Anbernic have finally created a landscape RK3326 handheld with a 4:3 aspect ratio display. The Anbernic RG351MP has been rumoured since at least June and was considered to be cancelled, but is now confirmed and may even be available later this month.
It’s a bit frustrating that it took so long to do the blindingly obvious. The biggest complaint with the majority of RK3326 machines has been the weird aspect ratio and awkward screen resolutions. Most of systems that this chip can emulate support a 4:3 aspect ratio, yet it’s taken almost 2 years to get a landscape machine with a matching screen.
However, Anbernic have finally stepped up and delivered the goods. In much the same way as the RG350M consolidated everything good about every JZ4770 machine into one handheld, it looks as though the RG351MP (Metal Pro, apparently) sets out to do the same. There is a caveat though, and it means this might not be the last RK3326 handheld we’ll see from Anbernic.
ANBERNIC RG351MP SPECS
There’s nothing ground breaking about the RG351MP, rather it looks to be an iterative product that fixes one major gripe in the majority of previous landscape machines. The shell is very similar to (although potentially smaller than) the RG350M, which was my favourite of all the JZ4770 handhelds. Chunky and hefty but with a undeniable level of quality about it, this metal shell will apparently come in three colours for the RG351MP. The standard matte black version as expected, alongside “Ocean Blue” and “Mint Green” versions will be available on release.
The internals remain almost the same as all our other RK3326 machines including the RG351P, GameForce and Odroid-Go Super. The real difference comes with the addition of a 640*480 display, providing a 4:3 aspect ratio panel for the first time in this form factor. OCA laminated? Not sure yet but I would think so.
As is often the way though, it’s one step forward and one step back. Unlike the RG351M and RG351V, the RG351MP will apparently not have an internal WiFi chip. The cynic in me says they’ll release an RG351PP (Plastic Pro?) later on down the line and with WiFi onboard, but who really knows what their reasoning is.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Rumoured to be released later this month, the price is yet unknown. Going by previous Anbernic handhelds in this form factor it’s likely to be between $120 and $140 on release. Quite an ask considering the ruck of way more powerful handhelds on the horizon.
However, the RG351MP could draw a nice line under the RK3326 machines and may well end up being the one to have in this category. I can see people selling their RG351M and RG351P for one of these, and to be honest I might be one of them. Keep an eye on their AliExpress store and website for it if you’re interested.
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