The device I recommend to friends - Anbernic RG353VS in-depth review and comparison

Buy the RG353VS: bit.ly/3rZYsx9
Buy the RG35XX: bit.ly/3QsjMER
‪@litnxt_official‬ #litnxt
SakuraRetroModding: www.etsy.com/shop/SakuraRetro...
JelOS setup:
Github: github.com/JustEnoughLinuxOS/...
7zip: www.7-zip.org/
Balena Etcher: etcher.balena.io/
Note Battery test RESULTS (100% brightness, wifi connected):
00:00 - intro
00:21 - What to expect in this video
00:43 - They don't make them like they used to
01:11 - Why the RG353VS is perfect
03:06 - Any critical flaws?
03:23 - Dpad test
05:03 - Map joystick for PS1
05:28 - Joystick senstivity test for Anbernic RG353VS
06:20 - Screen test - brightness, colour etc
07:09 - Pocketability aka Crotch Time
08:12 - Ergonomics test
09:32 - Ergonomics vs Power vs Affordability
09:55 - The Adin Walls Build Quality rating
10:11 - Audio pawdio
12:22 - Maybe just get an Anbernic RG35XX?
13:37 - Anbernic RG353VS - I like the clear black!
14:03 - Connectivity and buttons on the RG353VS - wifi, bluetooth, OTG
14:29 - Custom Firmware options
16:17 - Making the RG353VS perfecter
16:21 - Fixing the rattling buttons on the RG353VS
18:19 - Quick teardown analysis of the RG353VS
19:18 - Final rattle test on RG353VS
19:27 - You can mod the RG353VS
19:45 - Quick JelOS setup guide for RG353VS
21:27 - How to add BIOS files to the RG353VS
22:01 - How to use JelOS
23:06 - How to install Pico8 on the RG353VS
27:28 - Better options to buy than the RG353VS

[@vhsretrogamer1664]

In my 3 yr experience with these handhelds: -powkiddy v90 was great for it's time, but has no hardware shutdown and that caused my sd card to corrupt many times because that power button can go on and off in my pocket with little to no force applied. -rg350m is nearly perfect with adam image, but is a bit too heavy since it's metal. -280v is perfect for gameboy/8-16 bit consoles, but using l and r buttons is a pain. -rg353p with jelos is perfect in almost every way and still my favourite one although at the time of purchase was a bit too expensive (over 200 eur with shipping and finnish taxes) -rp2+ is cool and all, but not so much more power than rg353p and less comfortable/pocketable. -rp3+ is nearly perfect, but I can't play 4:3 content on a widescreen, so it's pretty much a psp machine to me. -rpflip is ok, but dpad is too stiff and face buttons are just too loud for my taste. -rg35xx with garlic would be fantastic if only menu button wasn't half broken on my unit. -mm+ with onion is fine, but my screen fell of. A little bit of glue fixed it in a few minutes though, but the vibe was forever ruined lol. -rg405m is nice, but just like rg350m is a bit heavy and my dpad is kinda defective although still playable. Gamma OS is a must though. -rg405v is.. still not perfect due to very loud back buttons. -steam deck is great for 16:9 content, but waaay too big and d pad up diagonals not always working. It's basically my main bethesda game console for elder scrolls/fallout games. Also I have psp, psvita, 2ds xl and switch, but those are their own things. So looking back at all my retro handhelds I think rg353p is still the best one to me. And now I am thinking of buying rg353vs since it's basically same thing as rg353p, but vertical and no android. Jelos has so many pc ports making it the perfect os imo. Onion OS is the close second.

[@adinwalls]

This is a video all on its own!

[@TechDweeb]

Wow. It's crazy how different everyone is with their preferences. You loved the DPad 280V, but I can't stand it! I even grabbed it when you said this in the video to see and it's even worse (for me) than I remember. And then I often love things that many others hate. Good thing we have lots of options I guess!

[@adinwalls]

Ya that’s crazy. For me the 280V is still top of my list. And I suppose that’s what makes people like Anbernic’s life a total nightmare to please everyone. That being said I do think they nailed it on the Rg405 series.

[@mr_fuji_mintsmr_fuji_mints9873]

I love you dweeb

[@ilmco]

hoodie “pocket-ability” is the only “pocket-ability” I care about 😊

[@jesselegood7454]

Very good video. You have made me a believer. This is top notch!

[@adinwalls]

Hehe cool! The only thing is the price. But if quality is a priority for you then it’s worth it.

[@CardfightCasual]

Ive always defaulted to the big 3 reviewers when it comes to retro devices (RGC, Taki and ETA) but i must say l really enjoyed your presentation and the things you pointed out. Great video man!

[@adinwalls]

Wow that’s high praise thank you.

[@DeathByHentai]

ETA is not a reviewer, he's a promoter or an advertiser, he shows off new things but he's never critical and always has nothing but praise, don't put the other two in the same category as that shill

[@tomaswolsink7620]

Just happen tk find you,re channel, great and in dept reviews. I bought a miyo mini + and updated it to onion os it,s been amazing :)

[@adinwalls]

Ah cool. I haven’t shown the MM+ much love. I should revisit it.

[@tomaswolsink7620]

@@adinwalls i my opnion you must instal onion os for it to enjoy it to it,s full potential, screen is amazing also :).

[@adinwalls]

Yes OnionOS is great

[@kingsalomon6459]

Can you make a video on what are the best settings for the Rg353VS please !!! Your the best out there !

[@thetwistedsock3253]

I've ordered this with the 512 GB card for £44. It's great to see such a positive review. Looking forward to it being delivered.

[@adinwalls]

I’m sure you’ll enjoy it

[@DannyTheMarvel]

Ordered my 353V in White. Can’t wait. Getting roms ready now😊

[@adinwalls]

Ooooh exciting! What’s your first game going to be?

[@DannyTheMarvel]

@@adinwalls I got it! I tested a few games out. I want to get controls for doom64 to work as close to modern fps games as I can.

[@marksapollo]

353V for me I think. Will be interesting to see if Anbernic update them this year.

[@DannyTheMarvel]

My 353v is arriving in less than 2 days 😎

[@IS414H]

I always thought about getting this one but I always passed on it because it looks silly to me, but I feel like it would be perfect for the games I tend to emulate.

[@adinwalls]

Ya the RG353VS sits a fairly solid middle ground. But even after launching this video and doing that final pricing assessment I realise it’s perhaps a little overpriced. However against the other options it still has a place in the world.

[@Ryutai7]

I have the V version and I love it

[@DannyTheMarvel]

@@Ryutai7 same, it’s amazing

[@insu_red]

Great review! I had a very hard time deciding between this one, an RG353V so I could get that atomic purple nostalgia or an RG353PS for my first device. I ended up going with the RG353PS DMG for a "Super Game Boy" feel and, while it's definitely been a great device, a part of me always pines for that game boy color nostalgia. One of these days I'll buy an RG353V just because, even if it does nothing my other devices don't already do! This hobby is dangerous for your wallet. P.S. L1+Start+Select is a shortcut to exit pico-8!

[@adinwalls]

Ah thanks for the Pico8 tip! Why not just get a purple RG35XX? That’ll give you that gameboy colour vibe for cheaper.

[@insu_red]

@@adinwallsI'm addicted to Retroachievements so I need Wi-Fi and I just really like how the 353V/S looks, down to the darker PCB inside (otherwise the 405V would also be in competition). Oh well, what's one more device in the end, maybe the extras will make for fun gifts :)

[@HotSauceStain]

I must have lucked out, no rattle with my VS. I hate are some fun games to download? I need some recommendations

[@christianmccann9400]

I have the 353 V version its awesome .. but looking at upgrading to 405v for that large screen !

[@DannyTheMarvel]

I considered the 405v… but I have a Steam Deck for screen size and power. Now looking mainly for something super pocketable. My 353v is on it’s way to my apt :)

[@douggtg]

27:27 "If anyone knows how to get out of Pico-8, let me know" Assuming you are running Pico-8 (registered version) running in Splore From a game you are playing... 1. Press Select + Start (this brings up the Pico-8 menu) 2. Select EXIT TO SPLORE, then press A 3. While focusing on any game in Splore, press Select+Start (this brings up the Pico-8 menu in Splore) 4. Select OPTIONS, then press A 5. Select SHUTDOWN PICO-8, then press A

[@adinwalls]

R1 + L1 • SELECT shuts down Pico8 👍😊

[@charactermeringue]

awesome. i broke the screen on mine so while i'm replacing the screen i mihgt as well fix the rattling buttons! thank you.

[@adinwalls]

Go for it, there are lots of options these days. Just have them resin printed locally

[@Bendilin]

I...JUST ordered the R36S... (after getting an R35S and not liking the stick placement)

[@eonbree8593]

thats a really good one too

[@CT-2601]

What are the advantages of getting jelos over ark os?

[@adinwalls]

Not much. Maybe some performance differences here and there. The big difference is that you need to change settings in each emulator for ArkOs while Jelos focussed on having settings controlled in the front end emulation station menu system.

[@ROBALHC]

I just pick one for 45$ and maybe its not new device but it very good.

[@allen0088]

I would recommend an android phone and a rishi

[@Coolmanstau]

Baie Dankie

[@adinwalls]

Hehe. Plesier

[@ksajak]

I can get two rg353vs for 20 each. Im having a hard time finding out if they're the same as the ones posted for much more. Confusing really. Dont want to buy two of them for 40 if they're cheap junk

[@adinwalls]

There are some bargains out there but that sounds too good to be true

[@ZingaMadinga]

bruh pico-8 is already pre-installed on the rg353v, and i would never pay for pico 8 because one, i just dont want to, and two, im broke

[@adinwalls]

I was working with the VS and I could see native Pico8 just the normal Fake08 emulator.

[@09superblue]

Why do you not use the sd cards provided?

[@adinwalls]

Depending on what they send. The SD cards are often very poor quality

[@lordgeyik]

If you start a front facing speaker cult I will be your first follower

[@adinwalls]

I think it’s just begun…

[@bitz4yew752]

How do you turn the brightness down on rg353vs

[@adinwalls]

In the main menu I think it’s under system settings

[@jamessalas3786]

Not a bad video. Good information. But "Perfecter" you are killing me man. (Even more perfect)?

[@adinwalls]

I’ll do gooder next time

[@mamatkebab]

I cant seem to download jelos this day, only ark os, even after simulate all testing, stock os is already good to go. But anbernic developer is no longer updatedthe device this day

[@adinwalls]

Yes Jelos shut down completely a few days ago but you can find archives of Jelos on archive.org otherwise try Rocknix

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

This might sound really dumb but when would you actually use the reset button? Is that for if it freezes up or something like that?

[@adinwalls]

Yes, with all the various emulators you often encounter end up with the system getting stuck and a reset button comes in handy.

[@buku-peace_bringnknowledge]

lol you're not old enough to get that if a retro game, it needs one of those

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

@@buku-peace_bringnknowledge lol I would bet I’m older than you. This isn’t a Nintendo with a cartridge. You don’t really need a reset button. It already has a power button.

[@buku-peace_bringnknowledge]

@@turnbasedtoddy7664 crazy you speak. there's is naturally many games from that dev and some installed don't load but you wouldn't know unless ran all games loaded with

[@lordgeyik]

I really wanted to get this but the earphone buzz kills it for me.

[@adinwalls]

Hmmm ya that isn’t a great thing.

[@christianmccann9400]

The V version has Bluetooth earphone option

[@adinwalls]

@christianmccann9400 correct

[@lordgeyik]

Probably there's going to be a terrible lag on bluetooh audio, but a usb-c adapter could potentially avoid the interference

[@Realsmurf7]

Rip it’s like 230 in aud

[@user-rj7ls5py3p]

Are the games free in anbernic rg 353V

[@adinwalls]

Yes

[@aliceinmansonland448]

For a real friend? The Vita! It's like getting several gifts. You get the community that still makes games and ports to this very day, it's a learning experience refurbishing and hacking the handheld, and the playable library that isn't emulated is incredible! PSP, PS1, select PS2, and the entire Vita catalog plays natively! It's what I think would be best simply because of the experience, community, and libraries. If you want a good Anbernic, the RG505 because OLED, nuff said!

[@adinwalls]

Well… you’re not wrong…

[@GurlDreamer50]

Yes!!! The PS Vita is my favorite go to handheld over any Anbernic device. I even prefer it more over my 3dsXL

[@vexorian]

12:30 but isn't it more ruder-er to have the speakers playing when the TV is on?

[@adinwalls]

I find wearing headphones with people to be ruder. It may just be me 😊

[@Danko18101993]

this is just R36S in different shell...

[@zamani715]

large different 😅

[@gamesfromheart5998]

I was thinking to buy it but when i saw it have a rattle like that then I'm not buying this garbage i prefer to emulate games on my phone 😒