UPGRADE your R36S: Anbernic RG353V!!

The Anbernic RG353V is likely the most cloned gaming handheld of the current emulation generation. But with a plethora of clones none seemingly can get close to competing with the performance and build quality of the RG353V. Let’s take a look at what separates this handheld from the pack. 

I’ve spent a lot of time with the Anbernic RG353V since it was launched. The ability to dual boot between Linux and Android is a blessing for people like me who love Handheld Retro Emulation. With more than enough power thanks to the RK3566 SOC and 2GB of RAM you really can’t go wrong if you are into vertical handhelds. The RG353V also brought twin sticks to the vertical market allowing systems like N64, Dreamcast, PSP and later generation PS1/PSX games to be played properly. This was also around the time Anbernic realized it was easier to add WiFi and Bluetooth support rather than including a dongle in the box. I love my RetroAchivments so the included connectivity immediately caught my attention.

I’ve been struggling to figure out how to properly review this handheld and had been putting it off. I’ve had such an attachment to it and didn’t want any review I did to come off bias. Then MechDIY reached out to me to review the device while I was preparing a review comparing the lineup of vertical twin stick handhelds (Click here if you want to save money on the RG353V Use Code: Jim16). It immediately dawned on me that this was the best possible way to discuss the vertical GOAT of handheld emulation. Each of the handhelds I was preparing to compare is a clone of the Anbernic RG353V/VS.

Before we dive into this let’s get one thing out of the way. A lot of people mistaken the R36S as a clone of the Powkiddy RGB20S. This mistake is often made because there was a very short lived release of a handheld called the R35S which was made by the same company and is a clone of the RGB20S. Though their SOC is similar to the R36S, the R35S had actually used Powkiddy’s chipset stamped for Powkiddy that they back doored from the chip manufacturer. The R36S clone of the RG353V was already in production and immediately appeared on AliExpress when the R35S got pulled. There is also an R33S which has sold around 150 units (2 of which I have) as it was also pulled and is a clone of the Miyoo Mini Plus with a more powerful SOC. But that’s a conversation for a different article.

The list I looked at isn’t all of the RG353V clones but the handhelds I currently own and have done hands on reviews with. The list starts with the very popular R36S. At the time of writing around 420k R36S’s have been sold between retailers on AliExpress alone. One of the more popular places to pick up the R36S is here if you are interested. There is also an R40S out there that is exactly the same as the R36S mostly seen on Amazon for more money. YI’ve done a teardown and it’s the exact handheld with an increased price tag so buyer be ware. The o30S is a close horizontal successor to the R36S which I have reviewed as well. But that doesn’t much fit into this post. I could write an entire book around the deception and naming schemes within the Chinese Gaming Handheld space but by the time I hit chapter two the entire market would all recycle and change again.

There is the D-R35Plus which in my opinion is a joke of a handheld. Not only is the software completely locked down but the listed RK3566 chipset was sanded off in my handheld and we later learned that it’s actually a VT569B. Nothing says reputable company like sanding off the SOC.

Recently we got the KINHANK K36. The only thing really notable about this handheld is its booty. The ergonomics were burrowed from the likes of the Anbernic RG405V which work great on that massive handheld but makes no sense on a smaller handheld as the K36. It just dawned on me that they cloned the RG353V while also taking design cues from the RG405V. KINHANK must really like their Anbernic handhelds.

One of my favorite clones has been the MagicX XU10. This handheld I’ve found to be more comfortable. I’m also a big fan of the PlayStation style DPad on the XU10. It reminds me of controllers of the past while offering a few other slight but positive changes like shape and position the the back side shoulder buttons. There are a couple what I can only explain as ledges that are kind of strange but don’t get in the way so they’re ok.

The most recent addition is the SJGAM M21. This is the first handheld on this list that nearly got the dimensions of the RG353V correct. SJGAM is very hit or miss on their handheld quality and they seemed to try getting so close the the RG353V that they sacrificed quality. This is a shame because their M19 handheld released prior felt great in the hands and included great micro switch back shoulder buttons I would have liked to have seen again.

The pros of the RG353V drastically outweigh those of handhelds such as the R36S and others. On top of the dual boot capabilities, vast variety of custom firmware and the additional RAM at 2GB most clones have 1GB or less makes a drastic difference even when playing in Linux. Game Emulation is heavily CPU resource intensive and the additional RAM helps it get across the finish line. 

The Biggest pro of handhelds like the R36S, XU10 and others has been pricing and a seemingly weekly release of new colors ways. We have however seen a recent price decrease with the Anbernic RG353V widining that price to performance gap considerably. To help with that even more if you visit this link to MechDIY and save even more with Code: Jim16 .

In conclusion when it comes to vertical twin sticks even with the welcomed disruptions in this space, my testing continues to have the OG Anbernic RG353V on top with a relatively growing margin. The variety of custom firmware and aftermarket accessories just add to the value of the handheld. I don’t not like most of these clones in-fact I rather like some of them. I’ve gone as far as upgrading an R36S with the same accessories I installed in my RG353V. I do think however it’s important to point out where their roots come from. I hope this answers the ever burning comparison questions I often get in my comments. I’m sure someone who hasn’t used the RG353V will still keyboard warrior out a dissertation as to how I’m wrong and I welcome that. We need to continue pushing these manufacturers for innovation and affordability. They obviously read all my posts!!

Will we get an RG354V in the current refresh schedule? What is your favorite clone?

GameOn

CellPhish

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