In this article, we take an overview of the bestselling Anbernic series of retro consoles yet - the Anbernic RG351 series. We go from making a pick between the three, to installing aftermarket software, and more!
The Anbernic RG351 series is a popular family of retro handheld consoles that offers gamers decent options when choosing an emulation device that would suit their budget and their needs. That said, it has become one of the go-to products for those looking for an affordable, versatile, and capable unit.
So, we’ve listed some of the most important things one might need, to get the best experience when using their Anbernic RG351 series handheld.
In this article:
| Console Image | Console Model | Amazon | AliExpress | Anbernic store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Anbernic RG351MP | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
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Anbernic RG351P | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
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Anbernic RG351M | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Anbernic RG351: Specs
As we’ve briefly covered above, the Anbernic RG351 is a series of retro emulation handhelds. It is currently offered in three variants — RG351P, RG351M, and RG351MP. Below are the specs of each model:
- Full Anbernic RG351P specifications
- Full Anbernic RG351M specifications
- Full Anbernic RG351MP specifications
| RG351P | RG351M | RG351MP | |
| OS | Linux | Linux | Linux |
| CPU | RK3326 Quad Core 1.5 GHz | RK3326 Quad Core 1.5 GHz | RK3326 Quad Core 1.5 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G31 MP2 | Mali-G31 MP2 | Mali-G31 MP2 |
| RAM | DDR3L 1GB | DDR3L 1GB | DDR3L 1GB |
| Battery | 3,500mAh | 3,500mAh | 3,500mAh |
| WiFi Support | Yes, via dongle | Yes, built-in | Yes, via dongle |
| Touchscreen | No | No | No |
| Display Size | 3.5-inch | 3.5-inch | 3.5-inch |
In case you’re confused as to which one is the best for you, have a look at a quick spec comparison: Anbernic RG351M vs. RG351MP vs. RG351P
The most affordable among the three models is the RG351P. It sports a plastic case and offers WiFi connectivity with the use of a dongle. Sitting in the middle of the variant hierarchy is the RG351M.
This model comes with an upmarket metal body and has built-in WiFi. Lastly, the range-topping RG351MP separates itself from its stablemates by offering dual SD card support.
All models, however, share the same setup under the hood. They all are fitted with a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU paired with a respectable Mali-G31 MP2. They all use 1GB DDR3L RAM and run on Linux OS.
The screen measures 3.5 inches, and although it offers beautiful display angles, does not provide any touchscreen support.
Anbernic RG351: Where to buy?
You can purchase any of the Anbernic RG351 series consoles from Anbernic’s official website. There, the RG351P is priced at $98.99 while the RG351M is sold for $139.99. The top-of-the-line RG351MP costs a bit more at $146.99.
Those looking to get a good deal can take advantage of Retro91’s ongoing partnership with Hekka. Through us, you can get the Anbernic RG351MP for only $119.99 — free of shipping fees.
| Console Image | Console Model | Amazon | AliExpress | Anbernic store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Anbernic RG351MP | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|
Anbernic RG351P | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|
Anbernic RG351M | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Anbernic RG351: Getting started
The Anbernic RG351 handheld consoles are pretty straightforward devices, to begin with. While tinkering with the settings offers owners some level of customization and personalization, you can pretty much play with it the moment you pull it out of the box.
We do suggest though to recharge the battery first, just in case you find a game you’re going to be spending hours on.
Charging the battery:
Here’s how to charge your new Anbernic RG351 series handheld:
- Take the USB-C charging cable that comes with the device.
- Connect it to a wall adapter and plug it into a wall socket.
- Insert the USB-C charging cable onto the charging port, located at the top portion of the Anbernic RG351 console.
Once the battery is fully charged, simply power the device on. You can do it by pressing the power button located on the left side of the Anbernic RG351 series handheld.
In a matter of a few seconds, your Anbernic RG351 will boot up. It will come with the EmuELEC emulation system as standard. The interface is simple, yet beautiful. You can press either the D-pad or the analog joystick to scroll through the available platforms. It does come with pre-installed games.
Press A when you find a game you want to play and the device will run it for you.
Adjusting the volume:
- Slide the analog wheel volume up to increase the volume.
- Turn the analog wheel down up to decrease the volume.
Connecting a headphone:
- Locate the headphone port on top of the device.
- Connect your headphone to the port.
Overall, the out-of-the-box experience of all the Anbernic RG351s is satisfactory. It does not require a lot of setting up and can easily be played by both beginners and seasoned emulation veterans.
Anbernic RG351: Customizing the firmware
You might also want to update — or change — your Anbernic RG351’s firmware. Doing so allows you to enjoy performance fixes that can help you get smoother gameplay on various platforms.
Below are a few ways you can do it.
How to install ArkOS on your Anbernic RG351 series handheld:
- Go to the ArkOS GitHub page.
- Look for either GDrive and Mega links.
- Download and flash the file.
- Transfer the file from your PC to your SD card.
- Place the SD card onto your Anbernic RG351.
- Boot the device and install the new firmware.
How to install 351ELEC/AmberELEC on your Anbernic RG351 series handheld:
- Head on over to the 351ELEC/AmberELEC website.
- Look for the RG351P/M link.
- Download, unzip, and flash the file.
- Transfer the file from your PC to your SD card.
- Place the SD card onto your Anbernic RG351.
- Boot the device and install the new firmware.
Anbernic RG351: Setting up WiFi
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the Anbernic RG351 series handhelds have WiFi support. This feature comes in handy for things like playing co-op games through RetroArch NetPlay. First let’s talk about the two variants that require module support for WiFi — the Anbernic RG351P and RG351MP.
Here’s how to set up WiFi on your Anbernic RG351P and the Anbernic RG351MP:
- Get a USB-C to USB-A OTG adapter.
- Connect the adapter to the OTG slot of the Anbernic RG351P or RG351MP.
- Insert a WiFi dongle on the USB-A port.
- Press start and look for Network Settings.
- Select Enable WiFi.
Anbernic RG351 guide: Summary
The aforementioned guide contains only some of the basic information on how you can get started with the Anbernic RG351. There are a lot to explore and a lot to do should you want to take full advantage of this open-source retro handheld console.
The Anbernic RG351 series is often compared with other devices in the segment, such as the Retroid Pocket 2+. We did an article comparing both consoles, you can check it out here.
