Anbernic RG35XX Family Starter Guide

[@Chris-vd7dk]

A 10,000 word written guide on top of a 47 minute video. Russ, we all thank you for the work you put in!

[@JeremyRicketts]

Thank you for these videos and the written guides. There were multiple times I was blocked on something during setup of my RG35XX+ and something you created helped me get unstuck. The quality is just SO ridiculously high. Keep it up!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for the support, Jeremy!

[@PikaRaichupikapika]

​@@RetroGameCorps if I bought a 2nd one of these can I trade with myself from FireRed or leaf green to Ruby sapphire or emerald? What's the requirements? Could you do a video on this model for pokemon GBA trading

[@juntobeats22]

“Do you really wanna do this?” And you’re gonna say: “Yeah man, I wanna do it”

[@IndubitablyRetro]

At this point, it’s his official motto.

[@juntobeats22]

@@IndubitablyRetro I know 😁🙏

[@MidwinterEclipse]

lol my favorite

[@nickfromohio6032]

This is my official motto now as well haha​ @IndubitablyRetro

[@bam099]

Sunday came early! Thanks for getting this out while you could!

[@RetroGameCorps]

I just finished editing it and figured, why wait? :)

[@Drivenby]

@@RetroGameCorpsare you sir working on vacations???

[@samnite3]

x2. I was sad when he said Sunday lol. Thankfully, I have pretty much already set mine up with muOS following the other available guides on youtube and the official site/discord. I would be interested to watch Russ go through a muOS-specific guide though to see if I missed anything.

[@itranscendencei7964]

*FOR PEOPLE USING KNULLI WITH A SINGLE SD CARD:* The ROMs folder will not be accessible on Windows because the partition that it's on is formatted to ext4 (not readable by Windows). You can reformat the SD card to exFAT *after first boot* by going to Main Menu>System Settings>Frontent Developer Options>Format a Disk. Then select exFAT for the file type, run it, and then restart. You will be able to access the ROMs folder on Windows now, but you might lose support for some Port Master games (which I *highly* doubt many people will care about). I don't know what you can do about the video guide at this point Russ, but this should really be added to the written guide at least.

[@oddyxnuff]

I thought I was going crazy...THANK YOU. I tried everything and couldn't figure out why I couldn't assign the partition to a drive letter. EDIT: Spoke too soon. Still can't access the drive:(

[@itranscendencei7964]

@@oddyxnuff If you're still having issues, then I would just reflash the drive, and then immediately reformat the drive to exFAT through the device. Also, make sure to look for the partition that's labeled SHARE. That's the one with the ROMs folder.

[@oddyxnuff]

@@itranscendencei7964 i reflashed it probably 5 times last night trying to get it to work. i eventually gave up and went back to v40.

[@PSNVenOmZ]

I haven't started this yet but do I need to re format my SD card if I'm using a two card set up? or will the second card with the games on it just work fine?

[@itranscendencei7964]

@@PSNVenOmZ I think you are good with a 2 card setup.

[@GASQBDUV]

Regarding the USB C charger situation, the SP model does accept a PD signal, but the chip that negotiates the powerdraw is for a better word borked. There is a real possibility that the unit will catch fire. So for your own safety, ONLY USE A OLD POWERBRICK THAT ONLY SUPPLIES 5V, 2A OR LESS. Even if a fast PD charger seems to work, don't use it.

[@palody_en-ja]

Yeah, the battery gets pretty hot using Quick Charge (it even felt like the battery was expanding), then I learned about the issues with charging. Probably cheaped out on capacitors.

[@zachcarmichael699]

I've been using my Dell USB-C laptop charger with no problems so far...

[@cangel8563]

Well that's reassuring

[@jordansickel6523]

It supports usb c to usb c chargers but still is only rated at 5v@1.5a charging. So no sense in getting higher watt chargers

[@washuai]

I didn't even use anything but A to C & my 35xx-H was fine for two days, then discharged, then stopped charging. Aliexpress CuteLivingStore have absolutely sucked on the refund front. Until Anbernic modernizes the charging, this issue they aren't worth the risks, IMHO. I've got other things not handhelds that A to C, or micro, going strong for years. Idk what is wrong with Anbernic

[@thiagoaraujos]

Russ, have you noticed stuttering on the stock and stock mod operating system? Please, watch Taki Udon's "We need to talk" video at around 4 minutes to learn more. Stock is a no-go for me because it does not even run RA games well. I noticed the stuttering even before watching that video.

[@damnpinoy]

Does anyone know if the RGXX35 SP with Knulli still shows the “GameBoy SP” footer for GBA games? That was one of the more appealing features I enjoyed with the stock OS

[@damnpinoy]

Just installed Knulli on my RGXX35 SP. Can confirm the "Gameboy SP" footer does NOT appear with this OS

[@Elkenders]

This isn't a starter guide it's a finisher guide! A GOLDEN GUIDE!

[@semirionu]

BE GONE VILE MAN! BE GONE FROM ME!

[@jesusmetal92107]

I AM UNTETHERED AND MY RG KNOWS NO BOUNDS!!

[@6times374]

Some minor problems with Knulli on the SP: - WiFi doesn't connect after restart. Have to enable /disable. - No sleep or quick shutdown on lid close - Volume seems to reset on reboot - controls wrong on several emulators in retroarch - Retroarch settings not saving correctly. But it is amazing, and my top choice.

[@Tsouga]

Oh Cool, my RG35XX H just came in the mail today, and I was looking for your Setup guide. How convenient!

[@Ziscor_]

It makes me so thankful that you're a part of this community, helping people weigh every option that has this SOC. A kind of video that you weren't at all obligated to do, but it does so much to help someone who is just getting any one of these devices right now. Thank you, Russ.

[@milesmilesmiles]

I thought my RG35XXSP was busted in some way because none of my hot keys worked. I read the manual, googled it, messed with settings, looked up a bunch of Retroarch stuff. Turns out I was using the left menu mentioned at 08:51 instead of using “RA Game,” which is the right menu. Now everything works.

[@benzymatic]

"Now I couldn't find the 'Any' key on this device but I think the 'A' button works just fine"... Russ 😂

[@charlesgriffiths4901]

My 35xx plus arrived today so this is perfect timing. Excellent. Gonna be hard to say goodbye to my 350M after 4 years of use.

[@johnnunley8551]

Where did you order from?

[@pietrosc354]

Thanks Russ! Finally the SP arrived yesterday, this guide came out just in time!

[@Ŕụṣṣṣṣṭ]

Since I bought a Miyoo Mini for my son and then found your channel, I've bought an RG35XXH and a Steam Deck and I'm finding myself playing the RG35XXH more, it's just so good for retro gaming, even with stock OS!

[@Zaapiel22]

I'll share a Batocera theme set up I have that I think works really well with the 35xx H. Theme Set: AX Slidemix Gameslist: Newstyle Grid Size: Automatic Style: Black Color: Purple Font: Medium Video on Carousel: Enabled Background Style: Random Grid Image: Thumbnail Video Snapshot: Adaptable Box Art Style: Cover I hope this helps someone.

[@scr1pted_0]

thank you! commenting so I don't forget

[@BlueNumber1]

I made my own theme, transparent ucons, boot, shutdown, battery charge etc but ended up using muOS anyway for portmaster. GTA VC at constant 60fps is peak. My system theme makes it look like jts a PSP.

[@legolucasolves]

I LOVE the RG35XX SP

[@mrp1zz492]

Same! I got 1 and now have 2 others on the way😂 I love it a little too much apparently

[@stevenharper4160]

Lol mine hasn't even arrived yet and already want another 😁

[@X862go]

I'll take the H 100%

[@StarmenRock]

I heard it heats up like crazy and the shoulder buttons are terrible. A shame they didnt slap two 3ds circle pads on it too

[@StarmenRock]

​@@mrp1zz492that kind of attitude weirds me out... are you even gonna use them? Thats so much consoomer ewaste

[@thehasinhafiz]

Patting myself on the back for watching a 45 min long guide on a bunch of handhelds I don't even own.

[@fuzzycuffs]

I think the reason the devices don't accept the usb-c to usb-c charging is that the device doesn't support usb-pd so never sends a handshake to the brick that is expecting it to determine how fast it can charge. The older usb-A ports don't have it, and your power strip's usb-c port probably also doesn't have it, so they just assume 5V3A

[@X862go]

RG35XXH is the best one 💯

[@LCast31]

Your video about rg35xx is just right on time. My rg35xxh is coming from the mail today. Information overload . Your video's easy to understand. 👍👍 good job, russ. You're such a gem in the community! 🤝

[@siebernator9982]

Change your microsd immediately The blue kioxia card failed after one restart it immediately bricked my rg35xxsp i ended up having to replace it with a Samsung 64gb and 32gb sandisk to get it to work

[@skykinghorn]

Perfect timing for RG35X H coming tomorrow.

[@edwardbell8771]

You’re going not want to put it down

[@Saitamacz34]

Great stuff again really. Russ, no pressure here but counting on you with the new RG Cube too 😀. For me it will be a game changer to be able and play 3DS games on the 1:1 display, but only the boss will tell if I was right to buy it day one, that was yesterday 😅

[@TheBrokenMountainBiker]

Drink and a snack was required for this video! Fantastic guide though thanks.

[@mikehorton6433]

The work you have put into giving us a one stop channel with definitive guides into setting up these retro handlehelds is phenomenal. Keep up the good work, you're helping the gaming community relive their childhood and introducing gaming history to the new generation 👍

[@samnite3]

I have been enjoying tinkering with muOS on my RG35XXSP. I think that once the HDMI out, bluetooth controller support and auto-save/auto-load with power off/on get ironed out it will replace my MM+. I will miss gameswitcher on OnionOS but the clamshell form factor is what I have always wanted and not having gameswitcher will force me to focus on finishing one game at a time.

[@coruno95]

Thanks a lot for this great video! Just got my RG40XXH as a total beginner up and running with Knulli! Just a small remark: didn't find it quite as easy to just drag and drop the roms since Knulli is putting up quite different folders and folder names than Anbernic (also much more differentiated). A small guide to which Anbernic folder matches with which Knulli folder would have been greatly appreciated (though one can find a lot of helpful information on reddit).

[@ghallium-jv]

I have this console since 2 weeks and i'm still not sure what custom firmware is suited for me. Knulli's UI is kinda neat but i have problems with some roms, there's this "partition thing" and i didn't find where i can activate scanlines and bezels for GBA and other systems. Didn't like MinUS either. I think Stock OS is still the best for me but this UI... urrkk. Hope modded OS will be better at that.

[@jamesrose6302]

So, can you give me some advice. I tried change the first micro SD card from Garlic OS to try Knulli and I was unable to turn on my RG35XX, tried a few things for hard resetting and nothing. Popped Garlic OS back on the card and booted instantly. How do I go from Garlic OS to Knulli? 😊

[@jber8904]

It's unfortunate and/or funny that Knulli sounds very rude in my mother tongue Swedish - it's basically the F word, in the most practical sense, so to speak. Not sure yet if this makes me more or less inclined to use Knulli when my RG35XXH arrives

[@perkulant4629]

Can’t think of anything worse than achievements in my old games. I hate them in modern gaming. They are pointless. “Level 10/100 achievement unlocked” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@adamthediceabide]

Fantastic video! Do you have a firmware suggestion to set up one of these devices like you did for the kid-friendly ArkOS installation? I think these devices are perfect for kids, that ArkOS configuration really helped mine.

[@joeym4090]

Thank you for taking the time to go over this tutorial. I want to add that for Knulli on the 28xx, I am not able to play any Dreamcast games. I think I read somewhere that Flycast is broken for the 28xx. I could be wrong. Could you please let me know if your Dreamcast works using Knulli? Thanks.

[@WelshDag]

Really annoyed - got the RG35XX Plus the moment it was announced as my first ever handheld, and then the H model came out (which for me would have been perfect)

[@toycoma98]

I just got my order from anbernic today, SP black and blue. I already dont like the stock os. Thank you for this. Samsung micro sd card has the most capacity compared to other brands.

[@arjandotorg]

I’ve got HDMI working on muOS. There’s an option to enable it in the settings. And when using Retroarch, you can even get HDMI Audio by changing the audio output to HDMI in the Retroarch settings. Love your video’s, my man!

[@AnPc2046]

Russ, I am trying KNULLI on my RG-H but the main reason. I want to try it out was for the BT audio and for the life of me I can't get to work at least that feature, can you do a video to show us how you did it? If you already plan on doing a video in depth about CFWs on H700 chip of Anbernic's devices.

[@go0ot]

RG28XX has bluetooth though. But only for controller, just not audio bluetooth? IIRC.

[@BansheeNornPhenex]

I do like the price point of rg anbernix stuff but i already spent $700 on rog ally and $250 on analogue pocket lol

[@Grey_Knight3]

You are seriously such a gift to this community! Thank you :)

[@boostedmedia]

Excellent! Have 3 of these for myself and kids and been wondering what the best config is for ease of use for them. Thanks Russ :)

[@Logical]

I now use batocera, should I change to knulli? Sadly the startup time is no different.

[@rafaelochoa9776]

Vimms lair gotten taken out. Other sites will be too soon. All these handhelds will be bricks soon

[@splokfake4715]

A literal toddler could manage to figure out torrenting what are you talking about

[@arturhirsch2908]

Thank you for the great information, could tell me how those devices handle shaders? Because depending on the shader those can be quite taxing for a device. Im especially interested in a rg35xx plus in combination with a crt shaders.

[@quikzero]

Something to note is that Knulli works best with port master if you have the game partition/card formatted to ext4. That will make it so Stardew Valley saves and other ports that require save data will work. Also if you're running shaders on the handheld mode and plan to use HDMI out to a TV, it will take a huger performance hit on the TV, so remove shaders for HDMI out gameplay.

[@fauxtool952]

I watched the whole thing. Now I gotta do it

[@renereiche]

Can Knulli use Screenscraper to get art and movies?

[@TrevorX3]

HUGE! Just got my xxSP and was hoping to find some optimization tips. Thanks Russ!

[@SyphistPrime]

I actually recommended these devices to my coworker who seemed interested in a retro handheld. If he goes through with it I'll definitely send him this video.

[@saucymods]

The RX35XX-H is the best of the family.

[@Jadisons]

The regular RG35XX is probably my favorite out of the entire family, just so pocketable and travel-friendly.

[@Harvard_Fairway]

I agree with you. The original is amazing

[@ht5_]

I just got the SP, but haven't even touched it because I knew you'd come in clutch with an excellent starter guide. Thanks for all the hard work and dedication for your craft, Russ!

[@ultrasquid579]

I love MinUI but really missed the higher-end systems and apps, so learning about the MinUI addons pack was really exciting.

[@jackescales]

Hi

[@andys_gameroom]

This is fantastic. Thank you so much! I have the OG 35XX, the 35XX Plus and the H (Really love the H and the build quality). I've been using Knulli as my main OS and it's just great. I love being able to scrape right on the device. I'm holding off on the SP, waiting until an updated device comes out to fix the battery/CPU location and clicky buttons, but it's really difficult to wait. My nostalgia is with the OG Gameboy, though, so I'm pretty happy. I appreciate the time, attention to detail and how you are able to relay the information to us. You have a real gift for this, and thank you for the videos you give us.

[@DudeNerdFail]

Do you have a link to the game consoles and the bluetooth controller?

[@KawikaLee408]

A video or really detailed written guide on native pico-8 would be awesome! specifically for knulli but other cfw if easy enough

[@BinauralBae]

I'm not a smart cookie. I'm just a raisin cookie passing as a chocolate chip cookie

[@mattk120]

I can’t download the modded stock OS because the download quota has been exceeded. Is there any other way to source this?

[@MOlsen603]

I ran into this but if you download the update_package folder containing the update it bypasses it

[@BlazeHN]

What about my snack and drink?

[@jonnni41]

The biggest thing I wish I would have known getting an RG35xx H is there is software side, analog stick angle snapping at the kernel level that is therefore present in every CFW that make the joysticks feel more like a pressure sensitive, 8 way stick (All CFWs are currently based off of Anbernics original kernel from what I understand). I asked acmeplus (Creator of Knulli for RG35xx) about it on Ko-fi and they told me that since module/driver for the gamepad is built into the kernel, there is no easy way to override this and so we will probably have to wait until we get mainline linux kernel support going and start seeing CFW based on that, which may take some time. There is a video out there where someone replaced the analog sticks with known good hall effect joycon replacements, and proved that it is indeed not the analog sticks themselves, but the driver built into Anbernics closed source kernel.

[@GameOver_Jay]

Yeah it really sucks. But mainline will be a really fun time to be around these cfws. Going to get better sticks, much better sleep, and so much more.

[@BornIntoThis20]

Thanks for the clarification, wasn't sure if it was the joystick or else

[@RovingGnome]

Since first getting into this hobby, "kernel" is one of those words I keep hearing thrown around now and then and I still haven't figured out what it means 😂

[@BornIntoThis20]

@@RovingGnome Kernel is the name of the godddess that animate the soul of the devices. All nerds worship her, so should you

[@GameOver_Jay]

@@RovingGnome as far as I know it's like the building block of the device. So anbernics is like say version 3-4 and main will be 6-7. So much newer and better to work on. A group of people are basically building the structure from the ground up and makes my brain hurt lol.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

I want that Surge Protector which exact model is it? 8:13

[@RetroGameCorps]

Here you go: amzn.to/3xg420L

[@jonathonearl482]

The stock ANBERNIC firmware is the best, in my opinion! I also managed to install two 1TB micro sd cards in both my RG28XX and my RG35XXSP! I use Team Group Pro 1TB micro sd cards. Around 60 bucks each on Amazon when they are on sale.

[@MatElFidel]

I swear if you weren't already vaguely familiar with the RG35XX, just trying to explain the difference between the different anbernic devices makes anyone sound like they're speaking in gibberish with all the RG's and the XX'es

[@MattNeary-l4h]

It continues to say "NOT CONNECTED" after signing into my WiFi. Does anyone know why it would not be working? It is finding the network, and I can 100% confirm password is correct, because I tested signing in on other devices with success.

[@robclark4962]

I've found Rufus struggles with larger micro sd cards. But there is a Windows version of Etcher also

[@madmyc6836]

Ah the Infamous “any” key. I believe it’s on the back side of the turbo encabulator right next to the blinker fluid tank underneath the flux capacitor.

[@ScottyNelson-d2w]

Can't wait for your rg40xx h review

[@UnknwnMelody]

As soon as my rg35xx plus came in the mail today this video popped up. Good timing!

[@joelsebastiansilvestri9005]

love the console, which cfw will u use? or stock os

[@UnknwnMelody]

@@joelsebastiansilvestri9005 ended up with modded stock Os till I get another SD card to replace the cheap one they provided.

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

Very well produced. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@3up3rn0va]

The custom support on these things is amazing! Idk how these people make this awesome software for these devices but I freaking love it. I have MUOS on my new Rg35xxsp model and it’s great! What’s with tech companies and silly product names lol 😂

[@Space_Ducck]

26:45 thank you for a great starter guide. I like how you include this step to fixing an SD card that wont read on Windows, I came across this issue a few time when setting up CFW for my RG35XXH and learning this step was defiantly helpful.

[@zalz]

The sp and rg28xx are really fun to play, glad to see things looking up for the technology of the hobby. It's improving

[@driftingbreath]

2 minutes ago gang, let's go 🎉 I've had my 28XX for a few weeks now and absolutely love MinUI on it, been waiting for a video like this to see what else is out there!

[@Dylannhofer]

After owning a few other handheld emulators (Retroid pocket, miyoo mini, and a powkiddy) I’m finally getting my first anbernic, the RG35XXSP this weekend, and this video couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you for ALL of your dedication to this community Russ!

[@alexmurat673]

Estoy por recibir mi Anbernic RG35XX H en unas horas, así que este vídeo me vendrá de maravilla. Gracias, Retro Corps 😊

[@morterox2]

Will you do another one when we get the holy garlic grail?

[@joningram8733]

Great job Russ as always. Keep up the great work you do to give us the knowledge and tools too keep gameing alive.

[@justinpenrod88]

Ive had an RG35xxH for a few months now, but i have been wanting an RG35xxSP so i just ordered one. While using muOS, am i able to swap my microSD card straight over from my H to my new SP? Or will i have to setup and reflash an all new micro SD card for my SP? Thanks for your help, ive been digging to find an answer

[@bond281283]

I have two controllers which I used with the stock OS. After flashing KNULLI, I tried to connect the controllers manually. My controller did show up in the list, together with other Bluetooth devices nearby. When I press A button to connect my controller, it never finished and the devices on the list disappeared one by one. Then there’s a connection timeout on the side of controller. Does anyone has similar experience? Any solution?

[@TheRootko]

Anybody else has the issue with KNULLI (on RG35XXH) with ports? GTA: VC was running at about 5fps for me. It's running great in MUOS...

[@Robogumm]

Hi Russ, For a newby here. Would you buy a RG35XXSP or a RG35XX-H ??

[@pmsr1980]

Awesome video. Because of your videos I' m a proud owner of an Anbernic RG35XX SP. I' m on stock firmware and I've tried many combinations. How to access Dip Switch configuration to add blood in Metal Slug NEO GEO, modify dificulty settings etc?! Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@spiralings]

how the hell do I "forget network" on stock software. My work wifi is annoying af and needs an extra click which I of course can't do on device... and now I can't undo it to connect to phone hotspot to do retro achievements !

[@calebrasak6941]

If it weren’t for your content I wouldn’t have bought one of these systems. Thanks for your hard work!

[@theamazingsauce5762]

Thank you so much for this video. Just got the Anbernic SP and was able to get KNULLI all setup. On to shaders and overlays!

[@SaadKhan-rc8yx]

“Couldn’t find the any key” haha

[@artificialunderground]

Waiting for GameCube/Wii 100% playability and analog sticks at this size! Hopefully by the end of the year

[@zackbob6]

My SP has cleared customs! Update: IT ARRIVED!!!

[@boredalucard2526]

Great guide, thanks

[@madmommy]

Would love to see a video on how to change the boot screen? Found the file location, but unsure how to change it in the OS. Sticking with modded stock for now, I struggle for some reason with Batocera, although I might purchase another sd card and load it with Knulli and see how I do. Also, glad you covered that bit with the computer not recognizing the sd card and renaming it. Ran into that one myself and it sure had me flummoxed!

[@BuzzaB77]

still rockin my OG 351V Woodgrain thanks to you. Love it.

[@Estaran]

Perfect timing! I was going to update my RG35XX Plus to Knulli this weekend, as it is currently running an old beta version of Batocera (v39-dev-1ce91c1ac7 dated 2024/01/18). Is there an easy way to keep all the settings I already dialed in? /EDIT: Just realized I am using a two card setup, so everything *should* be saved to TF2, iirc. :D

[@Tugennov]

Help please! ROMS on the second SD card not showing up. Thanks for the great video; you do amazing work! I'm using muOS with a two SD card setup. My second SD card is a ScanDisk Ultra 200GB card that is formatted exFAT. The folders set up on the second SD card show up in muOS, but the ROMS in those folders do not show up. I have refreshed the file system. Any ideas on how I can fix this? Thanks again.

[@-Airwalk1616-]

@Retro Game Corps I had a quick question, with MuOS, on installing pico8 natively, the guide says use the pico8_64 & pico8.dat files from Raspberry PI. That's all fine. But then it says for the binaries for 32bit on V10 you need pico8_dyn & pico8.dat. So do this additional pico8_dyn file need to be also put on the muos/emulator/pico8 folder? What does it mean about these 32bit binaries?

[@WillC1020]

Currently updated my RG35XXH to modified stock os. This will make it easier to update going forward. When my RG35XXSP arrives, I may try Knulli as it looks pretty good and has HDMI and Bluetooth support. Eventually once MUOS has more support I may give it a try.

[@MyCigarReview]

Just got a RG 35Xx plus.. pretty sure the SD card finally corrupted on me, for now it just gets stuck on the booting/splash screen that says anbernic.. sadly I don’t have a computer and I’m not savvy enough to know how to flash the SD card myself.. I’m highly upset. I was thoroughly enjoying the console and now I feel like I have an $80 paperweight lol.. which sucks even more because I know it’s fixable but I don’t know how..would almost be willing topay somebody to flash it 😅🤦fml