RG353M Review - My NEW Favourite Handheld

[@aluzza2541]

I was very close to ordering the RG351mp as my first retro handheld but then this one randomly showed up as a new product and I decided to wait for reviews. Now I'm certain this is the device to get and I cannot wait to play!

[@obvious_giraffe8386]

A new one will be released before yours would ship

[@RGGeek]

@@obvious_giraffe8386 That’s true for pretty much every new retro handheld.

[@Appofeoz]

Same as me, but finally i bought ps vita.

[@shaolindreams]

I got a RG351mp as my first retro handheld it has been great.. But yeah i think i caught the bug so i will be upgrading to something new in future.. I definitely would choose this RG353M if you had your finger on the RG351mp buy button.

[@L337g4m3r]

@@shaolindreams Considering the odd screen resolution on the RG351 and the perfect integer 640 x 480 and 4:3 ratio on the 353 it definitely is much better for emulators. I would upgrade. I am going to upgrade from the RG350M.

[@dankind64]

Great vid. I don't own a retro handheld but every one of these videos makes me want to impulse buy one 😂

[@glennshoemake4200]

After owning RG350M and RG351P, I'm super happy with RG552. I always found the screen is to small on the RG3xx series and the 5 inch screen seems like the best compromise for usability and portability.

[@wckdclwn4life]

How's the psp emulation on the rg552?

[@glennshoemake4200]

@@wckdclwn4life Actually quite good from the Android side, most titles play 2x resolution except the harder titles and I find Saturn plays best out of Linux.

[@MrScottyTay]

start and select buttons BELONG on the front of the device, the amount of games where you need to press them a lot means that if they are ever elsewhere on the device it makes the action an ABSOLUTE CHORE. I also really like the pads on the back, much better than if it was just bare in my opinion. Function over form is always better.

[@AlphaLinkX]

I got the Retroid Pocket 3 recently, and I really hate that it's up top. It makes no sense and I've honestly thought of giving it to a nephew and getting an RG353M...

[@RobloxBigAvatar]

Don't get a 405m

[@MrScottyTay]

@@RobloxBigAvatar didn't say I was going to...

[@nathanellingsworth6111]

I've had my eye on an Anbernic device for a while, but after this video, I think I'll have to finally dive in with this one! I love the build of the device, and running Dreamcast games is a huge bonus. Cracking video!

[@RetroDodo]

Do it Nathan, it’s a great device! Thanks for watching.

[@localnemesis94]

Is it preloaded with PS1 games too?

[@chrisabboud3949]

Ordered. Thanks Brandon for your honest reviews. Too often reviewers don't want to anger makers in fear they lose access to their "free" stuff, but I love your IDGAF attitude.

[@brandontadday6288]

My RG353M arrived earlier this week. It’s been a lot of fun learning the ins and outs of RetroArch and trying out the different firmwares that are compatible so far! It’ll probably be my main handheld until 6th gen emulation becomes more stable on affordable handhelds.

[@davidcastro7324]

Does it play N64 games

[@LumbyMcGumby]

This is exactly what I've been waiting for good job anbernic I'm sold

[@Lux210]

Always hesitant to give Anbernic any money when all their devices seem under powered. I like the look of it but there's always better options for around the same price. Great video as always!

[@ryecatcher25]

Agreed. I am not one of those that is waiting for full PS2 gameplay, but i think its crazy that a 170 dolar device with shipping cant even play full dreamcast. We arent talking about 70 dollar handhelds but 170 dollar handhelds. I knew i would be disappointed so I will wait.

[@franciscojrosero]

I bought 2 Ambernic RG350. It was my truly favorite but by accidemt it fell from my backpack and of course, it broke. This bought only 7 months ago. Been my fault , I bought another one, which broke in less than 3 months. I tried to contact Ambernic and the only thing I got was silence. This are cheaply made handhelds, even if they look sturdy.

[@ryecatcher25]

@@franciscojrosero i can understand somwthing that costs 60 pr 70 bucks breaking in less than a year but the high prices they charge now are too risky.

[@father042]

Because their devices have higher build quality and better buttons and screen than Retroid

[@skycloud4802]

They have the design absolutely nailed, so it's really frustrating that they don't do better internals. I'm not saying decent PS2 emulation has to happen today, but it would be nice if they made strides towards it year by year.

[@arvilhoward1601]

Thanks for your honesty. Because of this video mine has been ordered.

[@peterd7009]

Thanks Brandon !! Got the purple one coming to add to my collection.

[@RetroDodo]

Awesome choice Peter!

[@father042]

And in a few months they are gonna release an updated version

[@RobloxBigAvatar]

Even better

[@nukular9]

Fantastic articulation, killer review. Mine is on its way!

[@jimmerseiber]

I'm so glad to hear this man. Thank goodness you made this video.

[@Bluefusionuk]

Got the blue one on the way, can't wait.

[@RetroDodo]

Great choice

[@RocketLeagueSworst]

Just got the rg351mp like 4 days ago lmao I'm excited to see it's got a better version cause I love this thing! Such a good purchase. The wife and kids all want one, my friends see it and want it.

[@highdesertbiker]

sick man I have custom cards for the 351mp u think they will work for the 353m?

[@RocketLeagueSworst]

@highdesertbiker I was wondering the same as I spend 100 bucks on a loaded s.d. I'll give it a shot an let you known

[@noeventura-ut6xo]

The way this man informs viewers is awesome I don't see his videos pop up in the KZbin shorts

[@SWPLGAMING]

I knew you would like this one bro👍🏾thanks for the awesome share 🔥🔥

[@SailorMercury6449]

I want to like anbernic, I really do. I recommend them to less savvy users because they come preloaded with Roms. But I don't care if they're back in your good graces, any company that blacklists reviewers will never get a dime from me, especially when there's better competition at better prices. Anbernic also needs to stop with the RK chipset. All they are doing is releasing dozens of handhelds that are functionally identical with slight variations for absurd prices.

[@g4lines197]

What would be a good handheld for up to ps2

[@Aaron-lr1di]

@@g4lines197 Steam deck

[@Dean-st7bw]

You say there is better out there and for a better price? I am 52 disabled from pain. And am trying to find a plug n play console or a preloaded handheld that can connect to the TV so that I have something to do daily. I mostly like RPGs. What would you say is the best preloaded unit out there? I unfortunately bought the retroid 2 plus and then realized I have no clue how to get emulators or roms for it. So there went 115 dollars. Hopefully you give me the answer I am looking for on what to get thanks. So far I have been looking at the king with 117000 games. The one with a skull and green eyes and the anbernic 353 v with 35000 games.

[@_Majoras]

@@Dean-st7bw if you're looking for a handheld to connect to the tv you're better off getting a preloaded plug and play console

[@Dean-st7bw]

@@_Majoras which one? The only two that might be worth buying are the king with 117,000 games or a chuwi larkbox j4125 with 120,000 games and plays PS2 and beyond supposedly. What plug and play that has a great selection of RPGs do you know about?

[@gemibo2114]

Idk how many comments that i put on their page to make a successor for RG351MP because this is their strongest product line. RG351MP is near perfect for me, i just want the successor to keep what make RG351MP great but have larger bezel, wifi, hdmi, and ability to play up to DC/N64 without hitch. And here's RG353M which answer that. It's my first anbernic handheld that i purchased and can't wait for it to arrive!

[@RetroDodo]

Lucky you!

[@grimlock8369]

Looks great. So you can pair bt ear buds for car trips with the kids?

[@johnsducks9816]

I would be interested if they put the chipset from the RG505 in this shell, as is I do like it but think it's overpriced for what it is, definitely would be interested if the price drops.

[@simmzfour]

Good and honest review bro. Might grab one for one the go.

[@goldensparrow7124]

Does the HDMI work well?

[@cliffordmandela1895]

I need this but with a larger screen while keeping the same aspect ratio. Great video!

[@N0mad1600]

This is my first emulation handheld. Basic question: What is the fastest / largest micro SD card the RG353M will support?

[@TebiCr]

I really like Anbernic consoles, although I hope they could start using different names for their series, something easier to remember, because R34568 or whatever the names are, are confusing and hard to remember in my opinion

[@greenweevil2021]

First two digits are the screen size. Last digit is the chip. Ie rg353 is 3.5 screen, 3rd chip upgrade. So if they came out with something called rg553 I would immediately know its a 5.5 inch screen with the same chip as the one in this review.

[@HanzoHimemiya]

RG350M was the phrase of "if ain't broken, don't fix it"

[@suhtangwong]

My dad's motto is, if it's broke, then keep using it.

[@kirtonphilip1234]

Epitomizes

[@STR82DVD]

Damn you Brandon! I had just finished my Christmas wishlist. 😉👍. I'm down with this handheld lad. Great critique as always my friend.

[@KrazzyKlown]

With the design of this moving so far in the right direction, how tf did we end up with the fugly rg505?

[@thelastwindwaker7948]

I'm still loving the RP2+, particularly for the stick placement, but dang if that shiny metal shell doesn't make a strong argument.

[@TechToyTinkerCompany]

On this we agree. Retro Arena will be released tomorrow ☺️

[@steelsandgaming]

Thanks Retro Dodo!

[@tylerdurden783]

I think the Retroid Pocket 3+ will take this crown before the end of the year.

[@mike24kb]

will this run Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights on PSP?

[@polaris911]

would be nice if he talked about the OS. Does this have a real sleep mode? Seems like Miyoo Mini w/ Onion is the only handheld with a real sleep mode

[@victorkortov9702]

So where do you guys get games for the console and OS? Thanks

[@2nd-place]

I want a $249 version with a slightly bigger OLED display, faster processor, larger battery, and I don’t need so many card slots and top ports. Just give me an SD card slot and USB-C. Maybe headphone jack if you must but I just want to use my AirPods Pro. Make the speakers sound a little better and make the back grips larger and color matched or black.

[@TheCoolDave]

I have Steam Deck, that is my PRIMARY emulation device. I do have Miyoo Mini for when I need to go someplace where a big Steam Deck won't fit, and the deck is NOT pocketable. The problem with the Mini is it's very limited on what it can play, my Vita was much more powerful. This looks like exactly what I am looking for, a device around the size of the mini but, much more powerful, that I can drop in my pocket on the go... I'll admit one feature I love on the Mini with Onion OS installed. No matter what I am playing, if I need to stop, I can hit the power button, it takes a Save State and shut down the device, so when I start up the console again, and play the same game, it's exactly where I left it. Amazing feature, I need every portable to act like this. The ONLY thing I got to figure out is how to sync saves between devices... that would be epic... Play a SNES game on a device, switch over to the deck and I am exactly where I was....

[@xVizzY]

Just orderedine from AliExpress , was a bit concerned as I've not heard of the website before , is it reliable?

[@finnwheetley7353]

I have like 30 of these (probably more) because once a month the best one ever pops up. I've decided to just spend my money on modded original consoles. They'll still be worth something next week.

[@JulianWongQinYang]

Hi there, will you pick this over the retroid pocket 3 performance wise?

[@Advisor17]

5:30 What the hell, I thought the game screen on the RG353V was photoshopped on or something until I saw it move. It looks so much better than all the other handhelds shown in the video, including the one currently being reviewed.

[@jwill7998]

No N64 testing?

[@salitz91]

I understand the metal frame and a couple things that make it your preference, but why pay the same price as an RP3+? It can easily pull the PSP performance over this one, and dip into moderate GC/PS2, game streaming, and android gaming. Not trying to be a naysayer, just feel like price/performance is inferior and don't feel like that was addressed well in the video. That said, glad Anbernic is putting out a decent product, and hopefully the 505 delivers.

[@berict]

Form factor form factor form factor

[@alexbratov3095]

Is it better than retroid pocket 2+ performance wise?

[@gimbleguy]

Thank you for showing PSP games like the God Of War. What handheld would you recommend that can play the God Of War PSP please

[@L337g4m3r]

Can you install other emulators into the Linux side? What is compatible? Is it a standard linux or something like Dingux?

[@SynergyLondonElectrical]

Evening mate Iv really got into watching your review and wanted to ask a few questions. I wanna buy a handheld for the first time and want to play games like Pokémon red, blue and yellow and even games like goldeneye on n64. What handheld would you recommend being from London and is it easy to learn how to put games on these handhelds if Iv never done this before? Thanks.

[@AfaqDraw]

Nice vid!

[@whateverwrks8409]

Thanks for the awesome video. I don’t have a handheld emulator yet and I’m looking to get this one. I’m new to all these so I’m wonder, does the rg353m come with everything ready to play out the box?

[@RetroDodo]

Yes, but you will have to install your own ROMs

[@nealhammersmith8798]

I love my RG353 basic. I love the SNES controller. The downside of the RG353M is the orientation of the shoulder buttons. The RG353 did this better.

[@IvanHernandez-km8ky]

Do they already come with games

[@sleepdemon0]

This is so cool,i wish i could get one,also you should mod a ds lite into a gba,i think that would be a great video idea

[@gingerone3801]

I have the RG351p and it’s great, however I find the screen too small for anything other than GBA

[@fayazara]

What mario game was this at 6:23? It looks different than the one I have played as a kid?

[@janmalicki4773]

super mario advance 2

[@DovahkiinChild]

Do games come preloaded on this handheld?

[@KovanNova]

Been playing with mine for quite a bit and I wanna know was anyone else dealing with any audio glitches with Dreamcast games? Specifically Sonic Adventure? Everytime i was near a car in the hub world or on of those spinning top enemies their sound effects were loud as hell to the point where i couldn't hear the level music.

[@kartmaneric5392]

Great review!! How does it work for NDS games? I was watching your older reviews and you mentioned the older version wasn't the best for NDS games. Has there been any improvements?

[@gamerdude612]

It's crazy how many of these retro handhelds have come out in the last few years I been watching your videos since the Digiboy Revo K101 my first one was the Pocket Go 1 wanted more power upgraded to the original RG350 and caught the bug I have so many of these handhelds I love my 351MP still play regularly I been trying to control myself and only buy if it's a significant difference this one looks great but I don't know if it's worth it right now if anything I'd get that Snes controller looking one just because I love the looks I really enjoy these videos even if I don't buy all of them.

[@tylerschmitz1816]

I feel. if u play n64 ps1 or dc it's worth the upgrade to the chipset I have the metal rgb10 got a rg353v and preformance is so much better I'd rather play gba with shaders and 2x for 95% of n64

[@tommyjeygaming6579]

Is it possible with the RG353M to play GB, GBC and GBA Games in Multiplayer (link cable Support)? Thanks for the always good videos.

[@davidseddon2157]

Just bought one of these after this review, thanks Jonah Hill!

[@RetroDodo]

You’re welcome.

[@michaeldemers2716]

Nowadays I expect Bluetooth connectivity for my Beats. Finally.

[@Praisestothemosthigh369]

I got this and the 353 v and the 35xx! I have a steam deck but I find myself using these devices way more then my steam deck !!

[@aerotraveldji]

Which super mario game was that, on the DS, where Mario is giant?

[@WitchDoctor87]

I'll stay with my RG280v and I look forward to another version of the RG280v sometime in the future.

[@Cyko..]

Nice, solid, and honest review. I own the RG351M and RG351MP. This one seems very nice with its smaller form factor and logo removed from the front. I wonder if you could remove the white select and start words with nail polish or WD-40?

[@lucagardin2827]

Hey guys, I am fairly new to retro portable consoles. What would you recommend? I wish to buy something at an affordable price which preferably could run up to ps2 or at least ngc

[@Endr29]

Are the Legend of Zelda DS games playable on this device within Android?

[@shmel9335]

Saturn, N64?

[@Mcchickenwithmayo]

Can it connect to tv

[@dazjones1666]

Will my 351elec card for my rg351p & 351m work in the rg353m ?

[@herbert21able]

Rp3 + is around that range of price but could run ps2 when it’s out could you do a comparison? I just got the rg353v and I’m loving it but this one looks pretty good too… what do you recommend?

[@Scitch-et4vk]

This is the best retro handheld if you ask me

[@qazwsxedc12345678991]

Do they play 3ds games like Pokémon white or Luigis mansion

[@LovelyAlanna]

when they first released their rg552 with a wider screen and stuff I was like no people, that's not what we want, we want the RG351mp but with new more powerful guts so we can play all n64 dreamcast and psp games with no caveats, this with some god of warsy exceptions achieves just that, in the form factor we desire

[@ryecatcher25]

Ok but it doesnt play all dreamcast games perfectly. It requires frameskip. Maybe thats good enough foe you but not me.

[@mr.jcclark4758]

Should I buy a pandora box?

[@rosss6108]

This may be unusual but could I buy this , disassemble it and spray it white? All my tech is white and I want it to match my Xbox and Pc , I want to recolour the casing without affecting the buttons or screen

[@ondrej1893]

If I buy this, what do I need to do to optimize the experience and games? Should I for example somehow replace their SD card with some good one? New OS? More games?

[@gabrielnepo]

Great review as aways Brandon, and seeing you praising an Anbernic device is a great sign of anbernig returning to the quality that make their name in the past years. The only problem with this device as I see is pricing, with Retroid Pocket 3+ coming at just 10 bucks more, I think it's greater value for my buck.

[@EmergencyChannel]

Pocket 3+ build quality is hit or miss and the controls don't feel as good imo.

[@gabrielnepo]

@@EmergencyChannel agree with the built quality shown by Pocket3+ although the major part of reviews I've seen were positive on this regard. But it seems anbernic itself added to this discussion in pricing the new RG505, which imo is way better a deal, even with a plastic body.

[@conpeo]

I love my RG350M, I love the fact that I can emulate Atari 800XL games on it. After over 2 years of having it I'm looking around to see if I can upgrade. Would 353M be a good upgrade?

[@RetroDodo]

Yes if you love the metal form factor.

[@brunan-gi147]

Does anyone have dirty screen effect/tearing/stuttering in games scrolling vertically? It happens in JELOS but only on 8bit and 16bit systems. Super annoying and I cant' figure out how to fix it. I have reinstalled JELOS and tried changing emulators but no luck. Does not happen on stock firmware...

[@kuqezi294]

How does it work with Nintendo 64 games ?

[@duckhive]

Will we ever get a screen size larger than 3.5" for 4:3 devices?

[@paolozago6123]

This is very difficult because of availability of displays: it seems there's a lot of 3.5" 640x480 displays on the market, while a, say, 4" 640x480 or higher resolution doesn't exist and it should be built on purpose. Not impossible, but for sure it will be way more expensive.

[@darkastronaut2603]

Greetings. Two questions please. Are this metal consoles immune to rust? Do they get hot when you play them for a while?

[@darkastronaut2603]

@Retrododo564 What reward and how to claim it???...

[@japyoo2248]

Can it use Bluetooth audio?

[@floydhayes]

Good review thanks! A couple of questions : does it come with games already built in…and is one of those games Dune Battle for Arrakis ? That would seal the deal for me :)

[@nsrosenqvist]

How is N64 on Linux? Can the device handle it?

[@zaiking123]

Brandon can you review the Retriod Pocket 3+ ?

[@RetroDodo]

Yes we will try and get one in.

[@tboatrig]

Really feel like the power reset need to be on top. Then maybe put the headphone on the bottom, and the function on the side.

[@sprdrums]

How does it do with 64? All I want is n64 on the go

[@arifrahman3314]

I saw this being sold by anbernic on aliexpress, with 4000 games. But another seller is selling this with 40000 games, is this realistic or should I stick to buying from anbernic?

[@samtan.]

If you compare retroid pocket 3 , which one is better buy?

[@williss1192]

Probably this one, but the 3+ is coming out and a better anbernic RG505 too

[@anthonytristan2844]

No n64 or gamecube??

[@japanesemickeymouse6694]

Can you flash Lineage on to it that would be great

[@beaverdam1199]

Hey, can you play The classic monster Hunters on this ? Thanks!

[@jordanalexander1992]

Woweee. He went from bashing anbernic to loving them again.

[@FaeezHendricks]

Apart from tbe build quality and size... Why would you buy this over RP3+?

[@kash.h]

I have the same question...

[@greenprotag]

The next Bar? Make a chip as powerful as the Unisoc T618 work in a handheld this size so we can see pocket Gamecube become a reality.

[@georgia_west]

What would you recommend for someone that just wants a retro handheld to play as many Pokémon games as possible as easily as possible?

[@RetroDodo]

Powkiddy products are very simple, and play a lot of Pokémon games. Perhaps look at the RGB20S

[@aqwsderxz]

3ds xl u can even play pokemon sun etc all emulate

[@jonathonearl482]

Valve Steam Deck, upper tier version.