Seemingly out of nowhere, the RG351MP (“Metal Pro”) dropped from the sky. This device has the oft-requested 4:3 aspect / 640×480 display but in a horizontal form factor. So is this device getting, or would it be better to grab an older (and cheaper) handheld instead? Let’s find out.
Anbernic official (AliExpress)
Anbernic direct
Last updated: 30NOV2021
UPDATE: PortMaster has recently created a one-stop shop for all things related to running ports on retro handhelds. I recommend checking out their website and my most recent PortMaster guide instead of the guide below; I’m leaving this page up for posterity’s sake only. To get started, head over to their Games tab, find the game you want to run, and check out their instructions on that page. If you run into any issues, their discord server is also a great place to start.
Streets of Rage Remake is a beloved game among emulation and homebrew fans. First released in 2011 after eight years of development, this fan-made game mashes together the first three Streets of Rage games and adds in over 100 stages, 15+ playable characters, and an epic soundtrack. Sadly, the game was pulled down from official release at the request of SEGA, but has remained available on various websites over the years.
Porting SoRR to a device is a right of passage for any true retro handheld, so today let’s walk through how to play this game on RK3326 devices running PortMaster. The following devices will work:
Anbernic RG351P (ArkOS final, TheRA, 351ELEC)
Anbernic RG351M (ArkOS final, TheRA, 351ELEC)
Anbernic RG351V (ArkOS, TheRA, 351ELEC)
Anbernic RG351MP (ArkOS, TheRA, 351ELEC)
PowKiddy RGB10 (ArkOS)
GameForce Chi (ArkOS)
RK2020 (ArkOS)
ODROID Go Advance (ArkOS)
ODROID Go Super (The RetroArena, RetroOZ)
PowKiddy RGB10 Max (The Retro Arena, RetroOZ)
Note that the video below will show you how to install the port using specific files. This process has been simplified significantly, and you can now set everything up via PortMaster.
Continue reading “Guide: Streets of Rage Remake on Retro Handhelds”
Lakka is a lightweight Linux distribution that runs RetroArch front and center. So is this ultra simple firmware a viable option for retro handheld devices like the Anbernic RG351P, RG351M, or RG351V? Let’s dig in and find out.
Continue reading “Review and Guide: Lakka for RG351 devices”
Last updated: 04JUL2021
351Droid is an unofficial build of LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) for Anbernic RG351 devices, and as of today it now has a public testing build. This build supports proper control layout, it resizes the userdata partition on boot, and supports the wifi chips in 351M and 351V. Let’s take a look at how to install this firmware, and its potential for Android-based retro gaming.
Continue reading “Introducing 351Droid for RG351P, RG351M, and RG351V!”
Let’s look at the four ways you can transfer files to and from your device. This guide applies to all RK3326-based devices, like the Anbernic RG351 series, PowKiddy RGB10/20, ODROID Go Advance/Super devices, and so on.
Continue reading “Quick Guide: File Transfer Options on Retro Handheld Devices”
So after a brief hiatus, the 351ELEC team has now reformed, and they already have an update for their custom firmware on the Anbernic RG351P, RG351M, and RG351V devices. Let’s check out the new updates!
Continue reading “351ELEC REBORN — It’s Back!”
Are you interested in getting started with a retro handheld emulation device, but don’t know where to start? Check out the video below, where I go through my 14 favorite devices to help you narrow down which one is the best fit for you.
Continue reading “Retro Handheld Starter Guide”
Last updated: 30NOV2021 (see Changelog for details)
UPDATE: PortMaster has recently created a one-stop shop for all things related to running ports on retro handhelds. I recommend checking out their website and my most recent PortMaster guide instead of the guide below; I’m leaving this page up for posterity’s sake only. To get started, head over to their Games tab, find the game you want to run, and check out their instructions on that page. If you run into any issues, their discord server is also a great place to start.
Let’s figure out how to play Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove on various retro handheld devices. We will primarily focus the install guide on the RG351P and RG351M, but additional instructions for other RK3326 devices are also found below.
Anbernic RG351P (ArkOS final, TheRA, 351ELEC)
Anbernic RG351M (ArkOS final, TheRA, 351ELEC)
Anbernic RG351V (ArkOS, TheRA, 351ELEC)
Anbernic RG351MP (ArkOS, TheRA, 351ELEC)
PowKiddy RGB10 (ArkOS)
GameForce Chi (ArkOS)
RK2020 (ArkOS)
ODROID Go Advance (ArkOS)
ODROID Go Super (The RetroArena, RetroOZ)
PowKiddy RGB10 Max (The Retro Arena, RetroOZ)
I’ve been playing this game for a few days now and I really love it. It reminds me of a cross between the Duck Tales and Mega Man NES games, with some lite RPG elements. Fair warning, the games are pretty difficult, but there are cheat codes available if that’s your thing.
Big shoutout to developer JohnnyonFlame for getting this port up and running on these devices. He’s also the developer who made all of those awesome Super Mario 64 ports possible! If you have the means to do so, please consider donating a coffee to show your support for his work.
Continue reading “Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove on Retro Handheld Devices”
Last updated: 02MAY2021
The ArkOS custom firmware final release has now arrived for the Anbernic RG351P and RG351M devices. Now that development has stopped for these platforms, here is a definitive guide to set up and tweak this powerful operating system to meet your needs.
Continue reading “Guide: ArkOS Final Release for RG351P and RG351M”
351ELEC has closed its project for future updates. Let’s take a look at this final build of the operating system, the legacy it leaves behind, and where we go from here.
UPDATE: As of May 2021, 351ELEC has been resurrected under new leadership! Here is my latest video on their most recent release.
Continue reading “351ELEC Final Update: What You Need to Know”
Retro Game Corps 