True, i already have enough handheld now. At this point I wish there were more "mini portable arcades" style like Powkiddy A13 with better hardware, software & better design.
When I first found this channel, I thought to myself, “oh boy, another retro channel that anybody could make.” But it’s immediately obvious that this is a channel that almost no one could make. Truly unique, full of personality but also enthusiast-level attention to detail. It isn’t digital foundry, but that’s not what we need for retro handhelds. What we need is someone who takes multiple use cases into consideration, who thinks of all the little things that will immediately occur to us as users (but not until we power it on and use it) - and that’s what makes this amazing channel stand out. Well done, and thanks for doing this!
I finally bit the bullet and bought a Anbernic RG35XX H after a year of watching your videos and making a decision. Just received it today. Your setup guide was a fantastic help.
I just bought a Trimui Smart Pro for GBA and Snes and when I saw the RG40XX H I was "aaaaw noooooo" ... and then I saw your video and I am happy again. Very instructive, thank you !
TSP wins hands down even if this device was executed perfectly, because this has: - lower resolution - high battery drain during sleep, and ~15s to wake up from hibernation - cardinal snapping problem
@@Pridetoons nah, blacks in the TSP LED are amazing, with or without bezels you wouldn't care in practice. Larger device means better ergonomics, 4:3 vs 16:9 is way overrated IMO. Of course it means you need to get a black device.
@@user-yg2dm5sf9r I actually love stock. Cross mix, tomato etc add postmaster & synckthing, not sure you can do better than that. Knulli is supported but meh
I enjoy the personalities, adds more context to the review, handheld, and the type of person who might want to buy it. Wonderful and entertaining job Russ!
I really like the use-case approach of these 4 persons, but I think it would be better to have these use cases as a seperate video every 6/12 months not focusing on one device, but on the perfect device(s) per user 😊
At what point do we consider this market saturated? I like this use case specific format because it will really help people tailor what is best for them.
I’d say when we got the RG35XX 2024 version, aka the Plus with a smaller battery capacity and no WiFi/Bluetooth, with the benefit being that it’s a “budget version” that isn’t actually that much less than what you’d spend on the Plus to begin with.
@@PrototypeOnyx Agreed. I do not see a problem with this whatsoever. Having more options is not a problem for the consumer in the long run. It simply means that we need to have good sources for figuring out which system is right for each consumer, like Russ's channel... *which we do.*
this is what I call a baby's first console. Like the Retroid Pocket 2 was mine. Then you start to branch out on more powerful, or more specialty consoles like the RG Arc and RG28xx.
wrong.. it serves a specific purpose.. ppl who want a large screen 4:3 ratio device for neo geo/arcade/snes/mega drive/Amiga etc.. and all below that.. Anbernic listened
Megan... is very relatable. 🤣 You basically described my situation perfectly. Had a GBA and PSP as a kid and loved them. Adore my Steamdeck, but it's not exactly pocket friendly. I considered the Miyoo Mini Plus but having the option for PSP games would be nice. since I spent alot of time with Patapon and LocoRoco when I was young. I **ALMOST** pulled the trigger on the AG35XX H but VladNerd mentioned the battery was acting like a heatsink for the CPU and I want to avoid any spicy pillow situations, and they fixed that in the AG40XX H. So the AG40XX H is looking kinda perfect more me, and it came out at the perfect time since since I just started looking! WIsh they had a see through purple like the AG35XX H, reminds me of my GBA, but what can ya do. Thanks for the video, it's a great breakdown for a newbie! ... Not going to keep the stock OS though so thank you for the abomination too. 😜
Your videos are very helpful. Got me to buy the RG35XX Plus & now I'm thinking I'd also like a RG40XX H for more comfort when playing... but maybe the 35XX H. Tough decision!!!
Russ your kids getting better at drawing. This brought me back to your 351 era days. Side note, sometimes I wish you would do a yearly, Lets see where they are video for older systems. Maybe new firmware has come about that people who use those older devices dont know about.
A co worker talked about anbernic and before leaving to go home I ended up snatching one up. I really appreciate the video, it was reassuring. As a kid that grew up hacking psp's it's not my first emulation handheld, but now I'm super excited and way less nervous. Great video. You have my subscription.
Dude, this is an amazing format! I wasn’t even looking at this device as I adore the rg505 and tempted by the rg556. This is a really great format and informative for various users. Well done!
The Retroid Pocket 2S & Miyoo Mini+ are both amazing. Those are what I have after being in this hobby for about 10 months. Just wish for a bigger screen 4:3 device(like over 4 inches) that is actually good & what I'm looking for 👍
Thank you for your review. It was really informative. I have RG35XX H so I think I'll skip this one. Although Id' like to point out one interesting thing about RG40XX H that you probably didn't mention. There is no black gap between the screen and the bezel. I think it looks really great in comparison to some other Anbernic devices.
But when using GammaOS on the 353p, there is much less cardinal snapping in the sticks and N64, PSP, Dreamcast, and NDS all play much better than on this. Also, being Android, the sleep function works and the system will only lose a few percent battery each day (and turns right back on). The only benefit is the larger screen.
I own an rg35xxh, but due to anbernic's decision to place the battery directly over the SoC I intend on picking up the rg40xxh and gifting the rg35xxh away to a friend or one of their kiddos. I also might have a mild addiction to these handhelds. I already own like 13, and intend on picking up more lol.... no I don't need help, I'm a functioning addict 😂
And before anyone asks which handhelds I own.... Powkiddy Q90 DataFrog SF2000 Miyoo Mini Plus TrimUI Smart Pro Anbernic RG35XXH MagicX XU-10 SZDiier D-007 Plus Retroid Pocket 4 Pro GB300 "Ampown" M17 GPD Win MAX 2021 (i7 1195g7) Pimoroni Picosystem + Modded PS Vita + Modded New 2DS XL
I wish Anbernic would make a higher end deluxe version of this with a similar form factor/aesthetic but with a 4.5 or 5 inch display at 960 x 720 resolution. With that screen resolution/ratio you could play almost every retro system at full integer scale (some systems like SNES would require integer overscale...similar to playing on the Powkiddy RGB30). Also a more powerful chipset so 6th gen systems are more compatible would be nice.
Retroid Pocket 2S is underrated, you should start a series of "Stood the test of time" Russ, going over machines that can be found at good prices and actually stand the test of time.
I don’t like this new trend of adding useless RGB around the sticks. It just uses battery and when you turn them off it leaves an ugly white circle around the sticks. I do love the 4in screen though. Best handheld screen out there IMO.
I ordered it because I don’t have anything like that, only a pc and a Nintendo switch. A 4:3 aspect ratio 4 inch device seems perfect for my needs because I want a portable device to play some snes and ps1 rpgs and the 3.5 inch anbernic devices seem too small for me.
I've been following the Chinese handheld market for a while now and had thought this one might finally be the one for me but the sub-par joysticks, lack of analog triggers and heat issues Russ mentioned in his initial review just made me go grab a cheap Android phone from a local home electronics retailer. I paid the price of an 35XX for performance somewhere between RP3 and RP3+ so I'm pretty satisfied.
Hey, Russ! Great video as always. Quick question: did you perhaps modify the D-pad on your RG35XX H that you show in the video? I ask because in two of your previous videos, you showed how the D-pad on that device was sensitive and didn't pass the Contra test. However in this video, it does.
Great video Russ 😊 I really like the addressing of real life expectations! I think I'll stick with my RP2S for a long time: I am looking for a device with the same build and control quality, but with a bigger screen (I really like the 4" at 4:3) and maybe a different aspect ratio (maybe a 3:2, because I am not enjoying PSP and Android as I would like and I am usually avoiding to play these systems because of the screen...), but also performance closer to RP4 Pro (I play a lot of PS2 games, even on my RP2S).
7:53 It's hard for me to tell how I would hold a system like this. Potentially this wouldn't be an issue at all, as I would probably hold the system at a slant with the top more towards me and my ring fingers on the back/bottom of the system to stabilize it, but I do know that I like to put my thumbs resting in the center of the d-pad and the face buttons when playing systems and not pressing any particular inputs at that time. It _could_ be annoying having my hands touching analog sticks, assuming they would be if it's raised enough, but I don't know. I'm glad you mention things like this because I never see anyone else talk about it. Comfort when holding a system is a big deal for me, it'll stick in my mind a lot. It's not like you can't work around it; sometimes you just adjust your hand placement differently for a system like that and it can work out, but I'm not sure how that would go for this handheld. Thankfully I'm just here for the commentary, not looking to make another purchase. All that being said, if I were to pick up a device like this, I'd have to double-check and make sure to disable the analog sticks entirely for these older d-pad-centric games, that way even if it were poking into my thumbs while playing, it wouldn't send any inputs to the game.
Great review! One question, is it possible when you do reviews like this to also test how the screen looks when using polorized sunglasses? I have noticed that there are many devices that look fine, but also many devices that do not and knowing before someone purchases a device could be a deciding factor for them when trying to play games outdoors.
Thanks for making a great video about a pretty copy-and-paste device. It’d be really easy to conclude that there’s not much to say about the 40xx, and yet, this video is so helpful and interesting. Thanks Russ 🙏🏻
I think I'm comfortable with my RG35XX SP right now. Updated to the latest firmware after trying muOS. And now I'm just cleaning out the games I'll never play.
Always happy to see your Vids pop-up. If not, just a reason to give me to Watch the intro. But definitely always love these type of scenario videos. Peace!
@@iamyashrajThe "Battery Issue" was negligence on the Customer end. The Power Rating is on the back of the Handheld. Word of advice stick to 5V == 1-2A Chargers and you'll be fine.
@@Pridetoons I don’t think it’s negligence to assume that device works the same as the majority of USB-C devices that have functional power regulation that will properly negotiate the proper power level with the charging source and regulate anything slightly out of the ordinary down to the correct level. If the devices were properly designed it shouldn’t matter if you plug them in to a USB-PD charger with a 135W maximum because it should only report that it’s capable of 5V. In fact that’s the default. If a charger is sending more wattage than the device can handle it’s because the device is reporting that it wants that additional power.
I have bad eyes, and the 3" or 3.5" screens on systems like the RG35XX are *just* small enough that I actually gave mine away to a friend. (Who, in turn, also has bad eyes and doesn't play it much. Oops.) The thing about the RG40XX H for me is that larger 4" screen in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Honestly I'd love something around that size but in 3:2... and given the relative power of these chips, I don't want analog sticks to get in my way. I've thought about the RG Arc as a dedicated Sega handheld, but the 6 button layout gets in the way for Nintendo & Atari games. (I'm very weird about controller feel.) I've also thought about a TrimUI Smart Pro, but that 16:9 screen is wasted on all these old games and I'm not sure it's as "tall" as a 4" 4:3 screen. (Case in point, I -- again -- gave away my Switch Lite because the screen was too small for modern games and got a Switch OLED instead.) I know this is going to sound lame, but I would find it super helpful if you could do a comparison on overall viewable screen size between consoles. What would you recommend for someone with bad eyes?
I would recommend checking out this website: shauninman.com/utils/screens/ It doesn't have every handheld listed, but most of the common ones, so you can get an idea of the viewable screen size for them. Something like the (non-Mini) Odin 2 is impressively big, same with the Logitech G Cloud if you can find it used or on sale. And of course the Steam Deck's screen is great but is pretty darn big altogether.
Thanks Russ for finally showing a comparison to the RG405M. :) As an owner of the 405, I was interested in the 40XX at first due to these three aspects: - D-Pad on top (as it should be) - video-out - Linux (I take Linux over Android ANYTIME if I have to choose... I just wish Garlic 2.x on the 405 would be more mature at this point) However after watching both of your videos about the 40XX, it became an easy skip for me. It's not quite the 405M successor I was hoping for by any means and I guess I still have to wait for something better to come up. Knowing Anbernic it shouldn't take too long.
Possible to put the RetroArch core used when demoing gameplay in future videoslike you do previously? Always good to know what is the most accurate core that can be used that can still run the stress test games for each system, be it for snes (snes9x current, bsnes accurate?) or harder stuff like n64 (core/plugin).
I would be down for this if it was vertical since I already have the RG556. I would love to have a 4 or 5 inch screen vertical handheld to play up to PS1 on that has wifi/ble and was a little more pocketable than the RG556. I wish they would have more systems with larger screens over all. Even larger than this, but in vertical form.
I'm hoping Anbernic makes a vertical version of this, or even better, a clamshell version. The RG405V is an expensive monster and the RG35XXSP could really benefit from a 4" screen.
Yup, agreeing with most. I love my Anbernic RG35XX H along with my Odin 2 Pro. Both setup exactly how I want it. And the 35xx h is so portable. Honestly I don't see myself buying another handheld.
I've been really torn on the odin 2 pro vs the retroid pocket 4 pro. The power and ergos for the odin are appealing. The retroid is smaller and more portable, can play a lot of the same things except switch and is $100+ cheaper. ugh first world problems.
I feel like my favorite things about this would be the stacked triggers, rgb, and that pretty blue color! It would be a prettier verison to put up as a console! I feel like the one Zany color is what i am drawn to in a clyde sense. The Orange Creamsicle 2.8" has been fun, but really suffers with no Bluetooth/WIFI. Knulli team rocks so far, but i will try different ones soon for the tinker of it. Also, idc if i get unlimited hate for it, but if we are overproducing things into the ground gimme a 20xx H with dual analog, wi-fi, BT, and a fan built into a metal shell. I'll buy 2.
This is my dilemma. I'm looking for portability and have watched hours and hours of reviews. I feel like I need to just buy one and save myself from more mind-numbing research. Lol
I am Jackie and what I really looking for is an Android device with a 4:3 720p screen at least 4" size but 5" would be better and good enough specs for most N64, Gamecube, Wii, PS2 games. Since Anbernic is releaseing handhgelds every month this is possible, hopefully in the near future, I cannot wait, fingers crossed! I have the Anbernic 351V at the moment so Jackie" really fits well 😆
That's exactly, what I'm looking for as well. A horizontal style Android handheld that has around a 4 to 5 inch, 720p display in a 4:3 ratio. OLED would be nice, but I'd settle for a decent IPS screen. It also needs to be powerful enough to emulate a good proportion of PS2, PSP, N64, Saturn, GameCube and Dreamcast games (any newer systems would just be an added bonus). Also, it needs a decent D-Pad, sticks and buttons, along with proper velocity sensitive top triggers. A WiFi/Bluetooth connection and it being able to easily connect to a TV/Monitor, is also a must for me. It would also be nice if it could just fit into a large coat, hoodie, pants or jacket pocket, have some back grips for better comfort, have an average battery life of at least around 5-6 hours and be priced at around $150 or under. I know it's a lot of asking, but I also know that it's currently doable!!
Anbernic really should have brought its pile of Allwinners to Powkiddy's neighborhood and made basically an RGB30 with nicer controls. Speaking as someone who has an RGB30 and it actually feels lovely to use after upgrading the D-pad and membranes with Anbernic surplus parts.
Good categorization of usage cases and good points for each category. Getting one as a loaner unit since I dont like sharing my rg405. and rg353m. Will wait til 4:3, hall sticks and metal case intersect once more.
I love the variety that Anbernic gives us in the retro gaming handheld market. But I wish they'd perfect some of their devices instead of making variations on the same thing. I've owned 3 of their devices so far and have loved them all. My favorite right now is the RG556. It's absolutely amazing. I'll buy it again if I ever break my current one. That being said, I wish they'd fix the glowing issues with it. The joystick problem. 20 dollars later i discover that the issue is software and not hardware. I replaced the sticks with great aftermarket ones and there is no difference. Also, the bluetooth delay. It's quite glaring if you use earbuds like I do to play your handhelds. There's no excuse for them not addressing these problems. They release a new device every few weeks and frankly its too much of the same thing. This new one looks great but I doubt I'll buy it. Perhaps if its on sale I'll get it. Thanks for all the great content Russ. Cheers.
