A New Dual Boot Retro Hand-Held, Is It Fast Enough? ANBERNIC RG353P First look

[@ETAPRIME]

So is this handheld something your interested in or are you gonna hold off for a more powerful device?

[@dahak2112]

Ordered one the minute it was available. Want it as a successor to my 351V, but with HDMI out. Do you know if the SD card in the internal slot can be recognized by the Android side? (So one could hide roms from the Linux side, but access them from SD1 in Android.)

[@ssjtvivi]

I would love a more powerful vertical handheld. Maybe even with a bigger screen?

[@blutarheel1]

Ordering this one

[@MrGoneja]

Having a rd2+ I see no point in getting this, holding out for a loki mini

[@carrotman]

I know it's not your main thing but how does this thing run with LGPT? Would be cool to know if it's worth getting this over the rg280v.

[@LessonsOnTheWeb]

Idea for companies. Take the RP2+ chipset (or better) and put it into a shell that has two clickable analogs and nice buttons. Would be way better than this thing. Once again, almost very nice but just doesn't have the power IMO.

[@skycloud4802]

It feels like it set the standard and other companies are just playing around in comparison.

[@mrwoodcat]

exactly what keep rp2+ from being perfect is it's right analog stick 😔

[@shlokshah5379]

@Ralph Reilly it's not that impossible as more powerful chips are cheap. I wish there was a rk3588 handheld insted of rk3566 which can't even do psp properly. We are tired of playing 8bit and 16bit games with n64,a few psp games and half of dreamcast library. Even cheap phones can do GameCube now. The only disadvantage in them is that they are very long(20:9) with wrap around controler. A handheld is worth the money if it is small and comfortable and has the same power as modern phones. That's why Ayn Odin and loki are much loved.

[@TXFDA]

I haven't had a dedicated emulation handheld before. I plan on ordering one next month. My two options are the Retroid Pocket 2+ or the RG353P. The RG353P looks more comfortable to hold, it has an actual right analog stick, and it has L3/R3 buttons. The RP2+ is a flat rectangle, has a weird 8-Way Nub stick thing as it's right stick as opposed to a real analog stick, and it doesn't have L3/R3. The Retroid Pocket 2+ is more powerful, and can run Dreamcast, PSP, and Saturn just fine, where as the RG353P struggles with them. The Retroid Pocket 2+ is cheaper ($99), but requires $15 for the cheapest shipping. But it has the option to buy a carrying case for it. The RG353P is $140 with free shipping, and doesn't have a case. Retroid Pocket 2+ is running Android 9 and has access to the Google Play Store for the added functionality of playing Android games, or using Android front-ends from the Play Store. RG353P is running Android 11, but doesn't have the Play Store. The RG is also running Linux, which is cool and all, but relies heavily on the community to support it and make it work well. At the end of the day, it feels like I'm choosing between better emulation, or better controls.

[@radi2007]

I had the same dilemma and went with the Retroid Pocket 2+, hope I don't regret it and hoping that a company joins the best of both of this handhelds.

[@jonathonearl482]

I currently already have two 3.5 inch handheld consoles, an RG351MP and an RG351V. I have no issue with the design, cpu of the RG353P and even the asking price isn't that bad. There are a ton of features on the RG353P that I prefer and really like. I do prefer the button layout, the 4:3 aspect ratio screen, the stereo speakers, dual boot feature, the overall design, Linux operating system and etc. I only wish the screen was 5 inches or more, I'm not in a rush to get one because it's another 3.5 inch console. On the other hand, I have saved this handheld in my Aliexpress wish list and I still may get one! Smooth 32-bit and below emulation is all I really acquire so it's powerful enough. If this was a 5-7 inch handheld I would have been much more eager to get one. I think many of us have enough 3.5 inch handhelds and are now looking for handhelds with larger screens. Especially, when it comes to playing RPG games you need a larger screen. 3.5 inch handhelds isn't bad and many people prefer them because they are more pocket friendly so I get it. But, maybe Anbernic should also consider releasing 5 and 7 inch versions of their 3.5 inch handhelds. They can even charge us a little more for the bigger screen versions, I wouldn't mind it!

[@fonzitheman]

7" all the way 😁😉

[@DarkFrostX5]

That would be the RG552, but it's pretty pricey.

[@jonathonearl482]

@@DarkFrostX5 I don't particularly like the design of the RG552 or the RG503, many people don't. Here's why: no shiny silver ANBERNIC logo at the base of the display. I don't really like the wide screen look, I much prefer the 4:3 aspect ratio screen. In other words, I would have much preferred the RG552 to look exactly like the RG351MP but with a 5-7 inch screen keeping the aspect ratio 4:3. If you place the RG351MP beside the RG503 you will find out that the displays are close to being the same height! This is because the display for the RG503 has been stretched. Had the display of the RG503 been at a 4:3 ratio along with being 5 inches the display would actually look a great deal larger than that of the RG351MP.

[@jonathonearl482]

@@fonzitheman I agree!

[@1981AdamGs]

I like it. I'd use one of these for portable SNES gaming. But it's too expensive. This should be an $80 handheld with these specs.

[@robertlawrence9000]

I love this form factor but I wish they had a more powerful version.

[@Cruz1214.]

yea 2gb of ram just wont cut it

[@blutarheel1]

Love that these companies making emulation hand helds are updating their cpus. For an affordable hand held, this is fun. Love the SNES look too! Thanks ETA Prime.

[@PM-xc8oo]

I really wish that rather than churning out so many extremely similar under powered devices they'd release a few less models and actually do real upgrades from time to time. How many devices do we really need that can't emulate anything more powerful than the original Playstation?

[@1232lesach]

It looks like a mini Hyperkin SupaBoy, thats a retro player instead of just a portable snes, that I say is the best look ever for something :). Ambernic does make some nice retro handhelds, and really do like their seethrough black looks for them.

[@Veerorith]

2:07 what is that sick little xbox style controller in the background tho!?!?

[@KatRollo]

Wish they had the Japanese SNES controller colour scheme.

[@KatRollo]

@Wotzinator Correct.

[@jonathonearl482]

Some people hate the ANBERNIC logo, that's their preference and they probably prefer the look of the RG503 and RG552. Though, I think the RG503 and RG552 look rather boring with that stretched widescreen display and no logo. I think Anbernic handhelds look so much better with their more narrow 4:3 aspect ratio displays and the added shiny silver ANBERNIC logo at the base of the screen! That's part of the reason I love the look of the RG351V, RG351MP and this RG353P.

[@bluepaintsmells]

I've been so excited for this video from you

[@PixelBaller]

Love the aesthetic but shame it wasn't more powerful.

[@ssjtvivi]

It looks exactly like the PocketGo s30. Wow, even down to the packaging.

[@TheThirdEnergy]

the packaging is a rip off of the 8bitdo sn30 pro controller so the pocketgo probsbly ripped that off aswell

[@morid0]

so damn close, if that little device could run DC at full speed and at that price range I would definitely buy it

[@jonathan__g]

I would like to see what Moonlight/Steamlink would be like on this and then plugged into a monitor and see how that streams. Does it run fairly well? Or perhaps that causes it to be sluggish too.

[@ginyuTV]

it's pretty bad tbh and laggy on the device itself 2gb ram is way too low for android nowadays to enjoy a snappy experience.

[@M_CFV]

​​​​@@ginyuTVmoonlight is used on the Linux side, which runs a lot of things better than android. I don't see why you would need that much RAM for something that is just network streaming

[@jamiemorgan3649]

This handheld has been getting a ton of love it seems.

[@robertwest7045]

Solid first impression break down 💯

[@alexmontoya2312]

Hey bro, love your work on showing us retro handhelds. I was wondering if you can show us how's the perfomance on N64 Star Wars Rogue Squadron 🥰

[@reiisthebestgirl]

Design is nice and i have always liked translucent cases but the thing is way too expensive for its performance. I can pick up a 99€ phone that runs Dreamcast and pair it with any Bluetooth or wired controller for less.

[@franxy81]

a spectacular console, beautifully designed from the ergonomics and quality of controls point of view, ruined by yet another low-level chipset, that in 2022 still fails to emulate the psp, dreamcast and sega saturn well. anbernic wants to save as much as possible and earn as much as possible at the same time. Furthermore, in my opinion, the company doesn't want to run too fast with the hardware performance of the mid-range consoles, in order not to disfigure the useless rg552!

[@M_CFV]

What's hilarious is it runs all of those fine now and it's still superior to a lot of the new devices they release

[@SergipeCycling]

For half the price tag, it would be a good deal.

[@kumiliarostreamsarchives3079]

Once ambernic will put a chip that runs DC and PS2 proprely it would be a instant buy for me

[@ETAPRIME]

They will have to do something now that we have all these powerful X86 hand helds

[@PieInTheSky9]

I get these for retro games up to PS1. They're perfect for that If i want to play later systems I'd rather get something like a steam deck.

[@rometherevenant8749]

Damn the choices of handhelds at the end of 2022

[@hiddengemzgamer5149]

Does anyone know ETA Prime's favorite controllers? I just got the s22 for my daily driver, Android games, Samsung Dex, and emulation. I just went out and bought the newest Xbox controller and I love it but it set me back $70. My old Xbox 360 controllers would work with some games connected to my hub via USB but call of duty mobile and many others would not. I also know Mr Prime has a 2.4 ghz controller that he likes a lot but I can't remember which one it is so I am stuck looking through all his past videos. Right now I am trying to figure out if I should return the new $70 controller and find a work around for my 360 controllers. I am also wondering what the best keymapper would be to use for games that don't have native controller support on Android. I am also curious if buying the 2.4 ghz controller Mr Prime likes may be worth a purchase as well. Also I want to play games on my phone with other people like my nephews on Samsung Dex and I am not sure what controllers to invest in. 360? The new Xbox controllers? The 2.4 ghz controller? I am looking for direction.

[@latt.qcd9221]

If it were a bit cheaper, I'd pick it up immediately. I don't really want to spend nearly that much on just a retro handheld. If this were like $80, I'd pick one up immediately.

[@Cyko..]

I don’t understand why these companies (not just Anbernic) make little incremental improvements over and over? I would have loved to see this device with an OLED screen like the RG503, but with the power of the Retroid Pocket 2+. A metal version would be even better.

[@natevirtual]

"little incremental improvements" Just like smartphones...

[@MorningLemon]

Perfect formfactor + screen 4:3 and 640x480, but I wish we could have power enough for GC. I mean just do same thing with better SoC + RAM.

[@hindel6141]

Mr. Prime may I ask where can I get that animated desktop background displayed on the device? EDIT: Sorry, found your video explaining just what I was asking for!

[@mathdantastav2496]

I love the 4:3 scren, but i don't like the performance lol

[@honmak9377]

I am interested about the resolution of the HDMI output , does it keep 4:3 or going to match the monitor resolution ?

[@iskeypxx]

i REALLY like the design and form factor. but pricing is still a bit steep for what it is. anbernic is kind of pushing their prices a bit too much lately.

[@jasonyantentorres3763]

I need this shape with 16:9 aspect ratio and 720p to stream every game from my pc

[@coochie8670]

Switch can do this perfectly if hacked.

[@jasonyantentorres3763]

​@@coochie8670 yeah I saw some with android and steam link but were only normal nintendo switch. If were any way to install that thing on the lite version of nintendo switch I´m buying one inmediately

[@thepresidentofgames216]

Design wise it looks beautiful😍 Price and performance are no not good though, I can actually buy a Second hand Psvita modded and get a better performance out of emulation, and overall better system

[@LeonStephan]

"Psvita modded and get a better performance out of emulation" Don't get your hopes too high about the Vita, it's not that powerful for emulation. Vita can't get perfect GBA and SNES emulation and let's not talk about Saturn, 32x or N64.

[@draconyr]

1:33 how is the xbox controller calles mate?

[@oxycarter420]

My gamesir x2 and samsung s10e oled.... chefs kiss

[@Pinesal]

Man ETA Prime is living the dream by getting all these free gadgets to review. It must be a ton of fun to be him.

[@moonlambo5229]

It's not really free when you consider his time. I bet he puts in 40+ hours a week into this KZbin channel.

[@smurphoid]

substitute "review" with "promote".......

[@Pinesal]

@@moonlambo5229 agreed.

[@dinerenblancc]

Anbernic is just churning these things out

[@Phoenix_VanDerWeyden]

If they insist on dying in the RK hill, at least they could have used the new rk3588 , it can run gamecube very well. There's no reason to buy this underpowered handheld in 2022.

[@AndrewAHayes]

I cant believe the price of this handheld considering how lacking it is!

[@HuntaKiller91]

With this screen I don't mind playing in 1x It's portable enough

[@mathisblair2798]

Wish we'd shoot for quality over quantity with all these dang handhwlds coming out.

[@TheGaryDaniel]

Dreamcast emulation works better on Linux than on Android with RA. Crazy taxi works perfect on the original Linux front end.

[@lensboi1229]

I was expecting a teardown. Good video tho

[@piarol]

I would be interested in native android games on this device, and how PC games streamed from PC look like (Satisfactory, ONI, Factorio ... ). Can you use the device with mouse and keyboard? If a linux-distro run, can you use it as a small PC?

[@Mcfry88]

So whats the best bang for your buck . Ive been looking for a while but hard to choose.

[@hugogutierrez1067]

I am trying to pay Coker's Bad Fur Day but cannot find the file? Did you download it or when in the device can I find that specific file?

[@stan599]

Rumble motor support maybe built inn?

[@higuys447]

If you reset/reformat the android OS, will it still have the preinstalled 3rd party apps?

[@deadpain2483]

Can you add gameplay of street of rage 4? It's available for Android and i really wanted to see how it runs in handheld android. This game has controller support. So please try to add the gameplay.

[@Justanobody8472]

All I want is a *SMALL* pocketsized handheld I can stream games on with gamepass or gforce

[@kevrosbane]

sup eta question when u test skate 3 does ur cpu run at 100% task manager sates that rpcs3 is using a total of 94%

[@madararam2853]

Good model android offline gaming for kids! adult version with better specs for the latest highend android gaming and future ready yeah!

[@charlesdeens8927]

Bluetooth 4.2? Makes me wonder how the audio latency is on this device using Bluetooth earbuds.

[@endc3043]

I know you mentioned that dreamcast has some skipping in it.. but would resident evil code Veronica x work on this device? I've seen other video and it seems to run great but.. wanna ask if you tried it?

[@adamc.2230]

i'm really loving this pocketgo on steroids rg353p , but i'm torn. the reviews for this device are contradicting. retro game corps said the same thing about saturn and dreamcast, but then he used jelos to bump up the performance. and then there's also taki udon who said they run great out of the box, and showed it as he played. i wouldn't bother to play psp on devices with 4:3 screens, and i know how dreamcast performs on 351 series with a weaker chip. i'm aware that there are games that simply would not run smoothly for these things, and i don't like the plastic brick of a rp2+. it has 1g more ram from the 503, so how much better is this device for saturn and dreamcast? 30% 40%?

[@josenieto6866]

Hey I just bought the same device I just can’t find the games .. plz tell me it comes with games included that’s the reason I got it

[@IRWPD]

Would like to see the dual boot feature working.

[@EDCtexan]

I don't think it's true dual boot more like USB boot but I can't find a video that talks about it I did see where you take out the left SD card out and it boots into one or another

[@Shigarui]

Could you show some actual android games playing on this? I mostly buy these devices for retro gaming and emulation but this will be my first with android as the predominant front end. Can this run Stardew Valley, Siralim Ultimate, Moonlighter, Dead Cells, Forager, GTA, Monster Hunter Stories, Slay the Spire, Titan Quest, or other android ports of games like this.

[@EDCtexan]

I plan on getting one I lost interest in modern gaming system and I enjoy picking up a session on a snes game but not feel I gotta get my $60 out of a game that I may not like and we all know game trade market is like flushing money down the drain

[@lflewisOk]

is there any other SNES handheld style that can actually run Dreamcast games?

[@Droogie128]

The lack of Google play kinda kills it for me. Android without Google Play just isn't worth it, imo. It's also really overpriced.

[@maratinus]

Greate review

[@Themagicman42044]

I want to know if the Xbox and the ps apps can work on it????

[@shiiuo]

i would buy but i don't like the button layout

[@dark2deeds]

I have rg351v but wouldn't mind android can you play cod mobile on it

[@sokunros4002]

The RK chip just doesn’t cut it anymore in a post Odin world.

[@seraph4581]

It's fine for older games.

[@DarkFrostX5]

@@seraph4581 I think people forget this, also Odin takes months to ship.

[@ssthunder_playz]

Rk3588 is more powerful than the snapdragon 845

[@seraph4581]

@@DarkFrostX5 Yeah. I only really like playing N64 and below. So I usually prioritize a good 4:3 screen, build quality and battery life.

[@waterheart95]

@@ssthunder_playz That only one soc that is not in a lot handhelds. Mostly currently found in set top boxes or sbc.

[@owieuychiat6420]

Can you do steamlink and xbox gamepass?

[@zodiaccurse12]

I never bought anything from Aliexpress is it safe and reliable?

[@sco9616]

Saturn emulation wasn't tested.. does that mean it cannot run? I thought if psp is possible saturn should be ok?

[@mattdavis9601]

ETA mentioned Saturn briefly starting at 10:25. He said it's "not great at all" and he advised against buying it for Saturn emulation although there is some lighter stuff like "Gex" that works well.

[@sco9616]

@@mattdavis9601 yup ur right i just checked and he did.. i guess i missed it because it was in the "final thoughts" part of the video after the testing was all done and i wrote my comment at that point . Thanks for ur reply

[@SeleAsuka]

I like the look of the console, do you recommend any "up to N64" models that are affordable?

[@ssthunder_playz]

Retroid pocket 2+

[@SeleAsuka]

Thanks!!

[@MachineChrist6]

How long before there's a handheld like this with a chip set in line with cellphones?

[@malystxy5601]

Look up ayn odin

[@miguelcarneiro1192]

Hi, do think this RG353p is better than the RG503? Witch one do you prefer?

[@overoula]

maybe its just a bit more powerfull because of the 2gb ram and the android emulation...but rg503 have a really nice s creen and bigger..(i have one) both of them are not for psp for sure. but for old games till n64 maybe they are fine

[@miguelcarneiro1192]

@@overoula but the RG503 can run well psp games, im talking about those who are natively on 30fps right?

[@TheMpgnew]

Is possible instal "Google play store" ?‎

[@MsModestyBlaise]

JELOS has just become available. Replace that horrible old Batocera now. It’s an interesting device but I hate clear plastic designs and well, I really don’t want that weird purple/grey colour. Shame.

[@Danhanado]

My dream is to play Super monkey Ball 1 and 2 in a form factor like this

[@polaris911]

video would be better if you were more critical, do you receive the handhelds for free? You didn't run any actual android games or even boot into Linux in the video.

[@gamingainz]

Instantly clicked when I saw conkers bad fur day.

[@MrCallmevader]

So this will run batoceara?

[@big-zplayz3736]

Thumbnail looks good

[@MrCallmevader]

Will this work as a bluetooth controller?

[@iyadart]

still waiting for a cloud gaming dedicated handheld

[@ETAPRIME]

I Really hope we get an xbox cloud gaming handheld

[@chrisriani]

I picked one up for $85 last week. My first retro handheld. I like almost everything about it however it does lack some power. For example I get slowdown in FF7 during the battle swirl animations when I have 2x upscaling turned on in vulkan, and some stutters in N64 games. I also feel the 3.5 inch screen is just a tad too small, makes many games very squinty. It seems like the RG405M handles all my complaints and would do upscale N64/PSX smoothly along with the larger 4.0 inch 4:3 screen rather than 3.5. However I can't convince myself to fork over the money for it when its near $200 and there are many more powerful options that open up at that price point. Though 405M is only one left with a 4:3 screen so maybe I will get one eventually anyway.

[@M_CFV]

You probably got the S version which is a lot weaker, 1/4th of the RAM. It's the $87.99 version. If you got the non S version then that's a pretty good deal

[@paulcumber4732]

could you put retro pie on it

[@JerziTBoss]

For the 177€ you can buy cheaper phone for like 130€-140€ and then some controller for the phone... I believe you would get maybe bit better value

[@Bugside]

Yeah, but thought I have a phone with retroarch and a wireless Xbox controller, I'd rather use a proper gaming device (in my case a hacked PSP)

[@JerziTBoss]

@@Bugside Yeah this is just android tablet with built in controller so it's basically the same. There is no gaming frontend or some serious customisation. Yeah I prefer dedicated devices as well but if I were to pick between this anbernic device and 130€ phone my choice is clear

[@Bugside]

@@JerziTBoss I think you might be misinformed, and this video doesn't do it justice, I'm half distracted at the gym, don't think he mentioned this: This particular device has two operating systems, regular looking android, that runs N64 and NDS a bit better, and Linux. Linux is what you're talking about, a gaming front end with no distractions or apps or complications, just a menu with games, which is what you'd want

[@colbyboucher6391]

@@JerziTBoss Granted this thing *is* overpriced for what it is, similar handhelds for the same price are a bit more powerful

[@generalguderian9677]

Is this powerful enough to play all psp, ps1 and sega saturn games like Daytona?

[@estusflask982]

It's powerful enough for all PS1 games but some PSP and Saturn games don't play as well. They are still playable though. I think it uses a "frame skip" for PSP and Saturn.

[@piplup10203854]

I would also like this to have a more powerful version. I like the form factor but it needs a revision or version 2.0

[@tokorame606]

What about rg353p vs retroid pocket 3 ?

[@colbyboucher6391]

The RP3 is both larger (just slightly smaller than a Switch lite) and a bit more powerful, enough to run PSP games fairly well. But rumor has it an "RP3s" is coming with the same hardware as an Odin Lite, which would be enough for some GC and PS2 games.

[@CyberEu]

Linux and Android games testing please.

[@Idelacio]

Interesting, close to the sort of thing I would want. Would be happy to drop the 32bit proper consoles for better efficient hardware and lose the analogue sticks but getting there.

[@yagi_661]

So no google play store? I'm kinda looking for a diablo immortal machine

[@Bugside]

All These devices are really low resolution screens

[@yagi_661]

@@Bugside yea , I might go with ayn Odin

[@coochie8670]

Get a cheap galaxy and a controller if you want on solely for that purpose.

[@Nerdextrous]

No DS??

[@mrwoodcat]

no minecraft test ?

[@markmendoza8864]

can you try out monster hunter? thank you!

[@dexmiermaxime8583]

I cannot help but feel sad everytime i see the color pattern of the American snes

[@moonlambo5229]

I'll stick to the Steam Deck and Switch. It's really all you need.

[@zaklaghlam1]

idk about you guyd but dropping over 1h at aliexpress, idk not comfy at all.

[@EstebanN3]

Will gamepass work this?