Anbernic RG35XX Final Review

The Anbernic RG35XX has been out for a couple months now, and with some recent updates to the GarlicOS custom firmware, I think it's time to make a "final" review of the device to see if it's worth its modest $55 (+ shipping) price tag.

Where to find the RG35XX:

Note that near the end of the video I said it has a "micro HDMI" port but it is in fact a mini HDMI port.

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
02:52 tech specs and pricing
03:56 supported systems
04:45 color options and hardware
08:36 size comparisons and pocketability
11:29 stock firmware experience
12:08 GarlicOS orientation
13:21 RTS and over/underclocking
14:20 gameplay testing
21:02 new themes and boxart
22:11 HDMI functionality
23:34 summary (likes and dislikes)
26:24 Miyoo Mini discussion
28:16 conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#Anbernic #RG35XX #MiyooMini

[RetroGameCorps]

Note: I accidentally said “micro HDMI” around the 22-minute mark, the device in fact has a mini HDMI port.

[webersvids]

Man, your videos are so incredible. I wish you reviewed everything I'm considering buying in life.

[zeframmann]

Just ordered an OG GB version of this and greatly looking forward to it. Your exhaustively comprehensive reviews have been essential to being able to make an informed buying choice.

[secros]

The function for the price here is what makes it best in class for me. I can see how it's compared to Miyoo Mini, but I'd consider this the best budget handheld. There's room for both in my collection.

[jojomstv]

New to retro gaming and have been binge watching your videos. Ordered my RG35xx! Can't wait <3

[mattb]

Great review! Wow! $55 (+ shipping) for this seems like an incredible deal! Honestly, despite not being perfect, this seems like a retro gamers' dream come true! Garlic OS seems really awesome as well!

[CrackerJayherber]

I got the RG280V for my son for Christmas after watching your review. I played it too and it's awesome, which made me want to get a handheld. I picked up this RG35XX and I'm totally happy with it. It's my first handheld ever and brings me back to when I was a kid.

[gordonreinz]

The best retro handheld. Love this thing on airplanes, playing the Minnish Cap, Golden Sun, Fire Emblem, Pokemon, Kirby, and 2D sonic. This + the steam deck will make any flight a breeze.

[racooninvasion]

This is such an awesome channel, and thank you for your service, Russ! I served on USS Topeka (SSN 754) on the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor.

[yiltang]

Awesome work with both video review and updating your setup guides! With GarlicOS and the continual updates, the 35xx has overtaken the Miyoo Mini as my go to handheld. The bigger size is more comfortable, the hands don't get as cramped after longer play time. Not selling the Miyoo though, it's too hot a commodity...

[FranciscoJavierOutdoors]

Man I was actually looking for a refurbished GBA for the longest time, but recently found out about these. Did a lot of research and saw a lot of your videos, finally pulled the trigger. It's almost a no brainer, they're a bit more expensive as I'm typing, but the way orignal GBA systems are going, this one is almost a no brainer. Thanks for the work you put into these videos.

[TechDweeb]

RIP MiYoo Mini 😭

As much as I love the 35xx and will probably love the Mini+ I sure hope the teeny tiny form factor doesn't get abandoned.

Awesome vid as always my dude!

[Riddimensaur]

I got one of these to be my first retro handheld a few weeks ago and I'm really glad I did. It plays everything well and with all these updates to Garlic I've got a fun project to tackle this weekend. Thanks for all the videos and extensive coverage of this device. It made my choice really easy.

[patitoduck]

I ordered this and just got it in over a month ago. Recently updated it and it’s so good! I’ll also be picking up the miyoo mini+ in when it’s readily available but for anyone wondering, this is a great handheld. It’s definitely worth it

[TrevHolland]

I love that the community fixes all the software issues that Anbernic ships with, but it gives Anbernic zero incentive to actually release a solid OS. They can half-ass it every time knowing that someone from the community will save the day.

It's nice that the community is willing to do the heavy lifting, but I wish Anbernic would at least try.

[thereturnticket]

I've watched hundreds of videos about retro handhelds but never fancied anything outside of the Steamdeck and the Analogue Pocket, but I've now got a grey RG35XX coming in the post as a result of this review! GarlicOS looks perfect for pick up and play vibes.

[fellowninja]

The best part about these devices is I can play them without worrying about Wi-Fi. Adding Wi-Fi to them kinda takes away their best feature, and that’s for something you can take into a government building or airplane without worry.

[CasepbX]

Normally I don't care for transparent cases, but that one actually looks sleek, I like it.

[gustavovm]

A little tip, when on OG gameboy you can cycle through RetroArch screen colorization presets with the trigger buttons

[marciomladenoff]

Honestly all the colors look great on the 35xx. I bought 3 one for each one of my kids. The only issue I have with the clear models aesthetically is the type of adhesive they use is very visible on the back of the device stuck to the battery cover. Also quality control seems shotty at best when installing my sets of better buttons my grey model was missing the pieces locking down the back buttons. And one final note if you install better buttons into your 35xx take extreme caution when removing the old shoulder buttons. I've worked on boards with multiple handhelds so I generally consider myself to have a sensitive touch, but the little plastic bars holding the shoulder buttons into the device are very sensitive. With a soft touch I still lost 2 pieces on 2 handhelds which render the L2 on one model basically unusable and another button very finicky on another model. Word to the wise please take extreme care when doing this mod and follow the guide given with it as well.