The Anbernic RG353V burst onto the scene in late 2022 as one of the most buzzworthy retro gaming handhelds that year. With its vertical form factor that pays homage to classics like the Game Boy, eye-catching design, and versatility to play everything from Atari 2600 to PlayStation 1 games on the go, it quickly won over fans.
But is the RG353V truly worth its $100-120 price tag in an increasingly crowded field of retro gadgets? I put the dual-boot, Android/Linux handheld through its paces to find out. After hours of testing its hardware power, software capabilities, controls, and real-world gameplay, here is my comprehensive review.
Overview of Anbernic in the Retro Gaming Market
Before analyzing the RG353V itself, it‘s helpful to understand the company behind this compelling throwback device.
Founded in 2007, Anbernic is a Chinese designer and manufacturer of retro video game handhelds and mini consoles. While less mainstream than giants like Nintendo or Sony, they have earned respect for affordably priced products brimming with nostalgia.
What sets Anbernic apart in the thriving retro gadget market? Rather than software emulation alone, they craft new hardware purpose-built for vintage gaming. Devices like 2020‘s RG351P packed a 3:2 screen, integrated WiFi and stellar build quality at just $100. This expertise optimizing form factor, components and capability for across retro platforms has earned them a passionate fan base.
So when they revealed their vertical RG353V model with promised PlayStation 1 support, the enthusiast community took notice…
Anbernic RG353V At a Glance
Before diving into performance benchmarks and evaluations, here is a quick overview of the Anbernic RG353V‘s key specs and features:
Release Date: September 2022
Price: $100-120
Models: RG353V (Dual boot Android/Linux); RG353VS (Linux only)
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.2 x 0.82 inches
Weight: 180 grams
Display: 3.5” IPS 640 x 480 touchscreen
Chipset: Rockchip RK3566 Quad-Core Cortex-A55
RAM: 2GB LPDDR4
Storage: Dual microSD card slots up to 512GB total
Battery: 3200mAh
Controls: D-Pad, XYAB buttons, L/R bumpers, Analog sticks, Volume and Select buttons
Ports: HDMI-out, 2x USB-C, Headphone jack
Supported Systems: NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, GBA, PS1, MAME, and more
With its modest $100-120 retail price, the RG353V packs impressive hardware suited for retro gaming into an iconic vertical chassis. But how does all that engineering stack up under extensive testing?
Design – Compact With Premium Build Quality
Display – Vibrant Colors and Great Viewing Angles
Performance – Powerful Enough for PlayStation 1 and Below
Controls – Quality Buttons But Clumsy Stick Placement
Battery Life – Surpasses 6+ Hour Claims Under Light Use
Emulation Experience – Thousands of Games at Your Fingertips
RG353V vs RG353VS: Key Differences
Anbernic RG353V: Final Verdict
Additional Analysis from a Retro Gaming Expert Perspective
As a technology professional and lifetime retro gaming enthusiast, I believe the RG353V earns top marks in many regards. Beyond the detailed hands-on assessment already provided, I want to offer additional context on the engineering decisions, tradeoffs, and performance based on my industry expertise. Consider this supplemental commentary your inside scoop into this impressive throwback machine!
A Nostalgic Form Factor Reimagined WithPowerful Modern Components
What immediately stands out examining the RG353V motherboard and internal layout is how Anbernic configured potent new hardware into a classic vertical chassis.
Around the custom PCB, you see cooling air channels, the large rechargeable LiPo battery, and attached daughterboards for controls/buttons. It resembles a modern smartphone more than 1990‘s console. Yet they optimized airflow and cooling to avoid hot spots without bulking up the exterior.
Inserting memory cards reveals the mass storage potential. Two MicroSD slots handle up to 512GB total, for terabytes of retro ROMs. WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C and HDMI provide ample connectivity that old systems lacked. You realize how far technology has come only viewing the PCB.
Yet the external industrial design artfully shrinks everything into a shape Game Boy owners will find intimately familiar. It demonstrates amazing talent marrying nostalgic form factors enhanced by cutting-edge electronics and manufacturing processes unavailable just a decade ago.
While the CPU lags modern mobile chips, it crucially runs cool and sips battery life for extended retro gaming. As semiconductor fabrication continues improving power efficiency, we could see even thinner and more capable vertical handhelds. But for now, the RG353V deserves applause for breaking expectations of what compact retro gadgets can achieve.
Custom Firmware Unlocks Console Performance
Another key differentiator setting Anbernic devices apart is an avid community developing custom firmware. Groups like the OpenDingux-based 351Elec team or ArkOS constantly release enhanced OS builds for the Linux side that unlock more power.
The difference tweaked software makes was obvious when testing PlayStation 1 games. Ridge Racer stuttered badly in stock Android, yet obtained a smoother framerate within ArkOS. This trend continued as I benchmarked graphics-intensive titles demanding most from the GPU.
Community firmware also adds smarter features that should arguably be present from the factory. Per game performance profiles, customized control presets per system, achievement tracking and video filters are just a sampling of bonus tweaks bundled free.
You see this grassroots software ethos across PC gaming too powering mods and tools benefiting games. It demonstrates how passionate user bases self-organize online to empower niche hardware. Anbernic leans into this community strength by not over-customizing their Linux firmware needlessly. The result is better real-world experience that career reviewers can overlook.
Build Quality and Button Feel Rivals 1st Party Consoles
Gamers invest hundreds of hours with controllers over years, so the tactile joy of pressing buttons shouldn‘t be undervalued. Cheap squishy membranes lead to mis-presses and sore fingers during long play sessions.
Having disassembled the RG353V, their quality membrane choice impresses me. Each button snap provides precise feedback without jarring your hands. Face buttons have a pitcher shape and intervene lightly as needed against mis-presses. The D-Pad is intentionally tall with a cross pivot minimizing slop.
It reflects thoughtfulness dialing in the tactility for a primary control you manipulate constantly. Companies like Nintendo charge a premium for that enjoyable button feel that keeps you immersed in games for hours rather than the hardware itself.
Beyond buttons, applying light pressure across the chassis reveals little flex thanks to intelligent plastic choice. Mold injection points seem carefully considered as well avoiding cosmetic defects. Little details like display Z-axis tape, EMI shielding and sufficient glue prove this isn‘t just some cheap reference design.
Cost realities naturally prevent the perfection of a Nintendo Switch. But for under $120, Anbernic clearly invested where it counts most to benefit gamers. Companies charging 2-3x higher should learn lessons from their impressive hardware execution.
Recommendations: Making the Most of Your RG353V
For gamers who unbox their new RG353V and wonder how to maximize enjoyment, consider these pro tips:
Start with ArkOS Custom Firmware – Leave the vanilla OS behind and flash the incredible ArkOS firmware immediately for 800+ preloaded games, smarter UI and better performance.
Add a Large MicroSD Card – Fill up the second storage slot with a massive 512GB card to hold your entire retro library. Samsung EVO Select cards boast reliable quality.
Try Vertical Wall Mounts – Playing vertical handhelds long-term strains wrists without proper posture. Grab vertical wall mounts to position at eye level hands-free.
Pair 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ Controller – While the built-in controls shine, wireless SN30 Pros pair easily via Bluetooth providing a premium optional gamepad.
Enable Integer Scale Display – Pixels look crisper when integer scaled, so access display options to disable blurry screen stretching.
Grab a Travel Case – Tossing a handheld loose into a bag inevitably leads to failure over time. Protect your investment with a rigid travel case.
Following this starter advice arms you with the best possible experience playing thousands of vintage games on this thoughtfully designed revival piece.
Final Thoughts
In closing, I tip my hat to Anbernic for delivering incredible retro gaming value at just over $100 with the RG353V. Engineered with care and passion coursing through every design choice, it moved the entire industry forward especially for smaller 3rd party gadget makers.
As both a retro tech professional and lifelong gamer, few devices thrill my inner child as much or make me proudly recommend for enthusiasts seeking a nostalgia trip. Its polished blend of charming vintage exterior with nearly eighth-generation power interior no doubt turns heads.
While not perfect, Anbernic did prioritize elements benefiting gameplay daily like supreme build quality, accurate displays, quality buttons and extended battery runtimes. Pair that purpose-built hardware with deeply customizable software via modding communities, and you unlock capabilities makers never dreamed of.
If the vertical form factor calls your name, grab an Anbernic RG353V to enjoy thousands of classic game titles on the go while making a fashion statement. For the price and performance, little retro gadgets beat it. Anbernic has another winner gamers will enjoy for years here.
