handheld.
Uh, it's better performance wise, but depends on the form factor you want. I did a video comparing those two that you can check out. Of the three, I use the PS the most.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds I didn't know there was a video like that. I'll check it out, thanks!
would you choose RG353P instead since it has more power and double OS?
Only if you want to use Android, otherwise the extra ram doesn't change anything.
ok, in regards to the d pad I heard that RG353PS is better is that right? thanks in advance for your feedback @@JoeysRetroHandhelds
Is it worth to buy this if i already have a Rg35xx?
Depends, do you find it uncomfortable and do you want to play some higher platforms with caveats?
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Thx for the quick reply..i guess i'll just stick with my Rg35xx for now :)
Too bad the speakers are at the bottom but overall looks great
Are the dpad bothering you when you play games ?
Nope!
i thought it was bigger than that, i gotta think about this unit again...
So did I! Lol
Do i have to charge my miyoo with a 2 or 5 volt brick as well?
Safe assumption for all of them
Yo Joey, any chance you could signpost me to the best place to start looking for roms for one of these? Mine is in the mail...
ruclips.net/video/cdxS6N0N6Oo/видео.html
Does it do external controller,Or AV out or HDMi to your TV
The RG353PS connects to the TV and it’s a great experience to play arcade and other games on the big screen. With the vertical form factor, it’s a really good retro handheld for regular TV sessions. Bluetooth controllers should work fine.
@@ComeJesusChrist thanks
@@neilritchiecaguioa8593 No worries, enjoy your 353PS, it’s a great console for the TV. When I bought mine, despite previously owning a bunch of other Anbernics and a Retroid PR3+, I only played my favourite childhood arcade games on the 353PS and completed P.O.W, Moonwalker, Bomberman U, Ghosts’n Goblins on the first week of owning mine.
The rk2023 is a bit better imo cos of the lower price
No wifi and worse build quality… 353ps is the ruler here
I would love to buy this one, but it's so expensive for what it offers.
Anbernic's pricing is ridiculous.
Hm, I thought it was pretty fairly priced, what comparable do you find better? RK2023?
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds the problem is that comparable (performance-wise) devices have existed for a long time.
The RG351P started at way less, of what this one goes for...and the performance difference isn't really all that high.
So what would you recommend again to play N64 games?
RG405M is perfect for N64.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds ok, I’m looking at that one and the rg505. 😬
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds what would you recommend for the more advance consoles like PS2?
You'd have to jump into the Steam Deck to get worthwhile PS2 performance. Odin Lite can do some, with concessions, but if you want perfection, Steam Deck (or Ally).
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds thanks man
Thanks
I love my RG353P. I bring it everywhere. Fantastic battery life. I have mine on stock firmware and it works great. Doesn't have as many systems that ArkOS does, but has the majority of the ones people will actually be playing. Do you really need Channel F for example? You can even watch live tv on the Linux side. Then when I want to boot into Android, I don't have to take the SD card out of slot 1, so less wear and tear on that plus the risk of losing the card.
If you have default boot on android, when it boots, hold the function and power button so it loads to linux, thats what I do, and I agree, but I have mine with play store installed ( from a tutorial on his channel)
@@Cheesey421 Since I have mine on stock, it boots into Linux, which for me personally is better than Android so I prefer that more. To boot into Android all I have to do is hold the function button until I see the green light. I too installed Play Store thanks to Joey's video. I made a little video about what's on my RG353P if interested. Shows Play Store icon in the first few seconds of the video.
You mentioned that this has replaced your RG35XX as your daily driver, I'm curious if it's also replaced your RG405M?
It hasn't, serves different purposes for me. I like using the 405m as an n64, DC and ps1 device, rg353ps does everything below, Rog ally everything above.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds ah I see, interesting. The reason I ask is because the 405M has a similar size and form factor while also having more power, so I’m curious what drew you to the 353ps over it as a daily driver
Yeah, 405m could easily replace it, 100%
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds comfort design weight positioning of dpad and triggers and price are in favour of rg353p i'm guessing
Pretty much, lol
Can it play pokemon xenoverse?
There's also transparent black, I have one.
That would be the P model.
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Ah, yes, sorry!
This is already a budget version. So it does not make a sense to do the budget version of the budget version.
It is a budget version of 353P… the “S” means “lite”
Yep, very aware of that, but a horizontal with 35xx internals at a 35xx price would be a top seller in this market.
I thought S stands for single os
@@Chris.P.Bacon7 then it would be missing this in other single OS models like androids RG405M . Anbernic has some logic behind the names. RG means retrogame, V means Vertical, P means plastic, S means lite, first to digit like "35, 40, 50" means screen size, the last digit means the chipset (e.g. 5 means chipset T618, 3 means chipset RK3566, 1 means chipset RK 3326), XX means probably "no idea what to put there"). Retro Game Corps explained that here: ruclips.net/video/GfilkFTRU8E/видео.html
@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Got it, but it won´t be a budget version of this model, just different form of RG35xx... so if they do RG35xx-H (H=horizontal):-)
No FC emulator? 😞😞😔
I don't use it, but it's there
Nice video ! Sub & Big Like ! And love retro games,
Nice product, great review, but this lost me at no decent N64 emulation. Oh well.
Idk why they put that “dot matrix” txt there. Looks ugly
7-15-23 looks like prices are starting at $130 now.
That's probably the P version.
They basically need to put these internals in the body of the RG35XX.... It would give the hardware headroom necessary to play flawless PS1 games, and provide WIFI to that system. I realize the 353 exists, but they need to get rid of those stupid analog sticks.
Yep, you get it. That's exactly what. I have my RG351P and even that I want the sticks out.
and i thought PS was the budget version of P series
It is!
Damn man.. lost me when u said no touch screen. Sigh
Clicked off as soon as I heard “Merryo Kart”.
LOL! Thanks!