Anbernic RG-353VS Review: A Budget-Friendly Retro Handheld
Anbernic · 2022-09-01
The Anbernic RG-353VS is an affordable vertical handheld powered by a RockChip RK3566 chipset, offering solid emulation for systems up to N64, PSP, and Dreamcast. With a 3.5-inch IPS display, dual microSD slots, and a compact plastic build, it's a great entry-level device for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Overview
The Anbernic RG-353VS is a vertical handheld gaming device released in September 2022. It features a RockChip RK3566 processor with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G52 2EE GPU, paired with 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The device runs on an open-source operating system and offers a 3.5-inch IPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 640x480 resolution. Its plastic body comes in transparent black or gray, weighing 180 grams with dimensions of 83x126x21 mm.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: RockChip RK3566 (4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz)
- GPU: Mali-G52 2EE @ 850 MHz
- RAM: 1 GB LPDDR4
- Storage: Dual external MicroSD slots
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 640x480, 60Hz, 228.57 PPI
- Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery: 3200 mAh
- Video Output: Mini HDMI
- Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, mono speaker
- Vibration: Yes
Who It Is For
The RG-353VS is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts looking for an affordable, vertical handheld that can handle most games from N64, PSP, and Dreamcast and earlier systems. It's a good choice for those who prefer open-source software and don't mind a plastic build. The dual microSD slots offer flexible storage expansion.
Buying Notes
The device launched at around $90 USD, with a typical price range of $75–$100. It does not include internal storage, so you'll need to purchase microSD cards separately. The mono speaker and lack of analog triggers may be limitations for some users. Ensure you are comfortable with open-source firmware if you plan to customize the experience.
| CPU | Cortex-A55 |
|---|---|
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 |
| Name | RG-353VS |
| Brand | Anbernic |
| Weight | 180 grams |
| Battery | 3200 mAh |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | Dual external MicroSD |
| Grip Type | Vertical |
| Processor | RockChip RK3566 |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Body Color | Transparent black, gray |
| Dimensions | 83 mm x 126 mm x 21 mm |
| Screen PPI | 228.57 |
| Price Range | $75 - $100 |
| Screen Size | 3.5 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Launch Price | $90 |
| Release Date | 2022 / 09 |
| Screen Ratio | 4:3 |
| Video Output | Mini HDMI |
| CPU Frequency | 1.8 GHz |
| Other Sensors | None |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Operating System | Open source system |
| Screen Resolution | 640 x 480 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 850 MHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 4 cores 4 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | Most games up to N64, PSP, and Dreamcast run well; very few games may not run at full speed |