Anbernic RG351M is gaining significant attention among retro gaming enthusiasts as a premium handheld retro gaming console. With a sleek and ergonomic design, this Linux-based emulator supports a diverse range of retro systems. A top choice for beginners, features like 3500 mAh battery, excellent joystick, and vibrant 3.5-inch screen add to its allure. Intricate details like simulated vibration, double joystick operation, and specific heat dissipation further enhance its functionality. This article will help beginners with an in-depth tutorial on setting up Anbernic RG351M for optimum usage.
Unboxing the Anbernic RG351M
When you unbox the Anbernic RG351M, it comes with a USB Type-C cable, a user manual, and the console itself featuring a dual joystick, L1/L2/R1/R2 physical button layout, D-pad, four action buttons, a reset, a function key, a start & select button, a power switch, a type-C port, an OTG port, a headphone jack, and volume control.
Charging the Anbernic RG351M
Start by charging the console using the USB Type-C cable enclosed in the box. Fully charge the console, which takes approximately 3-4 hours. While charging, the LED indicator on the Anbernic RG351M turns red, and it flicks off when the console is completely charged.
Switching On and Off
Switch on the Anbernic RG351M by flipping the power switch, which is on the top left side. The default interface will appear within a few seconds. The console’s interface when booted up for the first time shows various gaming emulators like MAME, FBA, GBA, GBC, GB, SFC, FC, MD, PS, PCE, WSC, N64, DC, PSP, DS, ONS, DOS, and X1. To switch off the device, flip the power button again.
Configuring the Buttons
From the menu screen, select ‘Retroarch.’ Inside Retroarch, navigate to the ‘Settings’ option and select ‘Input.’ Within ‘Input,’ you may set your ‘Input User 1 Binds.’ Here you would set configurations like B button (down), Y button (left), Select button (minus), Start button (plus), Up D-pad (up), Down D-pad (down), Left D-pad (left), Right D-pad (right), A button (right), X button (top), L button (L1), R button (R1), L2 button (L2), R2 button (R2), L3 button (L3), and R3 button (R3).
Loading Games
To load games into the device, use the MicroSD slot on the bottom of the console. Standard SD cards up to the size of 256GB are supported. After inserting the SD card, navigate to the game you wish to load using the digital pad (D-pad) and start the game by pressing the ‘A’ button. To quit or exit a game, press the ‘Function’ and ‘Start’ button simultaneously.
Saving and Loading Game States
To save a game state, first, open a game console (For example: PlayStation), then launch a game. Once you’re in the game, press the ‘Function’ + ‘A’ button, then use the D-pad to navigate to the ‘Save State’ option, then press the ‘A’ button. Your current game state would be saved. To load a game state, press the ‘Function’ + ‘A’ button, direct to ‘Load State’, and press the ‘A’ button.
Adjusting Screen Brightness
Press and hold the ‘Function’ button and press the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ button to increase or decrease the screen brightness, respectively.
Configuring Audio
From the menu screen, select ‘Retroarch.’ Inside Retroarch, navigate to ‘Settings,’ then go to ‘Audio.’ Here, you can handle the audio settings, mute/unmute audio, adjust the audio volume, and synchronize the audio.
Customizing Themes
Customizing the theme of your Anbernic RG351M is relatively effortless. Go to ‘Settings’ in the Emulation Station and select ‘UI Settings.’ In the ‘Theme Set,’ you will find a variety of themes you can choose from. After selecting the desired theme, press ‘Back,’ and then ‘Restart System.’ The console will reboot and apply the new theme.
Wi-Fi Setup
Setting up Wi-Fi is undoubtedly essential for Firmware updates. To connect to a Wi-Fi network, navigate to the ‘Network Settings’ and turn on ‘Wi-Fi.’ Proceed to choose your Wi-Fi network and input the network password.
Updating Firmware
Regular firmware updates offer enhanced performance and bug fixes. Once connected to Wi-Fi, you can easily access and download new firmware updates. Navigate to the ‘Update Firmware’ option, and once selected, the console will download the latest firmware update.
Getting accustomed to the Anbernic RG351M might seem complicated to absolute beginners, but a thorough understanding of the setup and operation process makes it effortless. This multi-support retro gaming console, with its superior hardware and software capacities, offers an exquisite nostalgic gaming experience. Equipped with this step-by-step setup guide, diving into a world of retro games becomes easy as pie. As you spend time exploring, you’ll uncover an outstanding array of games and customization features this console has to offer.
