RG351P review after 100 hours of gameplay - Still worth it?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- Here's my review of Anbernic's RG351P after playing it for over 100 hours! Is it worth it? For a sub $100 retro handheld? Absolutely. Especially if you love GBA games.
Buy the RG351P here (Affiliate): amzn.to/40Rs1ND
Full written review here: 8bitbongo.com/anbernic-rg351p...
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:04 Backstory
01:53 Unboxing
03:35 Build Quality
05:34 Specs
06:31 SNES
06:55 Game Boy
08:21 Game Boy Advance
09:58 N64
12:31 PS1
13:37 Pros and Cons
16:50 Conclusion
#rg351p #retrohandhelds #gbaemulator
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I had mine for 2 years. After a year the back pads glue started to melt. I removed them and cleaned the glue. Also I ordered a pack of new ruber pads because in time the button membranes gets mushy in time. I use Arkos on mine since the beginng and haven't switched to other os since. Very happy with it. Also bought a backup one when they were cheap, that's how much I like it.
Good job on the video. I have plenty of handhelds but the 351 series still gets a lot of love on the older console games.
I still use mine. Solid handheld console. I haven't felt the need to upgrade just yet. Maybe once one comes out that can play Dreamcast, Gamecube and PSP perfectly under $100 I'll get something else.
It's called the Powkiddy X55
@@Flyingboots1 yes, that Powkiddy X55 is amazing.
How many hours can you really stay focused on this thing?
@@Flyingboots1 X55 can't play all of PSP perfectly. And can't do Gamecube.
that blue micro SD card that came with it, is Kioxia its a Japanese brand from Toshiba, its very good and reliable, the older anbernics came with generic no name SD cards but a year ago they started using japanese SD after people complained
Gotcha, thanks for the info! I didn't know.
There are only a few companies that make the chips in the SD card. They are all pretty similar.
Can't wait for mine to get here. Currently on transit from China. I am definitely stoked
Great video man! This is my favorite Anbernic device due to the perfect 2x scaling of the GBA (which is of course my all-time favorite console)! I own both the RG351P (white) and RG351M (black) which I got for around $60 each (2nd hand).
Thanks! Yes, GBA looks beautiful on this system.
Just got one myself for the same amount pretty much just to play mostly GBA
damn, im def going to be picking one of these up. looks really nice in hand and the UI is sweet and simple
A good video to help grasp where you can save money if your goals are certain systems and not to over pay if you are getting power for newer systems you are not focused on. Good work on this!
Thanks!
Great video. I love the build and it looks good on my desk. My unit freezes after sleep mode as well and my save states don't work for every game but it's OK for arcade and quick rounds of Blitz and Mario Kart.
Thanks! Interesting that other people are having the sleep mode freezing issue. I just end up shutting it down after playing each time.
I just realized this is a new channel. But you've got the potential to grow fast. Keep it up!
Thanks!
IMO RK3326 devices are the golden standard.
I have RG351MP and I love it. Compact, comfortable, sturdy. Perfect to play SNES, GBA, Genesis/Master System and PS1 on the go: instant savestates with hotkeys, instant load times to savestates from the main menu.
Aspect ratio for GBA is a bit off but shaders and scaling options make up for it.
Very power efficient chip - 6-8 hours of battery life and actually working sleep mode.
upd: I don't like the volume buttons on MP, volume wheel like on 351M/P was much better.
Wouldn't get on a flight without this. The rg35xx feels better in my hands for two-button games but nothing looks and performs better than this thing. Got it during the height of the pandemic and it's always within reach since then. I'm not a tinkerer and I'm fine with it out of the box. Easy to add games and fine navigation. Wish it had a search feature and maybe it does but haven't found it. Not a problem; I enjoy exploring these devices.
I have also been considering making a video about this device, I bought it on a sale and still feel like it's worth it. It has a very specific charm that is hard to beat.
Agreed! By the way, I really like your videos.
@@8bitbongo hey man thank you. Well I enjoyed your vid too. Honestly, it convinced me to make my vid about the 351P as well. There’s just something about it that I enjoy a lot.
I got a switch lite, switch, RG351p and steamdeck. So far still going well.
RG351P is an amazing console. The PS1 and the GBA are beautiful.
I play n64 Playstation and even ds games on it pretty well on arkos but with gba it really really shines!
I recently modded a cheap japanese 3DS to play all my GB, GBA and DS roms on, which I think is an even better way to play your handheld collection, but having owned this handheld as well it is a great device to bring on the go for trips and just to have as the next best option. Feels really comfortable to use too, a bit better in the hands then a clam-shell device. And the double analog sticks are nice to have.
I'm curious, why did you go with a japanese 3DS? Once it is modded, does it matter if it's from a different region?
@@8bitbongoIt was probably price as the US versions are more rare and expensive (assuming he lives in US). I just sold my extra white new 3DS for $250 about 1-2 months ago and it has some sticky buttons (bought it used that way).
You will have to mod it to do a region unlock, otherwise you will be stuck with Japanese games and Eshop. This should be a big deal since the eshop has been shut down and you can get all that thru modding anyway.
loving the rg552 which is nice for playing at home but for something more portability/pocketable rg351p is still the best device for on the go
I agree, it's super pocketable!
i would say it's actually awesome for psx, i've tried countless games and had no issues whatsoever with the emulation. N64 is a different story and it's not fitted for vast majority of n64. To be honest it's my favourite way to play psx games overall, small screen fits them soo well
I didn't get mine until late 2023 and I've got more retro handhelds than I can possibly need. I'm getting rid of some, (like my RG35XX, for example). The RG351p, however, is going to stay in my collection until/unless it dies, I die, or something else comes along with a 3:2 sceeen that's more powerful in the future. Solely as my dedicated pocketable GBA machine. It's great once you get ArkOS on it, fully scraped. Similarly, I imagine that the RGB30 (in the mail now as I type this) will likely become my dedicated Gameboy / Gameboy Color device that I'll have no plans to get rid of.
I still love my 351p. I got the RGB30 recently and GB/GBC looks amazing on it. Hopefully will have a review out on that soon!
Is there a third party wifi module with usb c connector that can be plugged in directly to the device (which would eliminate some of the bulging aspect of the external module)
I haven't found one yet but I bet there is!
This could've been perfect for it has all the necessary basic buttons for emulation. Hope they release a more powerful version of this (Maybe A Helio G95 or so) for psp emulation or other consoles.
Have you seen the Rg353m? Perfect psp emulation, same looking device although it's metal and has a larger screen.
Sorry guys need some help I have had a new rg351 since January and have loved it. But this morning all the Gameboy advance games and section just left like the section was deleted. Anyway or suggestions to get it back😊
I've had many of these handhelds 351p was great still good contender for cheap enough
You don't have to apologize, it's a good hand held. I was wondering if yours came with Mario, Zelda and donkey Kong games.
It came with 100s of games, including the most popular ones.
What is the full list of games that are in the console?
Nice review man It's incredible what this little machine can do, there's a Super mario64 port for this device!
Thank you! I know it's pretty impressive.
Do you happen to know if this, or another emulator handheld device, would be able to utilize Boktai's sun sensor mechanic? That's what I'm looking for.
I don't know for certain but I would assume not since that's a special piece of hardware.
There is an option for the sun sensor in the button mapping settings of the GBA emulator. I use ArcOS, not sure if the option is there in other operating systems.
I own the Steam Deck, Ayn Odin and an RG351P. The RG is the less powerful one of the bunch, but it's the one that is always in my pocket.
I'd like to see you try putting either of the other two in a pocket 😂
Hey, looking into upgrading to this from an rg280v since i want better snes and GBA performance. Would you recommend it for those systems?
Yes!
@@8bitbongo I got a used rg351mp just a few days ago and I can’t wait to get it and load it with CFW
I bought the RG251M rather than the P. It has a metal case rather than a plastic one and if you want built in wifi, there you have it. However ISTR at least one video about how to add wifi to a RG351p as much of the mounting areas are there. The board in a 351M and 351P is almost identical.
I would consider the M model for built in wifi alone. I'm curious how the metal shell feels compared to the plastic one. You can use a dongle to get wifi on the P model but it ruins the shape of it. I heard you can install a wifi chip internally and maybe that is something I'll attempt in the future haha
If I remember it correctly, you can solder a Wi-Fi chip inside. This device actually has a Wi-Fi chip inside, but it's disabled due to some interference with the speakers or something.
This might be something I need to do..
Still use mine. When viable upgrades cost 220 or more I won’t be upgrading any time soon. When a device that can play PS2 comes out with good,controls and screen and costs 150 or less I’ll upgrade. Nothing even close yet.
I played many many hours on my 351P but the back pads came loose getting sticky residue all over and that was the cause of my moving on to another device. I really should go back and remove those pads and clean off the residue as I really did love the device.
Same the rubber part in the back fell off
Do all Ambernic handhelds come with an SD card with pre installed OS and games?
I can't say for certain but everyone I know who purchased one did receive an SD card with games.
It's my favorite handheld aside from my PSP and Vita. Only problem is while trying to copy my SD card, I inadvertently deleted 80 percent of my SD contents. Not being tech savy with emulators and roms, it's just sitting on my desk. My unit did not come with a wifi dongle.
Yea these devices can become a headache real quick if you don't know what you're doing. I do think the 351P is more user friendly than other retro handhelds, especially if you just install the pre-formated microSD they give you. But like in your case, different resellers might not include everything when you purchase it..
how does this stack up against a 2DS/2DS XL that’s been modded
awesome video. new sub!
Thanks for the sub! Good question, I have not modded a 2ds myself, but I've done some research on this and I know that the 2ds/3ds line has pretty powerful emulation capabilities. Maybe this is something I test out myself in the future!
Nice review bro, I’m planning to buy one next month hopefully 🙌🏼 did you put CFW on it or are you running the stock OS?
And btw Kioxia is basically Toshiba I use their USB drives all the time they’re made in Japan so they are absolutely quality👍🏼.
I'm using the Amber Elec firmware, so not the stock OS. Retro Game Crops has a good guide on installing that. And I did not know that about Kioxia, thanks!
@@8bitbongo You’re welcome man, and Retro Game Corps is the GOAT regarding these handhelds, hoping to see you surpass him bro👍🏼.
If I were u I'd spring for a 353 series build quality is great and preformance is worth it
I have same device..
But i installed new firmware : amberELEC. But now ITS bootloop.
Need sugestion, What should i do ?
Thanks.
I'm using AmberElec on mine without any problems. You may need to re-flash there card and install it with a different guide. I personally used retro game corps start up guide on the 351p and didn't have any issues.
It should play every single ps1 game perfectly if setup properly. It's N64 above (and Saturn) that is generally not worth bothering with outside of a couple of games.
I honestly love mine
Ty for the video i pickup one up for 50$ cad
I picked up the RG351M and had a lot of fun with it. The price is amazing.
Exchanged it for a RG353P in the end and would do it again. The 4:3 aspect ratio fits more systems, the shoulder button layout is better and it has HDMI out + bluetooth for TV playing. Also, the display is much better. That was one of the weak points of the RG351 series imo.
Plus it's got a nice retro look, something definitely worth considering for the future!
Exactly the same story here. 351P was great but the screen ration/increased power of the 353P makes it even better.
I've got an RG351V and ordered a 353P not long ago and I already think the 351V's screen looks great. Glad to hear this!
For ps1, I find it does really well. Took all my favorite ps1 games with little to no tinkering.
I haven't tested many ps1 games but from what I played PS1 plays great.
I have the RG351M.
The thing thrives on GBA.
I accidentally deleted some files and haven't figured put how to configure a new SD card. I still have some games on it but it's not set up like it was in the beginning. I like the console but just need to learn more about emulation.
A great place to start would be retro game corps, he's very good at explaining the set up.
in my country is selling similar price with rg353vs or ps. Other than form factor and screen ratio, there really isnt any reason to get rg351p due to the lower power processor rk3326 compared to rg353's rk3356 processor
Could you do a video trying NDS/3DS games? If it's even possible.
Not a bad idea. I think NDS is possible so that could make for some good content. 3DS would be a stretch
The console is solid I just don't know how to set up the front ends and ROMs. Still learning though.
I used Retro Game Corps videos, he does a great job explaining the set up process.
How do you download games? Can you make a video for next time?
So the device when I purchased it actually came with a ton of games pre-downloaded. I can't really make a video on where to download extra games simply due to copyright reasons, but a quick google on where to find ROMs should give you your answer. There's also some good Reddit communities out there that cover this topic extensively.
this is actually the same color with mine❤
It's the best!
almost got one of these, ended up getting an oled :D
Can't go wrong haha
Nice .. how are you bro can you make vedio for 128GB -CBMT. Final.RG350M guy ready disk image 💞
Can i play old PC games like Commandos Behind Enemy Lines on my Anbernic RG351P ?
I'm not sure on old PC games, I'll have to test that out.
@@8bitbongo In which games folder would you put it if that's possible. they're exe. files usually
My ambernic I found at a park someone must be mad it's a Gameboy model iv played it for hours (mostly pokemon diamond) the n64 games run a little bad but they work it dose get warm if left on witch is bad but it's a great road trip device
Oh and I forgot not all of the button are on the system so not all n64 games work with out em witch sucks
You can add on games/roms?
Yes, just need to connect the SD card to your computer and copy them over in the right folders.
Does this have Sega games pre installed, and does it have mortal kombat
Yes and yes. At least mine did.
What about custom OS?
I'm using AmberElec which is a custom OS
Can this handle all PS1 titles?
I have the RG351p and had the RG505 which is an android handheld which can emulate all PSP and some GameCube and I will say I was very disappointed. The RG351p and prior Anbernic devices were very high quality. But this newer device, it was bulky, the control layout is in such a way that it's hard to use. For example the non stacked shoulder buttons are so high up on the device that it's almost impossible to hit the L2 R2 buttons. It's pretty much a giant rg351p but with it being so big the analog stick are in a weird place. The RG505 has a vita screen which looked great on a Vita but looks bad on a modern android device, it just looks muddy and low resolution by today's standards. IPS screens have come a long way since the Vita. Speaking of Android anbernic hardly optimized the android interface for the RG505 at all, it's just not a great user experience. On top of that many of the RG505 if not all have a defect where if you charge the system while turned off the battery percentage gets stuck, causing the device to shut down from a low battery before the battery is actually dead. The only way to fix this is by removing the back shell, and unplugging and replacing the battery. At nearly $200.00 it's a bad device. Truthfully I usually take these systems as they are, I'm not overly picky but it's bad, I ended up selling it. Anbernic use to be a no brainier, they always made devices that were a balance of quality to performance at a good price. But since these devices have blown up the quality to price has dropped. I have owned a bunch of anbernic devices since they have started making them and they were all great and I feel like they peaked with the RG351p which is why I have it. For things like GBA, Gameboy and even PSX it's a perfect little on the go device, hands down to this day the $100.00 asking price is definitely worth even comparing the other systems they have available right now, some of which are less powerful then the rg351p/m. I think if you are wanting to play the bigger stuff, something like the steam deck, while massive can't be beat, I love mine. This other hot garbage coming from these Chinese companies are way over priced. There latest device launched at like 260 something which is 140$ shy of the steam deck that emulates all the way up to switch and plays modern PC games. Last thing as for the metal devices like the rg351m, I had one of anbernics metal devices back in the day and I didn't like it. In my state it gets very cold in the winter and picking that bad boy up was uncomfortable for a good ten minutes haha, but that's subjective.
Thanks for sharing! Yea I'm very happy with the quality of the 351P.
So something that is nice about GBA emulators, is that for the games that were made for the original GBA without the backlight, that had really high gamma to make the picture visible, there's an option you can tick within the emulator called "GBA color correction." And what this does is lower the gamma so that the image resembles something closer to how it would appear on the original system. Helpful for games that don't have built in display options.
Interesting, I did not know this.
Does it save games?
Yes, you can save games like you would with a physical copy of the game or create save states through the emulator settings.
Great video, except that I hear a very annoying sound. At first I thought it was my pc but when pausing the video it was silent.
Thanks, yea turns out the ceiling fan in the room I was recording is very loud, I've started turning it off for future videos.
@@8bitbongo :) That might help to grow your channel. I hope that you will gain more subscibers. Keep up the good work
This device has definitely piqued my interest.... Never ever seen or heard of these at all before either... What i dont get really is do u just recieve all those game options for free or it comes with the device u purchase or r u having to purchase each and every game separately? I tried to buy an oled switch and well... Idk if its cuz ive just grown up a bit more but I preferred gba advance, ds and some 3ds games. I still have my fire emblem sacred stones for gba as well as pokemon leafgreen and emerald but i have the old school cartidges. I worried about any older nintendo titles especially pokemon games going dead and getting rarer and rarer to be able to aquire and enjoy the oldies stuff but these system ideas to replicate them gives me a shed of hope that they wont die out completely cuz ya know... Game cartidges for specific console systems dont last forever it all wears and tears like a car unfortunately... 😅
This device came with a microSD card filled with a bunch of free games. If you want more games, you'll have to back up your current GBA games on your computer or find ROMs online. I agree though, although I like the newer nintendo games, I prefer the gba and DS era.
I still use mine, and can't see using anything else up to PS1... I have my SteamDeck for That... I gave my kids my RG351V and Retroid pocket 2...
You always see someone commenting something like, "JuSt gEt a PsP tO eMuLaTe! ItZ bEtTeReR!" No, the PSP has screen tearing issues even on SNES games. It can't even run N64, well there's like 4 games and they have to have no sound to run ok but still. This bad boy was doing N64 pretty good for what it is! I showed some friends who are casual gamers and they thought N64 on this thing was pretty cool too, not like some snobby Discord mod who cares about aspect ratios, frames, and pixel density perfection all the time like a nerd. Just enjoy.
The GOAT for GBA
How many PS1 games
I don't like where the power button is. It should be on the top of the unit. I'll probably accidently turn it off. The sides of the unit shouldn't have anything on them.
I actually agree, I've hit the power button accidentally while playing. Luckily it will only put it into sleep mode instead of shutting off.
In over 1.5 years or more of using mine, I've never once hit the power button while playing. Particularly when you have fingers at the ready to use the L1/L2/R1/R2 buttons, the part of your finger that's at the power button is too far away from the console to hit it. It's also inset making it more difficult to hit.
Should you actually manage to accidentally hit it, it'll go into sleep mode so a high chance you're not completely screwed.
@@BurnLikeAFlame I've had older systems and I hated buttons on the side. I'm gonna get the Anbernic RG353PS. I'm just waiting for a sale.
oo
This is the Ultimate GBA, with Great PS2, good PSP, and reasonable N64 Emulation.
*PS1 😣
What kind of games does this play?
You literally see this in the video. Everything from 70s Odyssey and Atari 2600 up to PS1/GBA.
@@BurnLikeAFlame I didn't see anything.
@@cesarinfashion1 Then you need to go to an eye professional. He literally plays games and systems in the video.
@@BurnLikeAFlame I didn't see anything because I didn't watch the video dummy 🤪
the rg351p is only worth it for those who want to get it primarily for gba. Otherwise you are better with the rg350p with nearly the same performance but with more comfort and a 4:3 screen.
rg350 will struggle with some of the more heavy SNES games, and can't play all of ps1 perfectly. There's even a selection of N64 and PSP games that run either perfectly or so close to be worth playing on the rg351 series, as well as ports that just won't do well on the 350.
The screen isn't a big deal really, the difference is there but it's not crazy. With rga or a filter you won't be able to tell there's a problem unless you put it side by side and see it's a little less sharp than the 4:3 screen. And of course you get internet capability with the 351 series.
If the price is right, or you really desperately want a slightly better screen, then the 350p is a good option. But I would want a decent drop in price from a 351p personally for it to be worth it - and they are basically the same price!
Use only charge 5v1a, or your console will burn.
Official anbernic annotation. Not talking bout the coilwhine.
Wummle fork of arkos❤️
Didn’t even mention Sega systems. If you’re a retro fan who only knows Nintendo, you’re missing an amazing library of 16-bit games on the Sega side.
I did not play much Sega growing up, I'm excited to explore that side of retro gaming.
rg351p or 3DS?
Depends on what you are looking for. RG351P is definitely easier to set up and start gaming. Plus it's cheaper. Also, performance is pretty similar based on what I've seen online. Haven't tried modding a 3ds myself though
Buh-inns
Every PS1 games can run at full speed with some configurations. 🙂
Haven't played many PS1 games yet but that's great to know!
@@8bitbongo i've got one for quite some time, so i really know it well. 🙂
If you use PS Vita, you could easily play PS Vita, PSP, PS1, GBA, SNES, and NES. Priced cheaper, too, I think. And you can cheat on that, if you like.
There’s some underlying background HUM that’s playing the entirety of this video that made it really hard to watch
This was a mistake on my part, the ceiling fan is super loud. I turned it off for all my other videos.
@@8bitbongo Ill have to check out some of the others then
"these SD cards are generic"
[While holding high end Kioxia card]
The one that comes with the device is very generic, and should definitely be replaced.
If it's a high end kioxia card like the one in the video or the one that came with my anbernic, it's the opposite of generic.
It's too bad the price is $99, the RG35XX at $55 is a better deal to me, I only wish it wasn't 640*480 as that doesn't match any retro games for integer scaling (except maybe Genesis and SNES?)
the rg35xx is cheaply built and doesn't last long, its the truth
There are dozens of systems built for 4:3 televisions.
You used to be able to get this for $60-70.. damn inflation
😊😊g
Still promoting rom theft