Anbernic RG351MP Final Review -- Worth the Upgrade?

[@legerdemain]

I love the "target user" paradigm. I hope they're recurring characters.

[@cflann2011]

XD I post my comment then scroll down to see this, your nearly identical reply. Great review format.

[@airshow502]

I am Ruper

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

I agree!

[@ancient_aeryn4224]

Kudos for coming up with such a creative way to personify the players that watch your videos and are seeking your professional advice!! Thanks for another great video, Chief!

[@herogear_art]

Being an illustrator who's made A LOT of infographics, including 'target audiences' I love your son's drawings! :D

[@ktak2811]

It'd be even better if his son is like 25 years old.

[@Palm3s-to-palm3s]

Is it preloaded games ?

[@herogear_art]

@@Palm3s-to-palm3s Yeah, I think so. I have a 351M and it came with a bunch of games so I'd guess the P does too. Some of them are in different languages, or 'fake' games, but I forget how many are like that. Most of them are good though. Plus, you can always remove/add what you want, when you want too.

[@geemail1283]

KZbinrs do not answer comments from members of the public, they all think they are celebrities cause they film Videos in their basements 😆 😂

[@alxmat2357]

Big thumbs up for the BIG SHOT Hampton! XD Excellent video btw

[@AlexDenton0451]

I spit my damn drink out when I saw that lol

[@Antiheld1989]

The "target user" approach was a great idea. Also the production value in general really spiked in your videos. I love how you improved.

[@fabiofabiobio]

Let's be honest, a stud like Hampton is simply too busy mackin' on the ladies to have time for retro gaming

[@tode29]

Best reviews ever. Love the way you in-depth review everything. Looking forward to the x18 s review

[@Felipe_1930]

You are an amazing communicator. You keep the audience engaged throughout the entire video. I am sure you'll do equally great at presenting any other topic. I hardly have any time to comment anywhere, but I am so impressed with your videos. Thanks again for putting so much effort in doing impeccable content!

[@vaprebluemike7520]

Thank you for such in depth and thorough reviews of this system. Actually, all of your reviews are top-notch. I have been looking to get a handheld emulator for a while. There seems to be SO many I had a hard time deciding since it will be my first. Your comparisons to the other choices with the four prospective buyers covered all the bases for me. My 351mp is ordered and I will reference back to your videos as I become familiar and learn. Thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@mattyviper6149]

@@RetroGameCorps Hi can you help me? I changed a setting for playstation in the menu you bring up with select X (AmberElec) Now I can't figure out how to get the menu back up because it won't load a playstation game now. Thanks

[@retrocorner]

This target audience videos are actually extremely helpful! Definitely bring these characters back! Idk, maybe even create a funny storyline of each customer's favorite preferences in future videos as more devices come out.

[@sethtoybes9392]

Oh man I'm definitely somewhere between a Hampton and Wallace. Probably just going to wait for the next gen Android based systems that are just peaking over the horizon.

[@keithkelly5692]

Thank you! This is the BEST review video of any retro gaming portable I've ever seen. You actually hit upon all the right points, and did so with full honesty and transparency, unlike Taki Udon.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for watching, Keith!

[@SeedyZ]

No wonder Hampton owns multiple devices, he seems like a big shot.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yep, the dude traded his prized Magic the Gathering deck for some Bitcoins back in the day, so he's got lots of expendable cash but is also super annoying.

[@protodevilin]

I just came from some other dude's channel, where he made a video review of the RG351MP. Your video is superior by FAR. Not only is it much more in-depth, but the way you categorize each type of potential buyer here is such a great way to compare/contrast all these competing devices. Well done. Subbed.

[@benyaminb1189]

Very good video. What I would have liked to see in this video is a display of some PS1, Turbo Graphx and Neogeo games for example. Handheld videos are generally too centered on Super NES.

[@Maxiow]

This video is simply awesome, very objective and thorough, using target audiences just made the review a thousand times better. Also fortunately or unfortunately I'm Hampton.

[@gogolplex74]

Just got this device last week and I'm very happy with it, playing classic Gameboy and SNES games on it is way better than on a phone with a controller It just took me a while to set up and get custom firmware

[@edreid7872]

I absolutely love you addressing the needs based on your kid's drawing... I have been hesitant to buy a retro device, watched numerous videos, and your format makes so much sense to me..😎

[@brett84c]

Best emulator review I've ever seen. Kudos to you for taking the time to explain the different people (use cases) that will affect which one is best for you.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@calebb7012]

rg351p is half the price than the metal release right now, for me up in Canada the price difference between the 2 is huge.

[@twinkiebeyond]

I, as a Rupert, am eternally grateful for your breakdown.

[@demonoctober6673]

Perfect depiction of the various types of retro gamers out there! Outstanding job with the explanations as well. Thank you for the time and work you dedicate to this form of entertainment! & Thank you for your service

[@C4ETech]

Ima Wallace :D

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yep, me too :)

[@cflann2011]

The target user presentation for this review is both cute and incredibly clear. I hope Rupert and co. are recurring characters!

[@MColvello]

I have a couple questions. First, how do those analog sticks feel when you put these devices in your pocket? Don't they stick out too much? Second, how well does this model run Symphony of the Night? It's my favorite retro game. Thanks, nice vid! :)

[@retroman7331]

I have the Odroid Go Advance, which has the same chipset...and Sympony of the Night runs perfectly well even with a shader to make it look like a TV (scanlines, blur, etc).

[@nuyorican91st]

Is Francis 30 years old and single? Can I slide her them dm's Francis I like Doom Mortal Kombat gold Marvel vs Capcom Goldeneye Perfect dark Virtua fighter Holla back girl

[@grapejuice664]

Wtf is wrong with you why u simping for this kids drawing lol

[@father042]

Kinda crazy how this costs 150 bucks when you can pay just 50 more for AYN Odin Lite which is in a completely different league

[@antonioroman8684]

I really love this device, but the fact of not having a integrated wifi chip is a big problem for me, because I play always connected for retroachievements. Also in not too long I will receive the odin and the steam deck, so I think I will be fine with my 351v for now. Great video btw :)

[@cubingbuzz1]

hi i jest got an rg51m and i instaled 351 elec but when i booted it up it says no gampad connected hold a button to confuger it. The only buttons that work are the reset and power. also the stock firmware works fine. could somebody help me?

[@SensibleChuckle]

How does it play PICO-8 ? Better than Game Force CHI?

[@kabutocub]

Your channel has quickly become my exclusive source of information on all this stuff. Outstanding video as usual. Been thinking of buying a new retro-handheld and this video in particular made that decision so much easier thanks to your user breakdown. Thank you! PS: I also got one of those Chinese wired controllers you like so much and your recommendation was spot-on!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Awesome, happy to be of help!

[@Antonio-fl3nr]

I'm sure the idea of using drawn characters as examples was Chicken's.

[@PatrickC139]

I love these detailed reviews. You definitely have a knack for this and your previous experience with "writing recipe books" really does show through on how you approach reviews.

[@Kingu]

That Hampton drawing was wild.

[@honoredshadow1975]

This video was incredible to me! Thanks!

[@TrevHolland]

The lack of an internal wifi makes the 351MP a no go and the 351M the better option, for me. I love using retro achievements. Needing that silly dongle always plugged in is a hard pass.

[@father042]

lol why does the third guy look like Spamton from Deltarune?

[@AMindInOverdrive]

11:54 - Now there's a t-shirt slogan if ever I heard one: "I'm very particular about my pixels" - Hampton 2022

[@pancon5]

Hampton sure is quite a character!

[@SpiritMover314]

I’m a novice in the handheld and gaming era….Is this pretty much “turn on and play”, and also, do the games have SAVE states?

[@pickleeggs3340]

cool whitie names bro lol

[@gvanderlee2703]

Plot twist: Rupert and Frances are siblings, and their parents can only buy one this Christmas..

[@Scheuersicle]

Coming in thinking you're a Hampton and finding out you're a Wallace.

[@robinmattheussen2395]

This actually seems like it could have been a decent little thing that would actually be worth the money if it had on-board wifi. Without that, it's going to be a no for me.

[@Smmmile]

You didn't mention the poor dimly lit screen experience on the RGB 10 that makes it unplayable with some Games. You should stop recommending it, or at least mention that caveat.

[@RetroGameCorps]

I feel like I just responded to a comment like this earlier today. I mentioned the screen issue four separate times in my RGB10 Max review video. I've also taken measures to address the screen brightness. When PowKiddy stole the EmuELEC firmware and repurposed it for their clone device, they didn't realize that the ODROID Go Super kernel, which is made for a different screen, is incompatible with the RGB10 Max screen; this is why it appears dim on stock OS. Once the 351Droid/LineageOS developer figured it out, he let me know and I shared the code with the RetroOZ developer. The screen is still dimmer than some other devices, and it has poor viewing angles, which is another thing I addressed in my review video. But it's in no way prohibitive of a good gaming experience unless you intend to play this device outdoors. My approach to video creation is that I will address the good/bad of every device in my review, and then I make recommendations and choose my favorites over time; I trust that if someone is interested in a device I recommend, they will go back and watch my review before making an important purchase decision. If I were to rehash my findings of every device every time they appear onscreen, my videos would be an hour long each!

[@Smmmile]

@@RetroGameCorps "But it's in no way prohibitive of a good gaming experience.." Perhaps you should watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6fFYpipodqhnbc

[@RetroGameCorps]

@@Smmmile I’ve seen the video and I don’t agree with their assessment, for all the reasons I’ve stated. I’ve discussed it with the author of the video already. The brightness issue was improved through a kernel update. I don’t understand why you feel the need to pick a fight about something I’ve clearly articulated. This isn’t worth it.

[@slingwebber8213]

Having trouble deciding between this and the Powkiddy Max 2

[@gagewyant6538]

I have the rg51v and it’s the best in my opinion

[@enmunate]

Is there anything on the horizon that’s coming out? Is the next generation a few months away or will it take until next November 2022 for the upgrades chipset? My fear is that I would get buyers remorse getting this, when a sub 200 system that can handle PS2 and GameCube will be out in a couple months.

[@RetroGameCorps]

There are others coming but their performance is untested at this time. The first next-gen device is the PowKiddy X18S, which I should be getting in the mail within the next week or so. I'm not holding my breath for amazing performance out of the gate, despite some of these shipping in 2021 -- I wouldn't expect to see a new fleet of devices with mature software until next summer.

[@VortexMotiveVision]

This review is so good. Subscribed. Great job!

[@raymondmarcial9474]

These cheap portable devices are all trash, just buy latest model samsung phone and get a gamepad and download retroarch

[@skootdiggity1301]

Hampton is my man. FYI, he also never turns on bi-linear filtering or bezels.

[@retroman7331]

I don't play without Shaders...and these devices can play with shaders at 60fps unlike raspberry pi

[@vinegart3211]

The spam ton drawing scared me

[@RolandKoller90]

I’m so close to buying this device. I’m Rupert 😂

[@tt_gaming7957]

I need a "Hampton" Shirt and Stickers!!! Great Job Russ.

[@RoseTintedSpectrum]

I have an RG350, I really don't need an RG280V, but every damn time you talk about it you make me want one more and more! Must Not Buy.

[@darkridearts]

Great video!! I’m still satisfied with the RG351P for my psx and gba games. Hoping for improved devices next year

[@youngjustin82]

Same feeling i got the 351 m im not upgrading maybe next year . I been have alot of fun with my ps vita oled display is beautiful on the 1000 emulating games not to mention all the psp and vita library for free !

[@rarthusdraken5654]

"Maybe he's already got a Steam Deck pre-order." I feel attacked.

[@harleyn3089]

I think Frances would like the RG280M in the pink gradient. ;-) Great video.

[@III-ph3hb]

Hampton better buy a version one switch cause he a tough customer

[@bigosmieszam]

Listening while driving xD

[@mattfick5502]

It's amazing how quickly this industry moves. In a year, there are so many more options. Great video, by the way

[@kylehazachode]

I have the 350 and 351. Hope the next generation can emulate GameCube perfectly

[@cornishblue58]

Excellent review. Using the 4 different characters was a great idea and very helpful

[@crystalwater505]

Emulating a brand new game like Metroid Dread? Russ, you bad boy.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for the feedback, yes I need to do a new A13 video at some point, it keeps getting pushed back with new projects and devices.

[@crystalwater505]

@@RetroGameCorps What is A13?

[@aidanmacdonald633]

This might be my favourite video on this channel so far, from the very detailed information, to your son helping out, to having Hampton in the video (I almost spat out my drink), to the sheer friggin' balls when you mentioned emulation with Dread footage in the background. I'm super tempted to get myself an RG351MP thanks to your videos, I really appreciate the enthusiasm!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Glad you liked it, Aidan!

[@cybershellrev7083]

My mother is a Frances and the only reason I can't find a device for her is simply because there is no automatic shutdown in any firmware to be convenient and quick for bringing around in a purse or something.

[@zidvicious9323]

Thank you very much your good sir, for taking your time doing this review this is a god tier of a review. Keep up a good work and god bless you.

[@nickxcom]

I've bought pretty much every single rk3326 device that exists at this point so I bought this one the second it came up lol. It's basically replaced all the others. What the heck do I do with all these other ones now? I'm drowning in them 😂

[@RGGeek]

I mean if you're really not playing them anymore and they don't spark joy for you, then thank them for having been fun in be past and either sell or give them away. I'm sure they could make someone else happy. :)

[@nickxcom]

@@RGGeek I really should just give them away, that's a good idea. I've tried selling them but always had to walk away from the sale because people don't want to buy them without roms and I won't sell roms lol

[@RGGeek]

@@nickxcom Yeah, sometimes it's just not worth the hassle to sell them. Some people I've given them to still rave about how much they loved my gift. It's amazing!

[@YourWishes]

Hampton looks like a [[ BIG SHOT ]]

[@justinrunge]

Wholesome as heck with your kiddo's drawings! Thanks for these videos, Russ.

[@MexlycanFilmico]

The same Ferrari Chasis with Toyota Corolla motor.

[@RetroGameCorps]

You're not wrong there. It really comes down to perspective; if you want the best classic console gaming experience, this is a great solution. But if you're looking for power, I think we'll have to wait until the next generation -- but those devices will have their share of flaws, too :)

[@WhiskeyThieves]

Always super informative videos. Well done. I’m holding off for the next gen, would love to have a premium hand held that can play everything up to the Game Cube flawlessly.

[@slinktv8827]

Hampton is a bit of a [BIG SHOT].

[@capuman]

Im really disappointed with this device. All the feviews i saw seemed to priase it, however, even though i have tried various firmwares it can barely run dreamcast and psp games. I have to admit that it seems no better than my RGB20 or my RG350. Although to be honest, im still to find something better than my GPD XD Plus. Very very disappointed with this device.

[@InDeath]

It was never really advertised as a device that plays those systems. As a matter of fact, almost every review out there states that it CAN'T do those devices. Before buying something, it's a general good idea to watch all the reviews all the way through to know what you're getting. You can't really compare the GPD devices to these kinds of devices. That's a whole other level of power then these retro devices have so you might not ever find something like that. You'd have to venture into the "mini pc" devices like the AYN ODIN, Steam Deck, AYA NEO, etc. But those are on a bit of the expensive side of gaming. Well worth the money though.

[@capuman]

@@InDeath oh believe me, i watched many reviews and they all show dreamcast running mostly find. But its simply not the case. Its amazing though that the GPD XD Plus, which is well over 3 years old, plays so much better. And yeah, totally agree, better of with an Aya neo Air for example to emulate harder systems.

[@InDeath]

​@@capuman It's more so an "illusion", I guess you could say, when it comes to running PSP and Dreamcast. There are less then a handful of games that you can run from those system that will work 100% with the caveat being that you have to heavily tweak the settings for those few games that it can "run", and even then some of them might not even run at 100% speed. I just got my RG351MP so I'm looking forward to seeing what I can squeeze out of it with PSP and Dream. I'm sure not much but it'll be a nice bonus.

[@rlfstr]

Hampton looking like a stock Tim Burton character

[@semperfi5788]

Awesome review and great buyer‘s guide! 👍

[@pleasuretokill]

Imo? For people that already have a 350/351 device, nah. Wait for the next gen coming up or... like me the one after that (hopefully in 2 gens we will have full or close to full PS2 playability. The new gen is already showing it can handle small segments of PS2) I've got a 351P and nothing out right now makes me want to upgrade. I want to see an extremely significant quality jump before I do. If you don't have any device yet.... truthfully, I would still wait til at least the "352" era is fully here. The "351" era is on it's way out, unless you just want to play 8 Bit/16bit or MAME titles. Then just get a "351" device and call it a day.

[@torymiddlebrooks]

Incredible work, well played

[@Doc_Morbid]

I started out as a Rupert and ended up a Hampton, what a wild ride

[@blowfishes]

I’m a different user. I’m someone who wants to play Gamecube games such as Mario Kart Double Dash and Zelda Wind Walker. I also want to play Golden Eye on the N64. I guess I either need to consider a workaround on an iPad Mini 6 or wait for the next generation of chipsets to be released.

[@wing0zero]

Yeah I'll stick with my 351V, next one I buy I want it to cover G Cube, D Cast and PS2.

[@tristanbalogun5639]

I just play GameCube games on my M1 iPad Pro. It runs like a dream

[@avatar6699]

What would you suggest for someone with over 500GB of MAME Roms, can use very easy and simple Front Ends, wants to play MAME primarily, generally no higher in power than a PS1, and the best level of display size and clarity???

[@CallmePancakegaming]

I really love your videos man. keep it up

[@youzernejm]

This was a really original idea, loved the video.

[@helanomagalhaes219]

But should we wait for the "new generation"? They already started to show... Will they bring the older handhelds prices down?

[@matthewbachelier9827]

I know I'm one comment in a sea of comments, and I rarely (if ever) comment on KZbin videos, but this was one of the most brilliant and informative electronic device reviews I've ever seen. I don't know how many barriers are in front of you for a continuing format like this (time to prep, research, algorithm angst, etc), but I would *love* to this type of content going forward. Especially with devices like this that attempt to be a catch-all, giving further niche alternatives depending on use-case is so obviously helpful, I cannot believe I've never seen another KZbinr for consumer electronics *ever* do this (at least nowhere near this detail and thought). So well done, earned a subscriber from me. Really impressed.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks so much for the feedback Matthew, it means a lot! It does take me a while to produce videos like this but I really enjoyed the experience, so I will try and make similar videos for unit reviews in the future.

[@daniel4210]

Great video! I was hoping you'd comment on the sound distorsion issues you pointed out in your first impressions video. Is is sorted now on custom firmwares?

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi, yes custom firmware resolved the audio issues.

[@luizbrasi]

Hello friend, is it heavy? compared to psp and psvita for example, what would be its weight?

[@gerretoutdoors3710]

Hi, Im Wallace. Not a first time buyer/user. But imax wallace because of my job, million kids and pets, and busy home life.

[@coffeepants86]

You did a great job braking down what system will best fit for what you may want. Thank you!!

[@Static_artist90]

Great video as usual Russ. When will we see your update of your metal mod for the rgb10 max? Are you planning on reviewing The powkiddy x18s?

[@Cyko..]

Fantastic break down! I appreciate all of your hard work into these concise videos!

[@rubizness]

Youre getting really good at this.. Great vid dude!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks Ruben! I’m taking it one video at a time.

[@IAmTheGlovenor]

I've owned this for a year and a half now and I'm honestly considering switching to a vertical instead, like the rg 40xxv. I find trying to use the shoulder buttons is just uncomfortable. So, I find myself not many side scrollers or adventure games that require using the shoulders often. Even Mario Kart. I feel like I mostly play Pokemon because of it.

[@cliz305]

I bought RG351M right before RG351MP came out...

[@ProcyonPal]

Where can you get a 280V for $60? Also, love "Hampton".

[@TheRetroBrian]

This was a wonderful video. Found your Channel recently and love what you’re putting out!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Welcome aboard!

[@graceevo3107]

Which is better Rg351m or Rg351mp?

[@Toschez]

Should Hampton wait instead of buying something now?

[@krazproductions]

What about 3DO and Philips CDi?

[@ChaunceyPendicott]

God help me I think I'm going to buy another Anbernic device