Anbernic RG353PS Review: Budget Retro Handheld

The new Anbernic RG353PS is a budget version of last year's RG353P, featuring a slimmed-down Linux OS experience and a modest price decrease (from $130 to an expected $90). Let's take a look at it and see if it's worth picking up when it releases.
Anbernic store: bit.ly/3AMcL9q
Anbernic AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeA...
ArkOS guide: retrogamecorps.com/2023/03/27...
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:35 alphabet soup
03:28 tech specs and supported systems
05:30 unboxing and impressions
11:30 comparison with other handhelds
15:11 software experience (stock and ArkOS)
18:31 emulation testing
23:40 HDMI testing
24:48 summary (likes and dislikes)
27:04 other options
28:51 conclusion
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#Anbernic #RG353PS #emulation

[@vicviper0017]

You know what they say... If you don't like THIS Ambernic handheld, just pick up NEXT week's version.

[@viruscure4677]

​​​​@@DroidLocks6971 You're always better off building your own library, what i like to do is just extract the games it has or at least the ones i care about the most, and on top of those i add in the missing games whatever they may be (where you get your roms is up to you, but google is your best friend, you might also want to look up a bios pack, but the SD card you have might come with a bios set so save that too).... Also i must emphasize, make a backup of that SD card immediately, you'll thank me later....

[@vicviper0017]

@@DroidLocks6971 Why would anyone want 9000+ games they're never gonna touch? I prefer a blank slate myself. Also, why are you shouting?

[@pavelholka6159]

@@DroidLocks6971 It depends what TF card you are buying this with

[@YOUR_NARRATOR975]

​@@DroidLocks6971well, that's what a card reader and laptop is for.

[@YOUR_NARRATOR975]

​@@viruscure4677I prefer already loaded gams just so I don't have to spend an hour looking for new ROMs, fixing the files if they got messed up, and transferring everything and setting it all up.

[@Askotx]

X = we've run out of ideas ... I kind of like it.

[@Pircla]

Make me laugh a lot lol

[@IraJavier]

They release so much it's only inevitable they produce RGxxxxxx

[@ChaoSJino]

I've been watching these reviews and presentations for a couple years now and FINALLY someone explains the Anbernic Naming convention!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@Grimlo9ic]

Same here. I always thought the S models were upgraded ones, because that's how it usually is in most of the English speaking world. Now it makes sense.

[@TarisRedwing]

The 353's are always my fav looking pocket device. Good colors, not too big, not too small, lots of IO, and has that comfy SNES/GB design

[@bland9876]

Why do you even need the second USB or the second SD card? Your not going to be using this like a normal PC (like the Steam Deck) and can't you put the OS and games on the same as card?

[@PootWindbreaker]

@@bland9876 2nd USB would be for wired controller while also charging. Double micro sd slots are normally for keeping OS on one (maybe multiple different CFW) and roms on the other. I prefer Android emulator handhelds over Linux, but there are a lot of great CFW options out there and if you want to have two (or more), it definitely makes sense to have 1 card with the roms rather than having to duplicate the massive amount of space needed (compared to the OS) to put the roms on both different OS cards. Then you can get 2 (or more) 16gb or smaller micro sd for the OS and just one larger, more expensive card for the roms.

[@SicketMog]

Don't forget... STACKED SHOULDERS

[@bland9876]

@@PootWindbreaker it just seems like such a niece thing to put on there. Hardly anyone would use it.

[@estusflask982]

@@bland9876 nah it's a nephew thing

[@lookingforwookiecopilot]

I love these Anbernic devices, but they come out with so many, so frequently, that I think I'll just wait five years before buying another one.

[@PixelisedPaul]

I’ve done the electrical tape fix on my RG353P and it improved the accidental diagonal problem, but made the dpad feel even stiffer and the process to take it apart and put it back together wasn’t nice at all. My recommendation would be to get a RG3XX if you don’t mind dropping a bit of performance - it has a huge community effort behind it that this never had.

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

Seems every successive device ticks boxes other devices don't, while unticking the boxes that they do! I think we're about 12-16months from *the* retro gaming device... the stars have to align eventually, right?! 😂

[@junqueirapedro13]

@@unbearifiedbear1885 That's what I've always thought lmao. It's crazy how many options we've got on the market today, and how every single one of them has some kind of flaw that the other one right before that didn't have. I really like this form factor, but as someone who already owns more consoles than I can play, I do'nt wanna buy it just to find out I need another one just a little better a few months after that.

[@SilverKnight16]

Honestly, $90 for that much power is pretty impressive. Remember when we were spending $110+ to get the RG351P?

[@PhenMr]

351p if you search good enough you can find it for less than 80 now a day's. But this is a awesome looking device that my nephew want's

[@BingbongRecto]

70 USD is even better (RK2023)

[@PhenMr]

@@BingbongRecto i just don't like powkiddy I've heard the rk2023 can get pretty hot and i don't like D pads. About performance no questions asked. About that no doubts

[@ozziewindyboy4771]

My first handheld was the RG351M, and cost me 140$ and if this one really sells under 90$ then for sure I'm getting this one. And thanks to the channel for updates

[@AlexDenton0451]

Still love my 351P. Giving it to my Nephew later this week for his birthday, and getting a Retroid Flip.

[@Campinis]

Thanks for the review.. specially the comparing the different models.

[@dantefitts]

I got the first version with Android, and I have enjoyed it so much and so so many hours. Most people will love their device even if it is not the best on the market. I chose it because of the nostalgic design, basically.. Great product... and great video btw!

[@michaelpaoletti8588]

Been waiting for this to drop. Awesome!

[@moshingsafely]

I have the RG353P and I absolutely love it. And I never use the Android side anyway, so I would recommend this new model without hesitation.

[@bluechickenman8230]

Just decided to pick up the 353PS after watching a bunch of your videos. This one seems perfect for me now, and might wait a year or so until something comes out with a better chipset. Thank you for the great content.

[@GeorgeGeo]

Excellent job. Answered questions I had as they popped up in my head and the comparisons to other models was great for me. ++++++++. 🎉

[@Tatotai]

Nice review. Covered most of the questions I had.

[@ginyu4665]

if only they used stacked shoulder buttons on their other products

[@tulsadlance]

I bought the purple one and am loving it. You're reviews have really helped me make a better decision of what to get.

[@Knuckles2955]

Wasn’t expecting a review so fast!

[@dorbei]

This might be the best Anbernic device since the RG351V. It has an excellent price/performance ratio coupled with a sleek and authentic retro design. It is sooo much better than the other, vastly overpriced RG353 devices! It also has the potential to dethrone the RG351P as the best entry level/casual gamer retro handheld. Now the only thing missing to makes this perfect is dedicated CFW support by Batocera or AmberELEC.

[@kupokinzyt]

These things are ugly with huge bezels. If they ever made a version without the useless border surrounding the screen, I'd agree.

[@PhenMr]

Big Thanks for this review i can't wait to see this device at what price range it will become ❤

[@fermio100]

Great review as per usual. Neat machine.

[@retrohandhelds]

Agreed that a plastic 353M would be awesome!

[@manofthestars]

Wow for the price this device seems amazing to me. I recently broke my RG350M and bought a new one, payed around the same price as this RG353PS will be. While this device has a plastic shell , its form factor, performance and things like WIFI and Bluetooth make it all worth it ! i'll most likely get one of these next .

[@bruciekibbutz2947]

Something very important to me and I assume many other people, is the ability to hold 1 button for fast forward. Its how I got used to playing jrpgs on my pc as a kid. RG35xx's default OS features it, but not GarlicOS (not without some tinkering anyway, I couldn't do it). If you could mention how the fast forward function works in your reviews that would be great.

[@Neowarshark]

best video ever! informative and good!

[@pmmcrobb]

I’d love to see this form factor, but with a 4” screen, faster processor, and larger face buttons.

[@erkanchaseki]

I am not that interested into retro handhelds lately that much but for some reason I can’t stop watching your videos, keep up the good work man. I appreciate the content.

[@bruciekibbutz2947]

same. i have an rg35xx that im satisfied with, and one day will get a steam deck, and i want something in between at some point, but still I will watch half an hour about a device i know i will not buy.

[@izzy9ish]

Good video! Keep it up bro! 🤙🏽

[@jessematthie3646]

Great video. I do have a rg353p already. This could be a great gift for someone else tho. The design is great and its so nostalgic. Do think anbernic should over more colors tho. Also quick question, how do you get daijisho on the rg353p?

[@andrex0071]

You are the best bro! You are right that perfect means different things for people for me thanks to you I bought the the Rg351v in sale price of about 75$.- in Aliexpress. For me is perfect as I like how thic and big is , because I have really big hands I am 6'4 . And I get cramped with smaller devices. It runs 30fps at full speed Tekken Dark Resurrection psp with ARKOS with your optimal performance settings. It really killed it as I only use it for gameboy and NES mostly and the only psp game I play is tekken.

[@Shenron67]

Bought a 353VS a few weeks ago, at first I really didn't like it, the ArkOS image wasn't working, with JelOS I was like "I should just go for a stripdown retroarch" and the overall feeling was that the RGXXX with GarlicOS was more refined. Now I love it, played some DC games and they were running just fine. Maybe a better power management to make it perfect ? It seems to be down pretty fast when you don't use it.

[@josephcruz4172]

I just bought this today I can’t wait for it to come in tomorrow

[@RatchVision]

While I like the feel of the Anbernic Dpad, the biggest issue I had was playing Kirby where accidental diagonals made me constantly float when I didn't want to. Other than that, it feels great and I still prefer it over the more clicky style of the RP3+.

[@williamwhite2830]

i like the look of this one your review will help me.

[@ohdaUtube]

I'm fine with the smaller buttons. Arcade shooters needs that analog stick on the bottom right

[@lee541982]

This dude knows a lot! He even pointed out the Chinese superstition about number 4😂

[@anthonyb7624]

This video is worth watching for the naming explanation alone

[@miro_trendafilov]

Awesome! Great video as always Russ! I actually bought the RG353P thanks to one of your videos, but my unit discharges rather quickly if I leave the battery connected compared to my RG351MP, so if I don't plan on using it, I disconnect the battery. Does anybody have the same situation with the battery on the RG353P or is it just me?

[@Ti0Luch0]

was waiting for you, dude.

[@T0TALLYAWESOMEGUY]

The styling really grew on me throughout the video. Do want!

[@piodelgado2890]

Russ, do you think is there any chance that Anbernic will release these bodies they made for the RG353PS for the regular RG353P? I really love the Gameboy one (except for the white print of the face buttons) but the "Dot Matrix With Stereo Sound" bezel is just lovely.

[@cam-inf-4w5]

Great video. So much information and you dont waste anyones time. Most dont even mention if these devices have Bluetooth or not lol

[@murderdoggg]

10:19 If we're getting rid of the right analog stick. Then please add six buttons.

[@ddlevine]

For ArkOS, which image do you use? I was using the one for the RG353M, but the bottom menu seems to cut off on the right-hand side. That doesn't appear to happen to you.

[@cargath]

Got very excited here for a second, until i realised that this is a budget version, not a successor. I really like the RG353P in terms of comfort (i guess my hands have taken on the shape of the SNES controller over the years xD) and it's probably the only retro gaming handheld where i don't have any complaints about any of the buttons or the D-pad. It's a shame that the screen is pretty terrible. I'd get a premium version of this with a higher resolution (maybe slightly larger? There's room at the bottom, they would only need to change the width a little) screen in a heartbeat.

[@handzus19]

Love how you played NHL '95 at 29:06!

[@shade20x64]

I already have an RG353P, but that DMG color scheme is really tempting.

[@PieInTheSky9]

Honestly this system is a dream come true for millennials that grew up with original Game boy. I'm in my 30s now, but having a system that can play every single game from my childhood on a handheld device that looks like my old Super Nintendo controller is amazing. As a child I couldn't even fathom such a thing existing.

[@stevenolsen1260]

You're the only person on KZbin that doesn't raise serious red flags by breaking out a set of calipers

[@khaledtribes]

wow these companies are pumping these out so fast!

[@kevinchristopher1443]

Not a good thing. at least six months between to develop them out more would be better.

[@OmegaCoyote]

I'd like to see you review some retro done for you consoles for the tv sometimes. Hyper Base has some nice home consoles with no dupes in their rom collection unlike the super console x.

[@fireheadmx]

I *am* in the market for something under $100 with pretty good performance, thanks for the review!

[@soryt4282]

Me too! I'm gonna order it, it's perfect for me!

[@Alexis_R21]

Not sure it can be under 100$, the difference between this one and the rg353p is above the same as it is between rg353v and rg353vs. So i guess a price around the one for rg353vs but i may br wrong.

[@bigfatjeffk]

Question - has the RK3566 kernel "sleep issue" been resolved? I used to have a RG353V, and regardless of which CFW I was running (JelOS, ArkOS, etc.), 9 times out of 10, the device would lock up when waking from sleep state and require a press of the reset button. That's what pushed me to a RG35XX . . . love the way MinUI handles sleep.

[@fyiicheckforspies]

Love my 353P but this looks like a good option for a new buyer. Only use I've found for the Android boot is for the PSP emulator because the keys don't map properly in the Linux boot.

[@Folienfred]

Finally acceptable shoulder triggers on a budget Linux device. That's a premium feature for me. 👍

[@bigbromiki1]

yeah, i set my alarm and ordered one the minute it dropped. I can stand shoulders on the miyou mini

[@willflanders2475]

Looks NICE!

[@josesanchez-ph9md]

Been looking for something to play retro games 👍 like super mario all Stars, mortal kombat, sonic and street fighter, I like how you can hook it up to your TV, does it already cone with all the games,or you gotta add them?

[@xjusterx]

Russ, i know this is probably not the best place to ask, but i will ask anyway. Do you think buying today GPD Win 4 is a good idea? I got a good discount on a 1tb model but there are new chips and devices on a horizon... can you answer kindly what do you think?

[@Guckkasten85]

If I wouldn't have the RG353P already, I would get this one. For me it is the best feeling handheld. Maybe next year a RG406P in that formfactor, 4inch 960x720 screen and handling of ps2 and gamecube would make it awesome

[@tybera1114]

Oh it's good to see them using Kioxia now to get closer to that plug and play experience.

[@soryt4282]

Yes, now i won't have to spend additional money to replace the stock cards! 😄

[@randym1880]

I want to get my daughter into retro gaming..I think this would be the perfect starter system for her.

[@CCV334]

Man I just picked up an RG35XX but this comfort game looks top tier.

[@IcoKirov]

back in the days i payed more for the first RG350. the handhelds came a long way!

[@leelee7334]

They should have moved the power button and yes, I press it a lot. I wish they upgraded the chipset. I love the new designs but I’m happy with the 353P.

[@XXnickles]

Honestly, this device is really tempting to me. It seems a good n64 performer, Linux based, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HDMI, community support (in theory), and a good price.

[@HauntedMound666]

Ehhh... Like mentioned, N64 is iffy. For example, on my RP3+ Conkur's runs like fuckin shit, constant drops even on more powerful hardware, Banjo seems pretty wonky as well, a lot of the hitters you'd play N64 for seem just meh.

[@XXnickles]

@@HauntedMound666 one of the reasons I don't like to go with android based handhelds is the price you have to pay for the OS to work. Not sure if that counts for the RP3+, but in any case, I still on the fence as this device fills a bunch of checks for me IF actually the support for n64 is there. Otherwise, I will keep rocking my rg35xx

[@thomasdavis8722]

THANK YOU for that breakdwon of their naming convention, goin to their website is extremely confusing

[@mustafa-fy1ix]

Hi russ , i just have a question about the 280v , can I add roms on the same sd card running adam image ?

[@alioth2021]

I personally think the Sharp Bilinear shader is the better option for non integer scaling.

[@xelthos2051]

353P is my favorite handheld emulator from all these companies. Cool to see a budget model without android since it was mostly useless anyways. Threw uOS on it immediately and it runs amazing. Steam Deck is the only better device cause of power but way past budget model, lol. The miyoo mini plus is pretty nice though for the vertical style.

[@dorbei]

The 353PS is basically Anbernic's late confession that they screwed up with the 353P.

[@xelthos2051]

@@dorbei android side has a few uses, but it is minor compared to Linux side.

[@jeami2209]

Hey man, your videos are really helpful. I have 1 question: If I have a RG353 PS and want to buy a game card that says RG353 P on it does it still work or do I have to look out for a card that says RG353 PS?

[@morbusmatze2034]

Bought this today as my first Retroheld. Build in 1981 and start gaming with original gameboy... i think it was a good choice.

[@dadou193]

Hey Russ, since there is no internal drive on the RG353PS version, is it true that you can't save games with the original stock card / firmware out of the box? This is something that Joey (Joey's Retro Handhelds) says in one of his setup videos, but it's not entirely clear- he says apparently that a major complaint from users is that it's impossible to save progress on games like pokemon.. Is that an issue with the original stock card? an issue with the firmware out of the box? an issue with the roms out of the box (maybe fake roms)? or an issue with the fact that this is the PS version rather than the P version? (sorry i am trying to understand, i am a newb, but interested in buying this model!). Love you all your videos and reviews btw!

[@dadou193]

in case you're' wondering, Joey says it at 1:40 in this video here: ANBERNIC RG353PS Ultimate Setup Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ6bnqeXbcdqi9E&ab_channel=Joey%27sRetroHandhelds

[@blidosawr]

I think it's time to say that "Megaman X's bar test" is the best test for pixel perfect screen testing.

[@billcook4768]

I want one. It think it’s in my power/price sweet spot. But even more importantly, I want to see you stream some Genesis NHL ‘95

[@just_ppe]

Is it possible to connect additional pad via bluetooth (e.g. the one from xbox) while the device is connected to the TV?

[@rorivers180]

Are the sticks full 360 degrees a la 405m or 8 cardinal points ala 35xx-H?

[@BrianSmith-ct3kh]

As someone who has to use a third-party grip on his Switch Lite to not feel like I'm too cramped trying to hit buttons, is this going to be a decent option size-wise or is there a better option?

[@HauntedMound666]

I have the same issue, my rp3+ KILLS my hands. Thinking about an Odin just for ergonomics sake. Once we reach chipsets capable of competent GameCube and ps2 I’ll upgrade, they have to have ergos figured out by then… right….. RIGHT?!

[@michaelharris8346]

Just ordered the 353p which custom os is best for these devices jelos ark ive heard of unofficial but cant find any videos showcasing that one

[@saovine1]

Im wondering what to chose between 35xx and this 353PS,. Both systems looks good, I want it only for gba, snes and psx, I don't care about psp and dream cast. 35xx it's a liitle bit cheaper, but I'm worried about comfort (353 looks better for adult hands). Can You help me with the choice? Thanks ;)

[@kindzadza134]

Hi, a question - does the console supports bluetooth headphones or only controllers?

[@daveomania_]

I am curious if this has ground loop noise like the RG353P and RG353MP? On my RG353P both my headphone out, and HDMI out have ground loop noise that I have to filter out with an adapter. Otherwise, it's my favourite of all of my retro handhelds.

[@patrickmcg5231]

I've just bought one and there's crazy noise on the headphone jack. Haven't tried the hdmi yet but if it shares that issue I'll be seriously disappointed. How did you fix it?

[@daveomania_]

@@patrickmcg5231 I bought a "ground loop isolator" - around $15 off Amazon. Works very well for the headphone jack. Sadly, without more expensive equipment I'm not sure how to deal with the HDMI. I also never did test the Bluetooth audio. It may work fine if you try that.

[@patrickmcg5231]

@@daveomania_ Thanks for your help! I appreciate the reply.

[@daveomania_]

@@patrickmcg5231 no worries. It's a common problem I've had with every anbernic I have unfortunately. I have also read that there are mods you can perform to cut the noise. One mod involved wrapping something in tinfoil - worth having a look online, it could be a simple fix. Curious do you have the OG 353P or the newer non-android model? It's something to do with the shielding inside or lack there of.

[@patrickmcg5231]

@@daveomania_ I have the newer, non-Android model (353ps) I've also got an RG35xx and, comparing the two, it's completely silent on headphones compared to the 353ps. Weirdly, I just tried the 353ps over HDMI now and didn't notice any noise... I'm more than happy to consider mods! I'll have a search now - thank you :)

[@TarisRedwing]

My dude was that Blue Stinger 🥲 I spent soooo much time playing that game. Does it do ok with Power Stone 1&2 for Dreamcast?

[@Mosestylez]

Which one is "better" to buy, this or RG353P? I know we get Android on RG353P, but other than that and 1GB less Ram, is there any significant difference?

[@eziotru]

Does it support OTG? Can you plug controllers in, instead of using Bluetooth? I’m thinking about slapping this into an arcade build.

[@jesseseehawer5840]

Can you drop a link for your work mat? (green with yellow grid lines) Im in the market for one and I wanna be just like you when I grow up.

[@Micchi-]

Can't wait for rg35pspsps

[@webbieice]

I should have waited for this, I still haven't booted up the android side on my 353p

[@NEPGaMeRz]

Never been this early for Russ video, even though I wont buy these stuff I enjoy the way you present the consoles man.

[@Al-fi3nt]

Russ, the RG353P actually comes with 2GB of LPDDR4 ram. I would hope this one does as well.

[@PixelisedPaul]

The PS only has 1GB RAM

[@Al-fi3nt]

@@PixelisedPaul that's disappointing but I makes sense as a cost saving feature. I am glad I bought the 353P then. I also have the RG503 with the same chipset and 1gb of ram and some ports like Stardew Valley run worse on it with the same version of ArkOS than on my RG353P with 2GB of ram. Thinking it actually makes a difference there.

[@aaldrich29]

Hey Russ, I don't think I saw this in the video, but what is the boot time like? That's one of the most important features of one of these systems to me.

[@RetroGameCorps]

It's about 22 seconds on both the stock firmware and ArkOS.

[@rafaelgarcia5388]

Hi Russ..sorry if I spelled wrong..I set up ark os on the system ...when it goes to sleep ..the green light stays on do u know how to shut that off I think is draining my battery..

[@edtuckerartist]

Something with a similar shape, a 5" screen and slightly better chip would be awesome.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Would you go with this or the powkiddy RGB30 right now ?

[@sven1421]

Which Version of Arkos can I use for the 353ps? The 353v one or the 353m one??

[@user-tk8zx2cw7n]

Thanks Bro

[@creaturee2000]

I thought it will be the Data frog SF2000 🤘😁

[@SomeOne-wr1wr]

Hey Russ! Just wanted to know which is your favorite Anbernic Device thats currently avaliable?

[@justarandomguy2126]

Now if it only would have a 4 inches screen...would have been perfect for my needs!

[@TheComix961]

Hi, I bought it a few weeks ago and since yesterday I have a problem with the quick load or save function. It practically doesn't take those commands anymore, I'm talking about consoles emulated with retroarch, the other quick functions instead go smoothly. Do you by any chance know how I could solve this? Thank you

[@patrickmcg5231]

Have you replaced the included SD card with a brand-name version instead? The included SD cards are unreliable and will fail sooner or later.

[@StormyCanyon]

Trying to find a console that will allow me to play certain retro games. Which version of Anbernic would be the best to purchase for the games listed below?: • Mortal Kombat games 1-4 • Street Fighter games 1-3 • Power Stone 1 & 2 • Dark Cloud • Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3 • Mace: The Dark Age • Super Mario Bros 1-3, and Super Mario World • Wario Land 1-4 • Bomberman 64 • Super Mario 64 • Diddy Kong Racing

[@jessragan6714]

7:49 "These are not them! You've captured their STUNT DOUBLES!"