Anbernic RG351PFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 31 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment64%
PROS 64%
CONS 36%

Rank based on 31 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a solidly built handheld with great GBA and PSP emulation
  • You're willing to flash custom firmware like ArkOS for better performance
  • You value dual-analog sticks for PC-style ports like Quake and Half-Life

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need reliable out-of-box N64 performance
  • You want included WiFi dongle/OTG/screen protector guaranteed
  • You dislike fiddly OS setup and prefer plug-and-play devices

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable priceExtremely durable buildComfortable ergonomicsNo 3D functionalityNon-foldable slab designSingle speaker only
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable price
Extremely durable build
Comfortable ergonomics
No 3D functionality
Non-foldable slab design
Single speaker only
2Mid
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social featuresCustomization and personalityHuge legacy game libraryScarcity and rising pricesBattery aging and data riskConfusing naming and missing features
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social features
Customization and personality
Huge legacy game library
Scarcity and rising prices
Battery aging and data risk
Confusing naming and missing features
3Mid
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game libraryConsole-quality graphicsStrong homebrew and emulation scenePSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcityDead pixel issuesLater slim models had inferior build/finish
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game library
Console-quality graphics
Strong homebrew and emulation scene
PSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcity
Dead pixel issues
Later slim models had inferior build/finish
4Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachmentClever hardware engineeringColorization of original Game Boy gamesMuted, dim screenInconsistent early third-party graphicsShort console lifespan
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachment
Clever hardware engineering
Colorization of original Game Boy games
Muted, dim screen
Inconsistent early third-party graphics
Short console lifespan
5Mid
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factorStrong game library tie-inDesirable special editionsFragile under rough useHard to find and pricey nowAccessory and game scarcity for rare shells
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factor
Strong game library tie-in
Desirable special editions
Fragile under rough use
Hard to find and pricey now
Accessory and game scarcity for rare shells
6
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game libraryStrong nostalgic valueImpressive pseudo-3D and graphics capabilityPoor screen visibilityDifficult sound chipPerceived shortage of good games at launch
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game library
Strong nostalgic value
Impressive pseudo-3D and graphics capability
Poor screen visibility
Difficult sound chip
Perceived shortage of good games at launch
7Budget
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacyEasy to mod/hackBeloved DSiWare libraryNo GBA slotGBA emulation still buggyDSiWare transfer data loss
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacy
Easy to mod/hack
Beloved DSiWare library
No GBA slot
GBA emulation still buggy
DSiWare transfer data loss
8Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
9Mid
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
10Mid
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
You are here
31Budget
Anbernic RG351P
Build Quality & FeelCustom Firmware SupportPSP EmulationInconsistent N64 EmulationMissing Included AccessoriesDefective Units / Game Errors
Anbernic RG351P
Build Quality & Feel
Custom Firmware Support
PSP Emulation
Inconsistent N64 Emulation
Missing Included Accessories
Defective Units / Game Errors

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Build quality and in-hand feel win people over immediately. Multiple owners describe the RG351P as fantastic to hold, well crafted, and comparable to an official Nintendo product. One buyer liked it enough to purchase a second unit, and others call it one of their favorite handhelds of this type. The dual-analog sticks are highlighted as a standout feature, making PC ports like Quake and Half-Life genuinely enjoyable rather than a mere novelty.

Custom firmware transforms the experience, but adds a learning curve. Stock firmware is widely considered inferior, with ArkOS and 351Elec recommended for noticeably better PSP and Dreamcast performance. However, less technical users report the setup process feels daunting and confusing, especially configuring a new SD card. ArkOS support also reportedly ended after April 2021, though users say it remains stable and usable regardless.

Emulation strength varies sharply by system. GBA and PS1 emulation are praised as excellent, with PSP minigames and 2D titles hitting 60fps and GBA screen quality singled out as a strength. N64 is the weak point: some games run smoothly while others like Conker's Bad Fur Day struggle, leading some commenters to question the console's value. A few buyers also reported crashes, stuttering, or a completely defective unit.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?