AmberELEC Setup and Update Guide

AmberELEC Setup and Update Guide

Last updated: 13JUL2022

AmberELEC is the new custom firmware that replaced 351ELEC for devices such as the Anbernic RG351P, RG351M, RG351V, RG351MP, and RG552. This video and guide will walk you through its setup as well as showcase new features in this release.

AmberELEC webpage
AmberELEC discord server

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TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge on Retro Handhelds

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge on Retro Handhelds

Last updated: 11FEB2024 (see Changelog for details)

UPDATE: PortMaster has recently created a one-stop shop for all things related to running ports on retro handhelds. I recommend checking out their website and my most recent PortMaster guide instead of the guide below; I’m leaving this page up for posterity’s sake only. To get started, head over to their Games tab, find the game you want to run, and check out their instructions on that page. If you run into any issues, their discord server is also a great place to start.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge has become a massive hit, and for good reason. It’s a perfect mixture of old-school beat-em-up and modern control schemes, and it has plenty of fun stuff to unlock, too. In this guide we’ll get the game running on various handhelds so you can play this game anywhere.

This should work in any PortMaster-compatible retro handheld. For best results, make sure you are running the most recent version of ArkOS, AmberELEC, or JELOS, and that you have installed the latest version of PortMaster. Here is my PortMaster guide.

Note that the “Final” version of ArkOS for the RG351P and RG351M will not support the game due to an outdated SDL2 library. However, wuMMLe’s fork of ArkOS has been updated to support it, but there are some script changes needed (see the notes below). If you want the latest for those devices, I recommend using JELOS or AmberELEC, since they are in active development.

Setting up this game is similar to other ports such as Celeste, Shovel Knight, Undertale, Timespinner, and Iconoclasts. Big thanks to developer JohnnyOnFlame for getting this port up and running; please consider buying him a coffee for his hard work.

Continue reading “TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge on Retro Handhelds”

Guide: Timespinner on Retro Handhelds (PortMaster)

Guide: Timespinner on Retro Handhelds (PortMaster)

UPDATE: PortMaster has recently created a one-stop shop for all things related to running ports on retro handhelds. I recommend checking out their website and my most recent PortMaster guide instead of the guide below; I’m leaving this page up for posterity’s sake only. To get started, head over to their Games tab, find the game you want to run, and check out their instructions on that page. If you run into any issues, their discord server is also a great place to start.

The indie classic game Timespinner has recently been ported to various handheld devices, thanks to community developers and the awesome PortMaster tool. Here are the systems that can run the game as of making this guide:

Anbernic RG351P (ArkOS final, TheRA, AmberELEC, JELOS)
Anbernic RG351M (ArkOS final, TheRA, AmberELEC, JELOS)
Anbernic RG351V (ArkOS, TheRA, AmberELEC, JELOS)
Anbernic RG351MP (ArkOS, TheRA, AmberELEC, JELOS)
Anbernic RG552 (AmberELEC, JELOS)
PowKiddy RGB10 (ArkOS)
GameForce Chi (ArkOS)
RK2020 (ArkOS)
ODROID Go Advance (ArkOS)
ODROID Go Super (The RetroArena, RetroOZ)
PowKiddy RGB10 Max (The Retro Arena, RetroOZ)

Setting up this game is similar to other ports such as Shovel Knight, Undertale, and Iconoclasts. Big thanks to developer JohnnyOnFlame for getting this port up and running; please consider buying him a coffee for his hard work.

Note that you will need to have PortMaster installed and updated on your device. Here is my PortMaster guide.

Continue reading “Guide: Timespinner on Retro Handhelds (PortMaster)”

My current (simple) 351ELEC setup

My current (simple) 351ELEC setup

Sometimes, less is more. In this video I’ll show you how I’ve pared down my retro game collection to just focus on the games that I actually want to play, and how it has given me the opportunity to just focus on games, and not endless browsing.

Devices that support this setup:
Anbernic RG351P
Anbernic RG351M
Anbernic RG351V
Anbernic RG351MP
PowKiddy RGB10 Pro
PowKiddy RGB10 Max
PowKiddy RGB10 Max 2

351ELEC: https://351elec.de/
ArkOS: https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki

Note that while I didn’t explicitly mention it, this same setup can be done within RetroOZ for its supported devices as well. Check out the latest version here.

Continue reading “My current (simple) 351ELEC setup”

Stardew Valley on Retro Handhelds

Stardew Valley on Retro Handhelds

Last updated: 13JUL2022 (see Changelog for details)

UPDATE: PortMaster has recently created a one-stop shop for all things related to running ports on retro handhelds. I recommend checking out their website and my most recent PortMaster guide instead of the guide below; I’m leaving this page up for posterity’s sake only. To get started, head over to their Games tab, find the game you want to run, and check out their instructions on that page. If you run into any issues, their discord server is also a great place to start.

The beloved farming simulator Stardew Valley has now been ported to RK3326 devices such as the Anbernic RG351 series, PowKiddy RGB10 series, ODROID Go Advance/Super, and the GameForce Chi. This game also works on other devices that work with PortMaster, such as the Anbernic RG552, RG353P, and RG503.

Setting up this game is similar to other ports such as Shovel Knight, Undertale, and Iconoclasts. Mad props to developer JohnnyOnFlame for getting this port running; please consider buying him a coffee for his hard work.

IMPORTANT NOTE: since making my installation video below, the game has been updated which affects that installation. From now on, it’s important to download the “Compatibility” version of the game in order for the process to work. The written instructions below will walk you through that process.

Continue reading “Stardew Valley on Retro Handhelds”

Guide: Iconoclasts on Retro Handhelds (via PortMaster)

Guide: Iconoclasts on Retro Handhelds (via PortMaster)

UPDATE: PortMaster has recently created a one-stop shop for all things related to running ports on retro handhelds. I recommend checking out their website and my most recent PortMaster guide instead of the guide below; I’m leaving this page up for posterity’s sake only. To get started, head over to their Games tab, find the game you want to run, and check out their instructions on that page. If you run into any issues, their discord server is also a great place to start.

Today we’re going to set up the indie game Iconoclasts to work on RK3326-powered retro handheld devices such as the RG351MP and the RG351V, as well as the RG552, RG503, and RG353P devices running PortMaster-friendly custom firmware. This port is available thanks to the PortMaster platform, which is available on the ArkOS, Retro Arena, JELOS, and AmberELEC firmwares.

Some notes

  • The video guide shows you how to set up the device on ArkOS, but the process will be the same for the other firmwares.
  • This game isn’t meant to play on low-resolution screens, and so the text is mostly illegible on 480×320 displays like on the RG351P, RG351M, and RGB10. In general, I would recommend this game for the RG351MP, RG351V, and the Chi GameForce.
  • As of making this video, the port doesn’t work on RetroOZ, so there is no option to play this on the RGB10 Max or ODROID Go Super.
Continue reading “Guide: Iconoclasts on Retro Handhelds (via PortMaster)”

Review: 3D-Printed Grips for Anbernic Devices

Review: 3D-Printed Grips for Anbernic Devices

The 3D-printed grips in this video can transform the ergonomics of your device, and they ship worldwide. Current models include options for the RG350, RG350P, RG350M, RG280V, RG351P, RG351M, RG351V, and RG351MP devices.

Buy them here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/3DPrintingLennard/
Also on eBay: https://ebay.us/qe1qu5

The eBay link above is an affiliate link for which I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

I’m also giving away the following units:

RG280V (silver 80%)
RG351P (green)
RG350M/RG350P/RG351MP (orange transparent)
RG350M/RG350P/RG351MP (red transparent)
RG350 (green transparent)
Enter the giveaway here

Print your own with the Lupus Worax designs

Continue reading “Review: 3D-Printed Grips for Anbernic Devices”

Guide: 351ELEC “Pineapple Forest” Update

Guide: 351ELEC “Pineapple Forest” Update

Let’s look at the latest update for the 351ELEC custom firmware, available now for the Anbernic RG351P, RG351M, RG351V, and RG351MP devices. In this video I’ll guide you through the installation (or update) process, and some of the new features they’ve added, such as custom bezels, save state management, standalone N64 emulation, and more.

Supported devices:
Anbernic RG351P
Anbernic RG351M
Anbernic RG351V
Anbernic RG351MP

Continue reading “Guide: 351ELEC “Pineapple Forest” Update”

Review: Anbernic RG280M

Review: Anbernic RG280M

The Anbernic RG280M is on sale for $63 on Amazon so I decided to pick one up and compare it to the current catalog of sub-$100 retro handheld devices. With a well-established chipset and excellent custom firmware, is this a hidden gem, or something worth skipping?

Amazon sale ($63, limited stock)
AliExpress ($66)
Adam firmware guide

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Singles Day Sales (2021)

Singles Day Sales (2021)

Today is Singles Day in China, which means there are lots of deals to be had for the next 24-48 hours. Some are better than others, but here is a collection of items I’ve found. I’ll edit this post as I get more deals — be sure to share anything you find in the comments too! Note that some of these are affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission if you order anything (at no extra cost to you).

Continue reading “Singles Day Sales (2021)”