Anbernic RG ARC: Great for SEGA and Fighters
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
- The new Anbernic RG ARC-D and ARC-S handhelds are inspired by the Sega Saturn and Genesis controllers, and perfectly suited for retro game emulation in certain contexts. Let's take a deep-dive into the handheld and see if it's going to be a good fit for you.
Anbernic.com: bit.ly/AnbernicARC
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl7...
Anbernic RG ARC hardshell case: bit.ly/3sjUJuy
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
02:02 specs and price
04:30 unboxing and impressions
05:31 d-pad testing
10:08 face buttons and more
13:33 ergonomics, size, and weight
18:23 audio, screen, and charging
20:57 software experience (Linux)
24:24 software experience (Android)
27:00 N64 and Dreamcast
29:43 Saturn and Genesis
33:58 all the other systems
37:00 HDMI and bluetooth
37:56 summary (likes and dislikes)
41:53 conclusion
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#Anbernic #SegaSaturn #SegaGenesis #Sega #emulation - Ігри
![Anbernic RG ARC-D - Для фанатов SEGA [Консоль с AliExpress]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FUBNJIFPIKw/mqdefault.jpg)
✅ Hadoukenable
✅ Shoryukenable
😸😸😸 ❤🎮
Yeah... D-pad gaming is a go ! 🦾
We need to know if it's sonic boomable and spinning piledriverable.
@@JarlBarbossaThank You for this PSA most people don't know this.
Yeah man, I wanna do it 😎
This has to be Anbernic's most inspired design so far. An absolute love letter to old-school Sega.
💯
While I love the design, I'd also want a 1:1 Game Gear ripoff akin to Gameboy-RG35XX.
Dude, I haven't been this excited about a handheld release since... well, maybe ever. I love all the Nintendoesque designs, but this is just one of those "FINALLY" type things. I honestly would have been pleased with 6 face buttons and a sega d-pad on just about anything. Making it look like a Sega product was something I didn't know I needed.
@@barryisanerd I'm a huge sega fan and kind of tired of all the Nintendo style designs, so I'm also super stoked about this
I hope this one sells well enough for them to consider returning to the form factor in the future, although obviously any future one would need to be more powerful and then they'd have the issue of how to fit sticks without compromising the overall comfort of the device.
When this much time is spent going through the intricacies of the d-pad alone, that merits a like an subscribe all on its own. Amazing review all around.
Thank you!
Russ is nothing if not thorough. And his testing methods and criteria are actually things I'm starting to use personally when deciding on whether I like D-Pads or not. Things like the Contra test, the Hadouken and Shoryuken tests... Dude is legitimately setting new standards for hardware reviews.
@@SRC267A Terrible Fortress
pretty soon im gonna have a specialized handheld for every system instead of one to rule them all. feels both bad and good
This is a good idea. Maybe for groups of systems to save “some” money 😜
Depends on how much they cost.
Be sure to take care of your batteries
I think im gonna end up with 2 for emulation. My powkiddy x55 for PS1 and below and an Odin 2 for PS3/Switch down to N64
There simply cannot be a single handheld that would be great for everything. Most notably due to the many display aspect ratios those old systems use.
I love that you are using the Sonic CD intro for your sound test! That was my go-to when I worked on bluetooth headphone support for JELOS and it's completely ingrained into my brain now.
Oh cool!
Just finished watching your video and I'm truly impressed by the depth and clarity of the information presented. Your ability to review the product in such an engaging way is a rare find on UA-cam. Honestly, this channel is incredibly underrated and deserves much more recognition for the quality content you're producing!
Can we pause for a second and acknowledge again that Russ is bar none the best handheld reviewer? He bought a Saturn controller on eBay JUST for this review! The professionalism and dedication on this channel is nuts.
I actually think this (Linux model) might be a perfect handheld to curate and give to a kid with its simpler dpad only input and the sturdy build quality.
Yeah but did he measure the delta E and white point of the screen? No? What a shill. (/s)
Sorry, inside joke because one unhinged commentator expects these handhelds to be something they're not.
It's dual boot
He’s in his own class but I think retro dodo is a good runner up.
he's the bob ross of emulation
Stop simping for likes.
Buying one of these as an ultimate Mega Drive machine (my childhood), I'm more excited about this than my Odin 2 arriving soon.
This is a very impressive device - ALMOST as impressive as turning around such an excellent video in such a short amount of time. Thank you so much for putting this together!!
the arc d in black looks like a sega nomad update we never got
... oh man, the Nomad. Just you mentioning it like that made me tear up a little.
I might have to buy this just for this reason.
Cheers Russ, quality review as usual. I wasn't expecting to be excited about this one but it nails a 'Super Game Gear' vibe that I find really appealing. Nice to see the return of the 4 inch screen in an affordable device too. It's another don't need but do want device. Good job Anbernic.
i get some much joy from each review you do russ. I'm not even in the market for new handhelds, but the reviews you do really make me feel like I've experienced them too.
If I were to purchase a device like this, ie with no analog stick, I would have no expectations for anything past Gen5. This device looks promising for playing anything pre-Gen6. Nice video, as usual Russ.
Can u tell me from what system gen6 starts?
@@jessica49arrow Gen 6 starts with Dreamcast. PS2, Gamecube and Xbox are later launched, respectively.
Super cool to see a Sega style d-pad and 6 button layout on one of these handhelds, hopefully it's a sign of more to come in the future. Would love to see one with dual thumbsticks as well.
These videos really are the highlights of my week. Its like uncorked joy the second, i press play and the theme music to a new video starts.... Thx. 🎉
I had the mega drive back in the day. The nostalgia hits hard for me with this
dang, if the saturn performance was a bit more solid i wouldve totally grabbed this, it looks outstanding!
Many review say Saturn games run well , try to see more videos about this console , i just buy one for play Shining Force 3 😊
@@GObjio24Have you had a chance to use it much yet? How does shining force play on it?
A lot of good things about this device. Thanks for covering it so completely! I feel like I'm going to enjoy this one a lot as a big SEGA fan. This seems like a great excuse to try out a few Saturn games that I haven't played much.
Really glad to see something like this that finally doesn't have analogue sticks. The market is flooded with horizontal form factor devices that are really uncomfortable to play due to the analogue sticks getting in the way
I agree, we have options like Odin 2 that will emulate everything and need both dpad and analog, but for 4:3 older systems I do not think we need it, RP2S for example would benefit for not having analogs.
Wow an in depth review this quick.. Putting in the time Russ. Keep up the good work.
It's just nice to see something that isn't designed entirely around nintendo, Sega bros this is your day!
I'm so glad you're just as picky about dpads as I am. The dedicated dpad section on a lot of your videos is a huge lifesaver
Great video. I WAS sold before this but now i'll wait for saturn perfection
Man, with all these emulation handhelds I bought I really don't need another one. But the SEGA nostalgia and the layout are just screaming "BUY ME!" with this one.
Good review! This seems like a better Sega Nomad! 😄 I do love the Genesis/Saturn pad, so I might think about getting this device down the line. Though, I probably will wait until (or if) the Saturn emulation might potentially improve. I would love to be able to play Saturn games perfectly on a handheld like this one.
A Nomad where the batteries last longer than 15 minutes!
This is simply the BEST review for this handheld available in UA-cam and I've already made my descision without any shade of doubt. Thanks a lot for your work, buddy!
i'm in love with the look of the black model
Nice been waiting for something like this
I hope those devs don’t give up and work on this plllllleeaaaaees!!!
Very well done as always brother. Thank you for mentioning the large buttons, love the big buttons!❤
They could of went with a Unisoc T610 to make Sega Saturn more playable and just had two colors or even one color(Black) for the $89 price point. I don't see the target demographic wanting those transparent colors and it seems like it was an attempt to make cheaper kid versions. Perhaps one day they will release an ARC+ or an ARC 2 with proper Sega Saturn support.
I personally like the transparent grey as it really resembles 90s nostalgia, so everyone's taste is a bit different.
This might make a great Christmas gift for my oldest! He's been asking for a Sega Genesis for a while
It's an amazing handheld with an awesome review! Thanks Russ!
Thanks for watching!
Haven't been this excited for a device in a while, was a big Genesis kid growing up!
Thanks for the review Russ! I'm very interested in picking this up.
I bought an RG35XX and a Steam Deck, largely on your recommendation and they both served me well, but I was recently diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and those two are too small and too large respectively. This seems to have similar size and ergonomics to modern controllers which I can still use since they're actually designed for human hands.
Edit: Made the purchase, we'll see how it works out in a month!
FYI, this is smaller than the Steam Deck… so I would think if the grips on the Deck aggravate your Carpal Tunnel then this won’t be better. The Lenovo Legion Go has pretty deep grips though.
This is incredible. I was thinking/hoping just 2 days ago that one of these retro handheld companies would release a handheld with a Genesis-style button layout!!
What a great review! Thanks for this!
Man I love these videos, you're the main person I follow and your guides are amazing. I wish you could make a video for the RG351M installing JELOS and for the Retroid pocket 3 streaming
I want the Black D model, love the look! Thanks for pulling an all nighter for us!
Great review, Russ!
Sega fan here as well. Started gaming with Dendy (knockoff NES) but then upgraded to Genesis and never looked back. I owned all of the mainline gaming systems, but Genesis still has a special place in my heart. Sonic, Road Rash, Shining Force, Gunstar Heroes, Castlevania Bloodlines and Robocop vs Terminator all were amazing games that made me super happy as a kid.
So I will be buying this unit just with the goal of playing the 16bit Sega library again. It is a small pity that it doesnt play 32bit systems well, but that is what I have Odin 2 coming soon for :)
Great video! I was considering buying this because I really wanted to play some Sega saturn games but finding out its not powerful enough is tough but thank you for such a thorough review
You’re the best for getting this review out so quickly! Now go get some rest
Thanks! Will do! Yesterday was a long day 😎
Never thought I'd see Street Fighter II Rainbow Edition show up in an RGC video lol.
Aside from that device I LOOOOOVE the Sega Saturn. I might need one of these
At first I was keen on getting the JPN Saturn colorway, but the black Genesis version is the one I’m getting - complete nostalgia overload. It’s a shame Anbernic went a weaker cheap set (mid Saturn performance 😭), but this is one I’ll still add to my collection.
Hi there, did you receive it yet? Are you enjoying it? As with most things I'm seeing lots of different opinions on Saturn performance out there and that's really the only reason I'm interested in this.
Being a Saturn lover I am a little undecided ... congratulations on the clear and exhaustive examination! ❤️
what a beauty! i havent even watched the vid yet but just the look of it makes me want it right now!
I love old Sega dpads. More in this style is always good.
I'm waiting excitedly for those new Snapdragon chips coming out in December that are dedicated for handhelds. Hoping Anbernic does something similar to the RG405M but with the new chips
I am not at all interested in any 6 button games, BUT, I applaud Anbernic for creating such an amazing device for those who do!
For weeks i was wondering which handed to choose... And you show me this. As a die hard Megadrive / Saturn fan, i think i made my choice.
Preorders are live! Ordered a solid black, because it's the only one that looks "right." Kinda sucks paying an extra 20 bucks just for the color, but I'm still stoked for it to get here. I will probably only use Batocera and put Master System, Game Gear, Genesis, Sega CD, and 32X (if it'll play those alright) on it and pretend it's the '90s and I have an impossibly awesome (or awesomely impossible?) Sega handheld. Thank you again for getting a review out before the pre-order so I could feel good about pitching 112 bucks (with shipping and the case) on something I've been waiting for ever since emulation handhelds have been a thing. If it played Saturn well, it would be perfect+1, but I'm most nostalgic for my old Genesis/CD/32X rig (or as I used to call it, Fort Sega). It doesn't even need 3 wall-warts plugged into a power strip! LOL
I am new to handhelds, so the question may be obvious, but is the Anbernic RG Arc compatible with Batocera? I checked the Batocera site and didn't see a version for it.
@@31leoceara I don't think there's a Batocera build for it. I wasn't saying there was, I was just being hopeful. Sorry if it sent you on a fruitless hunt. It's starting to look like nobody is interested in making a custom OS for the ARC, unfortunately. Things are released so quickly now that several new handhelds came out that community devs started focusing on and just left the ARC behind. I still love the one I got, but I'd like a better OS for it.
Thanks for the in-depth review, Russ. It's definitely not for me just because it's missing sticks, but I love that they put out a Sega-esque device
second minute
of video and i am almost sold…. form factor and 6 buttons, specialized d pad and vertical target on retro gaming. You have my attention
Best intro music from any UA-camr.
Just got my shipping notification yesterday, looking forward to play some games with it :)
Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Sega 32X, and Sega Saturn. That is it. So many games. And you'll feel like you're actually holding a sega controller. I hope other machine makers catch on. Retroid was on the right track with the 4:3 screen. Abernic deserves big ups for targeting a specific controller feel. I'd love for someone do it, but it would be hard to target an N64 and Dreamcast feel, haha.
This is a cool device and you gave some great intel and a amazing review! Thanks!
Excellent review. Love the Sega look. 👍
This looks really awesome, I’m considering getting this to use just for fighting games, this seems perfect for fighting games.
You know, this thing is actually really cool IMO. I was on the fence at first but I warmed up to it a lot.
Very good and complete test, thanks
Big fan of this. I never grew up with Sega systems and arcades were rare in my country when I was a kid (plus I was just a little too young) but it feels like Anbernic really went all in on the design here. Lots of devices on the market and they can all be very similar to each other, but this one really feels like they understood what buyers want from something like this.
Now I just have to keep dreaming they'll do a handheld with 6 face buttons and a joystick for better N64 emulation. I like the Switch Online mapping where the right stick acts as the C buttons, but having 6 physical buttons would be amazing
UA-cam notifies me Russ makes a new video and I literally stop watching whatever I was doing to watch. Always look forward to seeing what you do Russ!
Wow, thanks!
Same here. His videos take priority
Just finished watching the entire video and I'm so torn. I thought this was going to be the perfect system, since the MD/Genesis were my first systems (had both for reasons), and the Saturn too. But not being able to play Saturn games that well is a buzz kill, so I'll just have to hold out a bit more for the ARC 2. Awesome review as always (during the early bird campaign no less), thanks!
I was torn because of the same. Adding on top of that the fact it doesn't have a hall stick on the lower right for tate mode arcade pushed me to not get it until the next iteration
Well this is a first. Every preorder for this device is sold out. I've never seen that before. Usually at least some of the models are available for preorder right up until release. Apparently a lot of folks were tired of nintendo and really wanted that sega drip.
They haven't started taking pre-orders yet, for some reason they don't seem to have the ability to set a correct status message on their order pages.
Thank you for mentioning Anbernic's hostile approach to the community. I know, most people who will be buying this device will not care and just use what came with the device, so I appreciate you mentioning it as it has ramifications on how well the device will still be into the future.
They make some of the best hardware at great price-points, and that makes it all the more frustrating that they do not want to co-operate with the developers whose code they stole to make their hacked-together OS.
Well said, I agree and support the developers' decisions, making a custom firmware/OS is no easy feat, the devs deserve to have their work recognized and not shamelessly copied for a quick buck. 😔
Hopefully Powkiddy and other handheld manufacturers don't take the same hostile approach. 🤞
As for Perfect Dark, you were meant to move around with your C-buttons and look with the left stick (one scheme among many many control options the game provided for you). The N64 never had a right stick so the controls provided here are sufficient. Yup, it was a weird time.
Nintendo didn't want to go all-in on 3d gaming and the N64 was a result of that. I would have loved for them to be as indecisive for cartridge vs cds and provide us with an optional cd unit like the TurboGrafx and the megadrive.
@@EatMe420Real? ..
Perfect Dark had the same control scheme as Goldeneye. You moved with the stick and strafed with the c buttons. That was the default control setup. Turok moved with the c buttons and looked with the stick.
@mattia1026 The problem with the n64 controller is they built it to play Mario64. Even at release the ab and cbuttons layout was a bonehead decision to anyone who paid attention. But Shiggy gets whatever Shiggy wants, even if it messes up Nintendo controlers from N64 until the Switch.
Thank you for the review.
Could you please consider making a video with your top 10 devices? Or maybe a Holiday buying guy for someone that new to this market
I love this device. I never had a Genesis personally, but my first ever games were from playing Sega Smash Pack 2 on PC in the early aughts, and later getting Sega Smash Pack GBA; so I have a lot of love for those Genesis games.
Same Here, I didn't buy a Sega Genesis until I was 20. Also my first Sega experiences was with Sonic CD, Sonic 3, and Sonic R on the PC.
Im sold, just the other day I was talking with my son about wishing someone would make a handheld with 6 buttons on the face plate.. Thank you using affiliate link!
Thanks for the video 👍
People tend to not realize that the N64 controller had 6 face buttons! 4 C-buttons + A and B, L, R and Z right below the analog stick, start and d-pad and you would use only analog stick+Z+R+face buttons or dpad+L+R+face buttons on most games, so a device with 6 face buttons are way better suited for N64 than one with 4 face buttons and two analog sticks.
Wow this is no doubt excellent for fighting games! Very tempting for FGC players. Great review, Russ!
This is the first time I've pre-ordered one of these systems. Usually I wait for custom firmware. Sega controls and consolization is the dream.
Would love to see more videos on the ARC, please!
I wish it had a single analogue stick so it could be a good N64. I’ve wanted a 6 button forever for both Sega and N64. This is definitely a step in the right direction.
The single stick would also be great if it ran Dreamcast better. I hope Anbernic makes a console inspired by the Dreamcast (and powerful enough to run it) next, that would truly be wonderful.
I’m really wanting to love this… but not being powerful enough to run all Sega console games makes this almost a novelty Genesis system.
I also think the shoulder buttons should have been grey, as you mentioned.
Still buying it though. I need a Genesis emulation system in my life. These controls make my memories “rise from [their] grave”
I'm thinking this may be a pick up for me, I love the 6 button layout and will be playing a lot of street fighter and mvc on this!
I agree... At this point you need a different handheld for your favorite emulation. I did break my budget and ordered the Odin 2 so I'll see how that plays out. But the smaller less powerful devices I like so I may pick this one up as well. I've really been enjoying my rg35xx though. The handheld market is so saturated right now it's almost confusing for me.
Good review as usual Russ. I definitely enjoyed your thoroughness. If it wasn't for your channel I would not have bought my very first Anbernic Rg351p. 😊
I'll probably pick one up and depending on my experience with it even a second one for friends or family. Sega controller fans don't recieve much love so we have to pick up what we can when there's just enough quality to justify it.
Best review! Thanks
I've been waiting for this. Been nagging Anbernic (on their videos) and talked about wanting a Saturn-inspired (or any design) handheld WITH the Saturn model 2 style D-pad everywhere for a LONG time. Wish it was more powerful (weird to style it after Saturn and then not have it play perfectly) and had analog triggers, and as someone who grew up on PAL Saturn I wish they would've made a model in the sexy full black (maybe with orange, deep/hot pink or lime green splashes to make it pop rather than the actual japanese colorway), but the design is chef's kiss; this is a great step. It doesn't get much more comfy than Saturn model 2. Now wondering how the smaller face buttons will feel (because I don't remember those being the best on the Saturn tbh). Also the D-pad looks a bit loose to me (?). 8-way is awesome but it breaking would be terrible. It took me a while of HARD pressing to get the mush I like on the 351P; when it was new I didn't like it too much.
Edit: ah didn't realize the D-pad was smaller. Hard to say if bad or good without holding one. Guess some corners are inevitably cut to fit a screen on the device too. "Slick" feel does not sound good but that could probably be fixed easily. GOOD choice on third strike as a first showcase. Imagine 2x players playing 3S and other classics on a device like this in the living room lag-free. How far these devices have come already. I'm honestly super critical all the time, as one should be for the sake of advancements (have just stuck with the 351P for not finding it worth upgrading), but at the same time credit where it's due. Having grown up with OG Gameboy, trying to find small slivers of street lights while playing in the car as my parents drove home, it's easy to forget how crazy good this all already is sometimes; hope to never get used to it.
Edit 2: regarding Contra ofcourse it's better. How often do you lie down and then move a pixel length in the game? VS that how often do you aim diagonally? It's nicer to press ON something (like with this D-pad) than BETWEEN two directions is my opinion. Dreamcast controllers D-pad suck for this reason with their sharp edges 4 way; they should've kept the Saturn style. If they had watned to put a stick on this too (good choice not to imho; would've been cramped) then would've been interesting to see the "orb" from the Saturn 3D-controller make a return as well. I remember it as being pretty good.
Finally yeah despite my gripes this might be a buy.
Yeah I agree on the sentiment of locking colorways to specific models because I wanted the solid black color on the Linux only model, which they sadly don't offer.
Same, but they've got me because the want is strong enough that I'm just going to order the Dual version to get all black.
if you are a sega fan this is a must have device.
Thanks for coming at this as a Sega fan. A lot of reviews are from the Nintendont side of things and seem to downplay a lot of the positives of this device.
Six face buttons? Genesis style D-pad? OH HELL YEAH!
This stick-free design fits the chip perfectly. I will get one of these just to play Genesis and arcade fighting games. I know it won't run Saturn perfectly, but that doesn't bug me.
Great for a portable SEGA Genesis, 32X, Sega CD & Saturn! A new and improved SEGA Nomad
Hey Russ, just one thing to note : the retroarch dreamcast core does work really well also on Android (not just linux). On my rg353m i always play on Android, since it does n64 and dreamcast well.
UA-cam pop-up: "Do you really wanna thumbs up after watching less than 1 minute of this video?"
Me: "Yeah man, I wanna do it!"
Finally sega style console! How long I've been waiting for it!
Goopher was the one and the last console with six pads, but position of them was nightmare
Awesome in depth review. Thanks. I'm hoping the superb JelOS Team will look at this device too.
JelOS guys said 6 months ago they're not touching any new Anbernic devices because they violate several software licences by not releasing their source code.
@@DanIsNotHome That's horrible news :(
@@randy7894 Don't feel too bad, Anbernic did it to themselves. If you're looking for a company that works well with community developers, PowKiddy is currently working well with the JelOS guys.
Would love to see this next to a Game Gear or Nomad for size comparison.
So pumped for this! Love sega
Picking one up. Love the blue transparent and Genesis focus. Always has been a hassle playing Genesis games on controllers without ABC. May become a shelf ornament but I am in.
got my pre-order in!
on 11.11 i'll get the RGB30 also!
As a Sega kid this hits hard.
I already have a retroid pocket 3+ so this device is largely redundent for me performance-wise, however I've found myself neglecting a lot of retro systems when playing on the RP3+ as I'm not a massive fan of the 'feel' of the dome style d-pad, it's really responsive sure but I don't really like the clickiness. I've ordered one of these purely to be my '16bit and below' device because the d-pad just looks so good!
I want one of these purely based on the ergos alone. I really liked the Powkiddy x55 for its similar heft and design. This one seems like a much better fit for the hands. Also, c'mon it's a SEGA-themed handheld!
This thing is gorgeous 😍😍
Pre-ordered mine this morning at 0501EST. Currently have a PowKiddy Max 2 due to size/curves since cramps from small controllers/handhelds prevent any play sessions over 30-60 minutes (Looking you GKD-350H). Very pleased the Arc is 4x3 with a larger form factor/buttons/d-pad and higher quality build caliber than the competition. May miss the dual analog sticks with rubber extensions but I think this will be a better overall experience and leading me to jam old school with more frequency.
This is a really cool one. It's exactly what I would want if I didn't already have an Anbernic device.