This is still my FAVORITE handheld for retro gaming.
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- It's no secret that the Anbernic RG552 is an expensive device, with poor price-to-performance. At its starting retail price of $227, it can be disappointing that it's not powerful enough to run GameCube or PlayStation 2 at acceptable levels, and it's a bad deal compared to its competition.
However, there are some aspects of this device that really shine -- namely its screen and overall feel when it comes to d-pad-centric gaming -- and so in this guide I'm going to walk you through all the little tweaks and tricks I use to get the most out of this device. At the end of the day, the Anbernic RG552 is my favorite console for retro (i.e. 32-bit and below) gaming, and with these tweaks, I think you might agree.
Full guide here: retrogamecorps.com/2022/08/16...
Buy one here (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkr...
or via Anbernic.com: anbernic.com/collections/hand...
or via Amazon Prime: amzn.to/38nwZer
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
02:25 screen breakdown
07:46 overall size and comfort
09:36 JELOS custom firmware
19:07 settings configurations
25:39 Retro Achievements
27:00 PC ports (+ cat break)
28:23 Android (and higher-end systems)
30:39 HDMI out function
31:35 summary and conclusion
If you want to support the channel, please consider Patreon: / retrogamecorps
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Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:
ourghosts.bandcamp.com/track/...
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#Anbernic #RG552 #RetroGaming - Ігри
In answer to the various "but I thought [insert device name here] was your favorite?" questions, here is a quick little roundup of my current favorites:
My favorite small / pocketable handheld: Miyoo Mini
My favorite handheld for retro (16-bit and below): Anbernic RG552
My favorite all-around emulation handheld: Odin Pro
My favorite "does everything" handheld: Steam Deck
My favorite handheld PC to look at but not play because of battery life: AYANEO Air
My favorite handheld to look at but not play because I'm waiting on NES/SNES cores: Analogue Pocket
My favorite "hacked" device: PS Vita
Device I am most excited for: AYN Loki
RG351MP my favorite for nes-psx
@@buster5661 the first one in the list above is my favorite small/pocketable handheld, the Miyoo Mini.
I have an RG552 on the way exactly for this purpose! Had already flashed Amberelec in preparation but you've convinced me to go Jelos. I'm actually just going to use the Android side as a comic/manga reader mainly. Are you running Black Seraph's Android 9 or 11 build? Have you also seen Anbernic's Android 11 update?
@@seanong83 I’ve tried both the 9 and 11 builds from Seraph, I prefer the 9 build because you can use the SD card interchangeably with Android and JELOS.
@@RetroGameCorps by this you mean SD Card 2 with the roms on it?
Your content here just gave me everything I didn’t know I should know about setting up the device properly. I think you are using this system for exactly what I wanted it for in the first place. I am going to be utilizing the JELOS. Thank you for this so very much!
Thanks for aspect ratio explanation! wish you had a full video just about aspect ratios of the most common handhelds, and how the old systems scale on them :)
So NES, GB, and MD are close to square. which means the wider your handheld gets, the smaller screen you will have since the screen will be limited by height, you won't find any 4:3 modern handheld other than RG353M but that one is 3.5-inch, and this one gives you ~ 4inch for 4:3 since it's not wide enough, but thing gets worse with wide handheld when the aspect ratio goes 16:9 or even worse like phones when it goes 2:1.
an example, even though the galaxy S23 ultra have 6.8" but if you play an arcade game with a 4:3 aspect ratio, you will get almost the same screen size as RG552 (7.0cm for rg552 vs 7.3cm for the galaxy).
I wish we had an oled 7" 4:3 handheld to play these retro games.
Great video. The 1-1 scaling info is very informative.
Just got the rg552 yesterday. I’ve made a couple of retro pies in the past, but this is my first hand held unit. This video was invaluable. Thanks very much!
Did you can play ps1 on that?
It did play ps1. However my rg552 had such a glitchy os that it’s virtually unplayable. The games themselves are good. Trying to switch from game to game was near impossible.
Just ordered one and currently waiting for it to be delivered. Main reason is for the retro gaming experience, taking me back to the childhood.
I’ve been waiting for this vid!
great video. i also think this is a good device. but the integer scaling question becomes even more tricky when you factor in that on some platforms, the pixels were not intended to be displayed square. for example, the capcom cps platforms had a resolution of 384x224 that was to be displayed on a 4:3 crt, squashing pixels horizontally so that they were rectangular. and it was a similar story on snes, etc. and so on these systems, if you want a genuine integer scaled presentation at the intended 4:3, you need super high res displays (close to 4k!) the joys of digital displays...
I enjoyed this video, seeing your explanations and tweaks.
I love the screen on the 552! The screen is delicious. 😋
Is the RG552 still your favorite for retro 8 months on?
Just got one and it's coming in the mail next week. So excited.
Just wondering how you're finding the 552? How's the battery life? Thinking of getting one over the 351p.
Russ in the SNES fast forward example, did you have just little cores going? I can't get anywhere near that framerate with little cores and runahead active!
The best part about the RG552 is that i can order it from Amazon and have it next dayVS waiting forever for something better
Great video. Is this better than the RG353M for 8 and 16-bit gaming?
Hi, this is really a great video, I just bought a RG552 after watching this video, but I found that the JELOS has stopped updateing their system to support the anbernic devices, do you know why? tks.
I've played the RP 2 + and newer RP 3 but my favorite is the Anbernic RGP353 for all sprite based arcade and 16-bit and below console gaming. I am drawn to this one over and over. To hear your impressions align with my feelings for what I want do help in my purchasing choices
This IS just one Great Video , Retro Game Corps !!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've been so close to buying this device... entirely for that screen. I hope they do a v2 of the device fixing some of the issues and upgrading that wifi chip, if so, I'll be all over it. If they go further and do something like a RG555 then I'd happily spring for that as well.
you can upgrade the wifi chip yourself, its not that hard.
I didn't realize how fantastic the screen was until i played 8-bit/16-bit games on it and noticed it looked better on the RG552 than any other device I have ever used. It's quite amazing and the aspect ratio is near perfect, the pixels are so clean and nostalgic. If I had this as a kid growing up, I would never leave the house.
Part of me wishes I had never seen this video, because I recently purchased a modded PS Vita. I didn't care for the retro emulation through Retroarch on that device at all, but loved the way PSP ran. Plus I was introduced to some PS Vita games. After seeing this video, I decided to add the RG552 to my collection (RG350M, RG351P, RG351V, modded Vita). You are spot on regarding the excellent screen quality. I did have to expand the size of the Turbographix 16 systems and use bilinear filtering, because the integer scaled image was too small for my taste. I'm struggling with aspects of Android 11 (PPSSPP won't advance past the first welcome screen), but Drastic on Android is fantastic for making Nintendo DS playable. I'm using Amberelec as my custom firmware.
How is retro experience on the PS Vita vs the RG552? I would have thought it would have been quite similar?
@@LiquidTurbo The PS Vita uses the Retroarch interface for GBA, Genesis/Megadrive, SNES, etc., but it doesn't have a fancy front end that makes selecting systems and games easier as you get with Emulation Station. I find Retroarch clunky without it. I also experience slowdown on Sega Game Gear, which is bizarre considering that the Sega Master System runs fine. Not certain if it's due to the way my Vita was set up. The Adrenaline app on Vita is used for PSP, and there's an internal limit of 128 PSP games that can be displayed. That stinks, but the upside is that PSP games run perfectly on the Vita, as it's not being run through emulation as I understand it (runs natively on the Vita).
@@davidlhsl How's the physical feeling of playing retro games on Vita vs the RG552? (aside from the interface)
@@LiquidTurbo Vita ergonomics are excellent and better than 552. It only has one set of shoulder buttons, though, so no L2/R2 for some PS1 games. L2/R2 buttons on the RG552 are hard to reach.
@@davidlhsl which do you pickup to pay retro games?
Great video, I've never loved any of the custom firmware's for Anbernic devices. To me, EmuElec is the best overall emulator you could have with great performance all around, I just wished it could run on Anbernic devices.
Amberelec is an emuelec port for Anbernic devices.
Thank you for this detailed analysis. Turns out I am the rare use case who wants exactly what this device offers. I would have passed on this handheld had you not done this follow-up video.
Thank you
Will a lot of these settings work on a powkitty x55? I like the way it looked in the menu! Great video
I can't find JELOS for RG552 anymore, am I missing something? Its not listed in their releases.
It's not supported anymore. But Amberelec and Batocera still do and are much better anyway.
i love your channel
You can solve a lot of the scaling issues with 240p games on a 1080p screen by using a 5x scale. It only cuts off a few pixels off of the top and bottom which is what CRTs do anyways. No black bars at the top and bottom and you get integer scaling.
Hello, do you have any news about powkiddy's new consoles, the x28 and x18s black ?
I just got a used one for $75 and after installing jelos and android 9 I'm having a blast.
Hi Russ, is it possible to put hall sensors sticks into the RG552 according to you?
great video, thanks Russ
I already have a lot of handhelds, but this is irresistible!
How is this compare to the new RP3? Does the 5:3 RG 552 aspect ratio still superior?
Patiently waiting for your thoughts on the New Anbernic RG505.
I appreciate your videos a lot, and even though I don't always agree with you, respect that you have your opinions and you came by them honestly.
The price is way too much of a dealkiller for me with this one, it's just way too much to spend for me to even be curious. I almost got a Miyoo Mini at your recommendation but ended up sticking with my RG280V, your previous favorite pocketable. It doesn't have as many setbacks to make it a bad purchase, and really, it's great to have a cheaper device to play most of the older games, even if there are problems with some systems and games it's supposed to be able to run.
On the more powerful side of emulation, it simply makes more sense to get a Bluetooth controller for your phone and play the games this device can run on that.
Anbernic is just going to have to figure out its price/performance ratios better in future products because we all know they're very capable of making great consoles we love to play. They just haven't cracked the code quite yet on getting all those elements just right for a newer generation of chips than what they've been selling
Shame you didn’t take the Mini+ for a spin. Form factor is a real treat, it’s a pretty slick Gameboy, feels awesome to play. Or you can play Crash Bandicoot I guess. Inputs are super, super great, I turned a skeptic into a fan when he got his hands on the Neo Geo/CPS3 fighters. He was 1CCing fighting games all night. Said he got his moneys worth in just a few hours, and he was practically spitting on me for buying it in the first place before I made him try it out.
Hey is this still your favourite for 2D gaming? I am not sure if any of the newer options would be better. If you could help that would be great!
This nails why I enjoy the Win600 as well, for dpad gaming just feels comfy and keeps bringing me back. Great vid. I might try the 5ghz mod as well! - Stubbs
In JELOS HDMI output doesn’t seem to work. I can navigate the menu/ emulation station but when I launch the game the screen goes to black for a moment and then it takes me back to the emulation station. I’m using the latest version of JELOS. Not sure what’s wrong.
Are there any videos on applying screen protector and using the included Wipes? Should we bother? The manual doesn't say anything about it.
modern emulation handhelds all have tempered glass screens which are very scratch resistant. screen protectors aren't necessary but you can still use them for added protection
I keep coming back to the rg552. The screen's aspect ratio just can't be beat. I had hoped the rg505 was going to replace it with more performance for higher systems, but for 8 and 16 bit gaming the screen is just not ideal.
Hello Retro Game Corps,is there an option to save the game in RG552?
Most of your priorities are the same as the ones I have. Most of the games I will play are 16 bit or below. I will be playing a few ports such as Stardew Valley and Fallout 2 but importantly, I have a few Android apps I want to run. All of the above will benefit from the larger screen. I am looking forward to playing some 3DS and PSP RPG's as well, which are not 3D/graphically intensive and I could probably run them perfectly fine with an underclock.
Bring on Chrono trigger and Etrian odyssey!
is there good performance with Jelos on 351p? I have arkos on mine but curious...
Sorry if I missed the answer to this- how is the PSP performance on this device? I remember on the original review, you said something about PSP performance being disappointing. Is it better now?
Thank you for all of your reviews and insights!
At this price point especially, I'd just get a used PSP, and mod it.
It runs like 90% of the PSP library. Some of the bigger AAA games like God of War and Resistance struggle though.
@@RyanSaotome Thank you for the response! Good to know!
@retrogamecorps I have a 351mp. All I play mainly on it is NES and SNES and some mame. Im thinking about upgrading to the 552. I have old eyes and would like a bigger screen. Also I only play at home. Do you think the 552vwill fit me well?
The RG552 will work well in that scenario, but I would also consider the PowKiddy X55, it's half the price and has a nice big screen, I made a video about it recently.
@@RetroGameCorps I did think about the X55 but don’t like the d pad being below the analog stick, since 99% of my gaming is 16bit and below.
What do you think about me going with a RGB10MAX? Lot cheaper (about half) then the 552. Has built in Wi-Fi and BT. And looks like I will give me a little bit over 4 inches of screen when doing 16bit and below gaming. My main goal is to just get a little bigger screen than my 351mp.
Honestly I did not like RG552 when it launched, however this video convinced me to sell my RG351MP and replace it with the RG552 for these old systems + 2D Indies that are being ported, thanks Russ for another great video.
Also, would these same JELOS tweaks you showed off work for JELOS on the RG353P?
Some of these settings would carry over, but I don't think there is an option to define the cores like with the RG552. Might be something worth trying! The screen adjustments will be different, you'd have to use filters and shaders to get things set up properly.
Has anyone had any battery issues or charging problems with this device?
found this on FBmarketplace for $120 and instnatly went to get it bc your review. thanks for helping me make my mind up, it was too good of a deal to pass
Yep, thats a good price.
Found some locally on ebay where I am for what works out to be same price looks like a scammer.
Can the rg552 be charged from a battery pack or standard PC USB port or does it require the AC adapter? If I'm on a road trip or long flight is there a way to use a battery pack or the plane's USB port? Thanks.
I got the rg552, after a week the battery die and I have to return it, this device have a lot of returns because of that,Im going to get my refound and wait till they fix that problem or make a strong one.
I have one now ☺ This video was super informative. I have a Steam Deck and obviously it can do all the emulation I would need. But the screen and d-pad focused layout helped steer me towards this one. Plus it was listed used and locally to me so I was able to pick it up and at a decent discount from the new price, more like $150 USD. It's nice to have the option to play Minecraft Bedrock with the kids in Android as well and not have to boot the Steam Deck into Windows mode for only that one game
What OS did you end up installing on your RG552?
@@Pyke64 Been using JelOS. I have the Anbernic Android upgrade installed as well, but haven't really used it. For PSP and above, the Steam Deck is basically better in every way, other than the screen.
Hi! Are you able to add bezels to these systems??
Russ,I went back to this video because I am wondering if it isn’t better to buy the RG552 over the RP3 due to the shipping bringing the RP3 up to $175 and i can get the RG552 for $199 incl shipping. The RG552 has a better screen and is it not also a bit more powerful? To me it seems the RP3 just has better ergonomics, but the RG552 is built better as well.
The RG552 definitely has a nice feel to it, although some people think it feels a bit less solid than their other devices. The main downside to the RG552 over the RP3 is going to be the battery life, at best you'll get 4-6 hours on low-end emulation. But as I showed in the video, its scaling for classic systems just can't be beat. Thankfully, JELOS has improved performance quite a bit even in the past couple months, so there is nearly parity with Android emulators now on their firmware. I'd be torn between the two if they were of a similar price too -- if you just want to focus on classic gaming around the house with a premium feel, then the RG552 is a great fit. If you are interested in other aspects, like game streaming or longer battery life, then the RP3 would be a better choice.
@@RetroGameCorps thanks Russ, I think this is an idea that a lot of buyers could benefit from. I am going to save and wait for a special price on the RG552 - I am really keen to get a large screen device and, for me, retro emulation (SNES, NES, SEGA) is the priority - the rest is just extra. Oh a big downside that bothers me with the RG552 is the fact that it has no Bluetooth for headphones… :-(
Can you please, please do a video on Doom for the RG552? I want to play all the DOOM I can on this device as its my favorite game of all time, I followed your guide and have JELOS installed but can you get into the DOOM pc/ports/sourceports/modding/etc. on what all is available, I want to know everything I can about this device and DOOM. On my pc, I play GZDoom/Beautiful Doom/Bethesda's new sourceports/mods galore, but I am not sure what is all possible besides console emulation for Doom on this device as it is my favorite handheld device as well. Love your channnel!
I prefer the rewind versus the fast forward.
how to install Amiga and MAME?
Amiga games dont start and many MAME games run very bad and terrible slow, do i need to config anything ?
Amiga Games are running on it and is there Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion on it or a list?
Is this the only retro handheld that can also be used as a console with the hdmi?
What about Amiga 500/1200 emulation using Retroarch?
good to know
Super maquina y vídeo
Something I really love about your channel is that you look into strengths and weaknesses of devices that go beyond "number bigger=better". Like yes, the RG552 is underpowered, but the case you state for the screen brings up a lot of good points for a practical benefit.
"Underpowered" is always a relative concept
Hi Russ would you get this since the Analog Pocket is sold out? Asking in advanced
2 entirely different form factors. It depends on your needs. Do you want something that fits in your pocket? Well the RG552 doesn't. Do you want something with a nice large 5.4 inch screen? Well the Analogue Pocket has a smaller 3.5 inch screen. Do you have a bunch of old Game Boy cartridges laying around? Get the Pocket. Would you rather emulate your games? Get the RG552 as it does emulation 50x better than the Pocket.
Is SOTN and DS/3DS Metroidvania games also best on this?
@retro game corps is this still your favorite retro gaming handheld? Would love to know, sir. Thank you, in advance.
How do I find the GameCube it doesn't come up but I have the app just don't no how to access?
So I’ve tried to give JelOS a shot and came back to my main issue which is terrible battery life. When I’m playing a game and am ready to pause for a bit, I press the power button and the screen goes out. I come back 2 hours later and 30% of the battery Life is gone. That’s just nuts. Black Sepaoh fixed that on the his Android build but even then, battery life is just ok. If I press power on my Odin and come back later, barely ANY battery life is gone. I can go a whole week if I wanted on a single charge! I really like the beautiful screen, the D Pad, and the buttons in the RG552, but the poor battery life just kills the experience!
Same hiere, tried JelOS and Batocera and did not like it at all. The battery was drawning like crazy. Ended up with amberelec ans its work like charm
@@wujachi is AmberElec a Linux based operating system?
@@apr2499 Yes. On 552 it may not have many themes to choose from ,but the one you have are nice. Also very easy to use and handheld does not take a heat when jou play nes game , what i had with Batocera.
Do we know (or rumors) if Anbernic will release a new (more powerful) device with the same screen?
As far that I know, the next anbernic will be a gameboy style one.
What about the fan? Is it always running even when playing SNES games?
When set to the "Quiet" profile (which I use by default) the fan rarely ever spins up, and is mostly silent.
Is there any other handhelds that are similar to this sceeen??
I really like the new playable breakdown chart.
Does anyone else have trouble booting into JELOS on the RG552? I sometimes need like 5 reboots before I get to the actual emulationstation menu.
I wonder if Anbernic plans to release a new version of this devise with better specs.
Especially, better battery life.
better than the odin display for 4:3 games ?
If I could play 'Persian Gulf inferno' I'm getting this handheld.
Retroid Pocket 2+ is my current favorite
Is this better than the rg405m? Am looking to get my first device but I don't know which is the better one
I’m in the same boat dude I want this bigger screen, but the 405M is sturdy metal and has a better cpu/gpu/ram
Thanks for all you do bro.. you have educated me very well and I am primed to make a good handheld purchase soon..
I have the anbernic 305m for it's 4:3 screen and pocketability. A bigger screen would be nice, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice pocketability.
hmmm , got a chance to get used one for about 120€ ... mainly for the 16bit and bellow integer scale 🤔 not sure if i shoudl bite or not
How does this compare to getting a Vita?
Does it get really hot with 16 bit games
which shaders is used here for GB?
Got 552 but deciding on 505 or 405m
Can someone please tell me which game is he playing with that red bat creature thingy at the 6:57 marker?
Aero the Acrobat (SNES)
@@RetroGameCorps dude. Thanks a lot. Have added it and the sequel to my list now 😌
I just grabbed one of these second hand for $60 dollars. Approaching it as a $60 dollar device, how would you rate it?
Hey Russ, I've been wondering what you think of those mini laptop handhelds like the new Win Max 2 . Haven't seen them talked about much on your channel
I haven't had a chance to test one but I did ask GPD for a review unit. They said they didn't have any to spare but would keep me in mind :)
P.S. any idea how soon from now you plan on doing that charity auction?
Can we PLEASE get a 4.5" 4:3 device?
I'm beggin ya!
contrast color saturation and brightness seem better than odin lite
And just like that, they removed support for the RG552 in december.
Hi Russ can u play GameCube and ps2 on this.. thx
Hallo what game is that at 7.26 ? gameboy yes but which. i remember playing this the dont remember the name.
castlevania II: belmonts revenge
Still the best item with this size?
Holy cow! Thx for the comparison of screen / scaling / etc... I lost my mind drawing and imagine all that to figure it out wich out be nicer... thx!
It would be better if there was a strap wrist where you put through your hand.
I'm not that happy with the RG552. I would like to play with the stick and at the same time be able to use the shoulder buttons properly and not be restricted to systems that do not need them. But well not everyone wants to play with the sticks. But I like it when I'm flexible here without restrictions. I love it when I can reach all the buttons easily. I don't even want to discuss the price-performance ratio now 🤷♂️ However, the display is excellent 👍 In the end, everyone has to know for themselves what they value.
@@Pridetoons hating on anbernic has became a norm recently. The win 600 was a complete cash grab. Selling a 30$ processor for 375$ certainly seems like it. But they are realy solid hardware wise. While Ayn , someone which most compare to isn't clean themselves. Anbernic pulled themselves into a puddle and now people are trying to put cement on it.
@@Pridetoons You're right. But I also like to play DS with a stick or Android games (with a stick), for example, and the shoulder buttons are useful there. But if I have to use them, it's important to me that I can reach them easily and without cramping. Especially if I want to use the stick below. Well, my fingers are just too short for that -.- Despite various criticisms, I'm not someone who wants to make Anbernic bad for no reason. I love the RG351V. But if there are things from my very personal point of view that I know differently or I'm used to, I'll say so. Don't get me wrong. I'm the last one who doesn't begrudge Anbernic the success. Other manufacturers have just made better decisions lately that I like better, but that can all change with new products. In the end, the competition is great. We couldn't have imagined that in our dreams 1-2 years ago :)
Mine had issues right away (still does) thankfully I have the Odin Pro too. My issue with RG552 is when I charge it the battery light blinks all crazy and never fully charges either. Seems to be a battery issue and it's annoying that it was shipped this way to me
it is possible to port the Oot pc port to some of these devices?
It is possible but no one has tried it yet as far as I know.
I modded my wifi chip to 5ghz with bluetooth, with andriod pie thanks to black-seraph. Works so much better with game streaming and performance is so much better.