I bought the RG353V handheld retro gaming console because I wanted something portable that actually plays older games well… not just a cheap emulator on a phone, but a dedicated little device I could toss in my bag and use anywhere. What I got was a mix of genuine fun and frustrating rough edges.
What Is The RG353V Retro Game Console?
The RG353V is a portable retro gaming handheld built to emulate a wide range of classic consoles… from Sega Genesis and NES to PlayStation 1 and GBA. It runs open-source emulation software and comes with controls, a reasonably sized screen, and a form factor meant to appeal to people who want real buttons and retro gaming without hooking anything up to a TV.
Why I Tried It
I wanted a dedicated device that feels like an actual handheld console, not just phone emulation with a Bluetooth controller. The idea of having a nostalgic gaming fix on the go, complete with physical buttons and an old-school layout, really appealed to me, especially for long commutes and flights.
My Experience Using It
Using the RG353V is sort of like owning a little arcade in your hands, but with the quirks that come from community-driven consoles instead of factory-polished hardware. When it works, it feels really satisfying: Mario, Sonic, classic RPGs, and old school shooters all look crisp, the controls feel solid, and the whole experience is smoother than most cheaper handhelds I’ve tried. There were definitely moments where I just sat there replaying levels I hadn’t seen in years and thinking, “Yeah, this is why I wanted this.”
But it’s not perfect. First, the software is clearly the result of open-source emulation: menus and transitions feel clunky, the UI isn’t always intuitive, and sometimes games run well while other games require fiddling with settings. I’ll be honest… I spent more time than I wanted to tweaking emulation options for certain titles. Some games stuttered until I changed a setting or updated firmware. That isn’t shocking for this category, but it is annoying when your goal is “pick up and play.”
The battery life also swings depending on what you’re playing — lighter 8-bit games run forever, but more demanding titles like PS1 games drain power fast enough that I found myself carrying a charger more often than I expected.
That said, the build quality surprised me. It feels sturdy in the hand, the buttons have good travel, and the d-pad isn’t mushy like some knockoff handhelds I’ve tried.
Overall, I had a lot more fun than I expected, but I also learned why these types of devices aren’t mainstream: they’re amazing for dedicated retro fans or people who like tinkering, but not as seamless as a first-party portable console.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Authentic retro gaming feel with actual buttons
- Wide range of supported systems (NES → PS1)
- Build quality that feels solid for price
- Great fun for nostalgia gaming
- Good screen clarity indoors
Cons
- UI and menus can feel clunky
- Some game configurations require fiddling
- Battery life varies widely
- Screen visibility outdoors isn’t great
- Not as polished as mainstream consoles
Who This Is For
- Retro gaming fans who love physical controls
- People who don’t mind tinkering with emulation settings
- Travelers who want old games without lugging hardware
Who Should Skip It
- Gamers who want instant “works out of the box” experience
- People who prefer modern AAA handheld gaming
- Users who don’t want to deal with occasional configuration quirks
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Powkiddy RGB20S
- Anbernic RG351P
- Retroid Pocket 3/5
Conclusion — Would I Recommend It?
Yes… if you love retro games and enjoy the idea of a dedicated handheld that feels like a true game device (not just an emulator on a phone). It’s fun, it gets the classics playing the way you remember them, and it has a satisfying, tangible feel. There are rough edges… battery life, menus, and occasional configuration fiddling… but for what it does, I’d recommend it to anyone who’s willing to embrace both the nostalgia and the little quirks that come with this style of device.
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