Anbernic RG35XX Plus Review (ft/Garlic, MuOS & Batocera)

👉In this video, Aish reviews the new RG 35xx plus from Anbernic, and tests out 3 custom operating systems: GarlicOS, Batocera lite (Koriki) and muOS.
NEW 12/21/23 Stock Firmware update:
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35xx Plus
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35xx
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🛒Aliexpress: retrohandhelds.link/35XX_AE
Miyoo Mini +
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🛒Aliexpress: retrohandhelds.link/Miyoo
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Please be aware that this description may contain affiliate links. By purchasing something, RH may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you. This video is for education and entertainment purposes only and is not intended for kids. All opinions are our own.
#rg35xxplus emulation #retrohandheld #retrogaming #anbernic #gaming #review #chill #gameboy
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📖Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Specifications and Price
01:59 - Hardware
03:08 - New Screen ?
04:35 - CFW
04:48 - GarlicOS
04:59 - Batocera
05:11 - MustardOS
05:45 - Stock OS update
06:30 - Software
07:23 - d-pad test
07:54 - Game Room
08:30 - RetroArch
09:35 - Drastic
10:20 - New Systems
10:46 - DS
11:03 - N64
11:40 - Dreamcast
12:11 - PSP
13:20 - Conclusion
14:36 - Thanks for watching!

[@retrohandhelds]

What's your thoughts on the 35XX Plus? What OS seems best to you? **We recommend watching this video between 0.75 and 0.90 playback speed for improved pacing, we're fixing this for future videos, thanks for watching!

[@zayanahmed6915]

I have yet to receive mine! from the looks of it, I could say that this may be your next pocketable on the go system. I really wish it had a left stick though, would be a bonus for N64 and Dreamcast. I'll be sharing the rest of my thoughts after I get mine. I'm excited!

[@Johntriger]

Do any of the OSes have support for syncthing? I use that to sync my saves around my retroid and jelos devices.

[@zomgitsgabe1687]

I ordered the one with the 128gb card and my Apps folder only has 3 options. Also, mine didn't come with the N64 emulator. Some games don't work for me either such as Metal Gear for the PS1. Anyone else have this problem? Is this common? This is my first handheld emulator. Wish I also had Donkey Kong, FFVII, FFIX, and Chrono Trigger on here.

[@b.tabalba8531]

@@zomgitsgabe1687 Interesting.... I, too, have purchased the same, but mine hasn't arrived yet--maybe sometime next week as of this comment--but I'll keep an eye on your comment 'till someone responds back. Hopefully mine won't run into the same issue you're having...

[@waldamy]

I personally frequently watch videos at 1.25-1.5x speed, so this is perfect.

[@zerog456]

Can’t wait for garlicos 2.0 to be more ready. Love the functionality of being able to just shut it down and start right back where I left off.

[@acesbirds2685]

finally the detailed video i needed thanks man

[@retrohandhelds]

Glad I could help. -Aish

[@gutyourtrust]

Great work on this vid; editing, content, presentation everything on point

[@retrohandhelds]

Thank you I really appreciate it. -Aish

[@michaelbenny659]

Great Video Aish

[@Andrew2704]

Very informative video! You got yourself a new sub

[@retrohandhelds]

Thank you, glad you liked the video. -Aish

[@jozero_hero]

If I didn't buy a Steam Deck this year my new RG35XX Plus would have been my best purchase this year. The build and aesthetics are so satisfying, I'm impressed. It makes my brain feel good. It seemed like such a perfect device when it was announced since it's powerful enough to stack shaders to make games look proper. I'm playing FF7 with scaling and shaders, it looks brilliant. All I'm looking for from upcoming firmware is wifi for syncing and bluetooth audio.

[@robhulson]

That's funny, I had the opposite experience. I bought my Steam Deck in November 2022, picked up an RG35XX in January 2023. About 95% of my gaming time in 2023 was on my RG35XX, not my Steam Deck. Probably because I carried the RG35XX everywhere I went. Dentist office, lines in the grocery store, wherever I went, it went with me.

[@mastaboog749]

I like my steam deck but I don't really play emulation on it, I tried to set up retro arch back in the day and it was a pain in the butt and I only had like 5 games going. That's what interests me about these little guys

[@zayanahmed6915]

Good job, Aish! love the content

[@retrohandhelds]

Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it. -Aish

[@solomonkane408]

Mm+ for the win . Great review .

[@retrohandhelds]

Thank you! -Aish

[@chocho2188]

Thanks Aish

[@Sadtiric]

Oh, I'm excited for this one! Just spent 2 days struggling with the 20231212 update on stream, only to find that it may be time to switch already! 😅

[@retrohandhelds]

They really need to get these updates fixed ASAP. -Aish

[@Sadtiric]

@@retrohandhelds Oh yeah, especially considering my bluetooth and Wi-Fi don't seem to be working at all, which was part of why I purchased this "upgrade" in the first place. I wanted to tinker, and this has been frustrating.

[@davidleal7133]

I some how got moos going but the update is better thx for the video

[@retrohandhelds]

Glad you liked it. -Aish

[@pierre1509]

Hi, thanks. Best review so far about this device. About PS1, is the device capable of 2x upscaling at full speed ?

[@retrohandhelds]

Thank you! It should be able to upscale resolution when plugged into a monitor and 680x480 native. -Aish

[@fryke]

What, in my opinion, the RG 35XX Plus gets wrong, is that what the non-Plus was missing (if anything), was not the addition of platform support that don't fit the form factor well. Sure: We _do_ need pocketable vertical handhelds that play GB/GBC/GBA well. But the existing ones basically already do that. They could improve how does work on these handhelds (reducing input-lag, which is the main thing, why GB/GBC games just don't feel exactly right on them when compared to a real Game Boy or an Analogue Pocket). But adding things like DS or PSP support is more of a flight of fancy than something that's really needed in these little Game Boy look- n' feel-alikes. The Miyoo mini Plus has its crown, because they got that. I hope their next vertical handheld improves on the truly important bits instead of bringing newer consoles to it.

[@jorge7323]

Soo stuck trying to make my first choice here! This, MM+, or PowKiddy RGB30

[@retrohandhelds]

We'd vote MM+ until software is more mature on the Plus here

[@Rayu25Demon]

The removal battery cover was added because of some users couldn't use the device until they removed the battery i happened in the original one, but until now, I didn't hear someone saying the plus model froze like the original one.

[@retrohandhelds]

I didn't have that issue on either one, but I'm glad it hasn't been a problem. -Aish

[@elmergloo3259]

Batocera already works awesome, I’ve moved to that on my RG35XX Plus and RG35XX-H

[@retrohandhelds]

Nice! I need to update it and give it another go. -Aish

[@elmergloo3259]

@@retrohandheldsI think the January 28ish update was the one that made WiFi work which made scraping possible. There was another update a few days ago. I can’t find anything wrong with the OS yet. HDMI out doesn’t work, but that’s a feature I don’t care about anyways. Obviously they’re still optimizing things, but the fact I could play games with no issues on every console that’s playable on this hardware made it an easy switch. Especially since now you can scrape the metadata and make it look pretty with very little effort

[@snawzie]

Might hold off from getting this until garlicos is fully functional. Already have the og 35xx in hand and is fully decked out with custom firmware.

[@retrohandhelds]

That's probably the best call -Aish

[@martin-xi6oh]

very good review, as always! I had the miyoo mini plus but I sold it because I didn't like the quality of the speaker. I bought it exclusively to emulate GB, GBC and GBA but on these platforms the sound sounded too saturated. something that didn't happen exaggeratedly in Genesis or SNES for example. I had it with koriki and still the sound was saturated. I have not seen reviews that emphasize the audio of these consoles, could you tell me what your experience has been with what I mention? I would like to see the more in-depth audio section added to the reviews in the future, which I feel is important. it would be great 😁. I send you greetings my friend!🙌

[@retrohandhelds]

I'll try and integrate that more, thanks for the feedback. -Aish

[@yehieldavid]

There is a speaker mod for the Mini Plus that has way better sound quality.

[@carmel8734]

Thank you for your honest review. I should wait a bit before buying one. Yes, it is usable but there's still a lot of room for improvement. Should I get a RG35XX or Miyoo Mini+ for starters?

[@retrohandhelds]

Glad you liked it. That's tough because if you want something that's ready now the mini+ is a fantastic option. But the 35xx+ has more to offer, so if you're ok going up to PS1, don't need video out and don't want to wait get the mini+. -Aish

[@carmel8734]

@@retrohandhelds yes i think miyoo mini+ works for me. will just play the old ps1 games. Sucker for jrpgs esp Suikoden II. 😅

[@pierre1509]

One more question, sorry. In your opinion, when it comes to an actual emulation use case, do you think that a RK3566 device can do more than this one assuming custom firmware is available ? I mean, is there a system which is out of reach for this one but that a RK3566 could handle, or a system which could get upscale while it would remain low res on this one ?

[@retrohandhelds]

3566 will best this in performance, but it won't play systems this one can't. Technically, 3566 CAN emulate GameCube, kind of, but like, 5 fps, nothing playable in my experience. So yeah, they play the same systems in real-world use.

[@pierre1509]

@retrohandhelds Thanks a lot for the input. It would be very helpful if reviewers always mention resolution and overall FPS when stating "such system is supported". IMO too, many regions using PAL, a game running 50fps at max screen interger scaling should be considered as "perfectly" supported.

[@pierre1509]

But for PS1 upscaled to 480p, the H700 is enough, right ?

[@bolman125]

does the stock os have something similar to the quick swap or quick resume from onion/garlic os?

[@BoosterBear]

No

[@bolman125]

@@BoosterBear thanks!

[@retrohandhelds]

Unfortunately no, the closest thing is the history option but it's not as good. -Aish

[@ttg889]

I like this better than my Miyoo Mini Plus. I'm just waiting for GarlicOS to be compatible with this!

[@Chairemy]

I am purchasing one, with four 8bitendo keychain mini controllers to have a retro console as well. Here’s to hoping the N64 emulation will improve enough for Mario Party and Mario Kart.

[@retrohandhelds]

Mario kart works it'll just stutter when you first load the game, but after that it plays just fine. -Aish

[@crgradium]

@retrohandhelds do you think the melonds core would have enough performance for the pokemon DS games? I would really like to buy this device as a dedicated pokemom machine, but only if it supports retroachievements. Sadly, drastic doesnt support it so i would need the melonds core

[@retrohandhelds]

Unfortunately no the melonDS core just doesn't run well, even games like phoenix write have issues. Maybe once we get CFW but I wouldn't count in it. -Aish

[@crgradium]

Damn, tough luck. Thank you for your answer though, you cant find any information about melonds on this device right now

[@BenRK90]

I picked this up as a companion to my Steam Deck, but I'll be honest, I kinda wish I went with the older model. Better community support, and I already have a Steam Deck. It's cool this can play Dreamcast and N64 games, but I'd rather play those on my Steam Deck! But I 100% prefer playing GBA and down on a handheld that looks like a gameboy. And I can see myself playing PS1 RPGs on it too. But the old model can play PS1 too. But that's just me and my situation. I have it now, and it would just be a waste of money buying the old one when I already have the new one. Live and learn!

[@retrohandhelds]

It won't belong now before all the CFW support comes, at this point it doesn't look like the original model will see a lot of updates. The plus has 4 CFW options coming: onion, MinUI, MuOS, batocera. -Aish

[@javontedonuts1034]

Hey @retrohandhelds i have been having problems with dragon quest on the stock os using drastic emulator where the screen moves and mess up gameplay do you know which os plays it perfectly?

[@retrohandhelds]

I cant fully recommend any other OS yet, but it's probably a settings issue in drastic. -Aish

[@javontedonuts1034]

@@retrohandhelds thanks alot batocera just released a new update with drastic control mapping I'ma check it out

[@AjaxeSSS]

Hmmmmm this guy speaks so much sense.

[@retrohandhelds]

I appreciate that. -Aish

[@piercewiederecht5135]

Can anybody say whether the stock OS updates are worth going through all the hassle? Right now, I’m probably not changing anything until Garlic is fully ready. Btw, I still get the traditional Anbernic false diagonals.

[@retrohandhelds]

The latest update was fixed to only need a 16gb SD card. I would say considering the bug fixes it's probably worth it, I'll test it out in the next few days. -Aish

[@piercewiederecht5135]

@@retrohandhelds well they sent me the one with games on it even though I didn’t ask for it. So I’d also have to slap together a ROM card. I’ll just wait until Garlic or Batocera is ready and fully using hardware acceleration on the graphics.

[@trentca]

How do I get garlic is on my rgxx35 plus. All demos for download is for the regular rgxx35

[@retrohandhelds]

I would wait a little longer since it's still in alpha, the stock OS is still the better option for now. -Aish

[@alexanderpapoli-barawati7569]

If I start to play games on the stock OS, will I be able to transfer the savestates to any custom OS?

[@retrohandhelds]

Unfortunately no. -Aish

[@_marta30_44]

I transferred the Pokemon Ruby save file from the SD card I had on the RG35xx (non plus) with GarlicOs 1.4.9, to the SD card of the RG35XX PLUS with StockOs... And everything works correctly and I resumed playing from the point where I saved. So I suppose you can then pass the StockOs save file to a other operating system.

[@mikeh.9954]

I tried the software update last night using the G drive link & it wouldn't extract correctly ... . The 5 part, 60gb image is odd.

[@retrohandhelds]

I mention in the video that you have to delete the 00* numbers at the end to get it to work. Make them all the same name with just different parts. -Aish

[@mikeh.9954]

@@retrohandhelds Great nfo! I tried that but didn't have alot of time. I'll try again this week.

[@Alevdheijden]

I had the same issue, like he says: try naming all files the same and then extract. Although I’m not really sure how I can name 5 files the same..

[@AA-yl9ht]

@@Alevdheijden Probably has file extensions hidden. When you download the folder from google it names it like *-007.001 and *-004.002 If you have filename extensions hidden you're only going to see *-007 and *-004, then when you rename them they all look like they have the same file name because the numeric extensions are hidden.

[@Surai00]

I'll never understand companies in this electronics space releasing products like they're a platform, and then waiting for the customers to make it usable. It's all the problems of Beta-release video games, now in electronics. By the time the "PLUS" features become usable, there will be a new product that is superior at a better price. It's silly that people buy unfinished products because they want to collect everything that comes out.

[@00cerberus1]

Anbernic rg35xx plus or miyoo mini plus or powerkiddy rgb20s?

[@retrohandhelds]

I don't like the rgb20s layout and at the end I give reasons why you could pick the miyoo mini+ or the 35xx+ 😁 -Aish

[@purpasmart_4831]

R36s with the screw behind the dpad loosened.

[@niteknight2170]

I got this for my nieces Xmas present.. .I hear this device must be tweaked with before playing, she's not very tech savvy. Should I send it back?

[@retrohandhelds]

Sorry I completely missed this! No you should be able to play most things without having to adjust anything. -Aish

[@rahulnaik2424]

Hey im new into these kind of handheld games..i dont understand os and all i dont either know what to buy as im new..just tell me what to buy mm+ or 35xx or 35xx plus..for long term

[@retrohandhelds]

What games are you looking to play ?

[@rahulnaik2424]

@@retrohandhelds I have ordered rg35xx plus and im hoping that without any problem it would play some psp games Nintendo64 games and is there any lifespan for such handled?

[@Xo_low]

Can you use this on the 2024 xx

[@retrohandhelds]

Use what exactly? -Aish

[@JS-fm3xg]

Best color?

[@retrohandhelds]

That's tough, I have a gray 35xx but both the white and clear black look great! 🤔 I would say gray or clear black.

[@zomgitsgabe1687]

I ordered the one with the 128gb card and my Apps folder only has 3 options. Also, mine didn't come with the N64 emulator. Some games don't work for me either such as Metal Gear for the PS1. Anyone else have this problem? Is this common? This is my first handheld emulator. Wish I also had Donkey Kong, FFVII, FFIX, and Chrono Trigger on here.

[@retrohandhelds]

For N64 you have to use RetroArch. Metal Gear issue was fixed by adding a new core option in the latest update. -Aish

[@zomgitsgabe1687]

@@retrohandhelds Yea I can't find N64 in Retroarch either. And as for Metal Gear, it just doesn't load in both Retroarch and the game room. The screen is just black when I try to boot it up.

[@fredericfurtif7371]

@@zomgitsgabe1687For n64, just add a game .n64 in /roms/n64 and launch retroarch. For metal gear, ps1 version, there is an update for this bug 20231212 :)

[@JaydensSweatyGstring]

How do I put ddlc love on my Rg35xx plus? I can’t get it to work

[@retrohandhelds]

Put it in the PSP folder on the SD card. Once you're back in the game room menu launch another PSP game, once you're in close it to get to the PPSSPP menu. You should see it in the games under the SD card in that menu, unfortunately the stock OS doesn't recognize it as a game so you have to open it from PPSSPP. -Aish

[@JaydensSweatyGstring]

Thank you, I will try it tonight

[@JaydensSweatyGstring]

I can’t find it in PPSSPP, I’ve looked in everything

[@JaydensSweatyGstring]

I only see the folder in files

[@JaydensSweatyGstring]

I figured it out, thanks

[@Mr-Yuki]

how does this stack up against the R36S budget King?

[@retrohandhelds]

Performance should be very comparable, it really comes down to the size and if you want the analog sticks or not. -Aish

[@wulf2863]

no wifi on r36s

[@ashwin.unlead]

Still miyuu mini plus > rg35xxx just for the amazing dpad it has.

[@retrohandhelds]

That's fair, dpads are very important. -Aish

[@TatinMZ]

Can it play new super Mario bros?

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah it can!

[@everythingexpress1o16]

putting wholesome and Doki Doki in the same sentance is ironic lol.

[@retrohandhelds]

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to notice that 😂 -Aish

[@MarkRichardson-yb3zp]

could barely hear the video on mobile devices, might wanna upgrade that mic, but great content.

[@retrohandhelds]

That's strange, I just checked on my phone and didn't have any issues. I normally test the audio with headphones and speakers, and my mic is a Shure MV7K so that can't be the issue either. -Aish

[@Oddy91]

It has to be your mobile device unfortunately

[@mohitvalecha7499]

How to buy in India

[@retrohandhelds]

Links in the description -Aish

[@mohitvalecha7499]

@@retrohandhelds couldn't found any links for India

[@pino_de_vogel]

i want one but after shipping and taxed and the likes its over 110 bucks here... thats pretty much to much and then there are other options with better ergonomy nearby. royal pain in the ass so i hope availebility and prices get a lot better or they can keep it. And the ABXY layout is retarding. first thing i would need to do is change it in software if possible to swap AB and XY and open it up and swap the buttons out of possible. and on top of that the grey version has it printed on the console so thats a instant hard pass plus the X is dumb on it. looks like a H......

[@retrohandhelds]

The current layout makes the most sense for the games it can run. 110 is way more than anyone should pay for this device. -Aish

[@erickyanez5304]

I wonder if you could play spelunky on this 🧐

[@retrohandhelds]

You can probably get the port working. -Aish

[@megahozer13]

Anyone else watch this in 1.25x speed?

[@retrohandhelds]

Sorry it was one of the first times I was using a script and I went a little too fast. -Aish

[@curtissscraig]

Your content is great but you talk way too fast for me.

[@retrohandhelds]

I'll try to slow down in the future, thanks for watching I appreciate it. For this one maybe using CC or slowing it down to .75 speed ? -Aish

[@retrogamingnmore2513]

I had this same issue if you slow it to .75 speed it's easier to watch

[@northsouthy74]

You talk too fast and hard to understand, slow it down man

[@retrohandhelds]

Sorry about that, I switched to writing a script for this review and unfortunately I read it too fast. It won't be an issue in further videos so I hope you stick around. -Aish

[@dmtmediabrothers]

U can slow it down it in the youtube settings

[@northsouthy74]

@@dmtmediabrothers Yep, that's what i did

[@badajoz711]

@@retrohandhelds no worries, your work is much appreciated, including the great script. Easy fix to slow you down via the settings this time 😊

[@AdamBA380]

I usually watch review videos on 1.25-1.5x speed anyway so he saved me the effort of changing it 😆

[@jamesmin2837]

It's difficult to hear you speak clearly. Slowing down may help.

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah thats been a complaint in this video, I'll be sure to do it from here on out. -Aish

[@joshs100]

Can you please speak slowly and clearly.

[@retrohandhelds]

I'm not sure what happened in this video but it's usually not an issue, if anything I've been told I'm too laid back on other videos 😂 But thanks for watching! -Aish

[@joshs100]

@@retrohandhelds ok, yw

[@The_Invisible_Man]

You should slow your talking down a bit. Peace.

[@retrohandhelds]

I usually do this is the only video of mine where it was an issue, you should check out some of my other ones 😁 -Aish

[@zyxyuv1650]

I'm sure its fine for some people but there's no way in hell I am ever buying a handheld with 1 speaker.

[@hapachew4600]

I only play with headphones so it's NBD.

[@zerog456]

It doesn’t bother me at all.Reminds me of an over powered gameboy from my childhood.

[@retrohandhelds]

It doesn't really bother me that much, but I understand sound is a huge deal for some people. -Aish

[@wulf2863]

Then you would never have a gameboy

[@jupiterbullish2520]

Didn't the original game boy only have 1 speaker

[@WelshDag]

Had to stop watching, interesting content - but the speaker needs to slow down and work on his diction

[@robhulson]

It’s hard when you’ve taken the time to make a video and put yourself out there. Here’s a positive way to state it: We are actually interested in what you have to say. It’s OK to slow down, we’ll actually enjoy your content more if you do. Relax. Your information is great, make sure we can understand your words clearly because they’re worth hearing.

[@retrohandhelds]

​@robhulson thanks Rob! Yeah adding pauses I think is a helpful thing for pacing, I often forget to do that, we want to keep the audience attention, so this is fantastic feedback to hear. - Stubbs

[@robhulson]

@@retrohandhelds I’m glad it was helpful. It’s the mushiness of the delivery where words were stuck together that made it difficult to understand. Easy to fix, it was something I had to work on in my own communication style so it’s easy to recognize when I see it. I’ve got my Plus on order, waiting for shipment, so I’m scouring everywhere for content!

[@AishRios]

​@@robhulson I'll work on it. I appreciate the input, I don't speak English most of the day so the switch can be a little tricky sometimes. -Aish

[@Sir.YeetusIII]

I thought it was fine

[@MrMattCow]

dude can you talk slower

[@retrohandhelds]

I normally do as you can see if you watch my other reviews, I'm not really sure what happened on this one. -Aish

[@HenAndPenn]

Exactly what I needed right now! Thank you good sir. Looking forward to Garlic 🧄

[@retrohandhelds]

Glad I could help