My Anbernic RG35XX Plus Experience: Casual Gaming Fun with Some Setup Challenges
I picked up the Anbernic RG35XX Plus because I wanted a simple, portable device to relive some of my favorite childhood games like Pokémon, Mario, Donkey Kong, and a few others I missed out on. I liked the design and it being compact with great reviews had me excited, but setting it up wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. Here’s my experience, from troubleshooting SD card issues to finally enjoying casual gaming.
Setup Challenges: Crashes and Firmware Choices
Right out of the box, my RG35XX Plus played well, for two times. Then we had issues. The device kept power cycling and would get stuck at the Anbernic logo, which I discovered was due to the SD card, a common problem with these handhelds. I considered installing Garlic OS, a custom firmware that many recommend for its improved interface. However, after reading that it wasn’t significantly better than the stock firmware and had some audio issues, I decided to keep things simple and stick with the stock setup.
Getting It Working: Reinstalling Stock Firmware
I ended up buying two Sandisk SD Cards and I reinstalled the stock firmware following this YouTube tutorial to guide me through the process. It was pretty straight forward after watching the video. I had to format and flash the firmware and after that I was able to plug it in and start playing. Now, with reliable SD cards, I feel confident that my data is safe, which is especially important since the device supports multiple save states.
Gameplay and Casual Use
The RG35XX Plus handles Gameboy, N64 and even PlayStation 1 games really well, which is perfect for quick gaming sessions. Some PSP games can be a bit choppy, but overall, the gameplay quality is great for casual use. The screen is bright and adjustable, and the controls are responsive, making it easy to pick up and play whenever I have a few spare moments. The multiple save states are perfect for someone like me who plays in short bursts—I can easily pause and resume without losing progress. It comes with alot of games even so I still had to find and load some missing games like Mario but that process was very easy.
Final Thoughts: Worth It for Busy, Casual Gamers
The RG35XX Plus isn’t entirely plug-and-play, and you might need to replace the SD card and adjust some settings, but it’s been worth the effort. Frequent updates keep the device running smoothly, and the organized folders make it easy to navigate your games to look for and install new ones when I want to. For less than $100, it’s a great handheld for a casual gamer with limited downtime. If you’re okay with a little setup, this device can provide a lot of fun during those rare moments of free time.
