A VERY in-depth review of the Anbernic ARC (Linux and Android)

[@zentillon1]

The shortcut for screen brightness is Function + Volume Keys. It also lets you go two ticks lower in brightness, so it will get even dimmer than the 0% shown in settings. Note that I have the ARC-S model.

[@adinwalls]

Thanks for the note.

[@CornyPuddle]

I didnt grow up with a genesis. But it is by far my favorite style of dpad. Ive been thinking about grabbing this. Thank you for the video!

[@adinwalls]

Aish from RetroHandhelds said the same thing. The dpad is excellent.

[@skycloud4802]

One of the very best d-pads that's for sure.

[@TechDweeb]

Solid thumbnail!

[@adinwalls]

Thanks man

[@wizzel22]

I went with Retro Arena beta 9 on my ARC-D. Only thing missing is the GL driver, but soon this will hopefully be fixed. Android does nothing for me on these small devices, just bought the D because of the black color, Anbernic knows it and cashes in the extra dollars. 😅

[@skjonas]

I’m about to buy an Arc-D for the same reason. The black version looks the best to me.

[@SergioSergio12345]

I prefer the look of the S versions due to 2000s nostalgia with transparent devices.

[@skjonas]

@@SergioSergio12345Fair. For me, my nostalgia is wrapped up with having a Game Gear and wanting a Genesis.

[@red-aple]

I'm also going to buy the RG ARC-D because of the black color."​@@skjonas

[@jessragan6714]

He wants the D. :)

[@georged7627]

I’d take ergonomics over pocketability from this absolute beautiful machine…mines in the mail and can’t wait to get it🤘🏾

[@adinwalls]

Congrats! Are you a fighting game fan? That dpad is something else.

[@georged7627]

@@adinwalls fighting games are not my number 1 but I do like a good Dpad especially the floaty Sega Megadrive Dpad one of my favourites 🙏🏽

[@georged7627]

Finally got mine in the mail and wow i am now officially a fighting fan just because of that bloody awesome Dpad woooooohooooooo

[@adinwalls]

@@georged7627 it’s cool hey?!

[@busbybinne]

Thank you for such an in-depth explanation. I thought I was going crazy because a lot of my Saturn games were not working until I tried CHD files, and now your advice has confirmed that I need CHD for the rest of my CD games. Top notch video!

[@adinwalls]

Hey thanks man. Yes CHD can often fix issues you’re having. But sometimes it’s the opposite! 😂 and thanks for the comment, my hope is that some of these details will help people over time.

[@tonyrosario1940]

Love your videos! I dig the cup of tea in the background, is relaxing to watch. 🍻

[@adinwalls]

Haha glad you enjoy it 😊

[@marcsquicciarini1452]

Where is that 2nd video talking about CFW? I cant stop wanting this device but no one has really done videos on this device w/ current CFW updates. Would also love a review comparing all of that + comparing the d-pad to the RG Cube & Z1 Unicorn. Is this STILL the best Handheld for Fighting games? Is this still the best Circle D-pad? Your videos are still some of the best when it comes to these things 😂

[@andoryuu3]

Did you know about the Sega Genesis Nomad by chance? As a wee lad, it was all I could muster to afford with allowance cash, and it was awesome at the time. AC adapter port and video out port, just like a normal console, just also was a controller... with a screen... and a second controller port. Ahead of its time in many ways, aside from the battery pack that required 8-10AA batteries. Ultimately, this device reminds me of my Nomad. The ARC just has a smaller form factor, USB-C rechargeable battery, and the cart slot subbed for microSD slots. If you have a Sanni Reader, this is way more convenient. I know I can play all of the above on my 351MP or 35XX, but it's strange how much nostalgia begs us nerds to seek familiar button layouts. An attractive device, for sure. Off topic, but the NSFW moments made me lol.

[@adinwalls]

Hey man I learnt of the Nomad when this launched. What a cool device. It did really badly but the people who owned it seemed to really love it

[@bluelion1995]

I received the black one a few days ago and this is a great Sega device. I never played on any old Sega consoles (and bought the Dreamcast in the mid 2000‘s ) but this controller is great. I ordered a 8bitdo M30 and could consolize this handheld when visiting a friend. Some NHL, some Striker/Fifa and a couple MK and SF amongst other fighting games via HDMI on a big screen…a dream come true. I started playing Comix Zone. The bigger screen makes it a blast. Together with the RGB30 my favourite handheld atm. And I have a SD, RP3+ and all Nintendos since the original GB. So, what good Sega exclusives are there on the Megadrive (Genesis)?

[@adinwalls]

hey man I did quite a lot of Genesis gaming and all the fighting games are cool. I don’t have any sleeper hit recommendations. I should probably make a vid.

[@sahabatgamerID]

I just finished Shinobi III Return of the Ninja Master. By using QoL of modern emulator such as Save State and Rewind, it does make playing the game more fun and less stressful. And, the dpad is awesome.

[@adinwalls]

@sahabatgamerID cool!

[@SteveMassart]

Hi Adin, I caught something at 14:38 where you said it works with Bluetooth headphones on Android, have you tested this? Ive been looking for a reteo device that can do this

[@adinwalls]

Ah man this vid is a bit old but I would have tested it if I said it. Sorry I can't be of more help right now, I have left my studio

[@chrisbeale7629]

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on this one, but I can't find out if 1 game in particular I want to play works. Saturn game named Mr.Bones. It seems to only work with the Beetle emulator and no one has a review or guide stating if we can load up that emulator. The same opens fine on my RG35xx+, but one you start playing the Mr.Bones guy isn't visible. I fixed this on a PC but I'd love to play it with a 6 button layout

[@adinwalls]

I’m busy with a vid now. I will see if I can test this.

[@chrisbeale7629]

@@adinwalls That would be awesome. I've noticed in my setup of RetroBat that it runs using libretro: Mednafen Saturn but nothing else. Even the standalone Mednafen: Saturn failed some reason, picky game.

[@barryisanerd]

This great video showed up in my feed again, probably because I'm always looking for any updates on CFW or just ANYTHING at all about the ARC any more. I am very disappointed in the way the community abandoned this one immediately. Anything with a vaguely Nintendo vibe gets all kinds of mods, custom OS, and whatever else. I love mine, and am still very happy I bought it, but I really hoped for more community support. Something comes out that is really set apart, and all anyone can talk about is "when are all the clam shells coming out?" Great job, Adin. I really enjoy your videos.

[@adinwalls]

Ya here’s the hard truth, there just wasn’t a lot of interest in the device. And us content creators follow the view unfortunately. I had a massive setup guide prepared but so many other popular devices arrived at the same time. I still have it on my to do shelf. I will do a “few months later” review I think, looking at firmware and best ways to use it.

[@barryisanerd]

@@adinwalls sometimes it sucks being so enamored with something that nobody else (apparently) cares about. 😂

[@detonator000]

Do I use the same SD card that came with the device to update the firmware? Does it need to be formatted first in order to burn the ISO file using Win32 Disk Imager ?

[@NeoSpartan117]

Beautiful video as always. Good device but it really needs some CFW love to be a great device.

[@adinwalls]

I have a feeling we will have something soon

[@jesusvega632]

Excelent video. A perhaps silly question: is it possible to install fighcade and play online let's say sf3iiis, on this device?

[@ConnorlUvz]

I heard about the grips on the back but your enthusiasm for them reminded me of getting a ds lite and being dissapointed right away it didn’t have the original ds grips on the back because it was super comfy to hold.

[@yo-lo-]

Hello Adin, did you try to play some MS-DOS games with the dosbox core ? For example, does Jazz Jackrabbit run smoothly without sound or graphic glitches ?

[@adinwalls]

No I didn’t sorry

[@yo-lo-]

Did you try the sound output of the ARC with good headphones ? I read somewhere the output was crap with permanent background noise... Do you have the same feeling ?

[@adinwalls]

I used wired iPhone headphones. I never noticed poor quality output but I did notice WiFi interference.

[@yo-lo-]

​@@adinwalls Thanks ! Do you ear this wifi interference only when sound/music is playing ?

[@adinwalls]

No you hear it continuously.

[@gamesandplanes3984]

I use wired headphones and didn't notice any interference at all. Sounds great.

[@adinwalls]

@gamesandplanes3984 oh good!

[@Neonomide]

My Saturn finally stopped reading discs, so figuring out some way to relive some of the magic Sega moments is pretty high on my list! The form factor looks nice and playing some classic FGs alone would make it worthwhile.

[@lordgeyik]

I'm really happy to see a reviewer praising front-facing speakers. They are a must!

[@adinwalls]

Agreed.

[@OtakuSpielplatz]

I ♥ this thing! The SEGA Saturn is my favourite gaming system and after seeing this handheld, i had to have it!

[@adinwalls]

It's really great. But just note Sega Saturn emulation isn't great on this.

[@OtakuSpielplatz]

@@adinwalls I got 3 ARC-S's and it depends on the game. Most 2D games run perfect, only 3D games which use both of the Saturns VDP's are a problem. Dead or Alive, Fighters Megamix and Radiant Silvergun for example. These games also run in the Saturns high-res mode (480i) and indeed, these games don't run good.

[@elvismorales85]

Great video man. I may buy it, but thinking on waiting to see if someone drops a version with sticks. You also has the option to pair a controller with sticks tho.

[@adinwalls]

Yes you do. I doubt a Sega emulator will be made with stick like this one.

[@elvismorales85]

@@adinwalls more like an anbernic with EMUs for PS, PSP and else. Like the new 8bitdo controller Sega Saturn style but with 2 sitcks for PC and android boxes. But yeah, it needs at least one, one. There was a Saturn controllers like for Nights into Dreams that has an extra stick, and to emulate PSP too. Later PS1 games used 2.

[@davidmacias1270]

@@elvismorales85😱I remember it(!)

[@Rockysbeats]

if the android mode does not have the play store then what is the point in choosing andriod mode over linux?

[@foznoth]

I've been contemplating this for a friend. She grew up with Sega consoles, so the form factor is spot on. Not having over the air updates & scraping kills it for me though currently. Hopefully there will be a 3rd party Linux OS that brings those functions in time. As for me, I have the RGB30 which is the right combination of form & features for me in this bracket.

[@adinwalls]

I’m pretty sure CfW is coming soon

[@gamesandplanes3984]

Yes. Retro Arena beta is available now BTW. Has OTA and scraping.

[@foznoth]

@@gamesandplanes3984 thank you, I'll look in to that.

[@adinwalls]

Yes we’re at beta 9 so I think we’re pretty close to a 1.0 version.

[@foznoth]

@@adinwalls I'll keep an eye out for the reviews when they drop, then I may see about purchasing one.

[@skycloud4802]

I'm confused. So how do I increase the amount of systems for emulators on this device? I see it has Retroarch, but I can't seem to figure out where I can download new cores and applications to it.

[@adinwalls]

If you're using the Stock operating system all you need to do is add roms to the correct folders and they will show up in the games menu and the cores should be ready for you

[@onteanqui]

I think you will open it.

[@gapster77]

I have the RGB 30, in fact I got two , one of which was a Chrimbo present for my 9yo boy. I installed Min UI on his so that he didn’t have to (couldn’t) fiddle too much with the settings. I then decided to also install the same on mine, at least for a while so that I could become accustomed with the operation and quirks for his sake. I’ve noticed something strange, his boots in less than 16s, but mine takes around 70s to boot!? I can live with this, but seems odd? I’ve swapped the SD cards between devices (I upgraded them to better quality), this does nothing. Also, periodically both devices have exhibited sound issues, ranging from no sound at all (not ROM related) often occurs when powering on straight into a suspended game, to also sometimes having issues with the volume controls, if you tap up or down they continue to change the setting as if you are holding the button, and then won’t let you change in the opposite direction, so no volume or full volume. The stick buttons are both used for the menu, so holding one of these changes volume function to brightness, when this volume issue occurs brightness can not be altered at all …it’s very strange? That being said when it’s running well (95% of the time) this device is great, games look really nice on this large screen, for the price it’s really nice …just wish I knew how to sort these little issues?

[@SHEARMINATOR]

Does anyone know how to add amiga games and spectrum c64 etc? I go into files and I see the list there but none are on my home screen

[@MrScottyTay]

since you seem to be one of the only handheld reviewers that actually care about loowest brightness and playing in bed it would be great to get a list of best devices for such situations like quietness of buttons too. I've yet to find a great way to play games in bed for too long before annoying the SO if she's struggling to sleep.

[@adinwalls]

Yes every time I make a video I tell myself I should be making a spreadsheet of all the key points for each device but I never do

[@aldenhayes914]

How does Dragon Force 1 and 2 run on it?

[@voteDC]

I have an Arc-S and the stock operating system is terrible. I don't know what Anbernic has running in the background but it'd die in overnight in idle when at a near full charge. Retro Arena on the other hand is worth it just for the fact you can leave the Arc-S on idle overnight and it barely loses 2%.

[@cmullenmusic]

Got mine today and absolutely love it for sega stuff, genesis and game gear mainly. 👍👍

[@adinwalls]

Yup it’s a winner!!

[@andremalerba5281]

Have you tried Marvel vs Capcom 2 on Dreamcast under Linux?

[@adinwalls]

Yes it worked well

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

Adin makes a very in depth review that's 30 minutes. Retro Game Corps says "hold my beer"

[@adinwalls]

Hahaha... yup, we are in a silent battle.

[@sahabatgamerID]

Anbernic try really hard to make a very user friendly system. Thankfully it worked.

[@adinwalls]

Yes they are doing well to improve the user experience.

[@juliusfilms]

even with Linux CFW I think the D is worth it, apparently the dev for Retro Arena said that you need the extra GB of RAM for arcade emulation

[@adinwalls]

D is always worth it…..

[@Metal-Josh]

I’m hearing people saying, still (June ‘24) that the RG ARC have the best d pad on a handheld yet. (Genesis 6 button/Saturn d pad, THE best) Still hadn’t got myself a handheld yet, but really, REALLY, want this one. The dual system version

[@adinwalls]

Hey. If you accept the limitations of no joysticks you will love this handheld.

[@Rockysbeats]

can it run fightcade?

[@greensun1334]

How are the SD cards? Are they prone to get corrupted? Please tell me what you think about it, I'm really interested in buying this device but the unreliability of Micro SD cards makes me think...

[@adinwalls]

No they ship the ARC with good SD cards

[@greensun1334]

@@adinwalls yes? That's fine! But TF1 is a branded one, TF2 is a non branded one, right? Well, thanks for responding - now I want to I buy the ARC-S (I like the transparent grey one, and I don't need Android). Thanks 👍🏼

[@lordgeyik]

I'm so glad you mentioned the wi-fi interference. Seems that they brought that from rg353p as well. Unfortunate. That's going to be a deal breaker :/ I was sold otherwise.

[@vandal1630]

On saturn plays i get double audio.any tips?

[@adinwalls]

That’s weird! Maybe just try restarting the device. Are you having this issue o lab all games? It could be the rom.

[@vandal1630]

Hmm it was on android "yaba sanhsi pro 2" also slowmo games.i guess linux is the go to for saturn

[@kidcae]

Is there any way to add the Google Play store ?

[@adinwalls]

You can install GammaOS

[@kidcae]

@@adinwalls do you have a video on this?

[@adinwalls]

@kidcae setup info is here github.com/TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOS-RK3566

[@kidcae]

@@adinwalls thank you!

[@sammcj2000]

I really enjoy your reviews. The only thing is that knife you’re always pointing with makes me feel a bit weird.

[@adinwalls]

I get that a lot with the knife. I keep it with me and I started using it as a way to stop the camera from auto focussing on my fingers. Maybe I will come up with a less abrasive solution for 2024.

[@WIImotionmasher]

mine stopped booting after a few months so.... great

[@Rockysbeats]

they should of gave this thing more power whats the point in a Sega Saturn themed handheld that struggles to play Saturn games :/

[@allen0088]

I cant get any game to launch over hdmi on Linux

[@adinwalls]

Oh that's strange. What are you connecting to?

[@allen0088]

@adinwalls i was able to get n64 to play but other systems just go back from the list to the anbernic screen then the list again. Im connected to xbr z9f 4k tv. My guess is a setting is unchecked in retroarch for hdmi output but i can't find it.

[@Pridetoons]

GammaOS and Retro Arena are the Combination right now.

[@adinwalls]

Yup but I’m hopeful there will be more for the gem 💎

[@TechToyTinkerCompany]

@@adinwalls not a fan of retro arena and gamma?

[@adinwalls]

@@TechToyTinkerCompany not at all, gonna be doing some testing of it when I get back from holidays.

[@adinwalls]

@@TechToyTinkerCompany sorry that sounded like I am confirming that I am NOT a fan! The opposite 😊 and I’m keen to get going with a vid about it soon.

[@TechToyTinkerCompany]

@@adinwalls I understood what you meant. oh, awesome haha, I look forward to watching it :)

[@lordgeyik]

You've got me at Rooibos

[@adinwalls]

Haha. Rooibos ftw

[@ilmco]

Playing GBA games on this device is a most excellent experience

[@DarkstarMonday]

I’m using mine in android mode most of the time.

[@jessragan6714]

Looks like all the Saturn and Dreamcast games that matter to me personally are handled well by this device.

[@adinwalls]

Okay great!

[@Shawn_277]

may be i was too excited for this device and all turned down 1. scraping is next to impossible with pc too as .xml needs to be manually updated imagine 10000 roms no software or auto script does it 2. v11 breaks the system lots of roms dont work as they need bios to be in a specific place and it isnt in arc in fact put it anywhere roms like street fighter sf hyper, (and other lot of games) etc usually mame doesnt work or breaks control. best solution downgrade to v10 everything is a smooth sail. 3. in fact i was surprised all the ports boot up , i mean all not a single gave error but because of lack of joystick cant move and you cant reconfig 4. i usually like to have my own hotkeys on retroarch (learned form ADINs retroid video, by the way it was awesome) in linux u can modify but only till you play a rom and as soon as you reset or close, you reopen rom everything goes to default save config overwrite or create new or load new doesnt matter you have to reconfig retroarch for every rom everytime you boot or adapt to their personal defaults (difficult beacuase of F button placement) 5. i think if they had only everything below psp/ps1 its a great system i mean quality/dpad /boot time etc I'm in love with it only they shouldn't give extra option to fiddle around which creates a kind of mess. for MD genesis GB GBA and especially if you are an open Bor fan its awesome Thanks ADIN loved your review. in fact, i hardly miss any of your videos.

[@adinwalls]

Hey man I never noticed broken gameplay in version 11. I will check that out. I have 10 and 11 running on two devices right now.

[@toycoma98]

Just finished watching whats ken making, he found a hidden microphone, and an AI chip or something. Sneakey sneakey Anbernic.

[@whoopswrongbutton3987]

I want one of these real bad 😥

[@adinwalls]

They are very nice

[@WDPhotography]

Devices such as the Arc and RGB30 are a very nice trend. It’s one thing to play retro games however it’s like levelling up to play them the way they were meant to be played with unique hardware that is designed for certain systems. As well, retro devices need to give off the retro vibes which the Arc oozes. “That’s what she says” 😆

[@adinwalls]

Indeed 😂

[@yesmate78]

Steamdeck with batocera.nuff said

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

Rubbish

[@bondjovi4595]

It's much like anything else. Lineage OS, etc... It lacks in the software department.

[@DarrenMcHardy]

I see rooibos, i like 👍

[@adinwalls]

we all need some rooibos in our lives

[@gamesandplanes3984]

Go SEGA!

[@adinwalls]

🕺

[@sandplasma]

LMAO @ TWSS!

[@GreenIronFist]

First!

[@adinwalls]

lol. Awesome.

[@wrtucey]

Waving a knife blade over the screens makes me want to throw up :p

[@adinwalls]

You’re welcome…

[@jnkmal9519]

"Download quota exceeded" for the update iso. Anyone got a mirror?

[@adinwalls]

Yes I am not sure why they are using Google drive links

[@neilson225]

Just make a copy to your own google drive then download from it; this way you wont face the quota problem