The Ultimate Retro Gaming Device? Anbernic RG353V Full Review! 🎮🕹️

Dive into the world of retro gaming with my in-depth review of the Anbernic RG353V! In this video, I leave no button unpressed as I explore the build quality, performance across various systems, and the versatile firmware options available, including Android 11, ArkOS, and JelOS.
💡 Key Review Points:
✅ Build Quality Breakdown: Buttons, D-Pad, and Overall Feel
✅ Performance Showcase: Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, and More
✅ Firmware Options Unveiled: Android 11, Stock Linux OS, ArkOS, JelOS
From the tactile feedback of the buttons to the seamless performance across different gaming systems, discover why the Anbernic RG353V earns a glowing review. Don't miss out on gameplay footage that showcases its capabilities!
🔍 Looking for the truth about the RG353V? Your search ends here!
🛍️ Grab your own Anbernic RG353V and relive the classics in style:
RG353V on Amazon ($140 w/free shipping): amzn.to/470xtzR
RG353V on Official Site ($90 with code AN11 until 11-17-23): anbernic.com/p...
If you enjoy this review, please LIKE, SHARE with fellow gamers, and COMMENT with your thoughts and questions. For more retro gaming insights, SUBSCRIBE to the channel and ring the notification bell. Let's uncover the truth about retro gaming together!
#AnbernicRG353V #RetroGamingHandheld #GamingReview #Android11 #ArkOS #JelOS #GamingPerformance #RG353V 🎉🕹️
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[@caravaz]

80s and 90s kids like me treasure those games 😊❤

[@BoKnowsGaming]

You can say that again!

[@IronbugVR]

Those games are still my top favorite games. These new game devs need to only play 80s and 90s game for a year, then design a new game.

[@jamiemorgan3649]

This wasn't made to be a powerhouse. This is the perfect Gameboy device that has the bonus of playing PS1 and down flawlessly. Also I don't know what it is about the vertical form factor, but it makes me actually complete the games I play.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I genuinely love the form factor. I don’t know why, but it makes (most) games more fun for some reason. It’s a great device. Maybe it seems more like a console experience because the screen is above the controls, like your tv would be above your controller??? 🤔

[@user-ql8ht5xh5h]

Better than you buy an 2nd mid end phone

[@DannyTheMarvel]

I ordered one a couple of days ago! I can’t wait. I feel like the vertical form factor will make it more enjoyable, for whatever reason. And I love that it has 2 thumbsticks ❤

[@DannyTheMarvel]

I can hardly wait for mine to arrive. Thanks for the tip about JelOS. Looks great.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

You're welcome. Happy gaming!

[@DannyTheMarvel]

@@BoKnowsGamingit came. I love it!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@DannyTheMarvel That's awesome! Enjoy it, my friend!

[@firelordOzai3]

If you keep this quality up this channel will blow up any minute now - good job!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

You know, I’ve been getting more and more negative/rude comments lately, so reading this means a WHOLE lot. Thank you, friend. I hope you have an awesome day! 👍🙂

[@DannyTheMarvel]

@@BoKnowsGamingthey’re just jealous

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@DannyTheMarvel Thanks, man. I appreciate the support. 👍

[@gregorycritch2129]

I just managed to get one for £79 with 48h shipping, seemed like a good deal, should be with me in a couple of days. Thanks for the video.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Nice! Happy gaming, and thanks for watching!

[@the_saiyann]

Hey man, where did you get this from? Looking for one in the UK atm

[@Voshchronos]

Really great review! Love the vertical form factor

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Thank you! I can never decide which one I like more, vertical or horizontal. I love them both! Haha.

[@Chongjr420]

Thank you, you helped to feel confident enough to actually buy one. Wasn't sure how it would handle some of the games. Or how it would work in general. So thanks again. Keep up the good work.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

No problem. Glad I could help! Thanks for the positive feedback. Happy gaming, friend!

[@KyleRuggles]

Great review! I'm really thinking about picking this up, the white with the SNES colors and slap a Dreamcast sticker on it, that's my jam! I already own the RG351V which I LOOOOVE and play more often than my Odin and my RP3+ oddly enough, but I'm looking for something that'll play Dreamcast and more pocketable. Think I'll wait till Anbernic has one of their sales, I checked and it can go as low as $77. Love your style of reviews, and really dig that half green screen you got going on there. Subscribed! P.S. You should go on the RH podcast, seeing you got tons of experience with handhelds, I think you'd be awesome to have on as a guest, I'll let em know the next time they do a live.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Thanks, Kyle! I appreciate the encouraging words! It’s a pretty cool device. It’s a little older at this point. Have you checked out the upcoming RG40XX H or the more pocketable 35XX H? They’re already less than $77 and have similar performance. Might be worth considering. Also, no one ever comments on my half green screen. I like it! Haha. Thank you for subscribing. I watch the RH podcast sometimes when I can. I would never invite myself onto the show, but if THEY invited me that would be awesome. I’d love to do more podcasts like that. So thank you for suggesting me to them! Happy gaming, friend!

[@KyleRuggles]

@@BoKnowsGaming Yeah I've seen all of those and they do have more power but I'm looking for a vertical handheld that can play Dreamcast, *pocketable and has analog sticks. I know it's an older handheld but I still use my RG351V more often than my more powerful ones and it's just the feel and compactness that I love, reminds me so much of my original Gameboy back in the early 90's. It's also the look, I LOVE the look of this thing! Yeah man, you'd fit right in with RH. I said the same thing to Techdweeb when he was starting out, recommended RH have him on and now he's kind of a regular lol. My pleasure buddy. And yeah, that half green screen really kicks! A great way to stand out. P.S. Oh! Have you tried newer ArkOS builds? How's Dreamcast/N64 now? I get a lot more games running full speed on my 351V compared to when I first got it with ArkOS and Amberelec. I'm actually looking for new video's that showcase Dreamcast to see if it has improved as much as my 351V.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Gotcha. Yeah, it's definitely one of their better looking devices, in my opinion. And I totally understand the nostalgia factor! It's still an awesome device. Oh really? You recommended TechDweeb? That's cool! Thank you in advance for the shout out. We'll see what happens! 🙂 I haven't tried ArkOS recently. I've mostly been working with these H700 devices lately, and there's not a build for them yet. So I don't know if Dreamcast/N64 are running better or not, but it wouldn't surprise me. People MUCH smarter than me are constantly improving things in the emulation scene.

[@tydubbz2670]

Cool review just picked up one today hoping for the best

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Nice! That's awesome. I bet you'll have a good time. Merry Christmas! 🙂

[@ZingaMadinga]

I asked my mom for this for Christmas! My favorite part about this is that is plays Pico-8 and Virtual boy. I'm excited to play Celeste Classic, Pico night funki, and whatever other Pico 8 games I find! Virtual boy is where this system shines for me. I love the virtual boy, and being able to play them on a vertical form factor handheld like the gameboy is amazing to me. Hopefully I get this soon!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

That’s awesome! Pico-8 is so fun. And Virtual Boy is cool too. I hope you have a merry Christmas! Happy gaming, friend!

[@ZingaMadinga]

@@BoKnowsGaming Thanks for replying! It feels kind of criminal and wrong that I don't make nice, perfect length, gaming reviews like you, yet IM the one with more subs. It makes zero sense. You need MORE.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@ZingaMadinga Haha 😂 That’s ok. Maybe I’ll make it in the KZbin world one day like you. Stay cool, ZigZag. 🙂

[@cheesepownsu]

Havent even finished this but im glad to get a FRESH take on this device. Just ordered a MiyooMini+ and a RG353v off Ali. Those 11.11 deals...yes sir. Ill likely return one but thanks for making a video! I love the design of the Miyoo and i like the 353v's too although the mini is "cuter" BUT the 353 is more powerfull, nice ergonomics and has HDMI out AND bluetooth controller connectivity. UGH. Decisions decisions. I might even return the 353v and get a retroid 2+ due to its power. Its design is not my favorite though alhtough i do like that it can play ps2/gamecube. UGHHHH we shall see. time will tell.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I have a review of the MiYoo Mini + up on the channel as well, and if I had to choose between that and this I would absolutely choose the RG353V. It’s only slightly bigger, but it plays so many more games. I also have a review of the Retroid Pocket 3+ you can check out, and that one is also nice, although it requires some pretty extensive setup. I don’t recommend it for beginners to the retro handheld world. Thanks for watching. I hope you get it all figured out. Happy gaming, friend!

[@chrismckenna6183]

I just ordered the RG353V it will be my first ever retro handheld I'm hoping to play all Pokemon games up to 2DS hoping I made the right choice for a first time retro handheld

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@chrismckenna6183 You made a great choice! It's really great for classic Pokemon games. It won't play 2DS/3DS, but it will play DS Pokemon, and everything before that!

[@chrismckenna6183]

@@BoKnowsGaming iv been reading that it doesn't come loaded Pokemon games is that true?

[@user-ql8ht5xh5h]

Lel, if i were you better brought RP3+ the price only slighty different in my country, dun know if your country

[@drugstorequeen1974]

Awesome video! Just purchased :)

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Amazing. I hope you enjoy it! Happy gaming. And I hope to see you around!

[@christianmccann9400]

Yeh great little device have mine few months .. looking to upgrade to RG 405V for the bigger screen

[@BoKnowsGaming]

It is great! I have really enjoyed it. I was thinking about reviewing the 405V too. Let me know what you think about it. Hope to see you around! Happy gaming, friend!

[@Frivoloon]

Hey! I just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos! Your editing is quite good. I really think you deserve more subs, and hope you get monetized soon!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Wow. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me to keep going! Hope you'll stick around. Happy gaming, friend!

[@Frivoloon]

No problem! I’m definitely gonna stick around

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Nice! Have a great day, Tinloon!

[@IronbugVR]

Great video, love your presentation. You got another sub .

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I appreciate the positive vibes. Reading the comments can be disheartening sometimes. Haha. Hope to see you around! Thanks for the view and sub!

[@joelmakela2964]

Thanks for the review! What's with the screen lower/side corners? Do you still have some kind of film on it or is it that bad build quality?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Haha 😂 I still have the film on it. I hadn’t put the screen protector on yet.

[@aquaballs]

I just want to play arcade games I hope it's a good one coming tomorrow

[@BoKnowsGaming]

This plays a lot of classic arcade games super well. Happy gaming!

[@spoilofthelamb]

This has been great for testing pico-8 games.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Oh for sure! 👍 Pico-8 is one of gaming’s best kept secrets. Play on!

[@Endr29]

Great video! Thank you. How is it to use the joysticks? Is it comfortable?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. They’re no where near as uncomfortable as they look. Haha. It’s not bad. Especially since most of the games this runs only uses the left stick anyway. You wouldn’t want to play modern day Halo or COD. But they’re good for retro games.

[@jurajpodrouzek]

Great video. How good is the emulation of Amiga roms? Thanks.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Thank you! Amiga is possible, but it's not very intuitive. It's hard to figure out what the buttons are mapped to. Sometimes you have to bring up the on screen keyboard. Sometimes there are even DOS commands you have to use. If you have a great working knowledge of DOS and Amiga it might not be to bad, because the games will run on the hardware, but if you don't it will be a struggle.

[@Miggwilson]

Great video! Mine is coming Saturday. Just downloaded the IMG file. Got 2 SD cards. For the OS one, what file structure does it use? exFat or Fat32? I can get rid of the partitions and format it. Then I'll use the image on the SD card and reinsert it. The second card for games only...again, do I need that exFat or Fat32? Thanks!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

If you’re using brand new cards you don’t need to format them at all. Just use balena etcher to flash the firmware to the first card, then insert them both into your device and boot up. If they’re used cards, exFat should do the trick.

[@DannyTheMarvel]

Fat32

[@Sergesauce]

Great review. I really wanna get one of these emulator pocket things. There are so freaking many, it’s overwhelming. I’ll be good if it ran atleast up to Dreamcast so I can play sonic adventure 2. Does that run well on the RG353VS?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Thanks! You’re right. There are a LOT of them, and it can be very overwhelming. My suggestion would be to not rush into it if you’re overwhelmed. Just keep watching videos and do your research so you can make an informed decision. As far as Sonic Adventure 2, this is a review of the RG353V. The RG353VS is a stripped down version that has less RAM, no Android, and no touch screen. Same body and chipset though. I believe it will still run Sonic Adventure 2 even with only half the RAM of the RG353V.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

If you have any other questions let me know, and if you want to check out some other devices like this I have more reviews on the channel. Feel free to stick around. 🙂

[@Sergesauce]

@@BoKnowsGaming thanks for replying back! I think I’m actually going to go ahead and get this one you reviewed. I subscribed so I’ll be sticking around.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@Sergesauce Awesome! I have affiliate links to it in the description if you're interested in those. But no pressure. Thanks for the sub! Happy gaming, friend! 🙂

[@KeybladeScar]

Where can I buy this? I want it so bad to relive my childhood 😭😭

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I have two different purchase links in the description. One to Amazon, and one to Anbernic’s official site. Feel free to use either one, and thanks for watching! 🙂

[@KeybladeScar]

@@BoKnowsGaming no problem and at all and thank you for the help 🙏🏽 😁

[@BoKnowsGaming]

You’re welcome! Happy gaming!

[@CabooseDaMan]

Does this come with the games installed already? Or do you have to add them?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

It comes with several thousand games preinstalled. Nothing with “Mario” in the title though.

[@Oz_Darkr1d3r]

I just got one today. I heard people say the SD card that comes packed with games is junk. Do I have to worry about mine failing right away?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Probably not right away, but I would definitely backup everything on the card to your computer right away. Especially the ROMs and BIOS files. Then, I’d be looking at Prime Day deals on name brand cards. I use Lexar. Samsung and SanDisk are also very good.

[@Oz_Darkr1d3r]

@@BoKnowsGaming no idea how to do any of that. I don even own a computer just game consoles. I was hoping I could just pick up and play and not have to change anything

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@Oz_Darkr1d3r Ok. Well... let's hope your's is one of the good ones that doesn't fizzle out then. They don't all go bad. Happy gaming!

[@Oz_Darkr1d3r]

@@BoKnowsGaming I wasn't going to buy any of these type of systems for fear I wouldn't know how to work it but a few friends on Xbox said this is the easiest to work and you can just boot up and play so I took their word for it and bought one. Let's hope this isn't my first and last time buying a retro gaming handheld.. thank you for the information!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@Oz_Darkr1d3r This is a pretty decent starter because it can boot into either android or linux, so you get a taste of each. I like this one a lot. Good pick!

[@RedHotBillyPeppers]

Will it run Marvel Vs Capcom 2 on the Dreamcast emulator? Is it playable?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I just checked. It has a little slow down as the stage loads, but once it says "FIGHT" it seems to run buttery smooth! No glitches or slow down that I could see. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@RedHotBillyPeppers]

Thanks for testing it! I like your content; subscribed.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Thank you! 🙏 I’ll see you around.

[@Yy12_]

@@BoKnowsGamingistg ur way too underrated

[@tariquehaniff]

The best I ever experienced is the 1up pi boy xl

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I’ve never heard of that one. It’s fun to say though. 😆

[@richardkmet1190]

What about r36s ? Its big diference between them? :)

[@BoKnowsGaming]

The R36S doesn’t have built in WiFi for over the updates, downloading game cover art, and earning RetroAchievements. It also uses the RK3326 processor which is weaker than the RK3566 found in this device. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all lower quality as well. But it’s also less than half the price. I would recommend the RG353V, but I understand that the R36S price is VERY tempting.

[@ronaldguz]

im plannig to get one of these

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Sweet! I hope you enjoy it. Happy gaming! 🙂

[@ronaldguz]

@@BoKnowsGaming i just ordered!! Cant wait. So excited for all the possibilities

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Amazing! I hope you enjoy it! Happy gaming, friend!

[@andresbarros9099]

hi, i have one but i want to change the roms sd to a bigger one, but when i copy everything and put it in the ambernic, it doesnt read it, help :c

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Did you try updating your games list in the settings menu?

[@Fyre0]

You'll have to flash the SD and make sure it's in the correct format (both the OS and the ROMs cards). I ran into this issue with the RG35XX Plus, turns out it's a lot more complicated than just inserting a new SD card. I followed this video by Javi Play Retro to get both cards set up. You'll have to pull the right Flash file for this device though, should be on the Anbernic website linked in the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmrMnYqLeLJ_grs

[@abuhanifah9883]

Can RG353VS play NDS without touchscreen?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

It can. But games that require heavy use of the touchscreen won’t really be playable. Ones that don’t use it or only occasionally need it work well. Like New Super Mario Bros. or Mario Kart DS. Those are fun. Metroid Prime Hunters? Unplayable.

[@Mikesthatguy]

Aunt Patricia's orange tabby-😾

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Haha. Do you have an “Aunt Patricia”? 😂

[@carlm4917]

Hi i have my rg353v but i accidentally reformated the TF2 card now i dont have any games. Where can i download games and how to put it on the device?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I can't tell you where to download games, but the internet can help you find an answer to that. Then you'll put your TF2 card in your computer and transfer those games over to it.

[@JinxVi285]

Can you get a rom on the android side for gta san andreas? Will it work?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Sure. You just use a computer to put it on the second SD card. Then put the sd card back in the second slot in the anbernic and boot it up. 🙂

[@mitchio83]

It has Vice City Stories for PSP pre loaded and it runs perfect!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

@@mitchio83 Nice!

[@spiderskateg]

What’s better? The rg353v or the rg35xx plus?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

It kind of depends on what type of games you want to play most. If you're only interested in NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy Advance - I would get the RG35XX Plus. If you are more interested in 3D games from N64, Dreamcast, NDS, or a mixture of 2D and 3D - I'd go with the RG353V. The 353V is still more powerful and it has the joysticks that will make 3D games feel a lot better to play. Price is also worth considering, because you're going to end of paying about $50 more for the 353V. Hope that helps you out! Happy gaming!

[@spiderskateg]

@@BoKnowsGaming thank you very informative

[@BoKnowsGaming]

You’re welcome! 👍

[@allen0088]

No its not the ultimate, stop asking silly questions in your thumbnail

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I wanted to be more specific and say “The Ultimate Pocketable Vertical Retro Handheld Gaming Device Under $100? The Anbernic RG353V Full Review!” But that was too long. 😉

[@allen0088]

@@BoKnowsGaming 😆🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BoKnowsGaming]

😂😁

[@thetruth3316]

⁠@@BoKnowsGamingwhat’s the best handheld device under 200 dollars?

[@Editz_900]

Can you Watch KZbin on it?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

There’s no browser or KZbin app on the device. You may be able to sideload one though and get it to work. I’m not sure. 🤔

[@ricktrejo4798]

Is Mike Tyson knock out in the rg353vd

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I believe Punch Out and Super Punch Out were both on here.

[@gfawkes8532]

Just got and only issue is exiting game

[@BoKnowsGaming]

You can't figure out how? Or something else?

[@Woobuggy848]

What small SD card (for internal) and large SD card (for external) would you recommend? Because I just got mine for Christmas yesterday. Never trust generic brand less SD cards!!! I know it's not an immediate pick up and play, there's gotta be some serious tinkering to do (which shouldn't be too hard as long as you know what a person is doing).

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I always replace the no name cards as quickly as possible. I use Lexar. I've never had an issue with them, and they're usually slightly cheaper than Samsung and SanDisk. For this device I'd get a 16 or 32 gb for the internal, and a 256gb for the external so you can hold all the ROMs, box art, and trailers you want. Here's a link to the cards I use: amzn.to/3GTN1uN Have fun with it, and merry Christmas!

[@Woobuggy848]

@@BoKnowsGaming I'll figure out the bells and whistles after the holidays... anyways, thank you for the tip!

[@BoKnowsGaming]

YW.

[@rickyazz529]

Will it run 3ds?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

No, unfortunatley not. But DS runs well. Thanks for watching!

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Nice

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Back at ya!

[@sportag9458]

atari ?

[@BoKnowsGaming]

All of them. It’s incredible. 🙂

[@sportag9458]

@@BoKnowsGaming Thank you very much 🙂

[@BoKnowsGaming]

YW!

[@RoMEBlitZ]

Why does mine keep fucking up when I try to save? It will say save state 0% and crash or if I play Pokémon heart gold it wont save at all and I’ve tried with multiple different roms

[@BoKnowsGaming]

I’m not sure. Which firmware are you using? Is it crashing no matter what system you’re playing? Or just NintendoDS. DS uses the Drastic emulator and that works differently than retroarch. It could be a problem with the Drastic app. Or maybe you just need a completely fresh install. Or maybe your save file path has been changed and is trying to save to a folder that doesn’t exist. It’s hard to say, but those are a few ideas.

[@RoMEBlitZ]

@@BoKnowsGaming it was standard firmware and it happened with every game so I bought 2 new SD cards put the newest software I could get on it and it seems to work well so far. Some times I could save the game then go back and it would be missing or it would just crash

[@BoKnowsGaming]

Ah. Gotcha. Ok. I’m glad you got it figured out. Happy gaming!