yeah I'm waiting for something this small that can easily play PS2, GC, and Wii games. maybe by next year tbh i don't really care for stacked shoulder buttons just makes the device more bulky imo
@@dreamybull1509 more bulky for sure, but the comfort of analog stacked triggers can’t be denied. For pocketability though the candybar style is definitely superior.
I think the smaller 4:3 screens on these systems would really do justice for PS2, GameCube emulation. They'll look so good. I felt that PS1 graphics shortcomings were well disguised by these smaller compact screens, somewhat mitigating the need for upscaling.
Cheers Russ, liking this thing rather more than I thought I would. There's something about the screen to device ratio and size of controls which is ticking my boxes. Looking forward to the full review.
Agreed. But this handheld has an identity problem. It's so close to great that it's frustrating. Firstly, the metal shell is cool but it makes the device a lot heavier, and this thing is going for pocketablity which gets hurt. They should've gone with plastic, and made it fun. Like with Pikachu Yellow, GameCube Indigo, N64 Teal, GBC Atomic Purple, or Clear Shell. Secondly, this has a 4:3 screen which is for retro systems. You don't need joysticks. So put them below, and have them recessed. Along with the retro games, it would've been fine using a smaller yet more efficient processor. But would've benefited greatly from an efficient software like Onion/Garlic OS.
Now, if they wanted this for modern systems, again they could've done much better with slight tweaks. Firstly, I still recommend a Plastic Shell. It's for weight and pocketablity. The metal shell is cool but it's too heavy. Secondly, they needed to go with a 16:9 display. This makes the device more rectangular, so the bezels need to be trimmed, and the size (4.0-4.8in) needs to be balanced with the best being around 4.5 inches. Thirdly, you really need joysticks and shoulders. So put both joysticks high above, and have them extrude for better movement range. The shoulders will need to become analogue triggers, and flared out for comfort. The D-Pad and Action Buttons aren't as important they can go below the joysticks. For the modern games, it's a necessity to use a fast processor. The T618 is a bit long in the tooth, especially at the USD $150 price. A better fit would've been a USD $200 budget, but stepping up to the Unisoc T670, Dimensity 820, Exynos 1350, or Snapdragon 778 chipset. Whilst a Linux OS becomes a handicap, the Android OS is the obvious choice to keep here. Potentially needing some refinement and UX improvement. ...so yeah. They should've made some tweaks to make this a become a much better modern gaming device. There's not many of them out there. Or take some adjustments to make it optimised for older retro gaming, but that market is relatively saturated. Either way, this weird middle-ground just makes too many compromises.
This may be finally the device to get for those who jumped in with the RG351 devices and felt disappointed by performance. Finally N64, Dreamcast, Gamecube and a 4:3 screen.
I just got mine and the B button is already super scraped on the side after just 2 days of use for about 4 hours. The shoulder buttons feel great but sometimes don't quite respond. That said, I absolutely adore this little thing. I love the layout of the shoulder buttons, I love the heft of it, the way the buttons all feel; I just love it. I went with the handheld that appealed to me the most, and I am not disappointed with my choice. I can live with the issues for now, and I hope it continues to evolve and improve.
Great review as always. You helped me to pick out my first hand held emulator. It was the Anbernic rg351mp and I still play it today. It's the best hand held I own. Thanks for everything, the clips, the advice, ect.👍🤙
Just ordered, after watching this and in depth video. Mostly to play older Resident Evil and other survival horror games like a boss. 200 ppi is more than enough for 4" screen, especially if games running in pixel perfect resolution. It's called VGA, by the way. Thanks for the review. I think, there will be more powerfull 4:3 devices in the future, but for this to happen we need to buy some current ones.
@@Frilleon I should have waited for sale :) To pay less and have a less chance to get falling out screen. Besides old clunky android, it works just fine. Perfect dreamcast machine. I don't know will I try custom firmwares or not, they got too many emulators on them. I set up daijisho, dolphin (for wiiware), dolphin mmjr (for gamecube), redream, duckstation, play mostly Ridge Racer Type 4 at this point.
Love that Anbernic have stopped printing their logo on the front of their devices. It's about the only thing I dislike when I look at their old models in my collection.
This is a great first look, thanks! A comparison I’d love to see in the full review would be a comparison against some 16:9 screens. I upgraded from a RG351 to a PowKiddy RGB10 Max because of the latter’s much larger 4:3 rendering. Turns out I rarely play 16:9 games, so it would certainly be more efficient if the 405 has a larger 4:3 image than my Max. I’ve hesitated on the RP3+ in part because I’m mostly playing 4:3 games, so this looks promising. The added systems of the T618 over the RK3226 were all natively 4:3 anyway…
4:3 absolutely rocks! Now, please, start making high-resolution screens so shaders work properly and look good. It's the only thing holding these handhelds back. I won't stop commenting this until one releases.
Only thing is would high resolution 4:3 screens be easy to source? A lot of devices use screens that are spare or repurposed iPhone or Android smartphone screens aren't they? I'd love to have more of them though though as the high res analogue pocket display looks amazing for Gameboy games.
@@skycloud4802 I'm totally fine without 4:3, but they're definitely not common. Currently, the paimax has a 4k display (supposedly), and the analogue pocket has 1440p. Which are the ideal resolutions for shaders. If only those could be sourced by other companies. I know it's difficult/costly for just anyone to order and manufacture custom panels.
I have no intention of buying this. I still watched the video all the way through. I love your videos, you seem like a really nice guy and your voice I find very relaxing 🙂
I'm glad they have a 4" display in play now. I am more interested in 8 and early 16 bit games, and would love to see a vertical handheld with this display, like a 351v with small bezels. Would be great for my aging eyes!
This looks pretty good for 4:3 games. Anbernic should release similar version with a better SoC and 16:9 display and it would be almost perfect for now.
Yeah I agree that this should have the d pad above the sticks, but something like the RP3+ or RG505 (basically anything 16:9) should have the analog stick higher
Great first impressions!!! They are on sale now 3/28. I just ordered a gray (greenish) with 128GB game card. I REALLY wish they had a satin silver without the greenish tint, but I'll take what I can get. Looking forward to the bigger screen and more power over the RG353M. I would have been happier with the same blue as the RG353M since silver is no longer a thing with Anbernic. I actually passed on the RG353M since I already had the RG351M and RG280M. I will most likely grab a RG353M in blue now. I have several larger more powerful handhelds including an Odin Pro. I had the Steam Deck Pro but gave it to my Grandson still sealed in the box. I had to tell his mom, "It's NOT a toy, It's a "Learning Tool". That worked 😁
I am probably in the minority, but I prefer the left stick up top. This seems like a pretty good handheld for the money. I've already ordered a KT-R1 though and am waiting patiently for it. I can't wait to see your review for it.
This is a step in the proper direction! Give me a Plastic or Clamshell version and I'm gonna fall in love completely. Most likely though, I'll be waiting for a chipset that can properly run GameCube or PS2 into one of these before I upgrade my 351p.
I love Anbernic devices but it’s hard for me to go back to inline shoulder buttons. Stacked shoulders like on the retroid pocket 3+ are so much more comfortable and easy for me to use.
There’s a special spot in hell for these folks that keep designing for in-line shoulder buttons. Seriously though, if there were a choice I would pay $30-40 more for a stacked shoulder model of the same device.
I am one chipset bump away from grabbing something like this or a retroid pocket device. I just really want gamecube games and it's SO close to being great for it. Just needs that little bit extra performance.
With a properly configured Dolphin MMJR, the RP3+ plays pretty much every GC game, and the remainder run well on the Dolphin for Handheld MMJR2 app they include with the device. I even play some Wii games on mine, and I can run PS2 at 2.5X. I think another step up for the chipset would be great, but I don't think the prices will be in line for another several years. Meanwhile, we all have phones that demolish these things, and we've already purchased the phones.
I think this device is almost perfect, if only the button layout is not like that. No one is gonna play modern game in 4:3 screen ratio (at least I'm), so it would be better if the d-pad is at the top.
To be fair, these devices are primarily for retro games which use a 4:3 aspect ratio. I honestly don’t like playing 4:3 games on a modern display because it has letter boxing.
@@AnonYmous-xw1jn rg40 means 4 Inch Display and the 5 means the Version/series/generation and the "M" means "Metal" Example: rg353p -> 3,5 Inch Display, 3rd Generation and p for plastic
Best thing is they removed big Anbernic text logo from front. It makes space now & great look. Cons for me is Cross D-pads!!! Thanks & great review as usual!
My only bugaboo with this one is the placement of the analog stick. Since the main use case for me would be 16 bit and lower you get into this weird hand position when the D-Pad is down low like that. Love the screen though.
I'm gonna wait. I want a better chipset with a 4:3 screen. One that can comfortably play more or less all gamecube, Wii, and PS2 games, even some 3DS. Then I'll buy one. Also I don't need a metal device.
we’re definitely getting there. very soon. I’m probably just going to get a 35xx for now, and wait for a truly pocketable device that can run what you listed.
I actually like the colorful abxy buttons. I would have even preferred the buttons to be glass jelly bean colored. Like the jelly bean colored abxy buttons of the POWKIDDY X16.
Not in a rush but, I just may actually get one of these! Everything about that Mint Green RG405M is nice even down to the colorful button scheme. Overall design and inline triggers I have no problem with. I'd say it's good for all the systems except for NDS. NDS is better played on the RG505 due to it's wider display needed to view both NDS game screens. I never got the 353M even though I think it's a decent handheld. Though, I would get the 405M over the 353M for the larger display. I could definitely see myself playing some GENESIS Minnesota Fats: Pool Legend on that ANBERNIC RG405M!
Very interesting device. Nearly what I'm looking for. D-Pad position I would need to test to see if it annoys me. 4:3 screen is great, even though a 960p resolution screen would be awesome. The warmth of the device is also something I would need to feel for myself, to see if it would be a problem in the long run. Some things that would be important for me too: That battery charge gets properly measured, not just guessed by the system like with the 351V. That standby actually works. So not like the 351 on AmberElec, that wakes up again right away, or the problems with controls not working after wakeup. No Android as the only possible OS, so this is already kinda a deal breaker with the 405M. Still don't understand why it shouldn't be possible to create different OS for it. Things I would love but most likely will never get: A Mega Drive / Saturn style D-Pad and a 6 button layout, especially for Saturn games.
I like the design of the 405m and the bigger screen, it was going to be my first retro handheld, because the miyoo mini plus is always sold out, but at around 175$, maybe more in euros, it’s not worth it for me.
@@Guitario666 Under 100€ is my goal, so now it’s either the miyoo mini plus or the anbernic rg35xx, mostly for snes and mega drive, I don’t care much for early 3D games like ps1, n64 or saturn.
Thank you for outright saying it won't run much PS2 and GameCube, you saved me $100+. 4:3 OLED would be a dream but not until it has the games to match.
I bought a 505 last year and got it in December, now I wish I had of waited the new form factor seems perfect to throw in a pocket and the 4:3 is better for most of the content I play on the go.
I quite like the 4:3 since 99% of the games I’d be playing on it were designed for it, but I do prefer the design and layout of the RP3. Whoa, it can run 3DS??
wait until I tell you about the last number and the letters lol, then your mind is really going to be blown haha. The last number is the gen, except they always skip gen4 because apparently 4 in mandarin (I don’t speak mandarin, just read this somewhere) sounds a lot like the word death so it’s considered bad luck to use it (similar to how buildings skip assigning the 13th floor). Then the letter is either m for metal, p for plastic, or v for vertical. Although Russ talks about the rg405m being a replacement of the rg505, it’s really the 4th gen of the 353 devices.
@@bear532 Lol! I new about the letters but not the version number, thanks!. Make the numerous products from them a little easier to sort through and understand now.
@@ViralHeadcase sorry I gave you some wrong info. The last number is the generation of the soc being used and not the generation of the handheld itself.
The only reason i dont have a retro handheld yet, is cause i cant make up my mind which one to buy. And when i finally do, another badge of better handhelds are announced. Than i am back at the start again. It makes me always waiting for the next one.
The best ones right now depending on specific tastes and needs are roughly from cheapest to most expensive and from smaller to bigger size, the Miyoo Mini+/RG5XX, RG353M (or V for vertical), Retroid Pocket 3+, the Ayn Odin Pro/Lite, the more premium Analogue Pocket and of course the Steam Deck. But yes, can't go wrong waiting for the next more powerful chipsets if there's no rush!
@@samadrousesmith226 Russ here in the retro game corps channel has an RG505 vs Retroid Pocket 3+ , it's quite thorough, I'd recommend watching it if you haven't already! Other channels have also made this comparison. I know very little about the Win600 sadly.
The screen and the quite large face buttons look real nice, but the best course of action for people who own a device is probably to wait for the more powerful Linux-running Rockchip 3588 chipset that Russ mentions to be implemented in these devices!
If the RG405M was as powerful but with a linux os, and the Dpad on top, that would be my ultimate retro portable handheld. I would jump at it as fast as a snake bite.
I was taking a closer look at the chip rk3588 and I find it VERY hard that Anbernic would use it to build a 4:3 device. It would be a bigger screen, with different ratio for PS2 games. The chip will very likely be used on TV Boxes due to the capacity of image output. They would hardly waste it on a tiny screen. The chip alone costs $100.00. Let's see what future holds. I think I won't be seeing my dream pocketable retro handheld any time soon.
@@pancon5 yes, I think so. And that's the problem for me. You heard Russ, they kind of suffered to find a 4" 4:3 screen. The demand for a biggish almost square screen is very small so the production is limited. Most devices use widescreen format so they're readily available in all different qualities. I haven't seen the 405M in person but the screen may be good enough. I don't even need a chip as powerful as the RK3588. Only powerful enough to emulate all plataforms from the CRT TV era, including N64 and dreamcast without stuttering. And the Dpad on top. The RG405M is very close, though. I just don't think that Andoid frontends are as neat as these linux based OS like AmberElec, etc.
This looks to be ambernic's best device in a minute but my search for the ultimate steam deck companion continues. A little too expensive, stuck with the same chipset, and I would prefer stacked triggers. I think at this point I just need the retroid device that ups the chipset.
A companion for the deck?! Got your point but even if that thing is huge by itself, its the "ultimate" in terms of emulation, almost everything runs fine.
@@psp4gamer I love my deck and it does pretty much everything but I would really like something pocketable that could run GameCube consistently. The Retroid 3+ is super close but doesn't quite cut it. I
Great review, Thanks! I've been looking for a smaller/pocketable horizontal. For me it's between this and the flip. I think the flip wins because it's screen is 2.3" tall -vs- 2.4" tall for the 405. The difference lies in playing 16:9 (GBA/PSP hacks etc) get a MUCH bigger screen where the 4:3 content gets a 4% shorter screen. The flip is smaller except for the thickness where it's 25.4mm thick w/o countring triggers vs the 18 here... I've got a flip on order. I'm tempted to grab one of these as well to compare.
I dunno. I still like the 353m better. While it’s not quite as capable as the 405m I like the two card slots and the ability to run custom linux systems on it while still retaining android. I like the layout of the controls on the 353m better too. I was never a GameCube kid, I know, that’s crazy, but I mainly play n64 and below and the 353m does an amazing job at that. It be been playing a lot of ps1, snes, and game boy games on my 353. It’s been perfect.
I want a plastic one, metal ones are unnecessarily heavy. That's what made the PSP 2000/3000 so much better than the 1000. Still dumb putting the dpad on the bottom though.
I just got into this space with the RG35XX and I'm loving it but I'm still hunting for something that can play every PS2 game since thats what I played the most of growing up. Maybe the retroid pocket 4+ (always wait for the plus lol) will be what I want I just hope it doesn't end up being huge or expensive anything over 250 and bigger than a switch and I think it would be worth while to just make the jump to a steam deck as I am mainly a pc gamer now.
Do you have a recent flagship phone? if so it might be worth considering grabbing a controller for your phone and turning it into an at home steam deck. I use geforcenow, moonlight, gamepass and many emulators on my z fold. Can stream all my games from my pc to my phone on 5g network and seamless on 5ghz wifi
@@const3llations_370 I use an Iphone so my options in that space aren't great and part of the reason I got into the retro handhelds space was to get me off my phone away from social media, so a phone based emulator defeats the point
@@const3llations_370 Do you mind sharing more about this? Geforce, Moonlight, etc? I have a spare OnePlus 7 Pro that I was wondering if I could use for gaming. I was considering getting a controller for it, but I wasn't sure how effective it would be power and performance wise, versus getting something like a Steam Deck or the G Cloud. I'm still learning and trying to figure out my best options, but I know regardless I'm getting a device that is designed to be an emulator like in this video.
I think that d-pad on the top would fit better a 4:3 retro system. But if the next version can emulate Gamecube at full speed it will be instant buy for me.
Not replacing my RG351P. It's fully loaded up to the PS1, and it's perfect for GBA games. I have RP 3+ anyway. I'm also pretty much sick of Android-based emulation.
RP3+ is fantastic, and so is that classic 351 line from Anbernic. I'm a RP3+ and RG351V guy myself, covers all fronts for me with the horizontal and vertical form factors, 16:9 and 4:3, Linux and Android, thinner/portable form factor vs chunkier comfier to hold, and so on. They balance each other out.
@Retro Game Corps: For your In Depth Review I'd love to see this thing emulating "SEGA Worldwide Soccer '97" on Saturn, then some Daijisho footage (though I'm pretty sure u'll throw that one on it anyway) and since the most interesting thing about this is the 4" 4:3 display (for the first time ever) I'd like to see some vertical handhelds with screens turned on put under it, like the RG351V (since it's got the width of the DMG and might be already wide enough to house a 4" screen), the RG35XX, Miyoo Mini Plus and Analogue Pocket. That would be nice to see. I really hope more devices with that screen will spawn within the next few months. It's what I've been waiting for. But Android-only and the D-Pad on the bottom are letting me skip this one honestly.
really wish anbernic brought something similar (form factor and specs wise) but in plastic. i have a metal anbernic and while it looks sleek, it’s heavy and the metal actually feels cold. if you play mostly retro games, the plastic actually feels more ”right”. just my two cents.
Thanks for the videos Russ, looking forward to that in depth review!! (Can this device then do video output at all or not??) Also one of the new Retroid Pocket Flip, please!! And of I may ask, extra video with a direct comparison between the Rg405m, RP3+ and the RP Flip... Deciding which one to buy from these!
I disagree that the analog stick on top doesn't suit the games for this device. With the T618 chip this device is great for PS1, N64 and Dreamcast games that use analog sticks. There's already plenty of 4:3 handhelds with slightly less powerful chips like the RG353 series devices that can play SNES/Genesis/Capcom arcade well that have the d-pad on top that people can get instead. Even though I won't get this device it's better that there is a variety of options out there for button configuration at various performance points.
As stated in the video this 4:3 aspect ratio is best suited for games using the dpad, so dpad should have been on top. Sorry to say but 16:9 games on a 4:3 screen dont mix.
My very impression taking this out of the box was, I WISH THIS WAS A CELL PHONE. The exact way it is, just with phone capabilities, would be perfect. I have a Fold 3 but I'd leave it at home lol. At least some days.
Man we are so close to IMO the ultimate retro handheld. Put a PS2/Gamecube capable processor in here and I think this is the dream handheld.
yeah I'm waiting for something this small that can easily play PS2, GC, and Wii games. maybe by next year tbh
i don't really care for stacked shoulder buttons just makes the device more bulky imo
@@dreamybull1509 more bulky for sure, but the comfort of analog stacked triggers can’t be denied. For pocketability though the candybar style is definitely superior.
I think the smaller 4:3 screens on these systems would really do justice for PS2, GameCube emulation. They'll look so good. I felt that PS1 graphics shortcomings were well disguised by these smaller compact screens, somewhat mitigating the need for upscaling.
@@skycloud4802 KTR1 is 4:3 and has better performance than the Retroid Pocket 3+ 😊
I just want to play Battle of Bikini Bottom or Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee on a handheld, is that too much to ask?
Looks awesome. Looking forward to comparisons with the 353M.
I love that"quick video" kids 20+ minutes😂😂 love your attention to detail. Helps me really trust your content and opinions. Thanks for this
If a vid isn't 5min or below I don't consider it a 'quick vid'.
Cheers Russ, liking this thing rather more than I thought I would. There's something about the screen to device ratio and size of controls which is ticking my boxes. Looking forward to the full review.
The part about the right side of the device getting warm has me worried, so I’m hoping he goes more in depth on that
The 405m is definitely a step in the right direction aesthetically compared to the 505
FUCK THAT 505 better
Agreed.
But this handheld has an identity problem. It's so close to great that it's frustrating.
Firstly, the metal shell is cool but it makes the device a lot heavier, and this thing is going for pocketablity which gets hurt. They should've gone with plastic, and made it fun. Like with Pikachu Yellow, GameCube Indigo, N64 Teal, GBC Atomic Purple, or Clear Shell.
Secondly, this has a 4:3 screen which is for retro systems. You don't need joysticks. So put them below, and have them recessed.
Along with the retro games, it would've been fine using a smaller yet more efficient processor. But would've benefited greatly from an efficient software like Onion/Garlic OS.
Now, if they wanted this for modern systems, again they could've done much better with slight tweaks.
Firstly, I still recommend a Plastic Shell. It's for weight and pocketablity. The metal shell is cool but it's too heavy.
Secondly, they needed to go with a 16:9 display. This makes the device more rectangular, so the bezels need to be trimmed, and the size (4.0-4.8in) needs to be balanced with the best being around 4.5 inches.
Thirdly, you really need joysticks and shoulders. So put both joysticks high above, and have them extrude for better movement range. The shoulders will need to become analogue triggers, and flared out for comfort. The D-Pad and Action Buttons aren't as important they can go below the joysticks.
For the modern games, it's a necessity to use a fast processor. The T618 is a bit long in the tooth, especially at the USD $150 price. A better fit would've been a USD $200 budget, but stepping up to the Unisoc T670, Dimensity 820, Exynos 1350, or Snapdragon 778 chipset. Whilst a Linux OS becomes a handicap, the Android OS is the obvious choice to keep here. Potentially needing some refinement and UX improvement.
...so yeah. They should've made some tweaks to make this a become a much better modern gaming device. There's not many of them out there. Or take some adjustments to make it optimised for older retro gaming, but that market is relatively saturated. Either way, this weird middle-ground just makes too many compromises.
@@ekinteko Plastic? Perhaps ANBERNIC will later release an RG405P.
@@ekinteko Practically everything you suggested in this comment describes the RG505.
This may be finally the device to get for those who jumped in with the RG351 devices and felt disappointed by performance. Finally N64, Dreamcast, Gamecube and a 4:3 screen.
I just got mine and the B button is already super scraped on the side after just 2 days of use for about 4 hours. The shoulder buttons feel great but sometimes don't quite respond.
That said, I absolutely adore this little thing. I love the layout of the shoulder buttons, I love the heft of it, the way the buttons all feel; I just love it. I went with the handheld that appealed to me the most, and I am not disappointed with my choice. I can live with the issues for now, and I hope it continues to evolve and improve.
Great review as always. You helped me to pick out my first hand held emulator. It was the Anbernic rg351mp and I still play it today. It's the best hand held I own. Thanks for everything, the clips, the advice, ect.👍🤙
Just ordered, after watching this and in depth video. Mostly to play older Resident Evil and other survival horror games like a boss. 200 ppi is more than enough for 4" screen, especially if games running in pixel perfect resolution. It's called VGA, by the way. Thanks for the review. I think, there will be more powerfull 4:3 devices in the future, but for this to happen we need to buy some current ones.
What’s your update now that you have it?? :)
@@Frilleon I should have waited for sale :) To pay less and have a less chance to get falling out screen. Besides old clunky android, it works just fine. Perfect dreamcast machine. I don't know will I try custom firmwares or not, they got too many emulators on them. I set up daijisho, dolphin (for wiiware), dolphin mmjr (for gamecube), redream, duckstation, play mostly Ridge Racer Type 4 at this point.
Love that Anbernic have stopped printing their logo on the front of their devices. It's about the only thing I dislike when I look at their old models in my collection.
This is a great first look, thanks!
A comparison I’d love to see in the full review would be a comparison against some 16:9 screens. I upgraded from a RG351 to a PowKiddy RGB10 Max because of the latter’s much larger 4:3 rendering. Turns out I rarely play 16:9 games, so it would certainly be more efficient if the 405 has a larger 4:3 image than my Max. I’ve hesitated on the RP3+ in part because I’m mostly playing 4:3 games, so this looks promising. The added systems of the T618 over the RK3226 were all natively 4:3 anyway…
I compared the size using displaywars, 16:9 5" is virtually identical as a 4:3 4" display with the sides cut off.
4:3 absolutely rocks! Now, please, start making high-resolution screens so shaders work properly and look good. It's the only thing holding these handhelds back. I won't stop commenting this until one releases.
Only thing is would high resolution 4:3 screens be easy to source? A lot of devices use screens that are spare or repurposed iPhone or Android smartphone screens aren't they?
I'd love to have more of them though though as the high res analogue pocket display looks amazing for Gameboy games.
1280*960 would probably be ideal, but the closest I could find in a smartphone device that made it to market is 1280*800.
@@skycloud4802 I'm totally fine without 4:3, but they're definitely not common. Currently, the paimax has a 4k display (supposedly), and the analogue pocket has 1440p. Which are the ideal resolutions for shaders. If only those could be sourced by other companies. I know it's difficult/costly for just anyone to order and manufacture custom panels.
@@skycloud4802 if someone like miyoo, anbernic, etc. had the analogue pocket display, I'd buy day one.
I have no intention of buying this. I still watched the video all the way through. I love your videos, you seem like a really nice guy and your voice I find very relaxing 🙂
I think 175USD + shipping (which is like 12~15 from anbernic?) is just too much for a t618 at this point
Yep can get the Odin lite for like 30 bucks more
@@amdgamer1990 yes but that's hugem this is nice and pocketable
True but I play rpgs I need lager screen to read the text
I dunno about that, this is pretty much a premium build model of a handheld.
@@Solzan2000 $200 for a device that doesn’t play 6th gen is anything but premium.
I'm glad they have a 4" display in play now. I am more interested in 8 and early 16 bit games, and would love to see a vertical handheld with this display, like a 351v with small bezels. Would be great for my aging eyes!
I think I'm sold on this. You said the magic words....Saturn lol thanks for the fast update and impressions
This looks pretty good for 4:3 games. Anbernic should release similar version with a better SoC and 16:9 display and it would be almost perfect for now.
Nah with rg552 screen
Aw yeaaa. Loved the comparisons, I think this is my fav T618 (so far)! Stubbz
Nice, seems they solved their ergonomics issues on many previous handhelds.
I would love to see a larger 4:3 screen. 4 inches seems to be as big as they go. A 5 inch screen would look amazing
I feel your pain on that one. I've been liking the Steam Deck's 16:10 for both modern and retro. Just way too big for some situations
Hopefully this starts a trend of 4" and up 4:3 devices. (Maybe with the d-pad in the right place)
Yeah I agree that this should have the d pad above the sticks, but something like the RP3+ or RG505 (basically anything 16:9) should have the analog stick higher
I'm very interested in this one! I'll be looking forward to more in-depth looks at it!
Great first impressions!!! They are on sale now 3/28. I just ordered a gray (greenish) with 128GB game card. I REALLY wish they had a satin silver without the greenish tint, but I'll take what I can get. Looking forward to the bigger screen and more power over the RG353M.
I would have been happier with the same blue as the RG353M since silver is no longer a thing with Anbernic.
I actually passed on the RG353M since I already had the RG351M and RG280M. I will most likely grab a RG353M in blue now.
I have several larger more powerful handhelds including an Odin Pro. I had the Steam Deck Pro but gave it to my Grandson still sealed in the box. I had to tell his mom, "It's NOT a toy, It's a "Learning Tool". That worked 😁
4:3, 4.5 inches, 720p, OLED is the dream
That feels like a great update to my RG353P
I would really love to see a comparison between RG405M and KT-R1.
I would just to see Russ going over the ktr1 at this point haha. Too bad his hasn’t been shipped yet.
@@bear532 they should ship this weekend to reviewers
@@guscrist9710 I hope so🤞
I am probably in the minority, but I prefer the left stick up top. This seems like a pretty good handheld for the money. I've already ordered a KT-R1 though and am waiting patiently for it. I can't wait to see your review for it.
This is a step in the proper direction! Give me a Plastic or Clamshell version and I'm gonna fall in love completely.
Most likely though, I'll be waiting for a chipset that can properly run GameCube or PS2 into one of these before I upgrade my 351p.
Great to see quality new 4:3 hardware. Would be amazing if it could pull off the tougher GCN games
I love Anbernic devices but it’s hard for me to go back to inline shoulder buttons. Stacked shoulders like on the retroid pocket 3+ are so much more comfortable and easy for me to use.
Inline shoulder buttons are an abomination
Muscle memory nightmare.
I personally think this issue is overstated.
Yeah that’s a deal breaker for me.
There’s a special spot in hell for these folks that keep designing for in-line shoulder buttons.
Seriously though, if there were a choice I would pay $30-40 more for a stacked shoulder model of the same device.
I am one chipset bump away from grabbing something like this or a retroid pocket device. I just really want gamecube games and it's SO close to being great for it. Just needs that little bit extra performance.
Odin lite or pro would scratch that itch
With a properly configured Dolphin MMJR, the RP3+ plays pretty much every GC game, and the remainder run well on the Dolphin for Handheld MMJR2 app they include with the device. I even play some Wii games on mine, and I can run PS2 at 2.5X. I think another step up for the chipset would be great, but I don't think the prices will be in line for another several years. Meanwhile, we all have phones that demolish these things, and we've already purchased the phones.
I need GameCube as well otherwise I can't justify these handhelds over just using my phone with a Kishi style controller.
I think this device is almost perfect, if only the button layout is not like that. No one is gonna play modern game in 4:3 screen ratio (at least I'm), so it would be better if the d-pad is at the top.
To be fair, these devices are primarily for retro games which use a 4:3 aspect ratio. I honestly don’t like playing 4:3 games on a modern display because it has letter boxing.
Nice analysis! Thanks.
Hoping they do a rg355m. Really like the looks/size of the 353m but a boost in chipset would never go amiss
this is the next gen of the 353, hence the 405 name. They would have named it the 400m if it wasn’t or the 406m if it was the next gen 505.
@@bear532 no next gen would be 355. 35-the screen size (3.5inch), and then 5- the generation of chip powering it. Next gen 505 would be the 506
@@bear532 the 405 is not the next gen, more like a new line up, the 35 in the 353 series refers to the screen size, same with this one
@@duranmxx I actually just learned I was wrong. The 5 represents the soc gen, it has nothing to do with the gen of specific models.
This is probably the one that's finally going to replace my RG552. It's simply stunning! (But yeah, shame about that lack of linux support...)
The screen is so much better on the RG552, I don't feel the faster chip on Android only would be worth upgrading too.
finally? the rg552 came out last year 😆
@@clankfish I wasn't the original poster, I'm perfectly happy with my RG552 now.
Anyone know how they number these? I can't keep my head straight with the names
@@AnonYmous-xw1jn rg40 means 4 Inch Display and the 5 means the Version/series/generation and the "M" means "Metal"
Example: rg353p
-> 3,5 Inch Display, 3rd Generation and p for plastic
This is dope, I'm interested in seeing a 6' model with 16:9 aspect ratio and analog triggers instead.
That’s basically an Ayn Odin though
19:25 When you use upscaling instead of native res, you get essentially super-sample anti-aliasing. There are benefits of upscaling.
Best thing is they removed big Anbernic text logo from front. It makes space now & great look.
Cons for me is Cross D-pads!!!
Thanks & great review as usual!
This is a budget godsend for those of us who mainly play Dreamcast on these devices. My Retroid 3+ cramps my hand due to the dpad being at the top.
Wow I've really watched this channel grow. I always plug you when I get an opportunity on forums lol
My only bugaboo with this one is the placement of the analog stick. Since the main use case for me would be 16 bit and lower you get into this weird hand position when the D-Pad is down low like that. Love the screen though.
Awesome video bud, love the break down🔥
I'm gonna wait. I want a better chipset with a 4:3 screen. One that can comfortably play more or less all gamecube, Wii, and PS2 games, even some 3DS. Then I'll buy one. Also I don't need a metal device.
we’re definitely getting there. very soon. I’m probably just going to get a 35xx for now, and wait for a truly pocketable device that can run what you listed.
Great video as always and good edit and that death in bomberman lmao xD
I actually like the colorful abxy buttons. I would have even preferred the buttons to be glass jelly bean colored. Like the jelly bean colored abxy buttons of the POWKIDDY X16.
It's a take on the pal snes controller
I'm so god damn tempted to buy this. I have 351MP and this would be the perfect upgrade.
Come on man! I've only recently got my RG35XX, and now you're making me want this one as well!
I am early to catch the video and happy with that, awesome video as always !
Not in a rush but, I just may actually get one of these! Everything about that Mint Green RG405M is nice even down to the colorful button scheme. Overall design and inline triggers I have no problem with. I'd say it's good for all the systems except for NDS. NDS is better played on the RG505 due to it's wider display needed to view both NDS game screens. I never got the 353M even though I think it's a decent handheld. Though, I would get the 405M over the 353M for the larger display. I could definitely see myself playing some GENESIS Minnesota Fats: Pool Legend on that ANBERNIC RG405M!
I don't know about you but being stuck with Android OS is a major deal breaker for me. Onion OS or something similar is a must!
The screen upgrade alone is really amazing
Very interesting device. Nearly what I'm looking for.
D-Pad position I would need to test to see if it annoys me. 4:3 screen is great, even though a 960p resolution screen would be awesome. The warmth of the device is also something I would need to feel for myself, to see if it would be a problem in the long run.
Some things that would be important for me too:
That battery charge gets properly measured, not just guessed by the system like with the 351V.
That standby actually works. So not like the 351 on AmberElec, that wakes up again right away, or the problems with controls not working after wakeup.
No Android as the only possible OS, so this is already kinda a deal breaker with the 405M. Still don't understand why it shouldn't be possible to create different OS for it.
Things I would love but most likely will never get:
A Mega Drive / Saturn style D-Pad and a 6 button layout, especially for Saturn games.
I like the design of the 405m and the bigger screen, it was going to be my first retro handheld, because the miyoo mini plus is always sold out, but at around 175$, maybe more in euros, it’s not worth it for me.
Rp3+ is a very good choice for performance and price
@@Guitario666 Under 100€ is my goal, so now it’s either the miyoo mini plus or the anbernic rg35xx, mostly for snes and mega drive, I don’t care much for early 3D games like ps1, n64 or saturn.
@@JP-rz2pp rg3xx is fantastic with garlicos.
And unlike miyoo handhelds.. it's available for purchase 😁
@@JP-rz2pp PS1 and Saturn have lots of great 2D/2.5D games like Castlevania SotN etc.
Russ, did you bankro...sorry, wrong creator! Great video. Can't wait to get this in-hand. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for outright saying it won't run much PS2 and GameCube, you saved me $100+. 4:3 OLED would be a dream but not until it has the games to match.
I bought a 505 last year and got it in December, now I wish I had of waited the new form factor seems perfect to throw in a pocket and the 4:3 is better for most of the content I play on the go.
Glad I held off getting a RP3+, there's always something interesting around the corner.
Those bigger face buttons look great.
I been all day to watch this video! Yay 😊
I like that color with the hint of green.
Need this thing in my life
If this thing runs Steam & retro ROMs & Emulators, I'm sold
I quite like the 4:3 since 99% of the games I’d be playing on it were designed for it, but I do prefer the design and layout of the RP3.
Whoa, it can run 3DS??
It took me all the years but today it finally clicked. I just realized the number in Anbernic naming scheme refers to the screen size lol.
wait until I tell you about the last number and the letters lol, then your mind is really going to be blown haha. The last number is the gen, except they always skip gen4 because apparently 4 in mandarin (I don’t speak mandarin, just read this somewhere) sounds a lot like the word death so it’s considered bad luck to use it (similar to how buildings skip assigning the 13th floor). Then the letter is either m for metal, p for plastic, or v for vertical. Although Russ talks about the rg405m being a replacement of the rg505, it’s really the 4th gen of the 353 devices.
@@bear532 Lol! I new about the letters but not the version number, thanks!. Make the numerous products from them a little easier to sort through and understand now.
@@ViralHeadcase sorry I gave you some wrong info. The last number is the generation of the soc being used and not the generation of the handheld itself.
The only reason i dont have a retro handheld yet, is cause i cant make up my mind which one to buy. And when i finally do, another badge of better handhelds are announced.
Than i am back at the start again. It makes me always waiting for the next one.
depend on how strong you need it? if you're waiting for gamecube/ps2 emulation then i wouldn't get a retro handheld until next year
The best ones right now depending on specific tastes and needs are roughly from cheapest to most expensive and from smaller to bigger size, the Miyoo Mini+/RG5XX, RG353M (or V for vertical), Retroid Pocket 3+, the Ayn Odin Pro/Lite, the more premium Analogue Pocket and of course the Steam Deck.
But yes, can't go wrong waiting for the next more powerful chipsets if there's no rush!
@@pancon5 do you think I should get a 505 or a win 600 because I want something bigger than my 353v and I want the best bang for my buck
@@samadrousesmith226 Russ here in the retro game corps channel has an RG505 vs Retroid Pocket 3+ , it's quite thorough, I'd recommend watching it if you haven't already! Other channels have also made this comparison. I know very little about the Win600 sadly.
The screen and the quite large face buttons look real nice, but the best course of action for people who own a device is probably to wait for the more powerful Linux-running Rockchip 3588 chipset that Russ mentions to be implemented in these devices!
If the RG405M was as powerful but with a linux os, and the Dpad on top, that would be my ultimate retro portable handheld. I would jump at it as fast as a snake bite.
@@hugotipple Agreed!
I was taking a closer look at the chip rk3588 and I find it VERY hard that Anbernic would use it to build a 4:3 device. It would be a bigger screen, with different ratio for PS2 games. The chip will very likely be used on TV Boxes due to the capacity of image output. They would hardly waste it on a tiny screen. The chip alone costs $100.00. Let's see what future holds. I think I won't be seeing my dream pocketable retro handheld any time soon.
@@hugotipple Maybe it could come on a device similar and somewhere between the RP3+ and the Odin in size, who knows!
@@pancon5 yes, I think so. And that's the problem for me. You heard Russ, they kind of suffered to find a 4" 4:3 screen. The demand for a biggish almost square screen is very small so the production is limited. Most devices use widescreen format so they're readily available in all different qualities. I haven't seen the 405M in person but the screen may be good enough. I don't even need a chip as powerful as the RK3588. Only powerful enough to emulate all plataforms from the CRT TV era, including N64 and dreamcast without stuttering. And the Dpad on top. The RG405M is very close, though. I just don't think that Andoid frontends are as neat as these linux based OS like AmberElec, etc.
This looks to be ambernic's best device in a minute but my search for the ultimate steam deck companion continues. A little too expensive, stuck with the same chipset, and I would prefer stacked triggers. I think at this point I just need the retroid device that ups the chipset.
A companion for the deck?! Got your point but even if that thing is huge by itself, its the "ultimate" in terms of emulation, almost everything runs fine.
@@psp4gamer I love my deck and it does pretty much everything but I would really like something pocketable that could run GameCube consistently. The Retroid 3+ is super close but doesn't quite cut it. I
@@psp4gamer It isn't a daily carry, so why comment about it?
if retroid came out with some competition for the odin lite; that would definitely be a contender...
The steam deck is outdated and it's only been a yr it's way to big and the battery sucks
The "quick" in top right corner killed me 😂
Finally a handheld to surpass 351P!
I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one that prefers Linux over Android.
Great review, Thanks! I've been looking for a smaller/pocketable horizontal. For me it's between this and the flip. I think the flip wins because it's screen is 2.3" tall -vs- 2.4" tall for the 405. The difference lies in playing 16:9 (GBA/PSP hacks etc) get a MUCH bigger screen where the 4:3 content gets a 4% shorter screen. The flip is smaller except for the thickness where it's 25.4mm thick w/o countring triggers vs the 18 here... I've got a flip on order. I'm tempted to grab one of these as well to compare.
I dunno. I still like the 353m better. While it’s not quite as capable as the 405m I like the two card slots and the ability to run custom linux systems on it while still retaining android. I like the layout of the controls on the 353m better too. I was never a GameCube kid, I know, that’s crazy, but I mainly play n64 and below and the 353m does an amazing job at that. It be been playing a lot of ps1, snes, and game boy games on my 353. It’s been perfect.
I want a plastic one, metal ones are unnecessarily heavy. That's what made the PSP 2000/3000 so much better than the 1000. Still dumb putting the dpad on the bottom though.
I just got into this space with the RG35XX and I'm loving it but I'm still hunting for something that can play every PS2 game since thats what I played the most of growing up. Maybe the retroid pocket 4+ (always wait for the plus lol) will be what I want I just hope it doesn't end up being huge or expensive anything over 250 and bigger than a switch and I think it would be worth while to just make the jump to a steam deck as I am mainly a pc gamer now.
Do you have a recent flagship phone? if so it might be worth considering grabbing a controller for your phone and turning it into an at home steam deck. I use geforcenow, moonlight, gamepass and many emulators on my z fold. Can stream all my games from my pc to my phone on 5g network and seamless on 5ghz wifi
@@const3llations_370 I use an Iphone so my options in that space aren't great and part of the reason I got into the retro handhelds space was to get me off my phone away from social media, so a phone based emulator defeats the point
@@const3llations_370 Do you mind sharing more about this? Geforce, Moonlight, etc?
I have a spare OnePlus 7 Pro that I was wondering if I could use for gaming. I was considering getting a controller for it, but I wasn't sure how effective it would be power and performance wise, versus getting something like a Steam Deck or the G Cloud. I'm still learning and trying to figure out my best options, but I know regardless I'm getting a device that is designed to be an emulator like in this video.
Looking forward to the in depth review. I just got the 353v but don't like the shape of it, thinking about one of these rectangles.
I think that d-pad on the top would fit better a 4:3 retro system. But if the next version can emulate Gamecube at full speed it will be instant buy for me.
Looks amazing. Want one
Russ's Wife - "Is that a retro handheld in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"
RG405m is very nice I might have to get it.
I'm ready for my sport red retroid flip!
I can personally attest the extra half-inch does make all the difference.
Not replacing my RG351P. It's fully loaded up to the PS1, and it's perfect for GBA games. I have RP 3+ anyway. I'm also pretty much sick of Android-based emulation.
RP3+ is fantastic, and so is that classic 351 line from Anbernic. I'm a RP3+ and RG351V guy myself, covers all fronts for me with the horizontal and vertical form factors, 16:9 and 4:3, Linux and Android, thinner/portable form factor vs chunkier comfier to hold, and so on. They balance each other out.
@Retro Game Corps:
For your In Depth Review I'd love to see this thing emulating "SEGA Worldwide Soccer '97" on Saturn, then some Daijisho footage (though I'm pretty sure u'll throw that one on it anyway) and since the most interesting thing about this is the 4" 4:3 display (for the first time ever) I'd like to see some vertical handhelds with screens turned on put under it, like the RG351V (since it's got the width of the DMG and might be already wide enough to house a 4" screen), the RG35XX, Miyoo Mini Plus and Analogue Pocket. That would be nice to see.
I really hope more devices with that screen will spawn within the next few months. It's what I've been waiting for. But Android-only and the D-Pad on the bottom are letting me skip this one honestly.
Hello everyone!
Hello
Any channel content Emudeck?
Hi there!
Hey man
Greetings fellow video game enthusiast
Did I see an ad in the settings menu? holy crap! 15:36
really wish anbernic brought something similar (form factor and specs wise) but in plastic.
i have a metal anbernic and while it looks sleek, it’s heavy and the metal actually feels cold. if you play mostly retro games, the plastic actually feels more ”right”. just my two cents.
Surprisingly affordable for an Anbernic device, especially a metal one.
This is the first time I've seen a 4:3 oled, if this was more powerful it'd be cool to play with some crt shaders on that oled screen
Not an oled. It's IPS display
Thanks for the videos Russ, looking forward to that in depth review!! (Can this device then do video output at all or not??)
Also one of the new Retroid Pocket Flip, please!!
And of I may ask, extra video with a direct comparison between the Rg405m, RP3+ and the RP Flip... Deciding which one to buy from these!
Im really excited about this one. Just wish Ambernic would come out with some better names lol
Amazing device I like it! 🔥
Another sexy handheld from Anbernic!!
So close to perfection. At leats 720p screen would be better, and maybe 4.5 inches in size. Stacked analogue shoulder buttons would be great too
I disagree that the analog stick on top doesn't suit the games for this device. With the T618 chip this device is great for PS1, N64 and Dreamcast games that use analog sticks. There's already plenty of 4:3 handhelds with slightly less powerful chips like the RG353 series devices that can play SNES/Genesis/Capcom arcade well that have the d-pad on top that people can get instead.
Even though I won't get this device it's better that there is a variety of options out there for button configuration at various performance points.
I think that the RK3566 SoC is far more open source friendly though, isn't it?
It looks like my RG350M is about to get a big brother hopefully the same can be said of my Switch before the years out.
As stated in the video this 4:3 aspect ratio is best suited for games using the dpad, so dpad should have been on top. Sorry to say but 16:9 games on a 4:3 screen dont mix.
If you have a retroid pocket 3+ and want an upgrade, your only real options on the android side are the Odin and the new razor device.
This is the perfect device for N64 and PS1 games.
My very impression taking this out of the box was, I WISH THIS WAS A CELL PHONE. The exact way it is, just with phone capabilities, would be perfect. I have a Fold 3 but I'd leave it at home lol. At least some days.
Rg405p would be the sweet spot.