Anbernic RG405M Review: Their Best Handheld Yet

The new Anbernic RG405M has it all -- a powerful processor, large screen, long battery life, excellent buttons, Hall-sensor sticks, pocketable size, and a premium metal shell. The $178 retail price isn't terrible, either. In this video we'll talk about my five favorite aspects of this handheld, and three reasons why it may not be the right device for you.

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 premium quality
03:55 portability
04:45 4" (4:3) screen
13:05 easy to use
16:55 retro gaming experience
21:52 not a PS2 or GC device
26:08 software limitations
28:08 so many alternatives
31:07 summary and conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#Anbernic #RG405M #emulation

[RetroGameCorps]

Correction: I messed up my pixel density calculations, the RG405M has a 200 ppi vice the 228.57 ppi I referenced (which is the ppi of a 3.5" screen).

[danehague]

These videos are becoming more and more valuable with how saturated the market is now.

[PilliumRedius]

You helped me pick out my first retro handheld. I showed my friends your videos, and they have seen light. Now they are awaiting delivery of their first retrohandheld

[VGoetz]

I’m three retro systems in. RP2, unfortunately an RP3 like three months before the plus came out and my absolute favorite an RG35XX. As of now I’m on a tactical pause until the market can provide a machine that can play a hefty GC library for under $200. It’ll be here, maybe not soon but eventually it will but until then I pass. Thanks for being on the front lines of the retro wars Russ we truly appreciate it!

[bademoderndesigns]

Hi Russ, great review as always. I am some kind of a product designer myself, and i can assure you that Anbernic doesn't make inline shoulder buttons in order to make the device more pocketable. This way is much more cost effective and they want to maximize their profit while keeping the price tag as affordable as it can get. And i want to tell that nothing wrong with that, i just wanted to emphasize their true intentions about this matter.

[Bushidounohana]

RUSS. That hit point suggest system is GENIUS. That’s the unique kind of Retro Game Corps flair that I’m talking about. And, as I might of expected, it tallied me at a -4 HP, reflective of my actual need for this device … Doesn’t mean I didn’t need to watch all the way to the end, though, ha! As always, great work, brother!

[crestofhonor]

I’d love to see you add in a scaling section for the games you play. I’m someone who prefers to stick to integer scaling so that’s quite important to see how the different systems scale as they all have different native resolutions. I also would love to see more CRT shaders as well as those are something I see as essential in my opinion

[smellyghost]

I’m holding out for a pocketable GameCube device. Not sure how long it’ll take but we’ve come a long way in even the last year or two.

[halsten]

First of all thank you so much for all the work you put in your videos.

If you don’t mind, I would like I would like to share my complete dilemma over which (first) handheld to get. I am mainly and purely looking to play retro (RPGs/Platformers) games for consoles such as the Nintendo NES/SNES/64, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis/Game Gear, GB/GBC/GBA. Not exactly interested in anything 3D really so PS, Wii, Switch, 3DS aren’t necessarily what I want, but would be a slight “plus”.

I am really confused with all the screen aspect ratios when deciding which is best for my needs. If I had to choose two main consoles it would be the SNES and Gameboy (color and advance).

So far I am considering (my pros/cons):

RG405M - not psyched about the screen density/lack of HDMI out. I heard GarlicOS may be coming to the 405M which is fantastic and a huge plus for me

RG552 - may be too big/heavy but love both the screen and having HDMI out

RP3+ - leaning towards this one the most atm but it may not be supported when GarlicOS comes out for the 405M. I am really torn on this one

I would really appreciate any input you can throw my way. Thank you again.

[LuccaRPG]

If I wasn't old and realizing I need a bigger screen size to see stuff, I'd be all over this. Screen size between the RP2+ and RP3+ made all the difference in terms of enjoyablity for me. I do like how 4:3 context has VERY small black bars, though. That is very cool.

[albertzinger]

I actually like the idea of 4:3 640:480 screen, it's been a default resolution for many classic consoles.

[InitialDL]

I appreciate your videos man. Watching you and Wulff Den got me into getting an RG351V, and I may end up getting this device as well. I really like the layout of the analog sticks as opposed to the Retroid or older Anbernic devices. I love playing retro games or games that are reminiscent of those games, moreso than playing most of the modern stuff. And they are perfect to play on handhelds like this and others.

[retrohandhelds]

Agreed on needing a Plastic variant. Love the feel and look of this one though. Screen is super interesting, deep and vibrant compared to many of the other 4:3 options. Stubbs.

[Uchayu]

Keep up the good work, man. My first ever handheld is an Anbernic RG353P, and I bought it because it combined the build quality of an Anbernic device with their first ever set of stacked shoulder buttons. You, ETA Prime, Wicked, Taki Udon and Retro dodo rule the roost as far as retro gaming is concerned, in my opinion.

[davideyt]

thank you for those in-depth high quality reviews of those Anbernic handhelds, it really help especially for those who consider buying but don't have enough hands-on information to make a decision

[stewie]

Thanks for the great review. I got a score of 1 so it has helped me decide to hold on for a while and see when we get a handheld well capable of handling GC and PS2. Thanks.

[BouiBoui]

Thanks a million for this great test. The Buying RPG is such a brillant idea! I ended up barely alive, with only 1 HP left, so I guess I’ll pass the RG405M and wait for some better options. Very good concept, though!

[poemsbypoetry]

Thanks for the review as always Russ, thanks to them I got the 35XX and setup Garlic on it. I'm loving that handheld so much!

[shoresy]

I got a 405m for christmas (well, it was ordered b4 christmas, should be here tomorrow) and can't wait to get into it!

[NoG-Inc.]

thanks again Russ! i was on the buy page and ironically your video popped up. after your RPG i will go with your evidence and buy the Pocket 3+ it offers me more of the feel that im going for. a big thank you for saving me some money my friend!