NOT seemingly random numbers RG405M RG= Retro Gaming 40= 4.0” Screen 5= 5th Generation of handhelds M= Material/form factory. They used p for plastic , M for Metal, V for vertical etc
Honestly I'd say the number of people that actually use the HDMI out are a fraction of a fraction, if it keeps cost down im all for it not being there. the lack of linux is a serious bummer though, something like JelOS or ArkOS on this would be amazing
I definitely like the flexibility of Linux - I’m a bit disappointed with that too, but I think N64 and up is just so much more optimized for Android. Thanks for watching!!
HDMI out is a feature that always sounds like it would be useful. But I only ever use it on handhelds just to try it out and never truly utilize it. And I thought I remember reading that the chipset (T618) in the 405m and other newer handhelds doesn’t support Linux. I could be wrong though.
Actually I've had older anbernic and they were ( and still are) very nice, but the last year or so their products just seem slapped together as carelessly as possible. My 505 for instance had problems when I change a setting and the company had me not only send a video once but claimed to never have gotten it and I had to send it again ( not knowing how each time relying on a cell phone store I had to travel to for help). Then I still got the wrong information after telling them a few times what the situation was. I was very precise in the first email. What--- my word is no good-- and they need a video? I bought it directly from their web site pre-order non the less. Well be that as it may, none of the N64 games worked and the game selection was poor. They didn't even bother to alphabetize the games and the only way to see what games are on a certain system is to scroll from the top only( not from bottom up like in other hand held or from the top) , so if the game you want to play starts for instance with a T then you have to go through a long list for what seems like a few minutes. It's also too heavy causing you to hold it in your lap which is uncomfortable. Many games have a wrong title also or are 8n Japanese. Don't get me wrong, I like anbernic, but it will be a while before I buy from them any new model ,if ever.
I’ve got one of these, and yeah the A button does have a bit of friction if you press it kinda diagonally, but it’s fine when pressed directly down. Not really an issue for me though, so calling it a fatal flaw is a bit of a stretch. IMO all the buttons sit too high out of the case. They would be better slightly larger and with less travel, like on conventional modern controllers. No idea why Anbernic make them the way they do. Biggest issue for me is the D-pad being on the bottom. Gives me hand cramp if playing for more than about 20 minutes. But I get it - it’s a design choice as they’re marketing it at 32-bit era emulation. Other than that I have no complaints with the device. None of these devices are ever ‘perfect’. I’ve had loads of these handhelds, going right back to the GP32, Wiz, Caanoo etc and each and every one seems to just have 1 feature that makes you scratch your head. I’m beginning to think they purposely design-in 1 flaw on each product so they can keep pumping out model after model, and people will keep buying them, reaching for that perfect device which will never appear.
- Huge issue - Button slightly scrapes due to how users is pressing it Yeah so huge. Anyways the "generic" name is actually "RG=Retro Game 40=4.0 screen 5=chipset you're getting m=metal" its descriptive and tells you what you're buying.
The problem with metal shells is that it heats up a lot, couple that with the glue holding the two foam pads in the back and you get a slimy gross back of device over time. At least that was my experience with rg351m. Hope that's not an issue anymore
Thanks for comparing it to the rg353m. I'm interested in the rg353m because of the size and great hdmi out. Even though I've come around on the rg405m, I feel like the retroid 3plus is the way to go. Retroid3plus may not be as pocketable but has hdmi out, shoulder buttons, and an appropriate size screen to enjoy gc/ps2 games. Rg405m and miyoo p60 may be portable, but the screen may be too small to enjoy in some cases.
I got mine 2 days and have been playing a bunch of games on it and I never noticed any button scrapping either I got lucky or a few people got unlucky I would let it stop me from buying it or buying another plus this is the only reviewer that I have seen even mention this at all.
Glad you’re enjoying yours! I’m glad it’s not widespread where every device has the button scraping, just wish it was something to not even worry about.
That's funny that you brought up the scraping A button issue. I have an RG405M, and it has the same issue. It sucks. It is a cool device, nonetheless. Hopefully we can buy some custom buttons and the issue will be resolved.
For me, the B button is the one scraping. Which REALLY sucks when playing something like Crash where the slide is Circle (A) and jump is Cross (B). Transitioning from one to the other is troublesome, since sometimes the B button only goes halfway.
Ah! Your button scraping sounds worse than mine! I really need to take the device apart and see if I can somehow sand it down to stop the scraping. This device has so much potential!
I love this device I think it's great it plays some 3DS games I can play a few PS Vita titles using the Vita 3K Android emulator the ability to play PlayStation 2 RPG games on the go and some GameCube as well as Dreamcast and Sega Saturn and a bunch of other systems is amazing and I don't have any issues with the A button
If I didn’t experience such a big issue with the button scraping I could have seen this being one of my favorites. Glad yours is issue-free! Thanks for watching!
For me it’s the reliance on Android. Not as developed for retro gaming as Linux. Yes you get the play store. But I have that on my phone anyway. It’s the emulation I need and Android is definitely second to Linux in that regard.
I wish they just kept the Linux operating system. ArkOS was flawless on my 351m. This really didn't need to be an Android device. If I wanted that, I'd just use my phone. I've never experienced the run/jump button issue on my 351M. The Matte black buttons are perfect, and should have been a carryover, as the case color scheme matches the 405m. I love the Grey, and the skittle color buttons don't fit the vibe at all.
I’m also not a fan of the colored buttons. The devices are getting more powerful from Anbernic, but when the QA process is so poor I agree - might as well stick to the 351m!
Help. Deleted everything that was on the memory card. Now I can't preview images for games. There was an info file in the folders. Can you upload it somewhere?
Do you know what kind of micro switch this device is using? My R1 button is still working, but no tactile feedback, no clicky sound. Trying to fix it..
I have the button scraping problem on the Y button. Has anyone found a fix for this yet? I love this device but it really seems to be a fatal flaw which kills my enthusiasm for it
how is getting free emulators a bad thing?! these things are literally piracy machines bro XD not that I'll use them, I'll just throw on GammaOS and will pirate any emulators that are not in retroarch myself....
That’s too bad. The pro versions of emulators and the Google play version of Drastic directly support those developers making those apps that can even let you emulate on Android at all. Downloading a 20 year old ROM that’s only available for purchase through after market for an insane price - well, that’s different.
…anbernic is horrible and i will never buy from this brand again…outdated low cost chipsets…zero qc…non existing customer support…spitting out unsupported models by the week…no firmware updates…totally relying on open source…
I agree and the stacked shoulder buttons are pain in the ass. *Powkiddy was considered worse than any handheld console from China even worse then anbernic* Now Powkiddy is getting better and their latest handheld "Powkiddy X28" is way better then Anbernic 405m and it has such better screen quality and stereo sound and same shoulder button layouts as RP3+ and Switch which is way better and they are slowly listening to their customers which is a good thing. I recommend you check out Powkiddy X28 handheld as it has same processor unisoc T16 and Mali GPU and is capable of emulating PS2, GCN, Wii and PS1 better and the controls and design are nicer too!
Also I just played Mario bros on nes and didn’t experience any sticking on the buttons with either Xbox or Nintendo config on the device. I believe it’s a per system issue. I got my 405 on Amazon tho. So I wouldn’t be afraid to send it back to get another one. For my use case this device is fantastic and after doing the gammaOS upgrade it makes it so much better.
Doing the GammaOS upgrade fixed all the shoulder button mapping issues and makes this a viable device for not only emulation but streaming and android gaming.
Also anbernic has a very specific way of naming their systems. I know it’s ridiculous but once you learn their model you know what you’re getting. Like this one is the 405m. So the 4 means 4 inch screen. 5 means 5 gen. And m means metal. For further example the 505whatever is a 5 inch screen running their 5th gen which is the 718 or w/e. So that’s how you figure out the chipset with anbernic and the screen size. And like the rg353v is their 3.5 inch screen with the 3rd gen, like same chipset as the miyoo mini+. But the V means vertical. So on. Anyways. Great review but for people out there still considering this device it’s come a long way since launch and it’s a really good device from my limited space of knowledge.
NOT seemingly random numbers
RG405M
RG= Retro Gaming
40= 4.0” Screen
5= 5th Generation of handhelds
M= Material/form factory. They used p for plastic , M for Metal, V for vertical etc
Honestly I'd say the number of people that actually use the HDMI out are a fraction of a fraction, if it keeps cost down im all for it not being there. the lack of linux is a serious bummer though, something like JelOS or ArkOS on this would be amazing
I definitely like the flexibility of Linux - I’m a bit disappointed with that too, but I think N64 and up is just so much more optimized for Android.
Thanks for watching!!
It is getting Garlic OS. If u like that
HDMI out is a feature that always sounds like it would be useful. But I only ever use it on handhelds just to try it out and never truly utilize it. And I thought I remember reading that the chipset (T618) in the 405m and other newer handhelds doesn’t support Linux. I could be wrong though.
Actually I've had older anbernic and they were ( and still are) very nice, but the last year or so their products just seem slapped together as carelessly as possible. My 505 for instance had problems when I change a setting and the company had me not only send a video once but claimed to never have gotten it and I had to send it again ( not knowing how each time relying on a cell phone store I had to travel to for help). Then I still got the wrong information after telling them a few times what the situation was. I was very precise in the first email. What--- my word is no good-- and they need a video? I bought it directly from their web site pre-order non the less. Well be that as it may, none of the N64 games worked and the game selection was poor. They didn't even bother to alphabetize the games and the only way to see what games are on a certain system is to scroll from the top only( not from bottom up like in other hand held or from the top) , so if the game you want to play starts for instance with a T then you have to go through a long list for what seems like a few minutes. It's also too heavy causing you to hold it in your lap which is uncomfortable. Many games have a wrong title also or are 8n Japanese. Don't get me wrong, I like anbernic, but it will be a while before I buy from them any new model ,if ever.
I’ve got one of these, and yeah the A button does have a bit of friction if you press it kinda diagonally, but it’s fine when pressed directly down. Not really an issue for me though, so calling it a fatal flaw is a bit of a stretch.
IMO all the buttons sit too high out of the case. They would be better slightly larger and with less travel, like on conventional modern controllers. No idea why Anbernic make them the way they do.
Biggest issue for me is the D-pad being on the bottom. Gives me hand cramp if playing for more than about 20 minutes. But I get it - it’s a design choice as they’re marketing it at 32-bit era emulation.
Other than that I have no complaints with the device. None of these devices are ever ‘perfect’. I’ve had loads of these handhelds, going right back to the GP32, Wiz, Caanoo etc and each and every one seems to just have 1 feature that makes you scratch your head.
I’m beginning to think they purposely design-in 1 flaw on each product so they can keep pumping out model after model, and people will keep buying them, reaching for that perfect device which will never appear.
- Huge issue
- Button slightly scrapes due to how users is pressing it
Yeah so huge. Anyways the "generic" name is actually "RG=Retro Game 40=4.0 screen 5=chipset you're getting m=metal" its descriptive and tells you what you're buying.
The problem with metal shells is that it heats up a lot, couple that with the glue holding the two foam pads in the back and you get a slimy gross back of device over time. At least that was my experience with rg351m. Hope that's not an issue anymore
Thanks for comparing it to the rg353m. I'm interested in the rg353m because of the size and great hdmi out. Even though I've come around on the rg405m, I feel like the retroid 3plus is the way to go. Retroid3plus may not be as pocketable but has hdmi out, shoulder buttons, and an appropriate size screen to enjoy gc/ps2 games. Rg405m and miyoo p60 may be portable, but the screen may be too small to enjoy in some cases.
I got mine 2 days and have been playing a bunch of games on it and I never noticed any button scrapping either I got lucky or a few people got unlucky I would let it stop me from buying it or buying another plus this is the only reviewer that I have seen even mention this at all.
Glad you’re enjoying yours! I’m glad it’s not widespread where every device has the button scraping, just wish it was something to not even worry about.
That's funny that you brought up the scraping A button issue. I have an RG405M, and it has the same issue. It sucks. It is a cool device, nonetheless. Hopefully we can buy some custom buttons and the issue will be resolved.
For me, the B button is the one scraping. Which REALLY sucks when playing something like Crash where the slide is Circle (A) and jump is Cross (B). Transitioning from one to the other is troublesome, since sometimes the B button only goes halfway.
Ah! Your button scraping sounds worse than mine! I really need to take the device apart and see if I can somehow sand it down to stop the scraping. This device has so much potential!
Such a BEAUTIFUL video 😍
I love this device I think it's great it plays some 3DS games I can play a few PS Vita titles using the Vita 3K Android emulator the ability to play PlayStation 2 RPG games on the go and some GameCube as well as Dreamcast and Sega Saturn and a bunch of other systems is amazing and I don't have any issues with the A button
If I didn’t experience such a big issue with the button scraping I could have seen this being one of my favorites. Glad yours is issue-free! Thanks for watching!
Been through 2 rg405m i love it but im so upset the L1 trigger broke both times... im going to try the 405v the 505 or the retroid pocket 3
For me it’s the reliance on Android. Not as developed for retro gaming as Linux. Yes you get the play store. But I have that on my phone anyway. It’s the emulation I need and Android is definitely second to Linux in that regard.
My buttons certainly have marks, but i haven't had them stick.
I wish they just kept the Linux operating system. ArkOS was flawless on my 351m. This really didn't need to be an Android device. If I wanted that, I'd just use my phone.
I've never experienced the run/jump button issue on my 351M. The Matte black buttons are perfect, and should have been a carryover, as the case color scheme matches the 405m. I love the Grey, and the skittle color buttons don't fit the vibe at all.
I’m also not a fan of the colored buttons. The devices are getting more powerful from Anbernic, but when the QA process is so poor I agree - might as well stick to the 351m!
The scraping buttons are one thing. But man there are multiple reports of the device's screen are falling off
😱
Help. Deleted everything that was on the memory card. Now I can't preview images for games. There was an info file in the folders. Can you upload it somewhere?
Nah, it's alright.
What is YOUR current favorite emulation handheld?
Retroid Pocket 3+ c:
Do you know what kind of micro switch this device is using? My R1 button is still working, but no tactile feedback, no clicky sound. Trying to fix it..
I have the same problem
Nicely done, I agree completely.
Thanks for watching!
I really wanted to like this device but unfortunately my screen completely popped out of the system. There build quality has gone down.
I have the button scraping problem on the Y button. Has anyone found a fix for this yet? I love this device but it really seems to be a fatal flaw which kills my enthusiasm for it
A drop of silicon oil .
The "A" button on my 353M has the same issue. Not a huge deal but can still be a little annoying nonetheless depending on the game.
Has the issue gone away with time due to the button scraping against the shell to sand it down?
@@jimbles5071 Not really no. I've sort of adapted and press down at less of an angle. It's honestly not that big of a deal though.
how is getting free emulators a bad thing?! these things are literally piracy machines bro XD
not that I'll use them, I'll just throw on GammaOS and will pirate any emulators that are not in retroarch myself....
That’s too bad. The pro versions of emulators and the Google play version of Drastic directly support those developers making those apps that can even let you emulate on Android at all. Downloading a 20 year old ROM that’s only available for purchase through after market for an insane price - well, that’s different.
Downvotes... ah the good ol' days
I bought one lol just cause how much you are hating on it ,it must be good lmao
😂 it’s a great device, as long as your buttons don’t scrape! Hope you have better luck than me and a bunch of others in the comments!
@ScatteredBrain hahah thats funny dude, those buttons better not stick, ill file them down🤣🤣🤣 or WD-40 that button lmao
anbernic needs to release more plastic devices
I like the “premium” feel of metal shells but I’m not a fan of the “premium” pricing 😅
Thanks for watching!
…anbernic is horrible and i will never buy from this brand again…outdated low cost chipsets…zero qc…non existing customer support…spitting out unsupported models by the week…no firmware updates…totally relying on open source…
I agree and the stacked shoulder buttons are pain in the ass. *Powkiddy was considered worse than any handheld console from China even worse then anbernic*
Now Powkiddy is getting better and their latest handheld "Powkiddy X28" is way better then Anbernic 405m and it has such better screen quality and stereo sound and same shoulder button layouts as RP3+ and Switch which is way better and they are slowly listening to their customers which is a good thing.
I recommend you check out Powkiddy X28 handheld as it has same processor unisoc T16 and Mali GPU and is capable of emulating PS2, GCN, Wii and PS1 better and the controls and design are nicer too!
@@kahcunanan You clearly don't know what you're talking about
GsmmaOS broooo
Also I just played Mario bros on nes and didn’t experience any sticking on the buttons with either Xbox or Nintendo config on the device. I believe it’s a per system issue. I got my 405 on Amazon tho. So I wouldn’t be afraid to send it back to get another one. For my use case this device is fantastic and after doing the gammaOS upgrade it makes it so much better.
Doing the GammaOS upgrade fixed all the shoulder button mapping issues and makes this a viable device for not only emulation but streaming and android gaming.
Also anbernic has a very specific way of naming their systems. I know it’s ridiculous but once you learn their model you know what you’re getting. Like this one is the 405m. So the 4 means 4 inch screen. 5 means 5 gen. And m means metal. For further example the 505whatever is a 5 inch screen running their 5th gen which is the 718 or w/e. So that’s how you figure out the chipset with anbernic and the screen size. And like the rg353v is their 3.5 inch screen with the 3rd gen, like same chipset as the miyoo mini+. But the V means vertical. So on. Anyways. Great review but for people out there still considering this device it’s come a long way since launch and it’s a really good device from my limited space of knowledge.