Anbernic RG353PSFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 58 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment71%
PROS 71%
CONS 29%

Rank based on 58 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want SNES-style comfort at a budget price
  • You mainly play up-to-N64/PS1-era games without needing Android
  • You value Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI out on a budget device

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need reliable PSP/Saturn performance
  • You play precision D-pad games sensitive to accidental diagonals
  • You want Android or heavy use of analog sticks

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 RG353PS
Comfortable SNES-style ergonomicsStrong price-to-performance ratioSolid retro emulation performance up to N64/PS1Accidental diagonal D-pad inputsArkOS boot/stability issuesBattery discharge and power button placement issues
Anbernic RG353PS
Comfortable SNES-style ergonomics
Strong price-to-performance ratio
Solid retro emulation performance up to N64/PS1
Accidental diagonal D-pad inputs
ArkOS boot/stability issues
Battery discharge and power button placement issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Comfort and ergonomics are the standout strength. Commenters repeatedly call the RG353PS one of the most comfortable Anbernic handhelds thanks to its SNES/GB-inspired shape, citing it as more comfortable than the RG35XXH and boxier competitors. The ABXY layout is compared favorably to the 2DS XL. This comfort, combined with nostalgic design, is a recurring reason people choose it over other budget options despite some button-spacing complaints.

Price-to-performance is seen as excellent for the segment. Many reviewers highlight the RG353PS as a bargain compared to pricier RG353 variants and older devices like the RG351P or RG350M, citing prices around $68-90. Users feel the combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and Linux-based OS at this price point is hard to beat, even though it lacks Android, which several see as an acceptable trade-off since phones can fill that role.

Software stability and input precision have notable flaws. Several users report ArkOS installations getting stuck at the boot logo or freezing after exiting games, with JelOS cited as a more stable but slightly less performant alternative. The D-pad, while praised for feel, causes accidental diagonal inputs in precision titles like Celeste and Kirby. Recessed analog sticks are called uncomfortable, and PSP performance is inconsistent for demanding titles.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?