Some updates after messing with the device more this morning: - Bluetooth controller works fine after manually mapping the controls in RetroArch - HDMI out works well, but will stretch out the image to full screen (16:9 in most cases). You also can't plug/unplug HDMI while a game is running. - RetroAchievements and multiplayer are working once configured in RetroArch (achievements are hidden by default!) - Updating RA controller profiles will break the built-in controller configuration within RetroArch, you'll need to pair a BT keyboard to navigate the RA menu and remap all the native controls - When charging the device in a power off state, it will show you the % charged when tapping on the power button - Cheats, shaders, auto save/load can all be configured in RetroArch So in all, the advertised functionality of this device seems to be working with the stock OS, but the implementation is not very intuitive. If you know your way around RetroArch you'll be fine. Hopefully custom OS options will streamline that experience. GarlicOS 2.0 is already available for it but in an Alpha (test) state, with no GPU access yet. The Koriki and MustardOS devs have also expressed interest in supporting it.
Hey Ross! Pretty good and helpful review. I'm interested in the Moonlight streaming portion. I would love to play indie games (Celeste, Dead cells, Sea of stars, Blasphemous, etc) on it streaming from my PC. Can you please test this? I'm very curious to see if you can set those type of games to a 4:3 aspect ratio and get something like a "gameboy experience". Again, thanks for your work, been loving your channel!
Does Bluetooth also support headphones? Did not find anything about that on their website or Reddit. That's probably the main feature that would make me upgrade in the future.
@@santukagameplays5862 Moonlight streaming works, but it will squish a 16:9 image to 4:3; so modern PC games will look vertically stretched. I've always found the best implementation for streaming on a 4:3 device is to stream GameCube and PS2 games, by stretching them to 16:9 on your PC, then when it gets sent to the 4:3 screen it will balance out.
Play DW3! Im 3/4 of the way through the SNES fan translation. It only came out in JP on the SNES but you can easily find the translation. It is a great RPG! Up there with Final Fantasy 2/4. DW2 was kinda meh.
@@pleasuretokill You wouldn’t believe my chagrin when I found out the guy from Metroid was a woman and that Zelda from Zelda wasn’t Zelda. Nintendo should be sued for misleading their audience!
I have the original 35XX and bought the New Plus version just for the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. But the fact that we can play DS, PSP, and Dreamcast is a cherry on top. Sure not every game runs perfectly now but we have to wait for Garlic 2.0 to cook. It’s only in Alpha stage right now.
@@degenerate8228Look at the Odin Pro 2. The cost and the thermal throttling of what you're proposing. Why would you want that power, even throttled to the point a SD 865 or lower, might make more sense, less certain about 4:3, etc
@@Bolthorn79 It wasn't on mine, but I added it and Legacy of Kane Blood Omen easily, and they play well. Weirdly, PS1 games feel better on this device than playing them on a bigger screen for me.
@@REVOLVERE Did you order it from their official website or Aliexpress? I ordered it on Saturday, on their official website, 2 minutes after launch and it still hasn't been shipped 🤣
@@_marta30_44 I ordered through the official website. It could take a while. 3-4 weeks to get here. At least in the US where I'm at. I ordered the OG 35XX from there before and it took about that long.
I'm glad these devices are getting better and better. I hope Wi-Fi and Bluetooth becomes the new norm. I currently have a Miyoo Mini Plus for easier to run games and I just replaced my Steam Deck with the OLED for everything else.
WiFi and Bluetooth are becoming more needed nowadays. It's irritating having to scrape the artwork manually on these devices, and multiplayer is getting to the forefront of what these things can do. Both wireless headphones and Bluetooth pads are useful for these devices to pair up to.
The Steam Deck OLED has the power while also Linux based that gives it access to third party emulators. For games that don't really need the power for handhelds and low power devices, this.
Yeah, just too bad the Steam Deck is absurdly expensive for what you're getting. A portable handheld PC is a great idea, but we need better competition in the market-space to bring Valve down a notch. Ignoring the $300 model which is an LCD and is likely out of stock permanently at this point, you have to spend $400-600+ just to get one. *WHY* would I spend that much? On a device that's limited to Linux-based games. I like the system, but you're paying equal to or more than the price of a home console for a system that can't even play games half as well. If you want to play older games on it, cool... I definitely see the value in it for PS2, Gamecube and some older PC games, but it's still an outrageous asking price just for a little portability. Valve should have taken a loss on the hardware like console manufacturers do and lowered the price closer to $250 or $300 at the lowest with DECENT STORAGE SPACE AND NOT A PIDDLING 64GB. That still would have been asking quite a bit, but it would have put it in a competitive space with the Nintendo Switch and locked it in as a solid system worth paying attention to. As it stands I just keep waiting for them to make a better budget model or to cut costs somehow, because ever since it was announced I have not once considered actually buying it even though I do want it. I just can't afford to blow $300+ on a system that only contributes one tiny little thing my home PC cannot: portability; and fails in all other regards including storage space (you have to blow at least like $27 for a 256GB microSD card and depending on the games you want to install, that could wind up installing all of like three or four games, primarily because certain older games are really poorly optimized and take up like 100GB because of fucking texture files).
GarlicOS day 1 plus Wifi, Bluetooth, and HDMI were what convinced me to order this. I love my MM+, and it feels like this can fill that same niche while also functioning as a mini retro console. It’s the perfect thing for me to bring on vacation.
Can Confirm - Garlic OS 2.0 currently lacks GPU SUPPORT meaning that things like N64, DC & PSP are DOA right now; RA doesn't have its proper UI either. The Stock OS on the 35XX+ is the way to go right now. BT/Wifi aren't supported in Garlic OS 2.0 on the 35XX+ right now either. It's a SOON ^TM thing.
anbernic is proving to always be very attentive to the criticisms made by you reviewers and every time it manages to improve its products more and more, the new rg35xx plus is an example of this. Even the latest rg405m and v are excellent low cost consoles , much improved in everything compared to the past. Excellent anbernic!!..... if only you could improve more even on the software and updates ....!
I have both the 35xx & the Mini Plus. While I do like the look and feel of the 35xx slightly more...Retro Achievements makes me pick the mini over it every time. You should try them if you get a chance.
@@rabidrabbit7853 I appreciate the comment, but I don't want to have too many devices. 😁 I chose the 35xx because it looks better than Miyoo Mini and has better ergonomics (to me, at least) I don't much care for Wi-Fi, I use RetroAchievements on my desktop and honestly am thinking of disabling it because it's more distracting than fun to me I love my 35xx with MinUI, I appreciate that the MM+ is the better device for some people, and the 35xx+ is probably better still for some, but I don't need another vertical handheld that plays up to PS1. 😁 If I buy another one, it will be something that's meaningfully different, like the RG Arc (I love Sega), the RGB30 (for better GameBoy experience) or the RG405M (for N64 and Dreamcast). 🤗
@@JediPacmanI have larger hands so I mainly play RPGs on the mini. That being said I just ran through a couple levels of Mario world without too much issues. I’d say the shoulder buttons become a problem long before the dpad. The 35xx dpad might be better since the device is larger.
I'd love to see a comparison between this and MM+ (even though I've already ordered my MM+). Let's hope community OSes take this to the next level, similarly to the previous model.
I own MM+ MM V4 and RG35XX, the MM+ screen falls out when it gets too hot, and the MM V4 is so fragile i dropped a V2 V3 and broke the screen. The RG35XX is by far the better console of the 3. If i could mess with the display settings i would never look at the MM+. maybe now Black Seraph will finally update the RG35XX since the RX35XX+ is now here.
i'm really happy about this because i couldn't decide between the Miyoo Mini+ and the RG35XX because i wanted both WiFi and HDMI Out and now this has both. not too concerned with it being more powerful but that's always appreciated
Thanks for the review! I picked up a MM+ and leaned that direction rather than the original RG35XX mostly for netplay and retro achievements, but it felt like a close call. I miss the HDMI. Looking forward to your comparison!
Looks like this might be the pinnacle of the pocketable, Gameboy style of retro handhelds. Not sure how they can improve this without adding sticks or going too big to be pocketable. Will be picking one of these up and gifting my OG RG35XX to a friend, gotta spread the retro handheld addiction!
Really wish anbernic or miyoo would make a horizontal layout device without analog sticks. i think horizontal layout is much better and the no analog sticks makes it more pocketable
@PuinginMain looks cool but honestly never been a fan of those dpads. also always been a Nintendo fanboy not so much sega and others that use the 6 face button layout. i like the minimalist designs of the rg351 and such and would like one without analog sticks in a perfect world lol.
The differences Russ's take on the stock firmware and cfw and Taki Udon, show how much the short time in impressions make, vs review time, I think. Definitely worth waiting for the full reviews
Man I am pumped about this thing! A little bit of constructive criticism here and I’m not sure what everyone else thinks, but I think it would help if you zoomed in just a little closer whenever you have these smaller Game Boy systems on screen while you’re playing.
I'm glad they made it without the stick. This thing really isn't going to properly play games that would require it anyway. But removing it definitely makes the spacing better. I'm hoping they make a 40xx one like this.
This seems like a solid upgrade, especially once BlackSeraph or someone else gives it some solid custom firmware. Sadly much like Russ I too kind of prefer a horizontal handheld over a vertical one 😅 especially if it’s smaller
I too will accept a slightly larger device with a more comfortable horizontal form factor. I am not an elementary school child that needs to stuff a handheld in their pockets so I’m willing to accept the additional size and weight.
@@Mister_Phafanapolis yeah I agree for the most part. I actually don’t even mind a really small handheld as long as it’s horizontal and relatively streamlined. I own a Retroid Pocket 2+ and an RG35XX, and while I VASTLY prefer the GarlicOS software and the screen on the RG, the RP2+ form factor is way more comfortable, but plus the device itself feels far more pocketable because of how rugged it is. The RG35XX feels like a piece of jewelry, something I can only play in the house due to that beautiful but sensitive screen lol
Will be interested to see the hdmi+bluetooth controller experience. That would be a dealmaking reason to replace my 35xx. I just need the bluetooth to need minimal setup and the hdmi to not have unchangeable aspect ratio stretching. It almost makes me wonder if an updates 353v/vs is in the works. A better made version of that with like the 405m/v chipset, back buttons and hall sensor sticks would be killer.
@@jwill294 If they update more models, it wouldn't surprise me at all. There are only so many form factors that can exist, lol. Might as well just take the huge variety they have and start improving the internals. The only thing anbernic seems to really be missing is a dual screen or foldable (which supposedly is in the works)
@Rohit.Nayyar ... the convenience of being able to do both? Like, I dunno, the steam deck. Or the switch. I have a phone that I can do this all with, but there's something about a Linux based, dedicated handheld that satisfies my brain more than an android device. It's why I don't love the 405m I have, or why I dislike the vibe of the windows based handheld pcs vs steamOS. I could technically "do more" with my Samsung tab s7+ tablet and a controller. But it just doesn't satisfy in the same way.
The 405m is using some Unisoc crap (basically a no-name brand that won't have good mainline Linux support) for the SoC so it'd be a big downgrade in software support to put that in a 353 successor. With the 353 we have a RockChip SoC, which is as good as it gets, IMO, and with that we get nice things like JELOS that let us really make good use of the hardware. With that in mind you'd wanna keep an eye on if RockChip has any new chips coming out that are better than their RK3566. If you're just looking at benchmarks or game FPS these no-name chips may win in the short-term, but the RockChip ones will continue to be properly supported and only improve with time while the others become e-waste. Not everyone cares about that, but it's worth thinking about. You can see the same RockChip RK3566 used in SBCs from Pine64 and OrangePi and so on. These are actually popular chips across the ARM world and will gets lots of developer attention and can be used more like general purpose computers.
At this point the battery compartment door feature makes the ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus the only handheld I would purchase do to the recent cheap battery swelling issue.
I love it when a company improves a great device instead of starting from scratch every time. This looks even more appealing than the 35XX. 👍 2:07 The problem might not be the cable, rather the transformer may be delivering different Wattages (maybe). I'd be very curious to know if it will be able to run MinUI Russ. Thanks. 👍
Nah some people buy this kind of device and don’t know about lipo battery care didn’t bother to look on google or youtube so they ended up with battery issues
For the Bluetooth controllers to work in retroarch you should go into settings then input then menu controls and then turn on all users control menu that helps out alot
Please Russ, is the edge of the screen curved as in the previous model? The old model made it impossible to have a glass screen protector cover the WHOLE screen.
I had the original and loved it, and I went back and forth about ordering this day one. I ultimately decided to order a 353ps since after coupons it was about the same money. I may still get one of these down the road but I think I want to let Garlic mature first
Beautiful. I'll grab one eventually when a sale comes around. I will say, though, that I liked the bezels better aesthetically on the retro grey model.
I bought the rg nano first ( its irresistible cuteness), 35xx next, and then 405v in less then 2 months. I no longer touch the nano, the 35xx battery started smoking and stopped working, the 405v is the best experience minus the difficulty in getting systems not preloaded to work like sega cd and 3do. The big screen is like playing on a mini tv screen and has the typical Android screen temperature adjustments. Maybe after flashing a different os from the stock version will make it replace my xbox series x. I have 1tb of games on it
Would love to see a “Most Giftable” video. Which devices are best for gifting to non-tech people? Best out of box experience, easy to use software, easy to pick up and play.
is that one less powerful or something? all these model names are confusing (I mean it has 2 thumbsticks, kind of assumed you could emulate more powerful consoles like n64 and ps2 or something)
@@zwenkwiel816 R36S is not from Anbernic. They have similar performance, but the R36S is cheaper and has analog sticks. The RG35XX Plus most definitely will have better controls and also wifi and bluetooth.
I’m at work, I have no reception here… Nevertheless omg Russ Thanks! I bought it day one on my bday 11/25 I was looking forward to your review my man. Thanks as always
Only flaw so far, according to myself and others on Reddit, is the Bluetooth. No audio support and most BT controllers I've tried don't work. Firmware update needed 😂
Hey Russ, when you will do the full review of the rg35xx plus, could you please focus more in depth on the multiplayer capabilities, especially with the Bluetooth/wifi/hdmi features, and how it looks and plays on a bigger screen playing with several people at once (especially the systems with higher end graphics like psp / ps1 / dreamcast). Would really love to see. (Speaking of multiplayer can you play against someone who lives in a different location?) Thanks for the great videos as always
• Definitely a deep dive comparison between CFW options for this device • AND ALSO between Onion and Garlic. Because Onion is probably the biggest selling point for the MM+. • Consolizing with BT controllers and HDMI output • BT headphones!!
Old gammer but new to retro gaming. I missed a lot of these games on my SNES and Sega Genisis and barely played with my Nintendo XL Zelda ed. These handheld devices look great and are affordable. Thanks for posting.
the thing is; for this size of a device and the screen aspect ratio, i only ever play the older retro games on it anyways so i don’t need the extra power this one offers. the bluetooth and wifi are nice though. i’ll keep my original 35XX for now. would be cool if they started offering a wider screen version a la GBA. the retroid pocket plus’ wider screen makes for better scaling with GBA. might be the retro arch software i use on that device tho! thanks Russ! as always, wonderful video!
My friend and I played Contra over Netplay with his Anbernic RG35XX Plus and my Miyoo Mini Plus tonight! It was a bit of a hassle, but it was possible!
Disappointed they losy purple color and didn't offer more fun colors. I have many rg35 XX handhelds and it is my favorite handheld even though I have more powerful devices so I'm not really enticed to get this new one because I like the offline nature of the original.if they had a red transparent i would have bought in a heartbeat
I was kinda holding out to see if Powkiddy would put out a PLUS or V2 version of the RGB30, but if that doesn't happen, this looks like the next best thing.
Absolutely. There's so much bang for your buck when you buy a console with the RK3566 chip: open source software, bluetooth, wifi, etc. Let's hope JELOS or ARKOS will be ported to this console even though it has a lower spec'ed processor.
Why buy this over an RG353v? They’re practically the same size and almost the same price* but with more power and dual analogue sticks to take advantage of that power. *Yes, the 353v is $25-$50 more but that price difference vaporizes over the long run, especially when you won’t have to buy a second device when you “outgrow” the limited power and controls of the original.
One of these with a 5"-6" screen would be perfect. Especially for those of us with bigger hands. A larger, vertical style Gameboy. I like the way these look but they are way too small for my hands.
@@BobbysArchive 405v is a vertical handheld with a larger screen and body for bigger hands. Exactly what the OP stated he wanted. I said nothing about the 405m.
@@kevin1337ninjaYou’re right I misread, my bad; for whatever reason I forgot the 405v was named that. At least I wasn’t very off, dang ambernic with their confusing names.
@@BobbysArchive No worries. From what I gather, P = plastic. M = metal. V = Vertical. MP = metal plastic? Who the heck knows. 😂 The first two numbers refer to the screen size. 35 is a 3.5 inch screen. 40 is a 4.0 inch screen. Etc.
Good review! I didn't know Anbernic would already have a RG35XX Plus available! It sounds like a solid upgrade, but it really is a shame they didn't add any analog sticks to capitalize on the boost in processing power. This would honestly be a slam dunk as a retro handheld gift if they had added analog sticks to make it easier to play 3D games. Regardless, it still is quite an impressive little device for under $100!
Same here. Hopefully they keep evolving these gadgets and by next Christmas we have one that can handle PS2 games and open that whole library of games back up for us again.
It's cool that it has the ability to play Dreamcast, and PSP games, but without an analog stick, there's just some games you wont be able to play. Too bad.
For what It's worth, I've really been enjoying my time with this channel since I've subscribed. Looking forwards to getting back into emulation with my new Steam Deck OLED.
Still loud shaky shoulder buttons though, which was my major gripe about the previous version. The new slanted buttons are nice, but shaking the unit shouldn't make the buttons rattle around.
Just curious because I would like to hear from someone that doesn’t like the shaky buttons. What about it is bad? I know having things not shake is generally considered good but if the function of said thing works without major issues (correctly registering inputs and not falling apart) what makes the shaky buttons a negative? Mainly asking because even though the ones on mine shake, I never had an issue when playing games or pressing them or not having false positives.
@@XaftzThis is compared to Miyoo mini Plus, which has shoulder buttons that don't shake. It's a cheap feeling sort of thing. Even on their premium rg353m , those shoulder buttons being loose and shaking also drove me crazy. If Miyoo can do this there's no reason why Anbernic can as well. I already sent then quick email letting them know and they have said they will take this into account going forward.
As someone who has played mine a ton not once have I noticed the buttons rattling ... probably because I play it rather than shaking it. I haven't noticed a difference on my Miyoo for the same reason.
Anbernic has confirmed with me last night that whoever haven't received theirs yet are getting the improved/ modified batch with the shoulder button rattle fixed. Notice all those early reviewers probably got the original batch so shoulder buttons may rattle little if shaken.
@@kevtn8 Sorry for the late reply, but; ah I see. So it's kind of more about the feel of the device, rather than the function. That's understandable Also, that's good to know that they're addressing it!
This is my very first handheld console and I'm still waiting for it to arrive. Playing on my phone is great, but it's just not "consolizable" enough. I've been looking at the RG35XX for a long time and was very fortunate to see the Plus teaser before buying the previous model, as that was already well-received and this seems to have a lot of improvements. Looking forward to the video, Russ!
Including tax and shipping, this is about $75-80 to get to my country (Ireland). So about €15-20 more than the RG35XX or the MM+. Interesting to see what you get for that extra €15.
First video I've seen from you and I love that you did a size comparison with a GBC and not just other emulators. I'm looking to buy my first one specifically for pokemon games on GBC and GBA so I don't know their sizes.
Re: charging via USB C to USB C, if this model is like the previous models, it likely has to do with power delivery. My 350M doesn’t like anything 2A or higher, but will charge fine if the charger is feeding
I feel you bro,. My ARC-D preorder was stuck in Hong Kong for about 10 days, too, and it's out for delivery today. If I wanted to spend extra, I could have gotten it faster from Amazon. 😕
Why do people say you can't use the stock cards? I just want something I can pick up and play I don't want to have to mess with downloading games and setting it up
Wake me up when they release a 5/6" square screen console. 3.5" is ridiculous by almost 2023. And of course, affordable lol. Thanks for your hard work as always Ross!
4” version of the original. No WiFi/bluetooth. Up to ps1. Is plenty. I’d even be fine removing one of the sd cards and hdmi port for affordable as possible. I just want to play my old games on comfortable screen simple as possible.
making this thig but with a 6 inch 4:3 screen would be bizarre. it would be a massive screen and then a bg section underneath with the controls on. it wouldnt really work with the gameboy form factor. but a bigger version of the rgb30/switch layout would be better suited to that layout. and then thats just the things like the oden, steamdeck etc.
@@ge2719 i have a rg351p, i dont see the issue with an inch and a half or two more, honestly. if they trim bezels and frame it can be compact enough, whatever the form
I'm pretty disappointed at the color choices. They could have done a PC Engine (red/black/white) or PSX (grey with pastels) instead of the same tired ones everyone uses.
Deciding whether to get this one or the MM plus. I had an MM plus . It was awesome till i got mine stolen lol. I like that the 35xx plus has some really nice upgrades, I do hope future custome firmwares become available soon.
i just found out about this console and i thought the plus meant it was a bigger version than the original one but i guess not, i am still going to buy this though.
I hope they make D-pads in the future that look like sega genesis cuz it's better and you will know when you press a multi-direction but I know RG arc exists but it kinda sucks due to not having a singular analog stick which makes it bad for anything other than fighting games and some platformers.
15 minute Russ' video? What's the world come to! Some 18 years back, I used to emulate Super Smash Bros with my own bro. We didn't have controllers, so until we got them, we both played on a single keyboard. Today though, I won't even try playing some systems without analog stick. Just can't be bothered to set up and memorise new controller scheme for every game.
