Love the review and the use cases you pointed out. PS1 is one I hadn't thought about but makes a lot of sense. Always love to see obscure saturn games highlighted, especially Bulk Slash
It’s such a shame they didn’t put like a T616 or something in here because I’m a huge Sega Saturn fan and I would have loved to have the full library and be able to upscale it on this thing. I just discovered your videos a couple days ago and I’ve been binging all of them. They’re all so good.
I think this device makes more sense if you think about it more like a 2D arcade (ARC) handheld than an exclusive Sega handheld. When adding some arcade board emulators into the mix, the android portion actually makes much more sense, as it expands your choices when it comes to this niche Platforms. That being said, a faster SOC at a slightly higher price definitely would have helped a lot to make this the perfect bang for your buck Sega - device. Maybe we will see a slightly beefed up version if Anbernic notices demand. Still, for now I ordered this version, the ergonomics alone made it kinda irresistible to me🙈
"Great video review! If this device is anything like the RG353P, then I guess many of my favorite games might work on it. For Saturn, there's Baku Baku Animal, Dragon Force, Elevator Action Returns, Game Tengoku, Manx TT Superbike, Nights into Dreams, Panzer Dragoon, Sega Rally Championship, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, and Virtua Fighter 2. And for DC, how about Bomberman Online, ChuChu Rocket, Crazy Taxi, Daytona USA, GTA2, Jet Grind Radio, Mr Driller, NBA Showtime, Power Stone 2, Pro-Pinball Trilogy, Ready 2 Rumble, Sega Bass Fishing (though it might have minor visual issues), Test Drive V-Rally, Virtua Tennis, and wetrix+? It's a bit hit or miss with these games, like Virtua Fighter 1 didn't work well on Saturn, but Virtua Fighter 2 was fine. Haven't tested all of them deeply, just a heads-up. Keep up the great work!"
A possible use case for the Android version could be streaming more demanding Saturn (and other games) from the PC perhaps, using Parsec? I will definitely pick this up, just trying to justify the D version for the original black design which my Saturn in the 90s was. :) Great review BTW, plus one sub!
I was about the pull the trigger but it couldn't do perfect Saturn so my chance of playing fighters megamix with Saturn layout should not be a smooth experience. kinda wish they went with the T618
There’s a definitely a good amount of cool Android games. I’ve covered them quite a bit on the channel. The biggest issue here is the lower resolution display and 4:3 aspect ratio so a lot of games won’t scale or look great here.
Looks interesting but not sure why you have to take the OS card out to boot up into Android since you don't have to on the RG353P. Less wear and tear on the card mechanism is best.
Great review! I'm confused though. Some reviewers say this processor has enough power to emulate the Saturn but is limited by the software (meaning the state of Saturn emulation is not great), and others say the inverse. What's the truth really? I'd be super interested in seeing a list of Saturn games that run well on this device, especially shmups. Since I never had a real Saturn, it's pretty hard to judge.
It's slightly a combination of both, but I'd say the limitation here really is the amount of available power in the RK3566. Saturn emulation while not free from issues, is still far more playable on a more powerful device.
That's a tough one, which handhelds/consoles are you looking to emulate? The ARC is really awesome for Sega games with the 6 button support. It also has a 4:3 screen which will work out better for most platforms. The RGB30 is REALLY awesome for Gameboy/GBC because of the square aspect ratio.
Great for Genesis/Sega CD. Bad for Saturn. Theres games like Mystaria that I’ve played for a bit and I can no longer play it because it gets to a certain point and it just shuts down. You have to boot it to Android and then only the lower end games will run fine. It’s to the point I don’t trust plying Saturn games on it anymore But Sega CD and Genesis…this system is amazing for
Worst custom firmware ever in this handled, i tried Gamma and retro Arena all sucks, onion os on my miyoo destroy them by far. No way to play correctly with arc-d. I stay on miyoo all games in memory, better ui, much shortcut and all games works.
@@retrotechdad looks like Anbernic starting shipping orders early so I’m hoping to be able to play by Thanksgiving! Thanks for testing those Saturn fighters. That is very exciting!
The only thing I'm putting on this is Master System, Genesis, Sega CD, 32X, Saturn, Dreamcast, SEGA arcade games. This is officially my SEGA handheld with the perfect control scheme.
Pretty much this - scrap all more powerful SOAs and go directly FPGA, make the screen OLED and keep the sice of screen and device... and don't even DARE to put some analog sticks to it, keep it clean. That would be my perfect Sega handheld, would happily spent about 100 - 150€ more than the current device🥰
That's like the opposite of what this handheld is going for, but I hope you have fun c: It's a very lovely device. Hopefully a more beefy one comes out next year
@@lionvscowDS and N64 will be good on this Handheld. Also if Anbernic comes out with a A311D, A311D2, or S922X version of this Handheld we'll have full speed Sega Saturn and below Emulation.
Hi I just received this emulator and I wanted to use my own memory card I cannot get it to boot into the initial setup like you did Can you give me a few steps to try again cuz I'm confused
What makes it a niche? Is it volume and diversity from other companies or is it the 6 buttons? Because, I am a Sega fan and I have never bought a single handheld from any of these companies because I am a SEGA fan. I did buy this one well the Linux version for better Saturn gameplay. To me it's not niche if it's exactly what you want and have been suffering for 4 years with every single handheld (save for steam deck, thank you valve for making a Sega style handheld) that is a Nintendon't design or Sonayyyy clop clop design. I am so happy Sega fans have a device. Now, let open the flood gates and more SEGA designs come.
I just want to know what everyone is doing for scrapping box art? Also I've tried the Linux and Android side. I like the boarder I get with Linux but the names don't scroll and without box art I can't tell what sonic game I'm clicking on. Any help would be great
I LOVE your overlays for control mapping. I've tried, fruitlessly for years to explain why a 6-face, 4-shoulder, layout is the perfect retro layout. You can map everything to it, every single retro system that doesn't have a keypad (jaguar) to it. Every last one, and it's buttons will have proper placement mapping. I am not happy with the power of this device, but I bought it specifically to vote with my wallet. We need more layouts with 6-face, and 4-shoulder. Full stop.
Thank you, I wanted to use the overlays to convey the message visually! 🤗 I do hope we get more 6 button designs in the future especially with more power!
I owned the Sega Genesis Model 2 System before I owned the SNES. (The system that came with the Sewer Shark game instead of the Ecco the Dolphin game.) So my preferred order tends to be: 1. Sega Genesis, 2. Nintendo DS Lite, 3. DMG Monochrome Game Boy, 4. Atari 2600, 5. SNES.
Thanks for the great video! I already have a bunch of devices so it's not like I need another one... But I'm seriously considering either this or a Powkiddy RGB30. One suggestion from a production perspective: Maybe turn off the background music while you're showing us a sound test of Sonic 2. :)
ArkOS is available for many devices with the same chipset so adding support is mainly to button configuration, should be very likely if it turns out to be popular enough.
Do you want to see more of these purpose built handhelds?
YES!!!
Yes! N64!
If someone built an N64 style handheld I’d buy it immediately!❤️❤️❤️
Yes! I completely agree an N64 themed one would be amazing
This ticks so many boxes for me, the lack of a bit more power for better Saturn emulation is such a shame as would have been an immediate purchase.
Can't wait for the RK3588 picking up pace with handhelds!
Be on the lookout for the GameForce ACE. 😁
prob 2 more years.
I have zero use for this thing but I still pre-ordered it because I have an unhealthy obsession with sega
Same, I’m seriously considering the black one for the Genesis vibes 🤣😂
@@retrotechdad the black one is exactly what I ordered for that exact reason 😂
Hey you can still use it as a controller for PC!
...though you probably already have an 8bitdo M30
YUP. Love Sega so much I just paid more for a limited ed Sonic Xbox ctrl. Also have the Arc, love em both! 💙
Yes I have this device. It is gorgeous. Just finished sonic 1 on the master system. Very pleasant.
This is the best review for RG-ARC. Better than The Phawk and RGC (which is already very good). It really digs what is important about the device.
That’s a massive compliment, thank you so much for that! 🙏🤗
Love the review and the use cases you pointed out. PS1 is one I hadn't thought about but makes a lot of sense. Always love to see obscure saturn games highlighted, especially Bulk Slash
Thank you! Bulk Slash is super cool and an awesome demonstration of some of the Saturn’s capabilities.
It’s such a shame they didn’t put like a T616 or something in here because I’m a huge Sega Saturn fan and I would have loved to have the full library and be able to upscale it on this thing. I just discovered your videos a couple days ago and I’ve been binging all of them. They’re all so good.
I think this device makes more sense if you think about it more like a 2D arcade (ARC) handheld than an exclusive Sega handheld. When adding some arcade board emulators into the mix, the android portion actually makes much more sense, as it expands your choices when it comes to this niche Platforms. That being said, a faster SOC at a slightly higher price definitely would have helped a lot to make this the perfect bang for your buck Sega - device. Maybe we will see a slightly beefed up version if Anbernic notices demand.
Still, for now I ordered this version, the ergonomics alone made it kinda irresistible to me🙈
This is literally the only one i want. I wish it had better specs but for the price you can't beat it.
Agreed, I'd love just a little more power so we can do more Saturn but it's definitely very fairly priced! 🙏
Ретро Папочка лучший техно-блогер на планете подписался.
🙏🙏🙏
Great job at this review. Thanks for your effort to bring so acurate and detailed information. Thank you.
Wow, that means a lot to me. Thank you for your kind words! 🙏
A more powerful RG-ARC that could play NAOMI and Saturn and boom here is your perfect SEGA golden age handheld
I need to wipe the drool off my desk now 😅🤤
That would be amazing. I still might buy an Arc-D though.
"Great video review! If this device is anything like the RG353P, then I guess many of my favorite games might work on it. For Saturn, there's Baku Baku Animal, Dragon Force, Elevator Action Returns, Game Tengoku, Manx TT Superbike, Nights into Dreams, Panzer Dragoon, Sega Rally Championship, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, and Virtua Fighter 2. And for DC, how about Bomberman Online, ChuChu Rocket, Crazy Taxi, Daytona USA, GTA2, Jet Grind Radio, Mr Driller, NBA Showtime, Power Stone 2, Pro-Pinball Trilogy, Ready 2 Rumble, Sega Bass Fishing (though it might have minor visual issues), Test Drive V-Rally, Virtua Tennis, and wetrix+? It's a bit hit or miss with these games, like Virtua Fighter 1 didn't work well on Saturn, but Virtua Fighter 2 was fine. Haven't tested all of them deeply, just a heads-up. Keep up the great work!"
Those are some great games in the list! A lot of them will definitely work well. 🤗🤗
Just got off work! I'm excited to see this video!
I hope you enjoy it! 🙏🙏
Great video you did here man!
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🤗🤗
@@retrotechdad I did. Not a superficial review like the other channels did. Very good work
Just bought the S and I LOVE it. Thr CFW scene isn't great, but I'm having fun anyway. I'm playing Metroid with a Sega pad and it's awesome!
Great, in-depth review.
Thank you, I’m really glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🙏
The RG353P, RG353M, and this Handheld might make good single screen DS's.
A possible use case for the Android version could be streaming more demanding Saturn (and other games) from the PC perhaps, using Parsec? I will definitely pick this up, just trying to justify the D version for the original black design which my Saturn in the 90s was. :)
Great review BTW, plus one sub!
Very interesting idea with streaming! 👀
Thank you for the honest review
I was about the pull the trigger but it couldn't do perfect Saturn so my chance of playing fighters megamix with Saturn layout should not be a smooth experience. kinda wish they went with the T618
Yea, it’s really a shame. I would’ve been happy to pay a little more for a more powerful chip. 😭
hi, Arkos or Jelos works?
Where can I get a replacement membrane for the D-pad? Must of worn mine out playing fighting games.
You can try reaching out to Anbernic on Aliexpress, they might be able to sell you the membrane/parts separately.
Neat review and music. Are there any native Android games that you would want to actually play on this device besides emulation ?
There’s a definitely a good amount of cool Android games. I’ve covered them quite a bit on the channel. The biggest issue here is the lower resolution display and 4:3 aspect ratio so a lot of games won’t scale or look great here.
ive heard some people say they get saturn running better on the android side
Looks interesting but not sure why you have to take the OS card out to boot up into Android since you don't have to on the RG353P. Less wear and tear on the card mechanism is best.
Great review! I'm confused though. Some reviewers say this processor has enough power to emulate the Saturn but is limited by the software (meaning the state of Saturn emulation is not great), and others say the inverse. What's the truth really?
I'd be super interested in seeing a list of Saturn games that run well on this device, especially shmups. Since I never had a real Saturn, it's pretty hard to judge.
It's slightly a combination of both, but I'd say the limitation here really is the amount of available power in the RK3566. Saturn emulation while not free from issues, is still far more playable on a more powerful device.
It's more than powerful in order to emulate the Saturn. The problem lies with emulators, being in need of massive optimizations.
For sure! Unfortunately, given the state of Saturn emulation we do need that extra power to emulate more games properly or with higher FPS.
Torn between rgb30 and this. Can only get one for now, which would be recommended? I’m looking to play RPGs and platformers on unit and tv.
That's a tough one, which handhelds/consoles are you looking to emulate?
The ARC is really awesome for Sega games with the 6 button support. It also has a 4:3 screen which will work out better for most platforms.
The RGB30 is REALLY awesome for Gameboy/GBC because of the square aspect ratio.
Got mine preoredered, it is shipped out from china on my way to my house :)
Nice! I hope you enjoy it 🔥🤗
Can this this thing emulate the pc engine cd, the majority of games on this system are hardly demanding tbh but it would be good to know
So Radiant Silvergun runs fine on it, and what about Thunder Force V? Thanks!
Has anyone made a good premade image for the Arc like there are for RG35X?
How does it run Dragonforce on Saturn?
its criminal that they didnt give it an analogue stick :/
A Fan Mod for cooling
Great for Genesis/Sega CD.
Bad for Saturn.
Theres games like Mystaria that I’ve played for a bit and I can no longer play it because it gets to a certain point and it just shuts down. You have to boot it to Android and then only the lower end games will run fine. It’s to the point I don’t trust plying Saturn games on it anymore
But Sega CD and Genesis…this system is amazing for
Классно
you really godda jump through all these hoops and disconnect everything just to fix a d-pad issue ? :/
'Thunkiness'.... who would have thunk
Nice Dad joke 🤣🤣
Worst custom firmware ever in this handled, i tried Gamma and retro Arena all sucks, onion os on my miyoo destroy them by far.
No way to play correctly with arc-d. I stay on miyoo all games in memory, better ui, much shortcut and all games works.
Hands down this is the best review of the RG ARC across all of youtube! Well done Rob!
Wow, thank you so much. That means a lot especially from a long time viewer!
@@retrotechdad looks like Anbernic starting shipping orders early so I’m hoping to be able to play by Thanksgiving! Thanks for testing those Saturn fighters. That is very exciting!
The only thing I'm putting on this is Master System, Genesis, Sega CD, 32X, Saturn, Dreamcast, SEGA arcade games. This is officially my SEGA handheld with the perfect control scheme.
Yes, I love it! 🔥
Great idea!!!🔥🔥🔥
No analog and lacking power for Dreamcast and Saturn.
Great Video, ordered one on the first presale day, cannot wait to get it, Nomad was so expensive at the time.
Nomad is still expensive 😭😭 I’d love one for the collection
@@retrotechdad just got the Mail that the arc is about to bei shipped, time to Play some GG and Mega Drive soon 😁.
First day Pre-ordered it too.
I really want an FPGA version of this pocket device.
That would be incredible 🤤🤤
Pretty much this - scrap all more powerful SOAs and go directly FPGA, make the screen OLED and keep the sice of screen and device... and don't even DARE to put some analog sticks to it, keep it clean. That would be my perfect Sega handheld, would happily spent about 100 - 150€ more than the current device🥰
I preordered the D model. I can't wait to test out DS, N64, and Dreamcast Emulation on this Handheld. 😁
That's like the opposite of what this handheld is going for, but I hope you have fun c:
It's a very lovely device. Hopefully a more beefy one comes out next year
Yea, I’d love the extra power for Saturn!
@@lionvscowDS and N64 will be good on this Handheld. Also if Anbernic comes out with a A311D, A311D2, or S922X version of this Handheld we'll have full speed Sega Saturn and below Emulation.
I just ordered a S model. 😁
Yes, the S one will be more than enough! Which color?
Tech daddy ftw 🎉🎉🎉🎉 stubbz
Love ya, Stubbs! 🤗
Hi I just received this emulator and I wanted to use my own memory card I cannot get it to boot into the initial setup like you did Can you give me a few steps to try again cuz I'm confused
Are you trying to use the Android side? You will need to remove the micro SD from the TF1 slot to launch into Android.
Very informative! - the only teardown I could find. Thank you!
You're very welcome, I'm glad it was helpful! 🙏
What makes it a niche? Is it volume and diversity from other companies or
is it the 6 buttons? Because, I am a Sega fan and I have never bought a single
handheld from any of these companies because I am a SEGA fan. I did buy this one
well the Linux version for better Saturn gameplay.
To me it's not niche if it's exactly what you want and have been suffering for 4 years with
every single handheld (save for steam deck, thank you valve for making a Sega style handheld)
that is a Nintendon't design or Sonayyyy clop clop design. I am so happy Sega fans have a device.
Now, let open the flood gates and more SEGA designs come.
It’s niche from the standpoint of no analog joysticks for one thing.
A lot of the games emulated don't need it. So, the real niche is the ones with an analog stick when you think about it. I think.@@scottgilbert3286
I just want to know what everyone is doing for scrapping box art? Also I've tried the Linux and Android side. I like the boarder I get with Linux but the names don't scroll and without box art I can't tell what sonic game I'm clicking on. Any help would be great
Great video! I’m having trouble setting up the 6 buttons for all fighting game. Where do you do this from!!!??
I found myself getting really poor 32X performance. Not sure if I have aomething setup wrong.
Anbernic should release powerful yet pocketable 6 face button devices.
Do you think Anbernic will do an upgraded version with more power?
Probably a A311D, A311D2, or S922X version would give us full speed Sega Saturn Emulation.
It's so tempting for the form factor but I need just a bit more power..
Knowing Anbernic… probably 🤦♂️
@@Guitario666Understandable
@@Pridetoons s922x useless in handhelds
I LOVE your overlays for control mapping.
I've tried, fruitlessly for years to explain why a 6-face, 4-shoulder, layout is the perfect retro layout.
You can map everything to it, every single retro system that doesn't have a keypad (jaguar) to it.
Every last one, and it's buttons will have proper placement mapping.
I am not happy with the power of this device, but I bought it specifically to vote with my wallet.
We need more layouts with 6-face, and 4-shoulder. Full stop.
Thank you, I wanted to use the overlays to convey the message visually! 🤗
I do hope we get more 6 button designs in the future especially with more power!
This is a larger version of 8bitdo m30. Worth to buy
Looks like Radiant Silvergun was running ok. 😍
you should do some favorites/recommends/hidden gems type videos for your favorite sega platforms
I love that idea! I feel like I never have an opportunity to really talk Sega, I had a blast making this one
I owned the Sega Genesis Model 2 System before I owned the SNES. (The system that came with the Sewer Shark game instead of the Ecco the Dolphin game.) So my preferred order tends to be: 1. Sega Genesis,
2. Nintendo DS Lite,
3. DMG Monochrome Game Boy,
4. Atari 2600,
5. SNES.
Thanks for the great video! I already have a bunch of devices so it's not like I need another one... But I'm seriously considering either this or a Powkiddy RGB30. One suggestion from a production perspective: Maybe turn off the background music while you're showing us a sound test of Sonic 2. :)
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 ?
i'm still salty that retroid didn't use that 4in screen in the rp2s
It is possible to use Emuelec on this device?
Can it run custom firmware on Linux?
Hey where did you get that
The only sad thing about this Handheld is no JELOS or ArkOS support. 😢
for now
@@SP95For now? 🤨
ArkOS is available for many devices with the same chipset so adding support is mainly to button configuration, should be very likely if it turns out to be popular enough.