Key takeaways:

1. The Ambernic RG351XXH is a budget-friendly, horizontal handheld gaming device with a focus on retro gaming up to PS1 and Game Boy Advance.
2. Specs and Packaging: It features an Allwinner H700 CPU, G31 GPU, 1 GB DDR4 RAM, and a 3.5-inch 640x480 resolution screen. It comes with Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, dual stereo speakers, and a 64 GB SD card pre-loaded with games.
3. Design and Ergonomics: The device has a comfortable form factor with rubber grips, a matte plastic shell, and comes in three color options.
4. Performance: It handles systems up to PS1 well, with some capability for Dreamcast, PSP, and N64 games, albeit with graphical sacrifices.
5. Controls: The device has a classic button layout, with analog sticks that are beneficial for certain games but suffer from a large dead zone and lack of true 360° input.
6. Software: The stock firmware is functional with a user-friendly game room, but lacks features like artwork scraping and wireless firmware updates. Custom firmware options like Badera, Muos, and Garlic OS 2.0 are available or in development for enhanced functionality.
7. Emulation: N64 and Dreamcast emulation require adjustments in Retro Arch settings for better performance, while DS, PSP, and other systems have varying levels of compatibility.
8. Portability: The RG351XXH is lightweight and fits well in most pockets, with a horizontal design that may be preferable for some users over vertical form factors.

# Introduction to the Ambernic RG351XXH

The Ambernic RG351XXH is a horizontal handheld gaming device designed primarily for retro gaming enthusiasts. It boasts a range of features suitable for playing games from platforms up to the PS1 and Game Boy Advance. The device comes packaged with essential accessories, including a 64 GB SD card pre-loaded with games, and offers both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

# Device Specifications and Packaging

• Processor: Allwinner H700 CPU
• Graphics: G31 GPU
• Memory: 1 GB DDR4 RAM
• Display: 3.5-inch 640x480 resolution screen with a 4x3 aspect ratio
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
• Audio: Dual stereo speakers
• Included Accessories: USBC to USBA charging cord, wet and dry wipes for screen protector application, and a comprehensive manual

# Design and Build Quality

The RG351XXH features a matte plastic shell with a slightly textured finish, available in black, transparent purple, and transparent white. It includes rubber grips for added comfort and to prevent scratches when placed on flat surfaces. The device's ergonomics are designed with player comfort in mind, featuring a classic button layout with two analog sticks.

# Performance and Emulation Capabilities

The device performs well with systems up to and including PS1 and Game Boy Advance, offering smooth gameplay and room for fast-forwarding. It also supports more demanding systems like Dreamcast and PSP, though these may require graphical compromises and may not support all games flawlessly.

# Controls and Analog Sticks

The RG351XXH's controls are responsive and well-suited for classic games. However, the analog sticks have a significant dead zone and do not offer true 360° movement, which can impact gameplay, particularly for N64 titles. Despite these limitations, the analog sticks are still beneficial for certain games, especially those from the PS1 era.

# Software, Firmware, and Custom Firmware

The stock firmware provides a straightforward gaming experience with a user-friendly interface, but it lacks advanced features such as artwork scraping and over-the-air updates. Custom firmware options like Badera, Muos, and Garlic OS 2.0 offer enhanced customization and additional features, though some are still in development.

# Emulation Quality

• Dreamcast: Requires a change in the gfx plugin to Rice in Retro Arch for better performance, though some games may still experience slowdowns.
• PSP: Game compatibility varies, with some titles running well and others struggling to perform adequately on the device.
• N64: The device can run N64 games, but the experience can be inconsistent due to the analog stick issues and the need for specific graphical settings.
• DS: Performs well for most games, with frame skip set to one by default to maintain smooth gameplay.

# Portability and Practicality

The RG351XXH's compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable and comfortable to carry. It fits easily into most pockets, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go gaming.

# Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Ambernic RG351XXH is a solid choice for retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly, portable device with a horizontal form factor. Despite some limitations with its analog sticks and the need for additional setting adjustments for certain emulators, the device offers a good balance of performance and features. With the availability of custom firmware, the RG351XXH is poised to become even more versatile and user-friendly over time.

For those interested in the Ambernic RG351XXH, it's important to consider the types of games and systems you wish to emulate and to keep an eye on the development of custom firmware for an improved gaming experience.

"The more time that I spent using it, the more it grew on me." - Henry, FireEx Teex

Remember, the RG351XXH is not just a gaming device but an evolving platform that will continue to improve with new firmware updates and community support. With its competitive price point and potential for growth, it's a device worth considering for retro game enthusiasts.

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