yeah I'm waiting for something this small that can easily play PS2, GC, and Wii games. maybe by next year tbh i don't really care for stacked shoulder buttons just makes the device more bulky imo
@@dreamybull1509 more bulky for sure, but the comfort of analog stacked triggers can’t be denied. For pocketability though the candybar style is definitely superior.
I think the smaller 4:3 screens on these systems would really do justice for PS2, GameCube emulation. They'll look so good. I felt that PS1 graphics shortcomings were well disguised by these smaller compact screens, somewhat mitigating the need for upscaling.
Great first impressions!!! They are on sale now 3/28. I just ordered a gray (greenish) with 128GB game card. I REALLY wish they had a satin silver without the greenish tint, but I'll take what I can get. Looking forward to the bigger screen and more power over the RG353M. I would have been happier with the same blue as the RG353M since silver is no longer a thing with Anbernic. I actually passed on the RG353M since I already had the RG351M and RG280M. I will most likely grab a RG353M in blue now. I have several larger more powerful handhelds including an Odin Pro. I had the Steam Deck Pro but gave it to my Grandson still sealed in the box. I had to tell his mom, "It's NOT a toy, It's a "Learning Tool". That worked 😁
I'm gonna wait. I want a better chipset with a 4:3 screen. One that can comfortably play more or less all gamecube, Wii, and PS2 games, even some 3DS. Then I'll buy one. Also I don't need a metal device.
we’re definitely getting there. very soon. I’m probably just going to get a 35xx for now, and wait for a truly pocketable device that can run what you listed.
Agreed. But this handheld has an identity problem. It's so close to great that it's frustrating. Firstly, the metal shell is cool but it makes the device a lot heavier, and this thing is going for pocketablity which gets hurt. They should've gone with plastic, and made it fun. Like with Pikachu Yellow, GameCube Indigo, N64 Teal, GBC Atomic Purple, or Clear Shell. Secondly, this has a 4:3 screen which is for retro systems. You don't need joysticks. So put them below, and have them recessed. Along with the retro games, it would've been fine using a smaller yet more efficient processor. But would've benefited greatly from an efficient software like Onion/Garlic OS.
Now, if they wanted this for modern systems, again they could've done much better with slight tweaks. Firstly, I still recommend a Plastic Shell. It's for weight and pocketablity. The metal shell is cool but it's too heavy. Secondly, they needed to go with a 16:9 display. This makes the device more rectangular, so the bezels need to be trimmed, and the size (4.0-4.8in) needs to be balanced with the best being around 4.5 inches. Thirdly, you really need joysticks and shoulders. So put both joysticks high above, and have them extrude for better movement range. The shoulders will need to become analogue triggers, and flared out for comfort. The D-Pad and Action Buttons aren't as important they can go below the joysticks. For the modern games, it's a necessity to use a fast processor. The T618 is a bit long in the tooth, especially at the USD $150 price. A better fit would've been a USD $200 budget, but stepping up to the Unisoc T670, Dimensity 820, Exynos 1350, or Snapdragon 778 chipset. Whilst a Linux OS becomes a handicap, the Android OS is the obvious choice to keep here. Potentially needing some refinement and UX improvement. ...so yeah. They should've made some tweaks to make this a become a much better modern gaming device. There's not many of them out there. Or take some adjustments to make it optimised for older retro gaming, but that market is relatively saturated. Either way, this weird middle-ground just makes too many compromises.
This may be finally the device to get for those who jumped in with the RG351 devices and felt disappointed by performance. Finally N64, Dreamcast, Gamecube and a 4:3 screen.
Cheers Russ, liking this thing rather more than I thought I would. There's something about the screen to device ratio and size of controls which is ticking my boxes. Looking forward to the full review.
I love Anbernic devices but it’s hard for me to go back to inline shoulder buttons. Stacked shoulders like on the retroid pocket 3+ are so much more comfortable and easy for me to use.
There’s a special spot in hell for these folks that keep designing for in-line shoulder buttons. Seriously though, if there were a choice I would pay $30-40 more for a stacked shoulder model of the same device.
Just ordered, after watching this and in depth video. Mostly to play older Resident Evil and other survival horror games like a boss. 200 ppi is more than enough for 4" screen, especially if games running in pixel perfect resolution. It's called VGA, by the way. Thanks for the review. I think, there will be more powerfull 4:3 devices in the future, but for this to happen we need to buy some current ones.
@@Frilleon I should have waited for sale :) To pay less and have a less chance to get falling out screen. Besides old clunky android, it works just fine. Perfect dreamcast machine. I don't know will I try custom firmwares or not, they got too many emulators on them. I set up daijisho, dolphin (for wiiware), dolphin mmjr (for gamecube), redream, duckstation, play mostly Ridge Racer Type 4 at this point.
I disagree that the analog stick on top doesn't suit the games for this device. With the T618 chip this device is great for PS1, N64 and Dreamcast games that use analog sticks. There's already plenty of 4:3 handhelds with slightly less powerful chips like the RG353 series devices that can play SNES/Genesis/Capcom arcade well that have the d-pad on top that people can get instead. Even though I won't get this device it's better that there is a variety of options out there for button configuration at various performance points.
I am one chipset bump away from grabbing something like this or a retroid pocket device. I just really want gamecube games and it's SO close to being great for it. Just needs that little bit extra performance.
With a properly configured Dolphin MMJR, the RP3+ plays pretty much every GC game, and the remainder run well on the Dolphin for Handheld MMJR2 app they include with the device. I even play some Wii games on mine, and I can run PS2 at 2.5X. I think another step up for the chipset would be great, but I don't think the prices will be in line for another several years. Meanwhile, we all have phones that demolish these things, and we've already purchased the phones.
I dunno. I still like the 353m better. While it’s not quite as capable as the 405m I like the two card slots and the ability to run custom linux systems on it while still retaining android. I like the layout of the controls on the 353m better too. I was never a GameCube kid, I know, that’s crazy, but I mainly play n64 and below and the 353m does an amazing job at that. It be been playing a lot of ps1, snes, and game boy games on my 353. It’s been perfect.
One thing you tend to skip in reviews is Bluetooth audio. It's probably not your thing but makes a difference to me-does it have it? Any connection issues or audio lag?
Love that Anbernic have stopped printing their logo on the front of their devices. It's about the only thing I dislike when I look at their old models in my collection.
This is a great first look, thanks! A comparison I’d love to see in the full review would be a comparison against some 16:9 screens. I upgraded from a RG351 to a PowKiddy RGB10 Max because of the latter’s much larger 4:3 rendering. Turns out I rarely play 16:9 games, so it would certainly be more efficient if the 405 has a larger 4:3 image than my Max. I’ve hesitated on the RP3+ in part because I’m mostly playing 4:3 games, so this looks promising. The added systems of the T618 over the RK3226 were all natively 4:3 anyway…
This would be awesome if you could install a linux system on it like JELOS especially given that the screen is 4:3. Im absolutely sick of another buggy android device.
I think this device is almost perfect, if only the button layout is not like that. No one is gonna play modern game in 4:3 screen ratio (at least I'm), so it would be better if the d-pad is at the top.
To be fair, these devices are primarily for retro games which use a 4:3 aspect ratio. I honestly don’t like playing 4:3 games on a modern display because it has letter boxing.
Yeah I agree that this should have the d pad above the sticks, but something like the RP3+ or RG505 (basically anything 16:9) should have the analog stick higher
They got rid of HDMI (no USBC out either) and also got rid of the second microSD card slot? Inline triggers, asymmetrical analog... Man that kind of sucks for something so close to perfect.
My only bugaboo with this one is the placement of the analog stick. Since the main use case for me would be 16 bit and lower you get into this weird hand position when the D-Pad is down low like that. Love the screen though.
I'll pass but it looks cool. I've owned a Z Flip 3 since launch. I turned it for Dreamcast, PS2, and GameCube emulation since my modded Vita can only reach PSP or below. I care not to revisit N64 games at all. I do not find any of these Chinese handhelds offering any value if you own a smartphone with Snapdragon 888 or above. My Flip 3 is already perfect for Dreamcast, PS2, and GameCube emulation since Flex mode looks close to 4:3 which is most of their library's native resolution. I think for people who buy these handhelds, it's to own a dedicated gaming system. A phone can still be obtrusive. Can kill its battery life faster. Small form factors like Miyoo Mini also can make it worthwhile and serves as a complementary device to your smartphone. I notice playing Super Mario World on my modded Vita is way better than on my Flip 3. That input lag from BT controllers for older consoles. I can make much more precise jumps on a dedicated handheld. I can do the one-inch punch combo with Forest Law in Tekken 3 much easier on the Vita than Z Flip. I'm still not into these Chinese handhelds. A lot of it to me is a waste of money if you already own a fairly powerful smartphone. These $150-$200 handhelds have an SoC that isn't better than a Snapdragon 845 from 5 years ago and you can buy a Pixel 3 for $100 or less these days. I find emulation from any handheld also pointless. Like I'm really not interested in 3DS, Vita, and Switch emulation because you can just own one of those devices and play your games there. They're already portable. Emulation to me is more important coming from home consoles. You don't need to wait 10 to 15 years for Switch emulation to get better. Just play your games from there.
I feel like most recent handhelds lack vision and try to be too many things at once. Why would you have a prominent analog stick on the left for a 4:3 display???? We're in an era where, if you're designing a handheld, you should be specializing.
4:3 absolutely rocks! Now, please, start making high-resolution screens so shaders work properly and look good. It's the only thing holding these handhelds back. I won't stop commenting this until one releases.
Only thing is would high resolution 4:3 screens be easy to source? A lot of devices use screens that are spare or repurposed iPhone or Android smartphone screens aren't they? I'd love to have more of them though though as the high res analogue pocket display looks amazing for Gameboy games.
@@skycloud4802 I'm totally fine without 4:3, but they're definitely not common. Currently, the paimax has a 4k display (supposedly), and the analogue pocket has 1440p. Which are the ideal resolutions for shaders. If only those could be sourced by other companies. I know it's difficult/costly for just anyone to order and manufacture custom panels.
man, what a beautiful device. but why do these companies still put offset analog sticks on retro devices >.< i wanna play NES and not stream halo on it
I like the design of the 405m and the bigger screen, it was going to be my first retro handheld, because the miyoo mini plus is always sold out, but at around 175$, maybe more in euros, it’s not worth it for me.
@@Guitario666 Under 100€ is my goal, so now it’s either the miyoo mini plus or the anbernic rg35xx, mostly for snes and mega drive, I don’t care much for early 3D games like ps1, n64 or saturn.
I actually like the colorful abxy buttons. I would have even preferred the buttons to be glass jelly bean colored. Like the jelly bean colored abxy buttons of the POWKIDDY X16.
This Russian dubbed version just popped up in my suggestions. Is this an official collaboration? 🤔 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-F7gmALLEo78.html
I just got into this space with the RG35XX and I'm loving it but I'm still hunting for something that can play every PS2 game since thats what I played the most of growing up. Maybe the retroid pocket 4+ (always wait for the plus lol) will be what I want I just hope it doesn't end up being huge or expensive anything over 250 and bigger than a switch and I think it would be worth while to just make the jump to a steam deck as I am mainly a pc gamer now.
Do you have a recent flagship phone? if so it might be worth considering grabbing a controller for your phone and turning it into an at home steam deck. I use geforcenow, moonlight, gamepass and many emulators on my z fold. Can stream all my games from my pc to my phone on 5g network and seamless on 5ghz wifi
@@const3llations_370 I use an Iphone so my options in that space aren't great and part of the reason I got into the retro handhelds space was to get me off my phone away from social media, so a phone based emulator defeats the point
@@const3llations_370 Do you mind sharing more about this? Geforce, Moonlight, etc? I have a spare OnePlus 7 Pro that I was wondering if I could use for gaming. I was considering getting a controller for it, but I wasn't sure how effective it would be power and performance wise, versus getting something like a Steam Deck or the G Cloud. I'm still learning and trying to figure out my best options, but I know regardless I'm getting a device that is designed to be an emulator like in this video.
The only reason i dont have a retro handheld yet, is cause i cant make up my mind which one to buy. And when i finally do, another badge of better handhelds are announced. Than i am back at the start again. It makes me always waiting for the next one.
The best ones right now depending on specific tastes and needs are roughly from cheapest to most expensive and from smaller to bigger size, the Miyoo Mini+/RG5XX, RG353M (or V for vertical), Retroid Pocket 3+, the Ayn Odin Pro/Lite, the more premium Analogue Pocket and of course the Steam Deck. But yes, can't go wrong waiting for the next more powerful chipsets if there's no rush!
@@samadrousesmith226 Russ here in the retro game corps channel has an RG505 vs Retroid Pocket 3+ , it's quite thorough, I'd recommend watching it if you haven't already! Other channels have also made this comparison. I know very little about the Win600 sadly.
Not in a rush but, I just may actually get one of these! Everything about that Mint Green RG405M is nice even down to the colorful button scheme. Overall design and inline triggers I have no problem with. I'd say it's good for all the systems except for NDS. NDS is better played on the RG505 due to it's wider display needed to view both NDS game screens. I never got the 353M even though I think it's a decent handheld. Though, I would get the 405M over the 353M for the larger display. I could definitely see myself playing some GENESIS Minnesota Fats: Pool Legend on that ANBERNIC RG405M!
I quite like the 4:3 since 99% of the games I’d be playing on it were designed for it, but I do prefer the design and layout of the RP3. Whoa, it can run 3DS??
As stated in the video this 4:3 aspect ratio is best suited for games using the dpad, so dpad should have been on top. Sorry to say but 16:9 games on a 4:3 screen dont mix.
I am probably in the minority, but I prefer the left stick up top. This seems like a pretty good handheld for the money. I've already ordered a KT-R1 though and am waiting patiently for it. I can't wait to see your review for it.
This looks pretty good for 4:3 games. Anbernic should release similar version with a better SoC and 16:9 display and it would be almost perfect for now.
The 4:3 screen makes this a hard pass for me. This chipset is great for android and PSP gaming, none of which I want to do on a 4:3 screen. And for games I’d love to play on a 4:3 screen, I would not want this control layout. This is also more expensive than the RP3+, which has a better screen for android/PSP games and a similar chipset that is perfect for these games. I love my RG350M, which has a better control layout for the retro games I have on it (which don’t need the extra horsepower of this new device). The larger display would be nice, but not at this price point.
I just got mine and the B button is already super scraped on the side after just 2 days of use for about 4 hours. The shoulder buttons feel great but sometimes don't quite respond. That said, I absolutely adore this little thing. I love the layout of the shoulder buttons, I love the heft of it, the way the buttons all feel; I just love it. I went with the handheld that appealed to me the most, and I am not disappointed with my choice. I can live with the issues for now, and I hope it continues to evolve and improve.
Can you do a video showing the max ability of this handheld? I would like to know how much PS2 and Gamecube it can run considering the chip is running on a lower resolution and smaller screen.
@@AnonYmous-xw1jn rg40 means 4 Inch Display and the 5 means the Version/series/generation and the "M" means "Metal" Example: rg353p -> 3,5 Inch Display, 3rd Generation and p for plastic
@Retro Game Corps: For your In Depth Review I'd love to see this thing emulating "SEGA Worldwide Soccer '97" on Saturn, then some Daijisho footage (though I'm pretty sure u'll throw that one on it anyway) and since the most interesting thing about this is the 4" 4:3 display (for the first time ever) I'd like to see some vertical handhelds with screens turned on put under it, like the RG351V (since it's got the width of the DMG and might be already wide enough to house a 4" screen), the RG35XX, Miyoo Mini Plus and Analogue Pocket. That would be nice to see. I really hope more devices with that screen will spawn within the next few months. It's what I've been waiting for. But Android-only and the D-Pad on the bottom are letting me skip this one honestly.
This looks to be ambernic's best device in a minute but my search for the ultimate steam deck companion continues. A little too expensive, stuck with the same chipset, and I would prefer stacked triggers. I think at this point I just need the retroid device that ups the chipset.
A companion for the deck?! Got your point but even if that thing is huge by itself, its the "ultimate" in terms of emulation, almost everything runs fine.
@@psp4gamer I love my deck and it does pretty much everything but I would really like something pocketable that could run GameCube consistently. The Retroid 3+ is super close but doesn't quite cut it. I
Not replacing my RG351P. It's fully loaded up to the PS1, and it's perfect for GBA games. I have RP 3+ anyway. I'm also pretty much sick of Android-based emulation.
RP3+ is fantastic, and so is that classic 351 line from Anbernic. I'm a RP3+ and RG351V guy myself, covers all fronts for me with the horizontal and vertical form factors, 16:9 and 4:3, Linux and Android, thinner/portable form factor vs chunkier comfier to hold, and so on. They balance each other out.
I have no intention of buying this. I still watched the video all the way through. I love your videos, you seem like a really nice guy and your voice I find very relaxing 🙂
Very interesting device. Nearly what I'm looking for. D-Pad position I would need to test to see if it annoys me. 4:3 screen is great, even though a 960p resolution screen would be awesome. The warmth of the device is also something I would need to feel for myself, to see if it would be a problem in the long run. Some things that would be important for me too: That battery charge gets properly measured, not just guessed by the system like with the 351V. That standby actually works. So not like the 351 on AmberElec, that wakes up again right away, or the problems with controls not working after wakeup. No Android as the only possible OS, so this is already kinda a deal breaker with the 405M. Still don't understand why it shouldn't be possible to create different OS for it. Things I would love but most likely will never get: A Mega Drive / Saturn style D-Pad and a 6 button layout, especially for Saturn games.
Great review as always. You helped me to pick out my first hand held emulator. It was the Anbernic rg351mp and I still play it today. It's the best hand held I own. Thanks for everything, the clips, the advice, ect.👍🤙
The screen and the quite large face buttons look real nice, but the best course of action for people who own a device is probably to wait for the more powerful Linux-running Rockchip 3588 chipset that Russ mentions to be implemented in these devices!
If the RG405M was as powerful but with a linux os, and the Dpad on top, that would be my ultimate retro portable handheld. I would jump at it as fast as a snake bite.
I was taking a closer look at the chip rk3588 and I find it VERY hard that Anbernic would use it to build a 4:3 device. It would be a bigger screen, with different ratio for PS2 games. The chip will very likely be used on TV Boxes due to the capacity of image output. They would hardly waste it on a tiny screen. The chip alone costs $100.00. Let's see what future holds. I think I won't be seeing my dream pocketable retro handheld any time soon.
@@pancon5 yes, I think so. And that's the problem for me. You heard Russ, they kind of suffered to find a 4" 4:3 screen. The demand for a biggish almost square screen is very small so the production is limited. Most devices use widescreen format so they're readily available in all different qualities. I haven't seen the 405M in person but the screen may be good enough. I don't even need a chip as powerful as the RK3588. Only powerful enough to emulate all plataforms from the CRT TV era, including N64 and dreamcast without stuttering. And the Dpad on top. The RG405M is very close, though. I just don't think that Andoid frontends are as neat as these linux based OS like AmberElec, etc.
I'm glad they have a 4" display in play now. I am more interested in 8 and early 16 bit games, and would love to see a vertical handheld with this display, like a 351v with small bezels. Would be great for my aging eyes!
They actually remind me of uv coated rubik’s cubes. If these are uv coated, which I doubt, they will be fantastic buttons. UV coated rubik’s cubes are the most sought after/most expensive ones due to the coating adding a unique grippy feeling. I have a uv coated rubik’s cube and it feels soooo much better, especially when your hands are a bit sweaty. If these aren’t uv coated then I have a great business idea haha.
I want a plastic one, metal ones are unnecessarily heavy. That's what made the PSP 2000/3000 so much better than the 1000. Still dumb putting the dpad on the bottom though.
My very impression taking this out of the box was, I WISH THIS WAS A CELL PHONE. The exact way it is, just with phone capabilities, would be perfect. I have a Fold 3 but I'd leave it at home lol. At least some days.
I think your comment is short-sided regarding the d-pad usage on devices of this caliber. I seriously doubt that 'Most' will predominantly use the d-pad. This is an overkill for the typical 16-bit gaming. Most likely targeting analog / PS1 - N64 - Saturn & Dreamcast crowds with option to play SNES & Genesis. So their focus on nailing the 3-D analog stick ergos are spot on. I can play street fighter & other platform based games on much cheaper devices all day long. To each's on I guess..
What I meant during that part is that this form factor to me feels like it would be better served with a Linux OS, much like on the other similar devices like the RG353M, RG350M, etc. Android is definitely functional, but a different chip that is Linux-friendly (like the RK3588) would have been really great in this device too.
This is a step in the proper direction! Give me a Plastic or Clamshell version and I'm gonna fall in love completely. Most likely though, I'll be waiting for a chipset that can properly run GameCube or PS2 into one of these before I upgrade my 351p.
Vs Retroid Pocket 3+ I like: metal shell and larger buttons and Dpad Dislike: lower resolution screen, no 16:9 aspect so you can't do PSP, GBA, NDS and 3DS as well, and Dpad on the bottom
I wish you could add a new point to talk about. And show some examples. And that is playing old arcade games with a vertical screen. Nobody does this, and these are the games i wanna play on a retro handhelds. Games like taito Phoenix, miss pacman, bagman, strikers, 1942, commandos, etc. Hope you consider this. Love your videos. Cheers
Thank you for outright saying it won't run much PS2 and GameCube, you saved me $100+. 4:3 OLED would be a dream but not until it has the games to match.
I think that d-pad on the top would fit better a 4:3 retro system. But if the next version can emulate Gamecube at full speed it will be instant buy for me.
I just noticed after 2 years of extremely light use, my volume up physical buttons lost its soldering and doesn't work anymore... Anbernic needs to improve their quality control..
