Anbernic RG351
A Chinese Linux handheld for retrogaming with multiple model variants.
The Anbernic RG351 is a Linux-based handheld game console from China, using microSD cards for storage and playing only digital ROMs. It follows the RG350 and, alongside the Retroid Pocket 2, became a notable retro-gaming device; some models have a screen ratio that works especially well for Game Boy Advance games. Several versions exist, with different shells and screen resolutions but similar internal hardware.
The RG351P and the pricier RG351M share a horizontal rectangular shape, but the P uses plastic while the M uses aluminum. The P lacks built-in Wi-Fi, needing an external dongle. The RG351V has a vertical, Game Boy-like shape and a higher-resolution 4:3 screen. The RG351MP ("Metal Pro") also has that higher-resolution screen but in a horizontal body.
The P and M models have a 480x320 screen with a 3:2 ratio—exactly double the Game Boy Advance’s resolution, so those games scale perfectly, but 4:3 games get pillarboxed. The V and MP models use a 640x480 4:3 screen. All versions run a 1.5 GHz quad-core RK3326 CPU with 1GB of RAM and no built-in storage, requiring an SD card for games. It can emulate systems up to the fifth generation, including NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Super NES, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, TurboGrafx-16, and PlayStation Portable, though Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and PSP emulation can be problematic.
The console ships with the EmuElec Linux frontend, which has been called sluggish. Alternatives like 351ELEC (an EmuElec fork) and ArkOS (based on Ubuntu) can improve performance. Despite lacking licenses, the device usually comes with many preloaded games from supported systems.
PCMag gave the RG351P 3.5/5 stars, praising its fun factor, build quality, and performance, but criticizing the lack of Wi-Fi and HDMI-out, and the screen ratio causing stretching or pillarboxing for non-GBA games. NintendoLife compared the RG351M to the Retroid Pocket 2, calling the M’s design too "functional" but its metal case "gorgeous," and appreciating its built-in Wi-Fi versus the P’s "irksome" dongle. They noted the M’s D-pad makes diagonal inputs difficult. Gizmodo called the RG351V a "super-powered Game Boy" offering an excellent retro experience.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Anbernic
- Generation
- Eighth
- Os
- Linux
- Cpu Speed
- 1.5GHz
- Cpu
- Rockchip RK3326
- Memory
- 1GB
- Memory Card
- SD card
- Release Date
- September 2020 (RG351P) / January 2021 (RG351M) / February 2021 (RG351V)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The RG351 was released as the successor to the RG350, and comes in several models: the RG351P (plastic shell, no internal Wi-Fi), the RG351M (aluminum shell, built-in Wi-Fi), the RG351V (vertical form factor similar to the Game Boy, higher-resolution 4:3 screen), and the RG351MP (same higher-resolution screen in a horizontal form factor). The P and M models have a 480x320 screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, exactly double the resolution of the Game Boy Advance, allowing those games to scale perfectly, while 4:3 games appear pillarboxed. The V and MP models use a 640x480 4:3 screen. The system uses an RK3326 quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU with 1 GB of RAM and no onboard storage, relying on a microSD card for games. It can emulate systems up to the fifth generation, including NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Super NES, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, TurboGrafx-16, and PlayStation Portable, though it has noted problems with Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and PSP emulation. The console ships with EmuElec, which has been criticized as sluggish; alternative frontends such as 351ELEC and ArkOS exist. Despite lacking licenses, the console usually includes a large number of built-in games.
Reader's Guide
The Anbernic RG351 series occupies a notable position in the retrogaming handheld market as a versatile, Linux-based device that competes directly with the Retroid Pocket 2. Its multiple models cater to different preferences: the P and M models offer a screen perfectly suited for Game Boy Advance emulation, while the V and MP models provide a 4:3 screen better for other retro systems. Critics have praised the build quality and functionality, with the metal case of the M model called 'gorgeous' and the V model described as a 'super-powered Game Boy' offering an excellent retro gaming experience. However, design criticisms include the lack of Wi-Fi on the P model (requiring an external dongle, called 'irksome'), the difficulty of hitting diagonal inputs on the M model's D-pad, and the absence of HDMI output. The screen aspect ratio of the P and M models causes pillarboxing or stretching for non-GBA games. The console's reliance on third-party frontends to improve performance highlights a community-driven aspect, and its association with pre-loaded pirated ROMs led to Amazon removing some listings for copyright infringement. Despite this, the console itself was praised as not feeling like a cheap knockoff.
Did You Know?
- The RG351P and RG351M screens are exactly double the resolution of the Game Boy Advance at 480x320.
- The RG351V has a vertical form factor similar to the Game Boy.
- The RG351M has a metal shell and built-in Wi-Fi, unlike the plastic RG351P.
- The system can emulate up to fifth-generation consoles but struggles with Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and PSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Anbernic RG351?
It is a budget Linux-based handheld made by the Chinese company Anbernic, built specifically for running digital retro-game ROMs. It serves as the successor to the RG350 and sits in the same price tier as the Retroid Pocket 2.
What models of the RG351 are available?
The family includes the RG351P (plastic shell), RG351M (aluminum shell), RG351V (vertical layout), and RG351MP (aluminum, vertical). All variants share the same core hardware but differ in build material, screen resolution, and orientation.
What are the RG351's key hardware specs?
It is powered by an RK3326 quad-core CPU at 1.5 GHz with 1 GB of RAM and has no onboard flash storage—every game file lives on a microSD card. The P and M models carry a 480×320 panel, while the V and MP models upgrade to 640×480.
Why do fans recommend the RG351 for Game Boy Advance emulation?
The 3:2 aspect ratio on the P and M models lines up almost perfectly with the GBA's native screen geometry, so you get minimal letterboxing. That makes it a more natural fit for GBA titles than the 4:3 or 16:9 panels found on many competing handhelds.
Does the RG351P have built-in Wi-Fi?
No; the P variant lacks a wireless chip entirely, so any network use requires an external USB Wi-Fi dongle. The pricier RG351M adds integrated Wi-Fi, which is one of the main reasons it carries a higher price tag.
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