FINALLY, A Handheld For Sega Kids! [RG ARC Review]

[@MontyVaughan]

Custom firmware actually was released…..and it runs Saturn and other wayyyyyy better!!!

[@TechDweeb]

No way! I'm gonna check it out right now!

[@JarlBarbossa]

How does it handle 3D saturn on the arc s

[@JarlBarbossa]

​@@TechDweebbtw you can play games that use the stick and dpad by setting dpad=stick and l1+dpad=dpad. Saturn, dreamcast, and 64 only used both of the dpad was going to be items or map. None of them had 4 shoulder buttons.

[@jessragan6714]

REALLY? Can't... resist... a purchase much longer!

[@scopionthomas8268]

​@@jessragan6714 yea i can't wait to buy this i grew up with snes and a mega drive

[@RetroGameCorps]

You’re a fighting game pro in my book, Dweeb.

[@TechDweeb]

Means a lot coming from Mr.Hadoukenable himself!

[@devilsdante]

Looks like this bad boy will have custom firmware (maybe it's already out now, idk) will any of you review if the experience and performance is better? Thanks both. I love all your videos!

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@rewrez3187]

​@@Ihatevideogames334why?

[@user-ly1ko6be9t]

@@rewrez3187 look at his name

[@chfgn]

The paper flashback really got me. This is art.

[@JordiLA]

And the audio edit ❤.

[@ivancho5854]

... and DIY therapy? 😉

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@Rompastompa71]

Did You Marry The Girl and Get Her Genesis?

[@RobotSeaMonkey]

i got really invested in the love story, how does it end?!?! WE NEED A PART 2!!!

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@adrian_veidt]

The paper flashback brought me some painful memories

[@TechDweeb]

And this was the HAPPY version of my initial script!

[@MrDerbauer23]

I would love to see more paper stories in the future

[@TechDweeb]

You definitely will!

[@personavisceration371]

I will never understand why no one other than Sega put plastic on the diagonals for d-pads. It makes those movements SO MUCH BETTER!

[@TechDweeb]

Totally!

[@Aaron-ge7ho]

It's note REALLY the "disc" form of Dpad (despite it helps), but the way it pivots over the thing, acting almost as an arcade stick, but flat, so you can have it small and fully harness its four directions with your thumb instead of use the whole planet translation movement over all your and your mother's arm to do a "hori". Some others tried, as MS in some of their Xbox controllers through all 4 generations of Xbox, but... meh... they just not had yet achieved the same greatness SEGA tossed away in the trasition from arcade perfect Saturn Dpad to the 3D guided thumb stick + pure digital function crossed Dpad on DreamCast. ...still, i love the SeX Dpad feels as it let your thumb pretty confortable right in the spot to be "shouriukable" if it had got a membrane instead of the "click" inputs (which is also good, but works better on other uses than keep rise jumping on enemies with flying flame fist uppercuts).

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

The 6 button Sega Genesis controller was the same way. Bigger lower/concave buttons with smaller higher/convex buttons. This looks perfect for Genesis, Saturn, and MAME.

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@Aaron-ge7ho]

Also the Saturn controller (both, japanese&north american and first european&brazilian models).

[@WMARUoriginal]

This is my handheld of the year. The d pad, larger buttons, screen size, and overall ergonomics make playing games SO enjoyable! The Sega nostalgia factor pushes this even more over the top. Very excited about cfw that is in development for this too. Apparently 90% of Saturn will work and Dreamcast will also work. It will truly be close to the full Sega experience.

[@TechDweeb]

As long as they fix the gamepad bindings in Dreamcast we'll be good to go!

[@rustymixer2886]

​@@TechDweebgreat video

[@ivancho5854]

​@@TechDweebWill it work with a Bluetooth controller maybe?

[@livingcartoon]

Got mine from Amazon. The decision to base the design on the controller is brilliant; too many of these things copy the design of a gameboy or switch. This one just FEELS right.

[@rustymixer2886]

@@livingcartoon indeed

[@markalexander5578]

I came for the review. I stayed for the story.

[@nickentros]

This is like the TechDweeb version of My Girl. But with Sega

[@TechDweeb]

I can't see without my glasses either

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@JayFiness3]

As a Sega kid this brings back all types of nostalgia. Especially being the only non Nintendo kid in the neighborhood. Love the review and you just sold me on buying another handheld 😂

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@adamgroszkiewicz814]

As a fellow Genesis kid, who enjoyed friend's SNES's...& someone interested in PS1 emulation...did you buy it? Is it any good?

[@jackdoobie]

I was a Sega kid... this thing speaks to my young soul.

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@jackdoobie]

I get it Sega's not for everyone, but why are you telling me?@@Ihatevideogames334

[@GreasyGarbageGoblinGames]

For disc-based files like saturn and Dreamcast you can use a program like Chdman to convert between CHD, CUE, ISO, or GDI to find the best fit without having to separately source them all!

[@TechDweeb]

Solid tip 👍

[@skycloud4802]

Is that program for pc only or can it be downloaded on the device itself?

[@GreasyGarbageGoblinGames]

I've only personally used it on PC, but a Mac Homebrew exisists and the info page on Recalbox wiki implies some linux compatibility but I cant personally attest to it myself. @@skycloud4802

[@marccaselle8108]

I used chdman 2 years ago to convert all my CD games and Dreamcast games to CHD.

[@Dracossaint]

​@@skycloud4802it's for the pc

[@ChrisKliewer]

I see you got the ole SN30 Pro out... can't Wait to get mine!

[@FredPilarczyk]

You manage to get me in the feels so hard.

[@OtakuSpielplatz]

My favourite Anbernic so far! SEGA Saturn FOREVER! ♥

[@TeamGun]

Love the Saturn look of this one in white. Considering it, but I love my rg405m with Gamma so much.

[@VeshSneaks]

I got this to go along with my RGB30, and it’s been fun playing through a bunch of Saturn games. I grew up playing Mega Drive games, but my dad ended up buying a PlayStation instead of a Saturn so I never got to play a bunch of the classics on there. I just wish they’d gone with a more powerful chip, and figured out a way to include analogue sticks in the design. Maybe that can come with an RG-ARC Plus or something. It’s also great for PortMaster, because of the more normal aspect ratio. I’ve been having fun with AM2R too, and it runs like a dream.

[@ivancho5854]

Yea, that's a great idea. An RG-ARC Plus would be great eventually. 🤞

[@trvs6036]

Hi! After you redirected the d-pad to analog at 13:10, it did not stop working in the menu, but it started working on the reassigned buttons. I set it up this way and was able to control the character in Sonic 2 on my Anbernic arc D, as well as in other games.There is another solution to the problem: you can install the "retro arena arc beta firmware beta 10 test 10", which can be downloaded on the developer's discord channel, which uses retroarch to play dreamcast, and configure the buttons in retroarch menu, but not all games are supported

[@chriskim457]

Not interested in the product but stayed for the story. Great job!

[@vexorian]

It's so tempting and I have zero Sega nostalgia. But that dpad. That's a sexy dpad. And no analog sticks. So cool

[@TechDweeb]

Now that I've used this dpad I want it on everything!

[@leecroft1983]

The controller looks great but really needs an analog stick for various Saturn and Dreamcast games. Nights Into Dreams and Sonic Adventure played with a d-pad... yikes. Saying that, Jet Set Radio may be unplayable due to this.

[@u1ti]

Love your channel dude! Can't believe I've only discovered you recently.

[@tekrootz]

These videos are interesting Dweeb keep going!!! You really brightened my day today

[@tioneb78]

I've got one and I highly recommend it, especially for emulating fighting and platform games. The D-pad is really good, and that makes a big difference compared to other retro handhelds.

[@VladlustTV]

I'm not a huge Sega fan but this video makes me want to get the handheld and try a bunch of Sega stuff!

[@lonniebrown1468]

I love the nostalgia flashbacks. Was hella cute. Keep up the good work brother. your videos are the highlight of the work day.

[@jwill7998]

If it had a "controller mode" where you could use it as a controller with x-input or d-input mode, I'd pay $100 for it easily.

[@TechDweeb]

Oh my gosh I totally forgot to mention that. You can do exactly that! This plugs into the PC and you can use it as an x-input controller!

[@TechDweeb]

I feel like a dweeb for not mentioning that :/

[@jwill7998]

@@TechDweeb Ideally, it would come with a dongle, but a wired connection is enough to justify a purchase.

[@jbc6980]

@@TechDweeb It’s not too late to pin this info.

[@sir_hammy]

Oh my gosh oh my gosh!! Could this be the best way for my to play Shining Force 3 for the rest of my life?? Thanks for making this video! I'm definitely interested in this now, especially seeing there has already been some updates. I love Sega Saturn!

[@germ187]

Lovely review but I think you might have unresolved issues with Cat my friend…

[@TechDweeb]

You're not wrong!

[@tbatrics]

Loved Sega back in the day. I am loving my arc s so far.

[@Two49]

I bought the Linux only ARC-S and it's quickly replaced the Gameboy Pocket that I used to keep in my work bag. So comfy for long play sessions - and the performance is surprisingly good for the kinds of games I play. Thanks for the video!

[@briantran3791]

Cool! Can you tell us more?

[@k-jsr]

I almost exclusively play fighting games and there's just nothing else like this out there, just bought a 35xx right before this thing got announced and the buyer's remorse is strong. But well, tis the season ... to regift the 35xx and pretend I opened it to set it up for them...

[@TechDweeb]

I like your style 😉

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@rogueshinobislash]

the strange conversation between the 2 paper characters made me subscribe. 🤣

[@SDSakuragi]

I was never a sega kid, but I want this for Capcom 6 button fighting games.

[@Cloud28693]

I think the fairest suggestion can be made for anyone who wants to do portable retrogaming for the first time, with a general approach, is the RG353PS: versatile, stilish and comfortable! The Arc is a niche pick in my opinion, but very fascinating

[@TechDweeb]

I definitely agree. Either that or the 353v, if pocket factor is important.

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@ruxcooking]

Young techdweeb looked so optimistic and full of joy.

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@greensun1334]

It's a very useful thing. I bought the S version with Linux only, it's powerful enough for my purposes of playing 2D fighting games.

[@johnknight9150]

Sega should really make their own one of these.

[@georged7627]

Imagine if they made this with an analogue stick aswell 🙏🏽

[@Shawn_277]

No then it wouldn’t be what it is , it will become rg 353 ps

[@adamhonan7744]

It played all my saturn favs so far right out of the box( my sd card though) only soviet strike ran slow but I haven't even tinkered with it yet

[@mobypixel]

I love the aesthetics of this one, especially in the dark shell. SEGA!!1

[@TheHoodieGuy13]

Ordered the ARC-S on day 1 and it's my favourite retro handheld now, replacing the RG353P. Yes, it's disappointing that they didn't use a better chipset and also disappointing that the nicer colours of the ARC-D aren't available for the ARC-S. But it's just so comfortable to hold, the D-PAD and the buttons are just fantastic and the larger screen is awesome. I just hope some proper custom firmware is being released soon for the ARC-S (GammaOS is already available for the ARC-D), because while the stock firmware isn't bad, it's also not great. I really don't get why they would have "Emulators" and "RetroArch" separately, containing some but not all the same emulators. TheRA released a beta firmware already, so here's hoping for a 1.0 release soon.

[@TechDweeb]

Yeah I really hope we get some good CFW. This device deserves it. 🤞

[@jrdoughty13]

I'm hoping we see more dpads like this now that this seems to have been a smash hit

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@quizzya1236]

imagine this has 2 analog sticks or even just 1

[@soniczero532]

The D pad on this should be on all these systems as a standard.

[@zalz]

love this thing, bought the same one. excited for the future

[@DanIsNotHome]

Will be waiting for the Arc Plus version with an analog stick and upgraded chipset.

[@TechDweeb]

I'd be down for that!

[@Agumon5]

I was a Sega kid ... Genesis and CD were a big part of my childhood and early teens.

[@robertsoliz4123]

I subscribed to you after I saw your 8btido sn30pro review video and I just wanted say I’m a big fan and your videos are super entertaining and a great watch while I’m at work. I was gonna ask if you ever gonna review any other 8bitdo controller…I just got the ultimate controller myself. Oh and I’m a sucker for any top ten list of your favorite games from the retro systems, so those would be awesome videos from a retro gamer like yourself. 🤘🏻👍🏻

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks buddy. I have the ultimate controller too and I'm just waiting for a good time to review it!

[@smidlee7747]

Will this romance with Kat continue in the next review? I wonder how it will end.

[@TechDweeb]

Lots more to tell of that story. I'll warn you, it has a sad ending. I might not tell the sad part though, we'll see!

[@A_picture_of_Mohammed]

I love you channel man..its kinda homely and i really like that ..thanks for the work.

[@Bruwulf]

I know it's meant to be Sega-oriented, but did you try playing SNES games at all? I'm just wondering how the control layout felt for SNES games.

[@TechDweeb]

I did! I guess I didn't use that clip in the vid but I tested a few snes games and it was glorious. This dpad is just amazing for retro gaming in general.

[@GiSWiG]

I'm curious, will you ever cover the Analogue Pocket? I know it's a bit pricey compared to most of the handhelds you review but it cannot be ignored. I'm excited that mine with be under the tree this year. I know you cannot get much higher than PC Engine CD with it so you would need to have another system for 3D systems but what it does cannot be beat. I'm sure Analogue would send you a review sample. Anyway, I love the design on this RC Arc. I'd like a bit more power though.

[@TechDweeb]

Nah, too pricey for what you get, IMO. Looks great but it's just not worth it for me.

[@jessragan6714]

You win, I've subscribed. There's something wholesome about these videos that you don't get from say, ETA Prime or Retro Game Corps.

[@GeorgepiggyGP]

Love how he says giggle bites lol

[@ronch550]

I hope they make a handheld with a 4:3 5" screen with a Linux OS. Hardly any system really takes advantage of 16:9 except for the PSP anyway. PS - the shape is reminiscent of the original gamepad for the Genesis, not the Genesis 2 or Saturn.

[@TechDweeb]

That would be epic!

[@RyonMugen]

I really wonder if the story with Kat was 100% real. It a cute story.

[@raniel0511]

My whole childhood is nintendo: I had the game boy, super nintendo, n64,gamecube, wii and 3DS; sadly we sold every console(oh... the poor dumb children we were) and I remember I always loved sonic but never had a chance to play outside of visual boy advance in the 2000s, so as the time passed I wished I could have played a sega console. I got really happy with this release and hope they keep making handhelds like this. A dualshock and gamecube styled handheld would be cool🤔🤔 I love your skits, keep making them Dweeb, it's your biggest charm on this channel, even if I'm not interested in the video I know you'll make something original and totally worth the watch.

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks for sharing the memories, and thanks for sticking with me! This is my favourite type of video to make. They take a LONG time to make like this, but it's worth it :)

[@ElSótanodeAlex]

Que buenas reviews haces

[@TechDweeb]

Gracias por decirlo amigo!

[@SaikyoDinosaur]

Anyone have any idea how compatable Shining Force III is on this puppy? That's an instant buy if it works well. I have a retroid2+ and it runs like doodoo on that, so I'm just looking around for anything that can play it well.

[@TechDweeb]

I just tested it for you. It seems to work fine!

[@SaikyoDinosaur]

That's awesome! Sold!@@TechDweeb

[@tdata545]

OOH "HER PLACE"... Do spill, you tease. We were a Genesis household. I remember seeing the console at my father's office, sitting in one of the arm chairs for clients. He owned an insurance agency, now he's owning some mold in my closet since someone is too cheap to find a proper urn for the quarter of dear old dad he has. Anyways, it was a two pack with Sonic 1 and Quack Shot. Two great games.

[@pyronmasters]

Should’ve tried Guardian Heroes… the button layout is perfect for commanding the “Undead Hero”. Sadly I can’t buy it yet, I’m still having fun with my 👊🏻🐱V90.

[@GhibliNova]

I got more invested into DoodleDweeb and DoodleKat than everything Star Wars came out with this decade

[@n8ofsp8ds]

Forget the arc I want to know about the story Arc of you and Kat LOL. It kind of hooked me

[@Juiceboxdan72]

Ahh, I love that classic "SEGA!!!!!" scream. Just like I remember it lol.

[@glovedcop69]

They also had the SNES controller

[@wopino]

Another banger, thank you!!

[@PhenMr]

Bro had dinosaur rizz 🦕. Amazing video man after a long day i always check KZbin first :)

[@brunan-gi147]

Thanks for an informative and fun review, TD! I think that Android side in ARC -D has its use. I installed GammaOS on it and now have a much more streamlined and friendly UI vs Linux with its built in Daijisho frontend. Plus, I have full use of touch screen for Nintendo DS emulation and can scrape artwork easy on the device. Oh, and full access to Play store. I actually have been playing it more than my Odin 2. I like the dpad, bigger buttons and shape of it more for retro games esp Sega ones.

[@TechDweeb]

Oh cool, didn't know Gamma was coming to the ARC!

[@Ihatevideogames334]

I Hate SEGA I HATE SEGA I HAAAAAAATE SEGAAAAA

[@SansINess53]

RG ARC is the only one to have my favorite D-pad sadly.

[@adamgroszkiewicz814]

As someone looking for SNES, Genesis, & PS1 games...this seems to be an ideal use case?

[@TechDweeb]

Definitely

[@go-away-5555]

A retro handheld review has no right to be this cute

[@tupperz8564]

Love the design of this thing. Yeah it's kinda big, but if Sega were to make a modern Game Gear, this would be it!

[@TechDweeb]

Yup!

[@snowvoredude]

love anbernic stuff

[@janosaideron7371]

Both of those D versions are Saturn colorways.

[@Ashitaka0815]

Correction - it's not Linux OR Android on the Arc D, it's Linux AND Android - you made it sound like the D model would come with Android only. Have mine for two days now and I love it. Yeah Saturn performance is not perfect but it's much better than I feared, many people act as it would be no good at Saturn at all. Tested some of my favorites and most of them ran totally playable on stock firmware with some slight frameskipping here and there. Panzer Dragoon games, Amok, Sega Rally, Virtua Fighter 2, Magic Knight Rayearth, Shining Force 3 and Radiant Silvergun were totally playable. Only Grandia didn't work on Linux, heavy stuttering in the intro video and crashed shortly after that, still have to test in on the android side though. Even if the SoC isn't perfect for the job, a Saturn optimized Firmware might even get a bit more out of it so that at least the majority of playable.

[@TechDweeb]

Correction 02:42 I hope we get custom firmware that improves Saturn compatibility. Right now it seems like we have the power to play pretty much everything, just some games won't launch.

[@xero110]

I'm still on the fence here. I love fighting games and arcade games which this seems to be perfect for, but $90 USD to my door in 20+/- days? I don't know, if this was released in June NP, 100% a buy. This close to Christmas? You know what ANBERNIC? If this is still available in June 24', for a bit less, I'll buy one.

[@ivancho5854]

Chinese companies sometimes have promotions and discounts at Chinese New Year. 👀

[@KarateCowboy05]

Finally, a gaming tuber who also says 'gigglebyte', sometimes abbreviated 'giggles'.

[@cmbaz1140]

I am waiting for one that looks like a dreamcast controller but with a 6 button layout like this...

[@TechDweeb]

I can get behind that

[@Dracossaint]

Man I can't wait for them to start making Nintendo DS inspired handhelds. One that can play 3ds games, along with emulation station as a front end.

[@TechDweeb]

That would be a dream come true

[@omarvalderrama1314]

Love the freddy sweater

[@death2all79zx]

Wholesome flashback art

[@gamingchinchilla7323]

i now want a Young Tech Dweeb papercraft series. that or you should do webcomics :D

[@yo-lo-]

Hello, thanks for this review ! I read that the audio output is crap with noise in the background when using headphones... Can you confirm this ?

[@Pridetoons]

I wonder how Rent A Hero for the Sega Genesis and Sega Dreamcast plays on this Handheld? 🤔

[@DarkstarMonday]

Ordered mine last week

[@jamlemon]

I got a Retroid Pocket 2+ a few years ago mostly for emulation of 90s Sega and Nintendo consoles but I was disappointed with the Saturn emulation so of course I’m looking at these and hoping they can actually handle Saturn games smoothly as I would be buying this just for the ability to play Saturn games properly (although the controller layout is cool as for Mega Drive and Saturn games).

[@scopionthomas8268]

Hey Tech Dweeb i love your dig video it was a lot of help and can you answer this question? what is the hardest to emulate switch or xbox

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks! I'm not sure to be honest, but my guess is Switch.

[@SaltyOldBaldurian]

I sub'd just for the paper animations... where has this channel been for so long???

[@THNF89]

Game Gear games will always be worth playing sir. Subbed despite that transgression lol

[@TechDweeb]

I will give you one chance to convince me. Top 3 games? I will try them out and see.

[@THNF89]

@@TechDweeb Well I always enjoyed Sonic Triple Trouble, Ristar, and there were two Power Rangers fighting games that were simple but really fun. I still play them a lot. That's the 6 year old in me talking though so your mileage may vary

[@brunan-gi147]

​@TechDweeb While most GG games were indeed scaled down Genesis or MS ports, it had some nice exclusives. Shinning force games, Defenders of Oasis, Tails Adventure, 2 Shinobi games, Master of Darkness, Star Wars, Donald Duck Lucky Dime Capper, etc Its worth a look.

[@THNF89]

@@brunan-gi147 thank you for more cultured recommendations lol

[@Ronsilk-pu5hr]

I'm guessing most saturn rpg games work because there usually slower pased games? Not sure but more a question?

[@TechDweeb]

The performance is fine in saturn, it's more the compatibility. Some games just don't launch.

[@fredericmanson441]

@@TechDweeb So, it's a software issue?? Is there another Saturn emulator available??

[@Skysmeller1]

Definitely looks like a Japanese Saturn Controller

[@angrygnome4304]

Mine should arrive tomorrow.

[@angrygnome4304]

Holy crap this thing is awesome! Its the perfect size.

[@ivancho5854]

In general are the original Sega D-pads durable and specifically does it seem as durable as say the one on the RG35XX? Thanks.

[@mr-iz8cx]

I had a Saturn and a Dreamcast. I'd buy this if it had an analog stick and triggers, like the Dreamcast. Like the form and screen size. Real nice. Wouldn't buy anything below 4"

[@yakadoodledongywongy8718]

Can it handle WCW Revenge on N64? The button layout is as close to perfect that I've seen for that purpose. Please let us know

[@themauwie8933]

Sweet. Thanks for the video, Man. I had Sega too, when I was a young and handsome geek. And this one is one to consider, after your great explanation. +++

[@MrMartellSincere]

I love Sega games

[@Sinn0100]

"I enjoy things I remember..." Well, you know what I say? "If I haven't played it, it's new to me." ;)