Anbernic RG351P Review: Is It Still Best for GBA in 2026 UK?

There are moments in retro handheld history that feel like seismic shifts. The release of the original Retroid Pocket 2. The arrival of the impossibly tiny Miyoo Mini. And for me, and thousands of others in the UK, the launch of the Anbernic RG351P back in late 2020. It wasn’t the most powerful device, even for its time. It didn’t have the best operating system out of the box. But it did one thing so flawlessly, so utterly perfectly, that it became an instant legend: it played Game Boy Advance games.

The secret was its screen. A 3.5-inch, 480×320 resolution display. This might sound unimpressive in 2026, but that resolution is an exact 2x integer multiple of the GBA’s native 240×160. The result was the sharpest, cleanest, most authentic GBA experience you could get outside of modding original hardware, with zero black bars and zero awkward stretching. For a generation that grew up with Advance Wars, Metroid Fusion, and The Minish Cap, it was revelatory. It felt like the GBA SP+, the console Nintendo never made.

But that was years ago. The retro handheld market has moved at a blistering pace. We now have devices that can handle GameCube and PS2 for under £200, and ultra-budget contenders that offer 90% of the RG351P’s performance for half the price. So, the crucial question for anyone in the UK considering this classic handheld is this: is the Anbernic RG351P still the best for GBA in 2026, and is that single-minded focus enough to warrant spending around £70 on it today? After weeks of re-testing, the answer is more complex—and more interesting—than a simple yes or no.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: A Lesson for Modern Handhelds

Picking up the RG351P in 2026 is a strange experience. In some ways, it feels dated; in others, it feels like a masterclass in design that many modern manufacturers have forgotten. The first thing you notice is the plastic. It’s a dense, matte-finish material that feels substantial and reassuring in the hands. There’s zero creaking, zero flex. It survives drops with little more than a few minor scuffs, taking punishment without complaint. Compared to the sometimes-brittle feel of cheaper devices like the R36S or even the slightly hollow feel of some Powkiddy models, the RG351P feels like a premium piece of kit from a more considered era.

The layout is classic Anbernic. You have a fantastic D-pad on the top left, which feels like a slightly softer SNES pad—perfect for platformers and fighting games. Below it sits a single analogue stick, mirrored by another on the right beneath the ABXY buttons. These sticks are clicky (L3/R3) and feel very similar to those on the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. They’re not the fancy Hall effect sticks we see on newer devices, but for the systems this device emulates, they are more than adequate. The face buttons are a little on the small side but have a satisfying, firm press. They lack the mushiness that can plague budget devices.

Ergonomically, it’s a triumph of simplicity. The rounded corners and slight heft make it comfortable to hold for hours. It’s not as pocketable as a Miyoo Mini Plus, but it’s far less cumbersome than larger 16:9 devices like the Powkiddy X55. The shoulder buttons are arranged in an inline L1/R1, L2/R2 configuration. Whilst stacked shoulder buttons are now the preferred standard, these are perfectly usable. They are clicky and responsive, though the L2/R2 buttons are a little too easy to press by accident when gripping the device tightly during an intense session of F-Zero: Maximum Velocity. Along the top, you find the volume rocker and USB-C port for charging. The bottom houses dual MicroSD card slots (one for the OS, one for games), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and another USB-C OTG port. Having two card slots is a feature many modern devices lack, as it makes updating firmware a doddle without risking your game library.

The 3:2 Display: Still the Undisputed King of GBA

Let’s be blunt: the screen is the only reason we are still talking about the RG351P in 2026. Everything else about this device has been surpassed, but this 3.5-inch IPS panel remains a singular achievement in the world of retro handhelds. Its magic lies entirely in its native resolution of 480×320 and its 3:2 aspect ratio.

The Game Boy Advance has a native resolution of 240×160 pixels. When you display this on the RG351P, it scales up by a perfect factor of two on both the horizontal and vertical axes (240×2 = 480, 160×2 = 320). This is known as perfect integer scaling. The result is an image that is flawlessly sharp, with each original pixel represented by a perfect 2×2 square of pixels on the new screen. There’s no blurriness, no shimmering, no uneven pixel spacing. It looks exactly as you remember it, only brighter, more vibrant, and without the need to hunt for the perfect angle under a lamp like on an original GBA. Firing up a sprite-heavy game like Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is breathtaking. The pixel art is so crisp you could cut yourself on it. The colours, whilst not OLED-level vibrant, are rich and accurate, and the OCA lamination means there’s no ugly air gap between the plastic lens and the panel itself.

This is where the conviction builds. If you are a die-hard GBA fan, this experience is second to none. On a modern 4:3 handheld like the Miyoo Mini Plus (640×480), you have to choose between small black bars on the top and bottom to maintain the correct aspect ratio, or stretching the image slightly, which introduces imperfections. On a 16:9 device, the problem is even worse, with massive black bars on the sides. The RG351P fills every single one of its pixels with pure, unadulterated GBA goodness. For someone whose primary goal is to build the ultimate GBA machine, this feature alone is almost worth the price of admission.

If this singular focus on GBA perfection speaks to you, the RG351P is still an astonishingly compelling device. Despite its age, you can find it on Amazon UK for around £70, and for that specific use case, it remains unbeatable. Check the latest price on Amazon UK →

Of course, this perfection comes at a cost. The 3:2 aspect ratio is an awkward fit for almost everything else. 4:3 home consoles like the SNES and Mega Drive will have small vertical black bars. Handhelds with squarer screens like the Game Boy and Game Boy Color are even more compromised. It’s not a deal-breaker, and the screen is sharp enough that these systems still look great, but it highlights the device’s specialised nature. It’s a GBA machine first, and an everything-else machine second.

Performance Beyond GBA: Pushing the RK3326 Chipset Today

The heart of the RG351P is the Rockchip RK3326, a quad-core processor that was the workhorse of the retro handheld scene from 2020 to 2022. Paired with 1GB of RAM, it was a capable chipset for its time, but in 2026, its limitations are much more apparent. It’s crucial to set your expectations correctly if you’re looking for a device that does more than just play GBA titles.

For the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, performance is flawless. NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, PC Engine—all of them run perfectly. Games with enhancement chips like Star Fox or Super Mario RPG on the SNES present no challenge. This is the bare minimum we expect from any handheld today, and the RG351P clears that bar with ease. The D-pad is particularly well-suited for these systems, making it a joy for classic platformers.

The first real test comes with the PlayStation 1. For the most part, the RG351P handles Sony’s 32-bit console admirably. The vast majority of the PS1 library is fully playable at full speed. Replaying Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, and Crash Bandicoot runs without any significant issues. However, more demanding titles can cause the RK3326 to stumble. Games like Bloody Roar 2 or Tekken 3 can experience occasional frame drops during intense action, and some particularly tough-to-emulate games might require frameskip to remain playable. It’s a 95% perfect experience, but that last 5% is where you’ll notice the difference between this and a more modern T618 or Dimensity-powered device.

The dream of playing Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, or PSP on the RG351P is, unfortunately, where reality hits hard. This is the system’s Achilles’ heel. While some of the less demanding games on these platforms will run, the experience is far from ideal. For N64, simple titles like Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64 are mostly playable, but with noticeable audio stutter and frame drops. Forget about trying to play demanding games like GoldenEye 007 or Perfect Dark; they are unplayable slideshows. Similarly, with Dreamcast, 2D fighters like Marvel vs. Capcom 2 run surprisingly well, but 3D epics like Shenmue or Sonic Adventure are simply too much for the chipset. The same is true for the PSP, where only simple 2D games or puzzle titles will run at a speed you’d consider enjoyable. If you have any interest in these more advanced systems, the RG351P is not the device for you. You would be far better served by looking at one of the Top 5 Retro Handhelds £100-£200 UK (2026), which are built with these systems in mind.

Software and Custom Firmware: The Real Key to Performance

If you buy an RG351P and stick with the stock Anbernic firmware, you are doing yourself a massive disservice. The software that ships on these devices is functional at best, but it’s slow, has mediocre emulator cores, and lacks many of the quality-of-life features that make these handhelds truly shine. The real magic of the RG351P, and the reason it has remained a community favourite for so long, is its incredible support for custom firmware.

The two main players in this space for the RG351 series have historically been 351ELEC (which has since evolved into AmberELEC) and ArkOS. Both are Linux-based operating systems built around the EmulationStation front-end and the RetroArch back-end. Installing one of these is a non-negotiable step to getting the most out of your device. It’s a relatively simple process involving flashing an image file to a new, high-quality MicroSD card (the ones included with the device are notoriously unreliable and should be replaced immediately).

Once you’ve made the switch, the entire experience is transformed. Boot times are faster, the user interface is snappier, and you gain access to a host of powerful features. One of the most important is the inclusion of pre-configured, optimised emulator cores for every system. This means that PS1 games will run better, SNES games will have better compatibility, and even tricky systems will see a performance uplift. You also get features like PortMaster, which allows you to easily install and play native Linux ports of classic PC games like Stardew Valley, Shovel Knight, and Half-Life. This adds a surprising amount of value and longevity to the device, offering experiences you can’t get on a stock machine.

Another killer feature unlocked by custom firmware is seamless integration with RetroAchievements. By connecting the RG351P to your Wi-Fi (the ‘P’ model requires a USB-C Wi-Fi dongle, whereas the metal RG351M has it built-in), you can log into your RetroAchievements account and earn modern-style achievements for classic games. Earning a trophy for finally beating the Water Temple in Ocarina of Time or finding all the chaos emeralds in Sonic the Hedgehog is a brilliant way to breathe new life into old favourites. It’s a powerful motivator to replay games you’ve already finished and adds a whole new layer to your retro gaming. Custom firmware also provides granular control over settings, screen filters, shaders, and hotkeys, allowing you to tailor the experience precisely to your liking. Without this incredible community support, the RG351P would have been forgotten years ago. With it, it remains a tinkerer’s dream and a highly capable device within its performance limits.

Battery Life and Connectivity: A 2020 Handheld in a 2026 World

When evaluating older hardware, aspects like battery life and modern connectivity options often show their age the most. The Anbernic RG351P is equipped with a 3500mAh battery, which was quite generous for a device of its size back in 2020. In 2026, it remains perfectly respectable, but how does it translate to real-world usage?

Testing focused heavily on its star attraction: Game Boy Advance emulation. Playing GBA games is not particularly demanding on the RK3326 chipset. With the screen brightness set to around 60% and Wi-Fi disabled, it consistently manages between 5 and 6 hours of playtime — enough to play through the entirety of Metroid: Zero Mission on a long train journey with charge to spare. This is a very solid result and means you can comfortably take the RG351P out for a day without worrying about it dying on you. When you move to more demanding systems like the PlayStation 1, that figure drops. Emulating 3D games pushes the processor harder, and battery life falls to a more modest 3.5 to 4 hours. It’s still usable, but you’ll be reaching for the charger sooner. The device charges via a single USB-C port, which is a welcome standard, but it lacks any form of fast charging, taking a couple of hours to go from empty to full.

Connectivity is where the ‘P’ model specifically shows its budget-oriented roots compared to its slightly more expensive sibling, the RG351M. The RG351P does not have built-in Wi-Fi. To get online for features like RetroAchievements, theme downloads, or game scraping, you need to use a small USB-C to USB-A adapter and plug in a compatible Wi-Fi dongle. It’s a slightly clunky solution, and while it works, it’s an extra thing to carry and potentially lose. The RG351M solves this with an integrated Wi-Fi chip, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement. If you plan to use online features frequently, the extra cost for the ‘M’ variant might be worth considering if you can find one.

Another feature conspicuously absent is any form of video output. There is no mini-HDMI port, so you cannot connect the RG351P to a TV or monitor. This is a dedicated handheld-only experience. For many, this won’t be an issue, but it’s a feature that has become increasingly common on modern devices, even at the budget end of the market. The lack of Bluetooth is another minor omission, meaning you’ll need to use wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack. These are the small compromises that remind you you’re using a device from a previous generation, even if the core gaming experience holds up well.

Who Should Actually Buy the Anbernic RG351P in 2026?

This is the most important question. In a market saturated with options, a device needs a clear, compelling reason to exist. The RG351P’s reason is razor-sharp and aimed at a very specific type of retro gaming enthusiast. This is not a device for everyone, and buying it with the wrong expectations will lead to disappointment.

You SHOULD buy the RG351P if:

• You are a Game Boy Advance fanatic. If the GBA library is your primary reason for buying a retro handheld, then yes, the RG351P is still arguably the best sub-£100 device for the job. The perfect 2x integer scaling on its 3:2 screen provides a visual experience that other handhelds simply cannot match. It’s the closest you’ll get to an “ultimate” GBA without the expense and hassle of performing an IPS screen mod on original hardware.
• You value build quality and ergonomics. The device feels solid, premium, and comfortable in the hands. The D-pad and buttons are excellent. If you’ve been burned by cheap, creaky plastic on other budget devices, the RG351P will feel like a significant step up.
• You mostly play 8-bit, 16-bit, and PS1 games. Within its performance window, the RG351P is a fantastic machine. It handles everything up to and including the majority of the PS1 library with grace. If your nostalgia is firmly rooted in this era, it has more than enough power.
• You enjoy tinkering with custom firmware. The device is a playground for software customisation. If you like the idea of optimising your setup, trying different themes, and unlocking features like PortMaster, the strong community support for the RG351P makes it a rewarding choice.

You should SKIP the RG351P if:

• You want to play N64, Dreamcast, or PSP games. This is a non-starter. The RK3326 chipset is not powerful enough for these systems. Buying it for this purpose will only lead to frustration. Look at a more modern device instead.
• You want the absolute best value for money in 2026. For around £60-£70, you can now get devices like the Anbernic RG40XX H, which uses a more powerful H700 chipset. While it has a 4:3 screen (meaning small black bars for GBA), it offers far better performance on higher-end systems for a similar price, making it a better all-rounder. The ultra-budget R36S is even a compelling alternative if cost is your main driver.
• You need modern features like HDMI-out or built-in Wi-Fi. The RG351P is a simple, focused device. It doesn’t connect to a TV, and the ‘P’ model requires a dongle for Wi-Fi. If these features are important to you, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
• You prioritise extreme portability. While comfortable, it’s not as tiny as a Miyoo Mini Plus or a Trimui Smart Pro. If you want something that truly vanishes in a pocket, there are better, smaller options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Anbernic RG351P still worth buying in 2026?

For a very specific user, yes. If your main priority is playing Game Boy Advance games on the best possible screen without modding original hardware, the RG351P’s perfect 2x integer scaling remains a compelling feature. However, for general-purpose retro gaming, newer devices around the same price offer more power and better features, making them a smarter purchase for most people. It’s a specialist device now, not the all-rounder it once was. You can check the latest price on Amazon UK → to see if it fits your budget.

What is the difference between the Anbernic RG351P and RG351M?

The differences are purely physical and connectivity-based; the internal processor, RAM, and screen are identical. The RG351P has a plastic shell and requires a USB-C dongle for Wi-Fi. The RG351M features a more premium-feeling aluminium metal shell and has a Wi-Fi chip built-in, eliminating the need for a dongle. The ‘M’ was the more expensive model, and if you can find one for a similar price to the ‘P’ secondhand, it’s generally the better choice for the convenience of integrated Wi-Fi.

Can the Anbernic RG351P play Nintendo 64 or Dreamcast games?

No, not well. While a handful of the least demanding N64 and Dreamcast games might ‘run’, the performance is generally very poor, with significant slowdown, audio stutter, and graphical glitches. The RK3326 chipset is simply not powerful enough for reliable emulation of these 3D consoles. If N64 or Dreamcast is important to you, you must look at a more powerful modern handheld.

What custom firmware is best for the RG351P in 2026?

The best and most actively supported custom firmware options for the RG351P are AmberELEC (the evolution of 351ELEC) and ArkOS. Both offer a massive improvement over the stock software, with better performance, more features, and a much cleaner interface. AmberELEC is often considered slightly more user-friendly and polished out of the box, while ArkOS offers a bit more granular control for advanced users. You can’t go wrong with either choice.

Is the RG351P better than a Miyoo Mini Plus for GBA games?

This depends on your priorities. For pure screen quality, the RG351P is objectively better for GBA due to its 3:2 aspect ratio and perfect scaling. The image will be sharper and fill the entire screen. However, the Miyoo Mini Plus is significantly more portable, has a fantastic community around its OnionOS firmware, and its 4:3 screen is a better all-rounder for other consoles like the SNES and PS1. If GBA is 90% of your focus, get the RG351P. If you want a great all-rounder that slips into any pocket, the Miyoo Mini Plus is the better choice.

How much does the Anbernic RG351P cost in the UK?

As of 2026, the Anbernic RG351P is no longer in active production but is widely available as new-old-stock or on the secondhand market. You can typically expect to pay between £85.99 and £80 in the UK. Prices can fluctuate, so it’s always worth checking a few retailers or marketplaces. Be wary of paying much more than this, as you’d be entering the price territory of newer, more capable devices.

Can the Anbernic RG351P connect to a TV?

No, the RG351P does not have any form of video output. It lacks a mini-HDMI port or any other way to display its screen on a television or external monitor. It was designed purely as a portable, handheld-only gaming device. If playing on a TV is a feature you need, you will have to choose a different retro handheld.

What to Read Next

If you found this review useful, here are a few other articles on RetroInHand that will help you on your retro gaming journey:

• Top 5 Retro Handhelds £100-£200 UK (2026) — See how the RG351P stacks up against the modern competition in the next price bracket up.
• Best GBA Homebrew Games: Better Than Launch in 2026 UK? — Now that you have the perfect GBA device, discover some incredible homebrew games to play on it.
• Anbernic RG40XX H Review: Is It Worth £60 in 2026? — A direct competitor in the modern market. Find out if more power beats the perfect screen for your needs.

The Anbernic RG351P is a fascinating piece of retro handheld history. It’s a device built with a singular, beautiful purpose that it still executes flawlessly. In a world of do-everything devices, its specialisation is both its greatest strength and its most significant weakness. For the GBA aficionado, it remains an almost perfect time capsule, delivering an experience that is pure, authentic, and deeply satisfying.

But for everyone else, the world has moved on. The value proposition of newer, more powerful, and more versatile handhelds is undeniable. The decision to buy an RG351P in 2026 is less about specs and more about philosophy: do you want a good-enough screen for every system, or the perfect screen for just one? Now that you know exactly where the RG351P stands, the next question is which path you’ll take for your own collection.

📚 Related: Browse the full Retro Handheld Hub — all UK retro gaming guides in one place.

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This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the editor. See our Editorial Standards.