Slight correction to the video for SCUMMVM users: While configuring button mappings, don't unmap the UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT from the D-PAD, but rather remap them to the shoulder buttons. Do this in both the SCUMMVM global options AND the game options, as otherwise mappings will reset to defaults when restarting a game. 🐔
Forgotten? It's one of my faves, I bought it to play Saturn, 3DO, Dreamcast, and arcade fighters on and it works GREAT for those games! It reminds me of the Sega Nomad, only more powerful...
The RG-ARC seems to be a handheld that got swept under the rug and never got spoken about since release. Not to say that it doesn't have fans, but I feel that the endless sea of handhelds didn't really help its sales. The crowd is so quick to move onto the next product, which is a shame as this handheld is a Sega fan's dream come true.
@TeamPandory - I suppose, everyone that I talk to about it just whines that it doesn't have analogue sticks but I hate analogue controls anyway...especially dual analogue and I have the RG 35xx H for games that require them, I just don't prefer it.
@JohnnyProctor9 IMO a good handheld doesn't need to have "everything". Sure it might be cool to run all systems with analogue, but for those only wanting the megadrive experience and want a great dpad for the classics? This is perfect 👏
@TeamPandory - I totally agree...I use the ARC-D for non-analogue games, the RG 35xx H for games that require analogue, and I plan to run anything that won't run on those on my Steam Deck but haven't had a chance to set my Steam Deck up for emulation yet...my next big purchase will probably be the RG Cube for DS, 3DS, GameCube, and Wii but I'm waiting for it to price drop to the $120-130 price range.
@@benaussa thing is, I really didn't mind the stock firmware on the 353vs and those of that line. The arc-d stock firmware is just ... Bad. Rocknix changes things around a lot, and we're kinda hopeful there'll be more options in the future.
Wow great review and amazing Balkan polka metal at the end! Did not expect that. Device is very cool. Love the design. Difficult to go back to LCD when OLED devices are now more plentiful. Though I'm sure the screen is fine enough for the price
Hey! Retroarch on their stock (base/latest) FW once inside the console select, go in via X button and then advanced game options and change the emulator used if one at first fails.
This is a great review and I agree these are great handhelds which for some reason have fallen by the wayside. I have been using the beta Retro Arena firmware but it looks like Rocknix is getting more love so I will give it a try.
I'd really like to mod in my now unused ODROID N2+ into this in place of the 3566, but I'm not sure if the S922X is a step up, CPU-wise. There are those yummy new S928X boards, though ... full of lovely, passive, cooling!
@@eliotcole the 922x is definitely a step up, but you can get it'd have worse battery life. Didn't that odroid handheld have some....oh god no. flashbacks. That was terrible!!!! The odroid N2+ however, is a solid piece of kid 👍
@@TeamPandory hehehe ... YEP ... badness in the past ... lolz. But, yeah ... ... and there is that 'n2 lite' or something ... which would be EVEN MORE applicable to something like this ... but I would prefer to not give away performance (if it does do that) ... Either way ... if one is modding in a new SBC ... then one might as well upgrade the battery. There's a couple of Korean TH-camrs that do stuff like this a lot, actually. Either way, I really should get back to my 'Saturn 3D Pad Mobile Console' project. Just can't find a nice display. :(
I bought the ARC-S during a recent Anbernic sale. While the build quality is good there are issues that mean I don't use it the primary reason being that the battery life is terrible. It can die overnight when I'm not using it on an almost full charge. What the hell they've got running in the background, considering there's no wifi, I've no idea but it kills the system really fast. Perhaps a custom firmware might solve issues but I doubt it.
Hi mate. Nice review! Just wanted to say that its actually emulating the model 2 saturn pad not a megadrive one. Its literally one to one if you compare it. The feel is fantastic to me as its one of mt favourite pads ever. The comparison with the 8bitdo is a bit unfair as this is a more modernized version of said pad. I just got mine and its perfect for capcom and neogeo!
That is an EXCELLENT point. I never even thought to check out the Saturn pad, and even have one in the next room. Always thought that it might be a bit *used* as my controller feels a bit weaker in comparison to the regular Megadrive controller. Who knows, will check it out soon Thanks for the comment
@@TeamPandory yeah let me k know your thoughts on it :) What did you think of the custom firmware? I found the stock very troublesome and couldn't even save settings in retroarch.
Could be better. It is not powerful enough to run a lot of Saturn games. I really hope Anbernic releases a V2 of this handheld in the future, with a faster CPU, a analog stick and analog shoulder buttons. That would be a ultimate Sega handheld. I also hope that other brands releases more handhelds with 6 face buttons, because I really miss that button layout!
It'd be nice to see it with a faster chip, sure, but I think it's unfair to dismiss it because it can't play Saturn well. The truth is, not many Anbernic devices actually can - especially when it got released. And certainly even now at that pricepoint.
@@TeamPandory Anbernic already have a better option in terms of performance, the RG556, that device is more expensive, sure, but you can buy it for $170, so still in the same category of entry level handhelds. It uses a Octa-core A76@2.7GH, that gives a better performance with Saturn and Dreamcast. All they have to do is use this CPU in a ARC form factor
I didn't even know ROCKNIX was a thing on the ARC... I don't care about the Android side so I may install this... Dies the ability to use it as s Bluetooth controller still work?? Because I use the systenm as a controller for Saturn games on my Mister FPGA...
@@Beavernator you could use this as a Bluetooth controller!??? I had no idea that was a thing tbh 😂. I'll check it out, but it might be better to check the rocknix features list on their site
@@TeamPandory yeah but can it really play PSP? Or some bits here and there? I think when this came out, I thought it missed the mark without having an analogue stick and just shy of being able to handle full on Saturn. Would have made it the ultimate SEGA handheld.
@neocvera it can, but at 1x and you may need frame skip. Sega Saturn is also sketchy for games it can run 100%. TBH I mainly see this as an amazing way to relive games before those consoles. Saturn/N64/psp always needed more oomph looking at console specs, and the price it seems at reflects at what you get in your hands. Only on the next level of cool 😎 Want those other systems? Retroid has you covered
Meow😂. Thanks for the vid. Pretty good performance for the price. Personally i am really liking the vertical handhelds so its rg40xx for me but this has nostlgia faactor..
I'd have bought one if the RK3566 was sufficient enough for Sega Saturn... it's generally not. Yeah, some games work, but full 60fps no frameskip? No, it usually can't. Everything else about it is great though.
Forgotten? The only reason it is, would be forgotten is because of these factors. It has a RK3566 instead of a RK3568. Its firmware isn't the best and it's not a 16:9 screen. Now, one factor that matters a lot here is that reviewers are either Sony fans or Nintendo fans and they all hate SEGA. Even if they say they don't their neutral or indifferent opinion of SEGA is a cause for trouble here. Also, Anbernic hasn't brought out any new SEGA inspired handhelds. These factors are what would make this handheld a Forgotten one. Unless you are a SEGA fan and believe that A, B, X, Y is the proper button configuration for a four-button handheld or that 3 or 6 Buttons is best for SEGA and arcade style games. This isn't the end all be all of SEGA Style. There could be so many great new SEGA inspired handhelds. Four button ones with proper A,B,X,Y letters. There could be so many awesome sleek modern style handhelds that are SEGA's style but, brought into a sleeker more contemporary look. Also, I am very happy there is no Switch style stick on this. These companies have all the opportunity in the world to make modern SEGA styled handhelds. I think they should. Stop acting like Nintendo and Sony are the only ones. For that matter do some Neo Geo Pocket Color inspired ones or Turbo Graphics/PC Engine Portable ones. This has been my bummo or "opinion" one might say.
@@valentine_puppy No, not at all. I just woke up, and agree with most of what you wrote. "It has the RK3566 instead of the RK3568" - I don't think anyone really cares about what chip is inside, but rather what it can do. Seeing that Saturn can be enough to turn people off. But as said, there aren't many handhelds that do what this does. Essentially a well-built-fan-version of a Megadrive on the go!
It needed to be more powerful is all. I never got it for that reason. Have/had been on Anbernic's case when it comes to the D-pad (8-way) as the model 2 Saturn controller is imho the best 2D-controller of all time. My dream would be something like this but more powerful (like in line with the Odin 2 line) and with a TATE-able screen, like the Egret 2 mini, for shmups (it would stick out unless square aspect ratio). With an 8-way D-pad could maybe just have a stick be interchangeable too (for the more powerful systems) OR do a solution like the Switch with "joycons" of sorts. Edit: 6 face-buttons and 8-directional D-pad is how shmup and ESPECIALLY fighting games are meant to be played though imho. This was CLOSE to great but a few baffling shortcomings (to not be powerful enough to play more Saturn is a big one).
Remember that a good handful of those Saturn games are arcade ports that can run full speed on MAME. Flipping a screen on a handheld like the egret 2 mini would be interesting, but we'd be looking at double the selling price 😞
@@TeamPandory Yeah true. Always go with MAME>Saturn unless there's a special arrange mode or something like that. Any type of moving part is prone to wear. When it comes to Chinese companies I wouldn't trust it lasting either so...
Slight correction to the video for SCUMMVM users:
While configuring button mappings, don't unmap the UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT from the D-PAD, but rather remap them to the shoulder buttons. Do this in both the SCUMMVM global options AND the game options, as otherwise mappings will reset to defaults when restarting a game. 🐔
Its not forgotten, Anbernic just literally released 20 more handhelds after it.
Plus it still gets recommendations all the time.
I got this when it came out for the fighting games. Cps1 through 3 runs smoothly also all of the snk games too!
ONE OF MY FAVORITES, BUT STILL QUITE FORGOTTEN :D This video was realy needed for me personally!
Right!?? 😉
Installing Rocknix CFW is definitely recommended! - Give it a go if you haven't yet!
Forgotten? It's one of my faves, I bought it to play Saturn, 3DO, Dreamcast, and arcade fighters on and it works GREAT for those games! It reminds me of the Sega Nomad, only more powerful...
The RG-ARC seems to be a handheld that got swept under the rug and never got spoken about since release.
Not to say that it doesn't have fans, but I feel that the endless sea of handhelds didn't really help its sales. The crowd is so quick to move onto the next product, which is a shame as this handheld is a Sega fan's dream come true.
@TeamPandory - I suppose, everyone that I talk to about it just whines that it doesn't have analogue sticks but I hate analogue controls anyway...especially dual analogue and I have the RG 35xx H for games that require them, I just don't prefer it.
@JohnnyProctor9 IMO a good handheld doesn't need to have "everything".
Sure it might be cool to run all systems with analogue, but for those only wanting the megadrive experience and want a great dpad for the classics? This is perfect 👏
@TeamPandory - I totally agree...I use the ARC-D for non-analogue games, the RG 35xx H for games that require analogue, and I plan to run anything that won't run on those on my Steam Deck but haven't had a chance to set my Steam Deck up for emulation yet...my next big purchase will probably be the RG Cube for DS, 3DS, GameCube, and Wii but I'm waiting for it to price drop to the $120-130 price range.
The cpu on this device struggles to run properly a lot of Saturn games. Dreamcast runs poorly too.
I still use and LOVE the ARC!
Got one during black Friday it was so worth it
But NGL looking for custom firmware
Dang dude..yer right! I had forgotten all about this device and now I want one for Christmas!
@@Bibvock it's a bit of alright, especially for arcade / megadrive 😁
That killer outro though... lol
@@Psxpirate1 party on, Wayne! 😂
@@TeamPandory party on Garth!🥳😆
Absolutely LOVE my Arc D... This is permanently in my car for when I'm waiting to pick my kids up from school...
Perfect timing. Just pulled mine out of storage as I disliked the stock firmware. Thank you for testing with ROCKNIX.
@@benaussa thing is, I really didn't mind the stock firmware on the 353vs and those of that line.
The arc-d stock firmware is just ... Bad.
Rocknix changes things around a lot, and we're kinda hopeful there'll be more options in the future.
Is ok. Good video.
The Spectrum PCUAE 5.1.0 Carousel is now available.
Pandory for the 400 mini and the Spectrum is possible??
Wow great review and amazing Balkan polka metal at the end! Did not expect that.
Device is very cool. Love the design. Difficult to go back to LCD when OLED devices are now more plentiful. Though I'm sure the screen is fine enough for the price
Thanks for watching to the end 😁
I'm sure if there was a refresh, we'd get that screen 😺
Hey!
Retroarch on their stock (base/latest) FW once inside the console select, go in via X button and then advanced game options and change the emulator used if one at first fails.
@@brainfodder3233 most if not all the retroarch emulators refused to load. It could be that they weren't set up to load zips, but I have no idea.
A gem indeed, i still use stock firmware as i mainly use it for megadrive. Paired with an 8bitdo m30, it's a great handheld
@@tjp8663 did it pair in android or in the Linux OS?
This is a great review and I agree these are great handhelds which for some reason have fallen by the wayside. I have been using the beta Retro Arena firmware but it looks like Rocknix is getting more love so I will give it a try.
Der Arc-D ist nicht vergessen, oder so. Das Gerät fetzt immer noch! Und das Gerät war kein Fehlkauf...
I hope Ambernick.
Re releases this with the new chip set. And adds the play store
As usual.. Love the end song review😂😂.. Polka Metal?? ❤
@@digitizer3627 that's the one 👍
This channel is awesome!
I wish they could make a V2 some day, this one was right on track but so many little things needed to be pushed further
I've used my arc d almost daily since I bought it last year. Love the thing. A good replacement for my Sega nomad.
I love the arc s I have. Definitely got overshadowed pretty quickly. I will only use the S when I play genesis games.
I bought mine with Gamma o/s installed..it's great.
I bet that helps a ton 😀
Did you buy it used, or does Gamma OS ship with it new from the store?
It was new with Gamma already installed..Vintage retrogames on ebay in UK..They're really good.
I'd really like to mod in my now unused ODROID N2+ into this in place of the 3566, but I'm not sure if the S922X is a step up, CPU-wise.
There are those yummy new S928X boards, though ... full of lovely, passive, cooling!
@@eliotcole the 922x is definitely a step up, but you can get it'd have worse battery life. Didn't that odroid handheld have some....oh god no. flashbacks. That was terrible!!!!
The odroid N2+ however, is a solid piece of kid 👍
@@TeamPandory hehehe ... YEP ... badness in the past ... lolz.
But, yeah ... ... and there is that 'n2 lite' or something ... which would be EVEN MORE applicable to something like this ... but I would prefer to not give away performance (if it does do that) ...
Either way ... if one is modding in a new SBC ... then one might as well upgrade the battery.
There's a couple of Korean TH-camrs that do stuff like this a lot, actually.
Either way, I really should get back to my 'Saturn 3D Pad Mobile Console' project. Just can't find a nice display. :(
I bought the ARC-S during a recent Anbernic sale. While the build quality is good there are issues that mean I don't use it the primary reason being that the battery life is terrible. It can die overnight when I'm not using it on an almost full charge. What the hell they've got running in the background, considering there's no wifi, I've no idea but it kills the system really fast.
Perhaps a custom firmware might solve issues but I doubt it.
@@voteDC yes this happens when it's not shut down. It's quite annoying, maybe the processor power modes need adjusting
Still have one for myself.
This is one awesome machine 🦾
It's certainly not bad, and a shame we're seeing 'it can't pay Saturn' even when that's the case for most Anbernic handhelds on the market
Definitely a hidden gem bought one from "Argos". Being able to play Sega Mega Drive games is always a blast!
@@nepaliprayasgurung2594 Argos sold this!? Wow times have changed 😂
Hi mate. Nice review! Just wanted to say that its actually emulating the model 2 saturn pad not a megadrive one. Its literally one to one if you compare it. The feel is fantastic to me as its one of mt favourite pads ever.
The comparison with the 8bitdo is a bit unfair as this is a more modernized version of said pad.
I just got mine and its perfect for capcom and neogeo!
That is an EXCELLENT point.
I never even thought to check out the Saturn pad, and even have one in the next room.
Always thought that it might be a bit *used* as my controller feels a bit weaker in comparison to the regular Megadrive controller. Who knows, will check it out soon
Thanks for the comment
@@TeamPandory yeah let me k know your thoughts on it :) What did you think of the custom firmware? I found the stock very troublesome and couldn't even save settings in retroarch.
@jonnyblanka rocknix is totally a fresh of breath air on this unit. Much much much better than stock.
still my go to of all my anbernic devices
@@igb2904 and we can see why! 👍
These are supposedly getting an upgrade. I’m waiting for that version.
Well presented son, what's a pur chase (7:36).... Like your song, but have you checked out your favourite Tetley's recently. ?
Purchase ? 🤔
Tetley's um. I think we have typhoo at the moment 😅
@@TeamPandory
Typhoo Tea is set to fall into administration after more than 120 years in business.
Could be better. It is not powerful enough to run a lot of Saturn games. I really hope Anbernic releases a V2 of this handheld in the future, with a faster CPU, a analog stick and analog shoulder buttons. That would be a ultimate Sega handheld. I also hope that other brands releases more handhelds with 6 face buttons, because I really miss that button layout!
It'd be nice to see it with a faster chip, sure, but I think it's unfair to dismiss it because it can't play Saturn well. The truth is, not many Anbernic devices actually can - especially when it got released. And certainly even now at that pricepoint.
@@TeamPandory Anbernic already have a better option in terms of performance, the RG556, that device is more expensive, sure, but you can buy it for $170, so still in the same category of entry level handhelds. It uses a Octa-core A76@2.7GH, that gives a better performance with Saturn and Dreamcast. All they have to do is use this CPU in a ARC form factor
I didn't even know ROCKNIX was a thing on the ARC... I don't care about the Android side so I may install this... Dies the ability to use it as s Bluetooth controller still work?? Because I use the systenm as a controller for Saturn games on my Mister FPGA...
@@Beavernator you could use this as a Bluetooth controller!??? I had no idea that was a thing tbh 😂. I'll check it out, but it might be better to check the rocknix features list on their site
Almost got the S. Don’t think the extra ram makes much of a difference for what this can do.
@@neocvera the difference is only really seen in the more needy systems such as the psp
@@TeamPandory yeah but can it really play PSP? Or some bits here and there? I think when this came out, I thought it missed the mark without having an analogue stick and just shy of being able to handle full on Saturn. Would have made it the ultimate SEGA handheld.
@neocvera it can, but at 1x and you may need frame skip. Sega Saturn is also sketchy for games it can run 100%.
TBH I mainly see this as an amazing way to relive games before those consoles.
Saturn/N64/psp always needed more oomph looking at console specs, and the price it seems at reflects at what you get in your hands. Only on the next level of cool 😎
Want those other systems? Retroid has you covered
Meow😂.
Thanks for the vid. Pretty good performance for the price. Personally i am really liking the vertical handhelds so its rg40xx for me but this has nostlgia faactor..
I'd have bought one if the RK3566 was sufficient enough for Sega Saturn... it's generally not.
Yeah, some games work, but full 60fps no frameskip? No, it usually can't.
Everything else about it is great though.
Forgotten? The only reason it is, would be forgotten is because of these factors.
It has a RK3566 instead of a RK3568. Its firmware isn't the best and it's not a 16:9
screen. Now, one factor that matters a lot here is that reviewers are either Sony fans
or Nintendo fans and they all hate SEGA. Even if they say they don't their neutral or
indifferent opinion of SEGA is a cause for trouble here. Also, Anbernic hasn't brought
out any new SEGA inspired handhelds.
These factors are what would make this handheld a Forgotten one. Unless you are a
SEGA fan and believe that A, B, X, Y is the proper button configuration for a four-button
handheld or that 3 or 6 Buttons is best for SEGA and arcade style games. This isn't the
end all be all of SEGA Style. There could be so many great new SEGA inspired handhelds.
Four button ones with proper A,B,X,Y letters.
There could be so many awesome sleek modern style handhelds that are SEGA's style but,
brought into a sleeker more contemporary look. Also, I am very happy there is no Switch style
stick on this. These companies have all the opportunity in the world to make modern SEGA styled
handhelds. I think they should. Stop acting like Nintendo and Sony are the only ones. For that matter
do some Neo Geo Pocket Color inspired ones or Turbo Graphics/PC Engine Portable ones. This has
been my bummo or "opinion" one might say.
@@valentine_puppy that's a lot of factors 😂
@@TeamPandory Yes. Did I say something wrong? I apologize. Also, I would think that Wicked would also see the same things.
@@valentine_puppy No, not at all. I just woke up, and agree with most of what you wrote.
"It has the RK3566 instead of the RK3568" - I don't think anyone really cares about what chip is inside, but rather what it can do. Seeing that Saturn can be enough to turn people off.
But as said, there aren't many handhelds that do what this does. Essentially a well-built-fan-version of a Megadrive on the go!
I only watch this channel for Patrick Stewart's commentary
no firmware update and closed source, very sad.
It needed to be more powerful is all. I never got it for that reason. Have/had been on Anbernic's case when it comes to the D-pad (8-way) as the model 2 Saturn controller is imho the best 2D-controller of all time.
My dream would be something like this but more powerful (like in line with the Odin 2 line) and with a TATE-able screen, like the Egret 2 mini, for shmups (it would stick out unless square aspect ratio). With an 8-way D-pad could maybe just have a stick be interchangeable too (for the more powerful systems) OR do a solution like the Switch with "joycons" of sorts. Edit: 6 face-buttons and 8-directional D-pad is how shmup and ESPECIALLY fighting games are meant to be played though imho. This was CLOSE to great but a few baffling shortcomings (to not be powerful enough to play more Saturn is a big one).
Remember that a good handful of those Saturn games are arcade ports that can run full speed on MAME.
Flipping a screen on a handheld like the egret 2 mini would be interesting, but we'd be looking at double the selling price 😞
@@TeamPandory Yeah true. Always go with MAME>Saturn unless there's a special arrange mode or something like that.
Any type of moving part is prone to wear. When it comes to Chinese companies I wouldn't trust it lasting either so...
From one of the great corporate kings of piracy.
I think it was purposely forgotten. Dpad is nice, but 6 button layout sucks and you know it.
🤬
Forgotten? Isn't this new?
It’s ‘aitch’, there’s no ‘h’ at the start of the word.