RG351MP - The best Handheld 2021? Deep Review, Features, Gameplay and Comparison

[@Cyko..]

I have numerous Anbernic devices and this one is the king of all of them that use the same chipset. I also have a modded Vita and PSP but I find myself reaching for this to play retro games more often than Sony's products.

[@user-ke7nc8zq5e]

Do you have the RG552 ? Is the 351MP better than that one ?

[@user-ke7nc8zq5e]

Cuz i dont know whitch is one is better to buy as a gift but worth the price

[@Cyko..]

@@user-ke7nc8zq5e I do have the RG552 and it is much better than the RG351MP because it has a better processor, bigger screen, and can boot up in either Linux or Android. I do like the build quality of the RG351MP better because it's solid and metal. As I said in my original comment, the RG351MP is the best device using the chipset it does.

[@Cyko..]

@brand old I haven't had any issues running those systems, and I am an old school gamer so I installed even more than that. The screen is a nice 640x480 which is perfect for a lot of retro systems, and if you want to do Gameboy Advance you can change the settings to core provided so it doesn't look boxy. There is a guy called Retro Game Corps that did a whole video on the device and how to add filters and all that. Great channel.

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, i can tell you that the console runs all Nintendo consoles and handhelds up to SNES absolutely perfect. It starts struggling with some demanding titles on N64.

[@muttakinc2281]

So excited to get mine something so soothing about having all these retro gems in your hand on one console!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Dude, your production is off the charts, extremely well-done! Agree with all your points, screen looks great, lack of internal WiFi is a miss and HDMI Output would have been nice. I'm so ready to see a new device based on something other than the rk3326 or jz4770 😎

[@MashTec]

Absolutely yes! :) i hope Anbernic‘s PM is watching some KZbin videos, so get to know what the community wants ;) I saw your video too. Great job there! And i‘m glad we share the same opinion about this one. I have high hopes for the RG552.

[@andywood1069]

The black for this device makes it look classy, the blue and mint stand out too much, and for me look to distracting.

[@MashTec]

Absolutely! This classic matte black just looks and feels great 😎👍🏻

[@anderssorenson9998]

Yeah, when I heard green I was picturing more of a standard anodized deep green which would look amazing and since I intend to use it mostly for Playstation I still have my original crystal green dualshock and it amazingly still works after twenty something years.

[@chemicalspore]

This video is so professional, i swear its an add.

[@MashTec]

Haha 😂 thank you for the flowers. I take this as a huge compliment :*

[@chemicalspore]

@@MashTec i just bought this, better be good

[@MashTec]

You won‘t regret it my friend. Enjoy your device!

[@firemalbar]

Thx for the tip for scrapping image to new rom freshly added 👍🏽

[@MashTec]

You‘re welcome my friend. I‘m glad you liked it ;)

[@lexbeltran1354]

I think I'll keep my RG351V for now😀

[@MashTec]

That‘s absolutely fine dude. I wouldn‘t change either if i had a RG351V. Enjoy it!

[@cyberluke]

This is same what I have on Raspberry Pi 4. But it does not play MAME games smootly and even not some PSP games (Midnight Club). In the end I got a PC (Intel core Quad) with modded AMD driver and Sony PVM TV and output it on these. The interface is exactly same. I can hook up original gameport joystick via USB or use Playstation 4 dualshock over Bluetooth. These devices will be good, when they have real power. For example try Outrun for MAME or Windslammers or Ridge Racer.

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, thanks for your feedback. I agree, these devices still need some more power to cover more retro systems like PSP, SEGA Dreamcast, Gamecube and maybe also PS2. But, i think it‘s coming as you can see by the RG552. Still, this device is good enough for all systems up to PS1, everything runs smooth with it ;)

[@TechToyTinkerCompany]

Very nice video. Thanks for mentioning Retro Arena!

[@MashTec]

Sure my friend! Thank you for your feedback and your great work. I really appreciate all your efforts for the community 👍🏻

[@TechToyTinkerCompany]

@@MashTec happy to help.

[@dariuscurry7396]

Honestly with the release of the Adam Image, I'm not sure if this device is that much of an upgrade over the RG350M.

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, for 90% of the games i play (even PS1 titles) the RG350M is absolutely fine 👍🏻

[@Pridetoons]

For full speed SNES and PS1 emulation as well as a solid list of PSP, N64, and Dreamcast games yeah this is definitely a huge improvement. Also GCW Zero clones can't play every PS1 and SNES game at full speed.

[@comeatmebr0o]

@@Pridetoons if you had to pick the best handheld for snes, n64 and PlayStation what you recommend?

[@MashTec]

I‘d recommend to wait for the upcoming Retroid Pocket 2+. It will be powerful enough for N64, PSP and Sega Dreamcast (including SNES and PS1).

[@TheDeadlyTikka]

This body with a hdmi out and enough power for perfect N64 and Dreamcast emulation would be perfect

[@MashTec]

Yes yes yes :)

[@Heliocentric]

All we ask for is a durable, lightweight 4:3 handheld with 480p IPS display Bluetooth, wifi, and HDMI that can play all 4:3 games at 60fps for $100. Is that so hard to manufacture? /s

[@MashTec]

Yea dude, we all wait for that day :) would be the PERFECT device. I‘d not need anything better than that for a retro gaming device 👍🏻

[@anderssorenson9998]

.....also maybe a slightly bigger screen.

[@gemibo2114]

Hey, i love quality of this video. Just minor thing though, if you could make your voice a bit louder than the music, that would be perfect. Otherwise, good job! You've earned yourself a subscriber :) Yeah, having no wifi is a bummer for a premium handheld. Especially when we can do OTA, retro achievement, and netplay. Despite of that, i think rg351mp is pinnacle of rk3326 device for playing retrogame: snes, genesis, gba, ps1 and fba/mame. Plus the size is just right. Above that, we already have ayn odin that take care of it quite nicely (solid dreamcast, psp performance. Playable gamecube and some of ps2 game)

[@patrickvanderpoel1075]

The RG351M has a serious problem with the input. It's very hard to go diagonal. Maybe causes by the metal frame? Does this RK351MP model has that issue too? Or is diagonal input one of the things they fixed in this model?

[@F83.M4]

Is this a know issue with a lot of them or all ?

[@MashTec]

Hey Patrick, thanks for this info. Let me try this on my model. Does this happen using the Analog stick or the D-Pad?

[@highdesertbiker]

I bought custom cards for the 351MP do you know if they will work for the 353m?

[@iferballes]

Very good video. Thanks!

[@MashTec]

You’re welcome! Thank you very much for your feedback dude. I‘m glad you like it :)

[@brenthenry1151]

Have you looked at the Retroid pocket 2+?

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, absolutely a very interesting device that has great potential to be the next best handheld in this category. Unfortunately i haven‘t got the chance yet to order one.

[@anderssorenson9998]

Wondering how much of a ball ache it would be to replace the USB A male connector from a WiFi adapter with a USB type C connector.

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, i wondered the same. How can this not just exist?! I don‘t think it requires rocket science to invent this 😄

[@anderssorenson9998]

@@MashTec Since it's mostly phones that have type C probably not much call for a wifi adapter in type C. Might be a fun project to try to make one though.

[@MashTec]

Yea, good point with the cell phones. Still, it could be a great benefit for any other device with USB c but without Wifi ;) invent it and i will be your first customer ;D

[@joshlayman7217]

Does it have Castlevania & Castlevania Legacy of Darkness in the N64?

[@glovedcop69]

As he was showing the games the way the font is it cuts of the entire title..is there anyway to adjust that?

[@mehdibabin5139]

[RG 350M] Hi Mr Mashtec ! Thanks again for all the help last year, it gave me an amazing gaming experience. But I have a problem, without doing anything wrong or at all (and never any update), my battery bar has been stuck at "-1%", from full charge to battery shutdown on Simple Menu "menu" (by default). Do you have any solution or can you help me ? Take care, Mehdi

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, nice to heat from you :) Ugh, that sounds really strange to me. I‘ve never seen that before. If you leave simplemenu and check the battery status in the main menu of the stock fw? Does it work there? Just to sort out a problem with simplemenu or your hardware.

[@KungPowShrimp]

Can't wait for mine to arrived. But with the port issues... I'm not sure when I'll get it.

[@MashTec]

Fingers crossed dude! I hope you don‘t have to wait too long :) enjoy!

[@ohwii]

moin, Did you compare the RG351MP to Retroid Pocket 2+. Which one would fair better?

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, unfortunately not. I‘d love to compare them, but unfortunately i don‘t own a Rerroid Pocket 2+ to compare them. Compared by the naked data i‘d say that the Rerood Pocket 2+ would win the race. It comes with internal WiFi and Blietooth, both have the same screen and performance (incl. rumble feature, vibration motor). It might also be a matter of personal preference if you overrate the metal housing. To me, this is not a significant point. I prefer internal WiFi and Bluetooth to connect external controllers over it. In addition the Retroid Pocket 2+ comes with Android 9 and supports touch screen input. Another personal thing are the shoulder buttons. From my point of view they look way more handy on the RP2+. I hope this helps :) Have a nice day!

[@ohwii]

@@MashTec cool. Your thoughts really helped. I would agree with your assessment. if you make a comparison please let me know. I really respect your skill and what you brought to the scene. your guide in adding the wifi to the RG351P still is very important. keep up the work.

[@MashTec]

Thanks a lot my friend. As soon as i finished my work on the house i‘ll be back for you guys ;)

[@johannbarker11]

Great device, but my Open Bor folder in the game isn't working... Any advice???... Thanks in advance...

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, are you running the stock image on your device?

[@johannbarker11]

@@MashTec YESSIR. The thing is the first time I played with the device I got it to work, then, when I tried to play it again, I got an image that said "open open Bor ;" but the games list nor the games never appeared again.

[@MashTec]

Hey Johann, that‘s really weird. I never seen this happen before. Other systems/games are working? Did you try a reset of RetroArch in the menu. I‘m stepping a bit in the dark here.

[@johannbarker11]

Hey sorry for the delay; I don't get notifications. No I haven't ; and I haven't a clue as to how to hard reset the system.

[@johannbarker11]

I'll try that/figure it out (yes I'm a caveman 😂😂) later 😂

[@luizbrasi]

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

[@Spencer-865]

Could you make a gaming pack in a large size for the RG351MP? I was noticing your video right before this one for the older model in 128gb. Do you think it would be possible to do a 512gb for this one? I got a 256gb coming but don't trust off brand cards so I bought a Samsung EVO Plus 512gb for games and Samsung PRO Endurance 128gb for the OS. I'm new to theses unit yet not emulation. BTW, I noticed we bought the same color I was hoping to also find a carbon fiber skin. Black on carbon like my 3DS and Switch. Anyway, Thank You for your reviews, thoughts and opinions.

[@MashTec]

Hi Spencer, thanks for your feedback dude. Unfortunately i can‘t make Gamepacks and publish them here, since this is a very gray zone in terms of legality. But it‘s very easy to find roms your own in the net. Google will find you all necessary sites you need :) For the case modding i can recommend you Sakura Retro Modding www.etsy.com/de/shop/SakuraRetroModding. If he doesn‘t have a case mod, noone else has it ;)

[@sirzebra]

@@MashTec Hey man, is the AIO image you describe in your previous video (RetroArcade) compatible with this model (MP) ? I just bought one that's on it's way, and wondered if if the complete image you presented would fit all 351 devices from anbernic, or only the P model. Sorry if it's a dumb question, i'm brand new to these devices. If not compatible with the MP, could you somehow "hint" at rom finding discords or sites that are considered as the best from the community perspective ?

[@MashTec]

@@sirzebra Hey dude, this is not a dumb question (many people asked for it), but unfortunately the RetroArcade image only works for the RG351M or P version (not the MP). Since the MP is pretty new there are not many released custom firmwares out there yet (RetroArcade image is based on ArkOS firmware), so there is no image for it.

[@Dramure]

Does final fantasy 7 run on it? How about final fantasy tactics? Both ps 1

[@MashTec]

Hi my friend, yes, Final Fantasy VII and tactics run perfectly fine on this device. I personally play FF7 atm on it. It‘s one of my favorite games ever :)

[@sugar_papi7905]

Can you help me to decide which one i get,this one or the new rg353?

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, it depends on what you like to play on your device. If you like to play systems up to playstation (max. N64) you can go with the RG351. It performs perfect up to these. For everything above that, you may wanna go with the RG353 (and maybe for the more ergonomic layout). I hope this helps

[@sugar_papi7905]

@@MashTec thank you so much

[@MashTec]

You‘re welcome!

[@yobtar]

Is there a way to send the device to a TV to use like a console?

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, not in an easy way. Unfortunately, the device has no dedicated TV-out (e.g. HDMI out). I experimented with odroid351 firmware and installed a screen mirror app to forward the video signal via WiFi. It works, but but a bit of lag. Since i‘m not using 351droid as default firmware i don‘t use the tv-out as well. I personally don‘t miss TV-out too much on a handheld.

[@papabearpapaboo]

You PREFER the volume wheel?!?!? The fact that they changed it to buttons is an UPGRADE. I can’t tell you how many times I accidentally slid the volume wheel while playing…

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, that never happened to me. It‘s very low profile to prevent it from accidentally changes. I prefer it being able to change the volume more quick and more precise.

[@piero914]

Volume wheel is definitely inferior imo. I'm with you.

[@SensibleChuckle]

I thought OTG does video out? Doesn't it just need an adapter?

[@MashTec]

Unfortunately not dude. OTG stands for USB On-The-Go and allows a device to be in host- or slave-mode. Like that, you can connect Keyboards, mices, USB sticks, WiFi adapters and so on. But it can‘t forward a video signal to USB. This requires explicit support by the device itself, what these handhelds don‘t do.

[@SensibleChuckle]

@@MashTec thanks for the response

[@MashTec]

@@SensibleChuckle sure, you‘re welcome.

[@glovedcop69]

Man I love mine...it just sucks that there are no third party accessories such as a clear case protector.

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, yea it‘s a beautiful device that looks and feels very much high quality. There is no protective case for it, but at least it come with a screen protector for free ;) the metal case itself should be very durable.

[@glovedcop69]

@@MashTec yeah that's true..and thank goodness it does cause I can't even find any third party screen protectors

[@EvilNick81]

I can't get past the fact that they use a cheaper screen with a lower resolution than on the 350 ...for me the 351 v is way better !

[@MashTec]

Yea, no need to change if you own a RG351V. That‘s a great device! The RG351MP is for the ones who prefer landscape orientated handhelds. Enjoy!

[@jonchapman4072]

very comprehensive.

[@MashTec]

Thanks for your feedback dude! Very much appreciated.

[@austinjt4264]

I do want 551. But I hate cheap Android. I'm worry it doesn't last long. Anyone have suggestions???

[@mariquesalexander5190]

Is that marvel vs capcom 2 on there?

[@MashTec]

Yes, it is my friend :) Btw: Marvel va. Capcom 2 runs like a charm.

[@zhenreview]

Can it support ps vita game?

[@MashTec]

No, there‘s no such emulator for it. Sorry!

[@buster5661]

Was it worth the upgrade?

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, nice to see you here again ;) Honestly the display is great but i can‘t recommend the upgrade for the current price. If you own a RG351P/M i would skip this one and wait for a next generation model. This one is still a RK3326 model. A model we see for a long time now. A new generation will come soon, so i would skip this one or get a cheaper RG351M or P would be my suggestion. Enjoy!

[@buster5661]

@@MashTec Thank you! :)

[@MashTec]

@@buster5661 You‘re welcome!

[@mbjac]

Retroid pocket 2+ ftw

[@Heliocentric]

James Bond Zero Zero Seven Lol -cute

[@MashTec]

🙈 sorry for my bad english. I‘m willing to improve it :)

[@Heliocentric]

@@MashTec it's "James Bond Double Oh Seven"

[@MashTec]

Thx dude! I‘ll keep that in mind.

[@Beyondesp]

As much as the abernic company is great with build quality, they are not innovators on chips so far. Everyone just copied the odroid company's rk3226 system . Thats why most of the retro handhelds usuallt use old android chips as they can use the open source android os for them. With that said i did get the rg351mp because i did want a metal pockatable retro device. I have a odroid go super but the buttons are not great. I modded that into a metal case but its a little too big for my daily commute.

[@MashTec]

You got it to the point dude. Everybody is tired now of all these RK3326 chipset based handhelds. But i‘m sure the era is over now :) The next handhelds that will come, will have a next generation chipset. Still, the RG351MP is a great device and worth the buy for the screen. Enjoy your device and have a great time!

[@Beyondesp]

@@MashTec and the screen on the rg351mp is definitely beautiful. The odroid go super screen is just a bit brighter and more vibrant, but both of them are much better than a lot of other devices i have tried.

[@coolperson4283]

Its the same Rockchip that's been around for past year and half. Why even bother anymore? Nothing to see here.

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, unfortunately it is still the same chip :( it‘s a bummer and i mentioned that clearly in my conclusion. I wish they cane along with a stronger chip to give us more emulation performance. The screen is a beauty, but that doesn‘t justify the price and maybe not even an upgrade (if you already own a previous model). I hope i made all Pro‘s and Con‘s clear in this video.

[@coolperson4283]

@@MashTec The video was totally fine, the product was not. Your in depth review is much appreciated regardless. Keep up the good work, man!

[@MashTec]

@@coolperson4283 Thanks man! Appreciate your honest feedback.

[@MexlycanFilmico]

Its the same CHip as the rest cant play N64, no PSP, no Dreamcast......so nothing new inside. We need a new chip, a real powerful one that can handle at least all of the above.

[@MashTec]

I‘m 100% with you my friend. I hope Anbernic see‘s the comments and reacts. I don‘t want to see another RK3326 device anymore. I bet the next model, the RG552 will come with a different SOC. Let‘s see and hope.

[@Pridetoons]

The RK3326 devices with Batocera, ArkOS, and RetroArena builds can play a large list of PSP games, and a good amount of N64 and Dreamcast games. Just yesterday I was playing Banjo-Kazooie at mostly full speed on ArkOS on an RGB10 with the Stand Alone rice core. Also RetroRun has improved the N64 and Dreamcast performance tenfold from EmuElec.

[@adam-xt8te]

Reupload without music, please

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, thanks for your feedback. I‘ll keep that in mind for the next time. Sorry for the music being a bit too loud :(

[@paulakram9916]

Ola! 🌼😄

[@MashTec]

Olá amigo :) enjoy!

[@Pridetoons]

You used Emuelec which isn't much of a "Deep" review.

[@MashTec]

Hey dude, sorry to not match your expectations here. What i meant by a deeper review is that i took more time to show and explain the device, point out major features like Themes downloader and the Scrape tool, show you how and where to add roms, make a comparison to the previous RG-models,… this is mich more than you get from other "reviews" about this device. I hope you still got some extra value out of this review my friend.

[@Pridetoons]

@@MashTec Yes, but not showcasing ArkOS, Batocera, RetroArena, or 351ELEC doesn't showcase what the device is capable of in terms of performance and games you can play.

[@MashTec]

@@Pridetoons Sure, i might have shown this, but these firmwares are still in development my friend. Only beta versions that still have bugs and not showing full performance yet. In my opinion, it‘s too early for such content. I rather wait until i can show first releases of these firmwares. Otherwise i show development states that might leave a wrong impression of the images because they are not finalized for a first release version yet. I hope you understand.

[@dbl0xpress22]

OK.. just howbbig a dinosaur is the narrator of this video, I have to ask because he made such a useless point until it began to echo in my head like someone asking for this thing to make a frappacino while in full throttle gameing mode. HE said that he 'would feel a lot better about a volume wheel' ..in a pocket size portable gaming console? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but volume rockers are here to stay, wrong guy to review this console !!

[@ultimathule9939]

Rp2+

[@squiddymute]

i really don't get it ..why people spend so much money on devices like these when for 200$ you can have ps vita which can play everything plus ps vita games and has a better screen and build quality.

[@quatjohn4375]

I think it’s personal preference. The RG351mp has that metal finish that some might prefer over the plastic Vita or even Switch however, the buttons on Vita I think are hands down better. The Vita comes with built in WiFi however the RG351mp has native Micro SD card support. The Vita plays it’s own games but it seems the RG351MP does a bit better with emulating Saturn and Dreamcast and of course the price difference. The vita you might get used/refurbished for $200 while the RG351MP is $170 brand new

[@grimmreaper3533]

I have 3 Vitas. The Retroarch experience on it for emulation is not great, borderline bad. 351 Elec has better game performance, and looks much nicer with scraping box art, video clips, maps, and being able to launch into a game straight from a screensaver video. Love my vita's, but they can't do all that.

[@squiddymute]

@@grimmreaper3533 if you are in the category of owning 3 vitas and an anbernic then you are something more of an enthousiast, by all means buy whatever you like. The vita is always going to be the vita, anbernics are going to be replaced with better anbernics. In other words there is a collectible value to it compared to random china-made consoles. And I still believe that the quality of the vita is superior as it has been tested for 10 years now. If anbernics went for 100$ tops then yes they would be worth the buy. For 150$ (not including taxes shipping) it's a big no for me. Still my personal opinion. For anyone reading, these are the facts you may choose the best solution for yourselves. One other reason I don't wish to buy these consoles is android ...but that's another story :)

[@MashTec]

Very good summary of personal preferences dude. I fully agree!

[@cyberbillp]

I bought my RG350M to play coin-op arcade games. Could a PS vita do it? Maybe...... I got no idea. I just wanted a coin-op hand held.

[@knowledge-Revive]

But can we play Fortnite on it?the real question

[@MashTec]

Yes you can! It‘s possible via a tool you can install to your device called Moonlight. Like that, you can play (almost) any PC game on your RG351xx

[@robsonhazuki]

Esse chip rk2226 ja era!!! cansado

[@MashTec]

You mean RK3326? Yes, i‘m tired of it too. But, the good news is that the new era starts right now. We‘ll see a lot ne chip based handhelds from now on my friend :)

[@mrbutchee1]

Why do I have a feeling you copied another reviewer for almost word for word.

[@MashTec]

No idea what you are talking about dude. I make all my reviews my own and invest a lot of time for it. Feel free to post a link to the video you talk about and we can check what you say!

[@WilL-eo5cz]

Hater mindset

[@mrbutchee1]

@@WilL-eo5cz yep I be hate'n, it is what it is. Don't get your girlie panties all wadded up.