Should You Buy The RG353V Handheld?

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks to Wireframe for sponsoring this video, much love ❤👉 wfmag.cc/retrododo

[@anbernicguy]

Can you install GarlicOS on it?

[@aegis062]

even modern phones have 4-8gigs of ram this being thicker and as big as some phone it is a shame that they didn't add a better gpu and ram. even a 2018 phone has better specs.

[@Semesem]

This link is no longer working .

[@shepherdosterompton]

This is Anbernic's niche and in my opinion nobody does it better, they lost sight a little bit with a couple devices but I'm glad to see they got back on track

[@CSHummer]

Honestly even if they did come back to you with their tail between their legs, any company that blacklists reviewers like you and taki are never getting my money. They aren't sorry for what they did, only the bad press they got from it. And now that competitors are releasing better products they've been dethroned and are losing money. If they really want our money they need to do a lot better.

[@hawshimagical]

meh, you shouldnt care who the company is. just buy good products, skip bad ones

[@psp4gamer]

Don't make your decission solely on the comment of these guys, make your own criteria to be able to choose for yourself, not a random reviewer. If a product is good, the product is good, just don't give a F about which company is. But of course they would block the crap of those dudes because they want advertising, same with every company, this isn't about feelings, this is about bussiness.

[@Rakumei672]

@@psp4gamer that's not really what this is about. And this is way more complicated than that. The problem is, people use reviews to determine what products are worth their money. Honestly just looking at a spec sheet is useless beyond whether it has the horsepower to play certain games. How do the buttons feel? What does the actual unit look like out of the box? How does it compare to the market? What's the QC like? You need to watch reviews for that. If companies blacklist for bad reviews, that incentivizes (some) reviewers to be less honest to not risk losing access to review units. Even subconsciously in some cases. It's not even necessarily the reviewers' faults tho either. They need to do reviews to put videos out and make money. If they are getting blacklisted, that affects their ability to make money and feed themselves as well. Especially smaller reviewers who take a large hit from having to pony up their own money to buy units to review and then also having to get the units after retail release, missing out on the most profitable window for them to put out their review, which is during a preorder window and/or right before retail release.

[@EnjoySynthSounds]

This looks better than the Pi Gb Case with a similar design. The 3d sticks are great to see. That unit uses a low powered pi zero which limits the player to 8 bit and 16 bit machines in my experience testing one. This can run android apps, has 4 shoulder buttons ( great for mapping save games) plays n64, and psx classic. Looks good to me!

[@psp4gamer]

@@EnjoySynthSounds It is quite cool ngl, but to be fair the coating wears quickly AF, install jelos if you are planning to buy it, dreamcast runs a bit better.

[@fredrodnick2881]

I'm really glad that you are on good terms with ambernic again. I hate to see people in strife with each other. Also I appreciate your videos and honesty because I depend on your reviews for my purchases especially since I can only afford to get a new one for my birthday or Christmas and I'm not even too sure about affording one this year.

[@dorbei]

Truth is that Anbernic really dropped the ball in 2022. Apart from being way overpriced, their releases this year were plagued with dodgy build quality (RG503 anyone?) and inefficient CPUs.

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks Fred that means a lot!

[@jimmerseiber]

The rg353p is amazing. It's better than the 351mp in every way other than the metal case (and it doesn't need that due to the nostalgia snes perfect weight controller style) with JELOS the performance is so much better with dreamcast, saturn, psp, etc. And having android option, wifi inside unlike the 351mp, the buttons and triggers are better imo. I think the bitter taste from the other devices might have clouded that judgement, but to each their own. This device the 353v is just the Gameboy version. Can't wait to get my atomic purple. Also I have a 1tb card in mine so switch between the 353p and 353v jelos cards without having to set up a new one is another plus, with the library capable of playing being so worth it. And the touch screen displays are great. Both are priced great as well. I also personally love the shoulder buttons and size on the 353v. I think theres some rose colored glasses with the older devices, and too harsh going into the new ones imo. Also, the android side is good to have..for android games and certain emulators, DS..the front end is ok. But the performance and the way it was set up isnt better than linux with other software. You also can add this front on for free now to the rg353p like the 353v android. ALL of these devices require tinkering. All of them. So with the tinkering equals better devices and then comparing them that way.. Plus setting up Android devices is just as much tinkering. The retroid pocket 3 is all android, has quality control issues, colors are way off, screen isn't the aspect ratio I want, and sat on a shelf for a long time. Better build quality? They shipped the button upgrades they were supposed to install in them for customers to do themselves..that's tinkering.

[@psp4gamer]

Wait wait you can put a whole freaking TB in there? Do you mind if i ask in which format? If the typical fat32 or exFAT

[@Acronuz]

😢 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJSwpmV6aNR0hq8si=KrOruANtrQoRMgHw

[@bigemugamer]

The shoulder buttons in this side-by-side config would REALLY benefit from being shaped like... the roof of a house rather than all 4 shoulder buttons being level with each other. Also, these devices where they place controls (face buttons, directional pad, analogue sticks) right near the bottom of the device kills the experience for me. Can't wait to see Anbernic's first device that can do PS2 with God of War fully playable at 1x res with everything else at 2x or higher res.

[@MercMan115]

People are selling those upgraded shoulder buttons on Etsy.

[@saibamoe]

​@@MercMan115 for 33 Euro's and then plus shipping...... At this point just get an Odin Lite or a Retroid 3 +

[@MercMan115]

@@saibamoe yeah good point 👍🏼

[@kupokinzyt]

my brother where were you shopping at lol they are 50 cents on temu now @@saibamoe

[@Me0_0w]

The only thing that drives me to buy the RG353V is the vertical form factor.. It just brings back nostalgia.. Initially I wanted to purchase miyoo mini V2 but they ran out of stock..

[@Me0_0w]

ooh.. thanks for informing, phew lucky it's out of stock 😂

[@SWPLGAMING]

This was a pleasure to watch bro,and im happy to see Anbernic being good to you. It seems a pretty nice handheld,they for sure put more effort into this one with those small but extremely useful additions. Thanks for the awesome share🔥👍🏾

[@kairon156]

Thank you, thank you!! This handheld has been rising in my ideal budget handheld and your overview I think has finally pushed it above the Miyoo Mini into first place.

[@idrivehoopties]

bag fumble

[@Cyko..]

This device looks quite nice. The thing I love about having the dual analog sticks are for games like Quake, Quake 2, Quake 3 Arena, Duke Nukem 3D, and some Cloud Gaming that would require it such as Power Wash Simulator or Halo Infinite. Clickable analogs are a nice plus for L3 and R3 functions, something that the Retroid Pocket 3 does not have from my understanding.

[@maglev_]

playing power wash simulator on this thing is so respectable 😭

[@maglev_]

i actually wanna power wash simulator on here so bad

[@DannyTheMarvel]

Well said. The dual sticks was a huge reason I ordered my 353V. Coming here in less than two days, can’t wait

[@shenaniganstuff]

2:20 if you are a company making a handheld with an analogue, just go with the flat analogue the DS's had. it's way better for handhelds

[@jjkunzler]

Glad I jumped ship to the Retroid Pocket 3. Still very happy with the RG351V! But the widescreen hacks for PS1 and Dreamcast on Redream, 16x9 for PSP, really made me happy to leave 4:3 behind.

[@suhtangwong]

Jump to the rp3+! Performance is sooo much better! It was worth the upgrade imo.

[@billcook4768]

I actually really love the specs on this, but I have the same problem I always have. Should I buy today, or wait for something with just a bit more power.

[@CSHummer]

Get the retroid pocket, you won't be disappointed. For the price it's a great device and when something better comes along you won't regret buying this to fill your boots in the meantime.

[@angelguzman630]

@@CSHummer which version ?

[@Kiobao]

I feel this, mostly because no device feels "right" to me. Nothing is feeling really perfect that exists, yet. Like with retroid pocket since personally, i want my devices to have a screen size of RG353V. RP3 is great to me besides that i think the screen size is a bit too large. I don't care for game streaming to it, and most of the systems it runs well don't look good at RP3's ratio for screen size I believe. I'd like a device with similar to a RG351MP in blue but more powerful, and stacked shoulder buttons. Or if I did want RP3 size, I would want it to play 3DS flawlessly. So that won't be for a LONG while.That said, when the horizontal miyoo mini releases, that will most likely become a favorite for me. Current miyoo seems too cramped to me, but everything else seems perfect.

[@FailerO]

Yeah, the retroid pocket 3 is definitely the value-for-your-money handheld. (this video is evidence that Ambernic is loyal to their customers)

[@jhasiinka5493]

Doew both comes with games already?

[@ivancho5854]

The pocket sized devices have to reduce their bezels. Or even better get rid of them. A small amount makes a huge difference on a small screen.

[@tompratt2381]

so true. 3.5" is too small for 3d games. even 4" would make all the difference

[@ShadowsJpop]

Like, even the cheapest phones nowadays have little bezels, why not these mid to high end handhelds? And the vertical ones don't even have the excuse for having huge bezels.

[@nanra491]

I don't mind paying a premium price for premium features. I actually prefer it. More Quality, less Quantity please. Mobile gaming is in micro transaction hell. would like to see a proper return to form with some true android handheld champions.

[@iwasbanned8875]

Video begins at 2:05

[@noeventura-ut6xo]

This guy needs to make more KZbin shorts, dude sounds awesome

[@KatRollo]

Blacklisting gave them a backlash, that's what. 🤣

[@RetroDodo]

😅

[@ov3rkill]

I totally agree. It just sends a negative feedback on the company if once they blacklist reviewers.

[@germannieto2365]

Hello. ¿Where I can find the game list for the RG353V?

[@LothlorBass]

I’m extremely excited to play through my ps1 and gba rpgs on my 353v. I have the switch version of most of them, but I need something with a vertical/Gameboy form factor. Thanks for this video, it’s very well-done!

[@xoloitsquintli]

I don't know why I watch videos like this. I don't need one of these devices since my phone can emulate all these games already, but I just love the form factor so much.

[@fryke]

I don't really get how one would recommend the V over the VS. It's not powerful enough for Android games, really, and most of them certainly aren't made for 4:3 screens, and I'm pretty sure that before long, emulation will be better on the linux side, anyway, at least on 3rd party firmware. Additionally, touchscreens are more a fingerprint-magnet thing, which is one reason I far prefer playing games on those little handhelds over a touchscreen phone. Also, the price puts the V closer to handhelds better suited for PSP emulation, like the Retroid Pocket 3, although with shipping, that's again quite a bit more. But the VS is the clearly superior successor to the RG351V. "Barely pocketable?" The RG353VS is almost exactly the size of a GBP or GBC. Plus while the design reminisces about the GameBoys of old, it's not a copycat design like many others that came before it, instead it uses a more symmetrical design that I can only applaud.

[@carlsagan2607]

Can you explain why these handhelds are using Linux more now?

[@fryke]

@@carlsagan2607 Not sure what you mean...

[@kenkwok83]

Does wireframe have digital versions of their magazines. Living in Asia the cost is much higher for print.

[@RetroDodo]

Yes they do indeed :)

[@SansINess53]

we can say GLX37 is worse than the RG353V because RG353V can run dreamcast meaning more sonics.

[@fa-pm5dr]

that wireframe magazine seems like a nice concept

[@RetroDodo]

They do great work!

[@e-man7766]

I bought 3 anbernic handheld, I have the model without the dual sticks the rg35xx and 2 of the models with this sticks in the video the rg353vs and once I backed up all the sd cards and put new SanDisk cards in.... these are mint....

[@e-man7766]

I backed up the original sd cards that came with these 3 models and added more games like all that Mario games that were not included.

[@Seansquatch7]

I think I’m gonna get one. I have a 2017 switch that I take everywhere, but I don’t find myself wanting to play complex games that take up all my focus.. so I’d prefer to take this thing around. I play the older games more than the new ones these days anyway. But if I wanted to play Halo 1 or 2 as a PC or XBOX game, which console would be best?

[@JulioStaysGold]

If you want to play halo bro honestly just get a gaming laptop and buy MCC off steam. Being a fan of classic halo is a joy right now due to the support the MCC team at 343 is giving us. They just added a huge update to the mod support where you can download mods off steam and they just work with zero installation. Custom game nights are about to be a whole new type of awesome for PC players.

[@bigupndl09]

I've been waiting for you to review this console

[@Thunderhawk8472]

Yeah this one seems a step in the right direction for anbernic but I’m not buying anything from em currently. Not happy with their pricing and underpowered soc’s they use. Got my Odin Pro since April and that’s the almost perfect device for me!

[@RetroDodo]

Yeah agreed, the Odin Pro is incredible.

[@DJSeekonOMBRadio93.1FM]

I love this video! Thank you for this information ill get it for Christmas!

[@mateoheredia5919]

I want one seeing as the rg351v was my first retro but if I’m gonna get a new device in that price range, I’ll go with the rp3! However, I’d rather put that money on an AYN Odin

[@mateoheredia5919]

Update: shortly after posting this comment, I ordered an Odin Lite and received it before Thanksgiving! Been tinkering with all the settings and so far I’m loving it! GameCube games run phenomenally! I’ve yet to try Wii, PS2, 3DS, PSP games but will get there Sidenote: I’d still get the 353v for 2 reasons •Linux (JelOS) •form factor (gbc was my first handheld) 👍🏽

[@TheSfaok]

How does the screen compare to the RG351V? It's the biggest selling point for me here and I wasn't impressed by the 351's.

[@tylerschmitz1816]

First anbernic I've bought since og rg350 I'm excited for DS and upscaled psx and banjo Kazooie hope to god Kurkos mods work

[@TheRedx643]

Should we be copying the 16gig card on to a better sd card???

[@DonJohn87_YT]

Retroid pocket 3 at least from what I can see is a lot more expensive as they take a whopping 40 usd for shipping. Also in my country for the pocket 3 I would have to pay 15 usd import fee which make it a really bad deal compared to all others

[@japanesemickeymouse6694]

I cant wait for it to come in the mail

[@DannyTheMarvel]

Me too 😊. Less than 2 days away

[@snowtorres7169]

How long does the battery last? How about charging time?

[@Ruzado2]

Can you help me? I am undecided between this device from the review and powkiddy rgb20s, which do you think is the better buy?

[@criptin4075]

Think Ill stick with my Odin Pro and RP3. =p

[@RetroDodo]

Now that’s a power couple!

[@criptin4075]

@@RetroDodo No doubt! I do like the vertical form factor but I'm still in love with my Miyoo Mini v2 and my Rg280v for that. I honestly wish someone would make a good clam shell design handheld. The v90 is ok for its price but even with a RK3326 chip in a clamshell design I feel like it would be a hit. Hopefully we see a clamshell in the near future! Cheers bro. Always appreciate your perspective on devices. =)

[@STR82DVD]

This is incrementally better than my Funkey S and I'd have more fun and get more bang for my buck with the Funkey S as well Brandon. Thanks as always for the honest review kid.

[@RetroDodo]

No worries!

[@erichardy2839]

But can you make pokemon trades from Anbernic to anbernic?

[@mashy1979]

So is worth buying when I have a rg353p and retro pocket 3 🤔🤔🤔

[@RetroDodo]

no.

[@thetotodile7261]

obviously no , come on.

[@jimmerseiber]

Yes

[@connor2dap884]

Is teken and soul calibre on it

[@connortodhunter4924]

Would you recommend the Rg353v or the pow kiddy RGB20?

[@ComeJesusChrist]

I’ve got one and it would be a cracking little device, if the vertical form factor would not spoil it. The price and processing power is good, I’d avoid the dual boot option and would only consider the Linux-only 353VS. However, the 353PS is a lot more comfortable and is a better console to take advantage of the TV output.

[@bogdonwriting9578]

What games are on it?

[@silklion7375]

What happened to that plant??

[@Bibvock]

So, the stick on the right is basically just an extra replacement stick in case the left goes bad?☺️

[@DannyTheMarvel]

Lol no, goober

[@Radalku]

Aloha! I bought alot of anbernic devices and still love this company. For now i used my 351v most. I have a question. Is it possible to use a media Player like vlc in the background when you are playing a game? I love it to play retro games and listening to a radio play at the same time. :) Best wishes from Germany and have a great weekend Brandon! Yours Chris

[@vitorf2303]

If you use Android you can do this, don't know about the other OS

[@Radalku]

@@vitorf2303 Thanks alot!

[@williamflint6535]

Is paper boy on it

[@dravenalayon9704]

What is better for fun game play 351v or 353v

[@TheCraftySmith89]

Im getting mine in the mail tomorrow from Amazon, was wondering what the N64 experience was with this model or if DS was an option to emulate

[@Autotrope]

A few round of crazy taxi got me used to the back buttons. But it depends on your hand size probably.

[@weichiang89]

What device for Dreamcast and below that doesn't break the bank?

[@Lee88-q5q]

be open is it part of wire frame part of the book colab ?if im wrong im sorry

[@AZ23MJ]

Are there other good options that come preloaded with games? I don’t really have the ability to add my own

[@codybarahona3033]

Is this a better product than the PowKiddy? My powkiddy broke after using it for 30 minutes 😢

[@qwerty1000as]

It's possible play with two players?

[@eris654]

5:37 what is the name of this game?

[@charltonteo1735]

Is the powkiddy RGB20S better or this?

[@JuniorShepherd]

For anyone wondering, the chillled background music at the beginning is called "Cruise Control by LOLEK": kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXaXqGaNbtZmhNE

[@frederickwerk2386]

I just got one and I found it actually pretty good and I don’t find the joysticks to be in the way. I use the 16GB card for ArkOS (apparently the best option?) and the 64GB card for the roms. Tried some N64 and PS1 games and seem to run well. Even so I mostly want to play GB and SNES games.

[@savvyg21]

What’s a good device then in your opinion ?

[@gerardogonzalez1772]

Any neo-geo games on it ??? Or metal slug or where I can find the game list

[@jakevelasquez5399]

Hi, does it come with toy commander for dreamcast?

[@WhiskeyThieves]

Should I buy the RG353M instead or should I wait for the next generation?

[@anothersoul1881]

Hey retro dodo, I recently bought one of those, and when you were comparing it to the RG351V I saw that you had it somewhat customized with the gameboy rim, I was wondering where I could find one of those since I’ve been looking for one forever, thanks and great video!

[@mariotomagan8135]

Is there a arcade game there Capcom and neo geo games?

[@rulyo4773]

What a shame that the Wireframe mag isn't available online

[@Zarkai.]

Anyone know where to buy?

[@JakMiof]

Does this have diablo 1 pre installed ?

[@williss1192]

It seems internally the chip hasn't changed, I want to see more handhelds

[@Seansquatch7]

They just get more expensive.. one I keep looking at because of its build and look, is the Analogue Pocket, they make SNES and Sega Genesis consoles too, but their own fancy looking versions with wireless controllers.. only thing is the consoles and handhelds are nearly the same price. But check it out anyway. Because they have good parts and work nicely. I base my likes off of those, and try to find cheaper versions that operate just as well with less expensive materials. Like these Anbernic handhelds, here, and the Retroid Pocket as well that are a bit more affordable.

[@gassycassy24]

does the touchscreen work for games such as ds games?

[@GarageBandSuperheros]

For the N64 emulation is the outer shoulder buttons the Left and right bumpers right? Or the inner L2/R2? it's the outer ones right? If anyone in chat has this info please lemme know. BANJO KAZOOIE IN THE CAR!!!! This is the only question stopping me from buying this little 353v atm. Maybe a bit of Super Mario World 2 as well, that's the only thing I'd use this for, so I would only need 1 pair of bumper buttons

[@ThiznDatx]

9 months later and it is a bit gimmicky but still cool. I ran mine on ArkOS and for some reason it only uses 1gb of vram? is that right? I thought it had 2gb.

[@soulstarx8]

How is the Xbox cloud gaming?

[@infotrigo2542]

Why not 6800U and hundreds bucks more like win 4?

[@jorgearguello6492]

Just got a see thru purple one. Came with all the pre loaded games and can’t complain. Wifey hates that I’m stuck on it but she never had childhood so she wouldn’t understand 🫡

[@Woobuggy848]

Is this a pretty good (comfortable) device? Because being like this is in a game boy style structure is quite an instant nostalgia trip for me. (Even though it will be a little cramped). I don't mind playing titles up to the 5th gen (plus dreamcast). I know you can probably get your own sd card(s), I also know you can add/remove games on it.

[@teamcyrmining3673]

Where can I download the exact content on the 256G card that comes with it? I bought mine without a microsd because I have a lot laying around. Thanks!

[@leecuredale2096]

Is their any good handheld consoles that come preloaded ?

[@counterstrikewin]

does it support multiplayer? 2 consoles connected together for 2 player gameplay like Nintendo switch or DS series.

[@nealhammersmith8798]

It looks like your hands are in handcuffs when holding the handheld. Like the RG351V it just looks too cramped with the stick, let alone two. The RG353 is an excellent form factor.

[@ImaginalComponent]

Love the 351v but the shoulder buttons are super awkward. Not ideal for SNES in my opinion.

[@aaronfreeman66]

But can you link to others to trade Pokemon between games?

[@daisukexdark]

can you save games on it? like pokemon?

[@joeygreco1985]

No comparisons to the RG351V?

[@RetroDodo]

Yep, at the end.

[@Wolfiegangs]

What game is that at 9:38?

[@sithlorddrk7877]

Honestly the RG353P is a lot better than RG353V, The RG353P felt more natural to play on and had a better design. I was hoping they would expand more and do something with the Design of the RG353P. Also another reason I find it better is the stacked shoulder buttons, it made gaming on it more comfortable and fun.

[@kaffkak5852]

One question because I really don't understand. All of game on powkiddy are pirates ? I mean when I ll buy for example powkiddy rgb20s it ll ve pre installed whole games from snes , n64 , psp ,psx , sega itd ?

[@kommofox2613]

can i buy anbernic ng353v and play god of war 2 ?

[@kalamgrace3323]

I have downloaded pokemon ruby rom, added to GBA folder but wont boot up when I choose the game on device. CAN ANYBODY HELP?

[@matteouccellani9657]

Can you trade or battle with others player in pokemon games?

[@northsouthy74]

The retroid pocket 3 is way more expensive, what you talking about?

[@richidog5768]

60hz or 150hz?

[@monkeypies3]

Do the DS games run smoothly?

[@DedziBlud]

Hi, recently purchased this device however Anbernic forgot to send me the 2nd micro SD with all the emulated games… is there any chance you could make a mega file or mega share with all the games that come with it by standard so that I could download it and buy a micro SD and put them on there myself

[@Fajrul.M]

Greetings from Indonesia, I want to ask, is it still worth the anbernic RG351V this year??? Please help me.

[@milkyway6080]

Yes, if it's cheaper and you don't need touchscreen or android why not. It's bigger though. I've chosen the PowKiddy rgb20s, same chipset

[@RetroDodo]

Yeah for sure, it's a great handheld, just don't expect psp/dc gameplay out of it.

[@Fajrul.M]

@@milkyway6080 is the result of the average game the same for the game ask a friend?? or better running on powkiddy RGB20S..

[@Fajrul.M]

@@RetroDodo Oh yeah thanks for the info friends but some PSP/DC games can be run on rg351V right?