Anbernic RG353MFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 42 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment64%
PROS 64%
CONS 36%

Rank based on 42 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a compact, all-metal handheld for PS1/N64/Genesis-era retro gaming
  • You value hall-effect sticks, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and HDMI output in a pocketable form
  • You're upgrading from an RG351MP/351M and want more power without giving up the format

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need smooth full-speed Dreamcast, PSP, or GameCube emulation
  • You have large hands and want a bigger, more spacious stick layout
  • You want polished software out of the box without messing with custom firmware

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
22Mid
Anbernic RG353M
Premium metal buildStrong retro emulation up to N64/PS1/SaturnCompact, pocketable form factorUnderpowered chip for Dreamcast/PSP/GameCubeCramped stick/hand feel for some usersRetroArch/Linux performance issues
Anbernic RG353M
Premium metal build
Strong retro emulation up to N64/PS1/Saturn
Compact, pocketable form factor
Underpowered chip for Dreamcast/PSP/GameCube
Cramped stick/hand feel for some users
RetroArch/Linux performance issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The all-metal build and hall-effect sticks make the RG353M feel premium and durable. Multiple owners describe the device as 'cold to the touch,' 'very clicky,' and solidly built, comparing it favorably to plastic rivals like the Powkiddy Q90. The hall-effect thumbsticks are called a big selling point for long-term durability, with one commenter even wishing Nintendo would adopt the same components in Joycons. Removing the Anbernic logo from the bottom bezel was also widely appreciated as a cleaner look.

Emulation is strong for 16-bit and PS1/N64-era systems but strains at Dreamcast and beyond. Users report N64 and Saturn gains over older Anbernic devices, and ArkOS custom firmware users call it a near-perfect daily driver. But stock RetroArch on Linux shows frame drops in Genesis/SNES games, some Dreamcast titles need frameskip, and PSP and GameCube remain out of reach, which some buyers say held them back from purchasing.

Size and connectivity are polarizing depending on hand size and use case. Fans love that it's slim and pocketable compared to 'plastic brick' competitors, and HDMI output turns it into a console-like experience for TV play. But some adult users find the sticks cramped, and the vertical RG353V variant is described as uncomfortable for HDMI use, pushing buyers toward the horizontal M model instead for a more traditional controller feel.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?