Anbernic RG353P In-Depth Review

Anbernic's latest retro handheld device has a nostalgic design and some pretty nice features at a relatively affordable price ($130 introductory price). So let's take a deep-dive review of the RG353P and see if it's worth picking up.

This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:58 tech specs
02:35 unboxing & impressions
06:42 comparison with other handhelds
11:54 software experience (Android & Linux)
14:41 game testing (retro games)
17:01 Saturn, NDS, N64
19:24 Dreamcast, PSP, GameCube, PS2
22:48 PC streaming & Game Pass
25:30 HDMI output
26:39 summary (likes & dislikes)
28:50 conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

Note that this description may contain affiliate links. By clicking on an affiliate link and buying something, I may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you.

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#Anbernic #RetroHandhelds #RetroGaming

[sharonnejones]

Wow your channel has exploded. I remember when I first subbed you had less than 20k subs. Your content is the best on YouTube for retro gaming. Im glad you finally getting numbers to back it up.

[ronch]

I haven't been watching your channel for a while but I gotta say I'm happy to see you've stepped up your game even higher, man. The visual effects, the extensiveness of your info.. man this channel is Gold.

Keep it up, bro. 👊

[jonathonearl]

This Anbernic RG353P just became one of my most favorite landscape handheld consoles. It's totally worth the price! It has KODI Media Player, awesome Emulec stock firmware, booming stereo speakers, smooth emulation up to N64 and a 4:3 aspect ratio display.

[ErikWP]

I’ve had this for a few weeks now and must say, it’s my new favorite. It handles GBA and SNES without flaws and the pre configured controls work flawlessly. Even the shaders are great, which normally require tinkering.

[KyleRuggles]

This ain't bad at all! If I didn't own an Odin and a RG351V I'd buy this! Would be nice if they refreshed the 351v with this chipset and a touchscreen. If it can do all the 4:3 games dreamcast/gc at full speed then it's perfect. But really sucks about Killer Instinct not working 100%, damn. But great ergonomics! The HDMI out is a pleasant surprise! Add bluetooth and wow.

Great review and consistent as usual.

[raypirog]

I’m a fairly new subscriber but I love your reviews and just your channel in general. My rg353p is arriving today! I’m super stoked to play it especially after watching your review. I have to say n64 playing pretty much flawless is a winner and I could care less about Dreamcast, Saturn and psp. N64 playing on an anbernic device for the first time is good enough to blow those consoles out of the water! Thanks for a great review!

[mrbnice]

Great review as always, you give all the right information without wasting any time on fluff & spending too long.... Keep up your amazing work dude, best retro channel a

[Mythicalmage]

It's wild to me that these systems come with Android 11, when getting a modern budget tablet with Android 12 is nearly impossible, and many phones are still on 11 as well.

[maestrogringo]

Yes!! Finally, stacked shoulder buttons!! Methinks the folks at Anbernic have been watching your videos and taking your suggestions, hehe!

[adinwalls]

I have to say, every time there’s a new release your video tends to disagree with others and… tends to always be right! I have 3 devices now and I always felt your videos were the most even handed. I’m all about aesthetics and I still think the Retroid Pocket 2+ is better looking. But it’s nice to see Anbernic haven’t completely lost their way 😊

[RickshawXL]

Great work as always! As a product of the n64 gen, this is the sweet spot for me in terms of console support. I actually like that it’s not the boxy shape of the old ambernic handhelds I own, seems like more thought was put into this one. However I have wayyy too many handhelds already and I’m tired of the rapid incremental bumps. However obvious this is, more and more I appreciate that a human can only use one device at a time, and especially now I feel the need to not spend in order to handle the worrying economic climate.

[DecAllTimeAlways]

I actually love the design but that's because the SNES controller is my all-time favorite. I use an SN30 Pro to play all my emulators from my Android smartphones. I prefer the rounded sides and compact shape.

[NSB]

Thanks for this review. Thanks also for playing NiGHTS as I had requested it in the photo you posted. I ended up purchasing this immediately after the video (despite the Saturn incompatibility) and mentioned you in the sale. Best retro channel, far above all the copy cat channels.

[miro_trendafilov]

Thank you for this video Russ, I was about to buy that yesterday, but your video helped me make an a more informed choice! I have the RG351MP and I don't think it's worth the upgrade, especially since the screen on the RG351MP is better looking, and I use it only to play very few N64 or PS1 games, mainly 8-bits and 16-bits. Great video as always!!!
(EDIT: I ordered one a little bit after the video dropped, my opinion about your video doesn't change, though :).)

[adinwalls]

Rewatching… this is a masterfully crafted review video!

[jonathonearl]

I'm not hating on this RG353P and it's nice and all but....
Honestly with Anbernic, I would rather purchase a 5-7 inch version of their RG300X with their added shiny Anbernic logo at the bottom of the display and larger buttons (make an RG500X and an RG700X)! And that's even with the same 2 color scheme options and the same exact Open Dingux stock firmware of their current RG300X. Since I mainly only play 32bit and below emulation on these handhelds, it would be perfect for me. If Anbernic really did release an RG500X / RG700X it would be an eye opener and a head turner for sure!

[raeldor]

Thanks for demonstrating the cold boot! I like to keep my devices powered off in my bag so I don't have to keep recharging them, so cold boot times are very important to me.

[vincentio]

Just purchased off of Amazon. My first handheld emulator. Pretty stoked!

[LessonsOnTheWeb]

If this thing was more powerful than RP2+, it would sell like crazy.

[neojeets]

Awesome video, man. Much appreciated. Happy Dad’s day too!