Anbernic Has New XX's – A Ban's Comparison

The Anbernic RG35XX was released in December 2022, and the RG353 M in November 2022. The only new Traditional 3.5" gadgets Anbernic released until the end of 2023 were what seemed like two very different handhelds. The 353PS, which was really a scaled-down version of the 353P and larger than both, is not included in my count.

In light of this, Anbernic ultimately decided to upgrade us to the 35XX+ in November. In the meantime, the 353M was upgraded to the 35XXH in January 2024. That makes me wonder. How do the newest kids on the block compare to the two older devices that require a year of firmware development? Given all the price reductions on nearby devices, are they worth your hard-earned money? Can you use garlic to season them like the originals did? That's why I'm here, then—a combination of a review and a comparison with previous works.

I bought the 35XX and 353M from Mercari and the RH Discord before I started. The 35XX+ and 35XXH were sent straight from Anbernic for evaluation. Nevertheless, I'm publishing this before they get a chance to view it. The opinions you are about to read are all mine, and they are probably not very good.

Specs

Let's start by reviewing the specifications. Rather than enumerating every detail, I'll show you the RG35XX+'s specs list and explain how it differs from the H. The H is horizontal, while the Plus is vertical. The H has two non-hall effect joysticks positioned beneath the face buttons and D-pad, whereas the Plus lacks any sticks.

Actually, that's about it. The screen, wifi/Bluetooth, chip, RAM, and even the OS are all identical. Only the controls and form factor are different.

You can't tell the difference between the 35XX and the 353M, which ran an AtMega ATM7039 and a Rockchip RK3566, respectively. However, you now have a less powerful horizontal handheld and a more powerful vertical. Oh, and the M was metal, and the H is plastic. It's shocking. Now that we know it, let us proceed.

Ergonomics and Controls

Up the verticals first. These handhelds, which are smaller and vertical, are generally less ergonomic than their horizontal counterparts. After a time, my hands start to cramp a little, and using the shoulder buttons is awkward. But since there aren't any sticks, my thumbs can't be adjusted, and I adore the experience.

The 35XX+ is more pleasant to hold than the 35XX since it is somewhat thicker and slightly larger. The buttons on the sloping shoulders are a good improvement; they click, but not harshly. Its new D-pad rolls a bit better, the face buttons feel more complex than the 35XX, and I haven't experienced any input problems with it. All things considered, the 35XX+ is more ergonomic than the original.

But the 353M and 35XXH? Their sizes are the same. Inline shoulder buttons, same thickness, same height. The rounded d-pad feels like an improvement over the 353M, and the new glossy buttons on the H also click more firmly. But the 353M has Hall sticks, and I like the inline shoulders' stiffer actuation more. Even though they are ergonomically equal, the 353 M's additional weight makes it ideal for me to carry around.

Controls and ergonomics, then? The Verticals are won by 35XX+, and the Horizontals by 353M.

35XX – 176 grams

35XX+ – 185 grams

35XXH – 182 grams

353M – 229 grams

Software

I'm going to start with the earlier ones because this one is quite simple to cover. The 353M can boot between Linux and Android. However, I prefer Linux because I don't like Android on a 3.5" screen. Even though it offered several OS choices, such as JelOS and UnofficialOS, I kept returning to ArkOS. It has the best out-of-box setup and is the most stable.

In contrast, you received the Stock Firmware, GarlicOS, MinUI, Koriki, and MuOS from the 35XX. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. They all performed well, whether it was through improved functionality, improved support, or an easier-to-use UI. However, I ultimately chose to attend MinUI, particularly with their most recent version that allows for cross-device SD card transfers.

35XXH and 35XX+? You have Garlic 2.0, MinUI, Koriki, MuOS, and the stock firmware. Names you recognize? I believed so. Many of these have replaced the original 35XX and ultimately have their advantages and disadvantages. However, it has more drawbacks than before in the early phases. As of this writing, for instance, MinUI does not support the sticks on the 35XXH. That's okay for some people. That's terrible for others, and how could you have allowed this to occur?

For myself? MinUI is entirely on the 35XX+. GarlicOS 2.0 is the best option for the 35XXH. Although it lacks some features because it is still in public alpha, the user interface is good, simple to use (after installation), and the one I will use moving forward on the H. I still like using ArkOS and Portmaster on the 353M, though, despite all of the software options.

The Gaming Experience

First, let's discuss the commonalities. Each of them has a 640x480, 4:3 display. What does that mean? Your screen will fill with content from the SNES, Genesis, PlayStation 1, and other 4:3 systems, all of which will play flawlessly. GBA? GBC, black bars? Black bars. Some systems will have those, but not all of them.

I can't guarantee that Bean Snatcher 5: Return of the Garbanzo Beans will play on the 353M but not the 35XX+, but for the most part, if you want to play it, it will work on all four devices. NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation 1, Gameboy, Color, Advance, and more will all play flawlessly.

Nintendo DS? Well, it's compatible with the 35XX. It's nothing special, but it does. 353M? It works well. I played New Super Mario Bros. with joy on it. Both the H and the 35XX+ are in the center. Even though their performance isn't flawless, it still functions. Depending on how those systems are configured, the operating system you select may also have an impact on them. Following that, the N64, Dreamcast, and PSP are all desirable. There isn't a perfect catalog here, but you might find a game that works. Performance-wise, it's at least better than the original XX but not better than the 353M. Additionally, you will see large black bars at the top and below if you play PSP on any of these.

Overall, the performance on all four devices is similar enough that you don't have issues with any of them. But if you want to play Super Robot Ninja Girl or any other postmaster game, your only option is the 353M at this moment.

The battery life of all four devices is generally satisfactory. The 35XX would drain the fastest, but I was never able to kill any of them before I had time to charge them. This is probably because its battery is smaller—only 2600mAh, as opposed to 3200mAh in the XXH and XX+ and 3500mAh in the 353M. It appears that the 353M lasts a bit longer than its "replacements." In any case, none of these should have a significant battery life problem.

Final Thoughts

What do you think? First off, the new XX devices are incredibly affordable at $64 and $68. They are surrounded in terms of cost by devices such as the RGB20S, RK2023, and Miyoo Mini+, among others. Although each of those rivals has advantages over these gadgets, the total bundle is ultimately the greatest.

What do I suggest? RG353M or RG35XXH? Do not purchase the 353M brand-new, please. You could have something far better for $137. You could buy an RG505, a Retroid Pocket Flip, or any other T618 device that has many more features. I would choose it above the 35XXH if you can find it used for $70, but in the new market, I believe the RG35XXH hits the best value marker for about $70. Indeed, that encompasses its inherent analogy to the RGB30. However, that device is typically priced around $80, and it might no longer be the best option if you want to use the sticks on your handheld.

The question of the 35XX and 35XX+ is more straightforward. Does the wifi come in handy? Would you like the shoulder buttons that are slanted? Indeed? Indeed? You can just do it for $14 more. When it receives the necessary firmware updates and support, the 35XX+ is a welcome advance and will be my first choice for low-cost verticals in 2024.

Anbernic handled these two well. I'm eager to resume playing on my 35XX and 353M, and they'll be fantastic gadgets to purchase this year. What? They're fantastic gadgets, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up everything to utilize them. Purchase the + and H if you don't have a 35XX or 353M. Otherwise, you can put them on hold for the time being.