RG353V Retro Handheld Game Console Review

The RG353V is a vertical style retro handheld aimed at players who want the charm of classic gaming with the flexibility of modern software. It ships with a dual operating system setup, letting you boot into Android 11 or a Linux based environment tailored for emulation. The model commonly arrives with a 64 gigabyte TF card and a large library of preinstalled games, and while you should only play content you legally own, the out of box experience is clearly designed to get you playing quickly. Between 5G WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI output, and support for online play and streaming, this compact device tries to be a do everything retro companion. Here is how it performs in daily use.

Design and Build

The RG353V adopts a classic vertical profile that feels natural for platformers, shmups, and handheld era titles. The plastic shell is sturdy with minimal flex, and the matte finish resists fingerprints. The face layout places a modern analog stick above the D pad on the left and another analog stick beneath the A B X Y cluster on the right. The sticks are low profile, responsive, and appropriate for systems that benefit from analog control without making the device bulky. A dedicated function button, start and select, and four shoulder buttons are arranged for comfortable access. Because this is a vertical unit, the stacked shoulder buttons are narrower than on a horizontal handheld, but the spacing is good enough to avoid accidental presses during fast paced play.

Weight is balanced for one handed holds during menu navigation yet remains light enough to reduce fatigue across long sessions. Venting is discrete and the device runs cool under typical 16 bit and 32 bit loads, only warming during demanding platforms. Fit and finish are solid, ports align cleanly, and the microSD slot is easy to reach for swapping cards.

Display

The screen is a bright IPS panel with excellent viewing angles and vivid color that flatters pixel art. The resolution is high enough for sharp scaling of handheld and 16 bit console libraries while leaving room for shaders and bezels if you like a more authentic look. Black levels are respectable for IPS and motion handling is smooth, so fast scrolling and sprite heavy scenes remain crisp. Touch support in Android is responsive, which helps when navigating streaming apps and front ends.

Controls and Ergonomics

The D pad is a strong point. It has a precise cross shape and a satisfying pivot that excels in fighters, platformers, and puzzle games. Face buttons are snappy without being harsh. Shoulder buttons have a short travel and clear separation between the inner and outer layers, which is useful for systems that require analog trigger mapping. The analog sticks are accurate and click in for L3 R3 when needed by Android games.

Because of the vertical layout, your hands sit closer together than on a widescreen handheld. Most players will find this comfortable for classic titles, but extended sessions in 3D games that rely on frequent shoulder inputs may reveal the limits of the form factor. Still, for the target libraries, the shape works well.

Performance and Emulation

The RG353V’s chipset is tuned for systems up through the 32 bit era and selected 64 bit content. In practical terms that means excellent performance for 8 bit and 16 bit consoles, handhelds up through Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS with appropriate core settings, and strong results for PlayStation and many Nintendo 64 titles when using optimized cores and settings. Dreamcast and PlayStation Portable are possible with mixed results. Lighter PSP games and many Dreamcast titles run well, while the heaviest 3D games require frameskip or reduced resolution. For these tiers, expectations should be set to enjoy the broad middle of each catalog rather than demanding every title to run perfectly.

Linux offers a curated, console like user experience. Emulation front ends are preconfigured, and the interface exposes common options such as shaders, aspect ratios, and save states without diving into complicated menus. Android 11 expands the device’s reach to native Android games and premium emulators with more granular control. You can fine tune per game settings and performance profiles. Combined, the dual OS approach lets you pick simplicity or flexibility as needed.

Software Experience

Booting into Linux gives you a clean carousel of systems and games with artwork and metadata. It is friendly for new users and works well on the small screen with controller only navigation. Android unlocks app stores, cloud streaming services, and third party emulators. Touch input makes setup faster and allows quick text entry for network credentials, account logins, and scraping libraries. The ability to switch between operating systems lets you separate your focused retro setup in Linux from your experimental or streaming oriented setup in Android.

The included 64 gigabyte TF card typically arrives organized by system, which gets you playing immediately. If you build your own library, storage expansion is simple and the device recognizes additional cards without fuss. Again, only use games you own and back up your cartridges and discs responsibly.

Connectivity and Online Play

Support for 5G WiFi means faster downloads on modern routers and smoother performance when streaming or scraping game art. Bluetooth 4.2 enables wireless controllers and headsets. For couch setups, the HDMI output is a standout. Connect the RG353V to a television or capture device, pair a Bluetooth pad, and you have a tidy living room retro station. Online fighting and netplay are feasible through supported emulators that offer rollback or delay based netcode. Performance will depend on both your connection and your opponent’s, but the hardware and networking stack are capable of providing a fun experience when conditions are good.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life varies by workload. Classic 8 bit and 16 bit consoles sip power and can stretch several hours comfortably. Demanding 3D systems, WiFi heavy streaming, or maximum brightness reduce endurance. Charging over USB C is convenient and the device can be used while plugged in. Thermal behavior under charge is controlled and there is no aggressive throttling unless pushed hard in Android with intensive workloads.

Audio

Front facing speakers deliver clear sound for chiptunes and early CD era music. Volume reaches comfortable levels without distortion. A wired headphone jack is present for private play and for those who prefer zero latency audio. Bluetooth audio works well for casual play; rhythm or fighting game enthusiasts may prefer wired to avoid latency.

HDMI and Streaming

HDMI output is reliable with simple plug and play operation. Output resolution is clean and scaling options allow you to preserve aspect ratios on modern displays. In Android, the device handles mainstream streaming services and cloud gaming apps with acceptable responsiveness given the hardware. As a travel companion that can both emulate and stream from home or the cloud, the RG353V covers a lot of ground.

Heat, Noise, and Reliability

There is no active fan, so the unit is silent. Under heavy Android emulation or extended 3D sessions, the back becomes warm but not uncomfortable. The shell shows good scratch resistance over time and buttons retain their feel after many hours. MicroSD cards are the most common point of failure in any retro handheld; using a reputable card and keeping backups of your library and saves is wise.

Everyday Use

The strongest endorsement for the RG353V is how quickly it gets you from power on to playing. Linux boots into a curated front end for turnkey sessions. Android gives you the freedom to add favorite emulators, streaming apps, and themes. The vertical form factor makes the device truly pocket friendly. It slides into a small bag alongside a charging cable and a spare card, making it ideal for commuting, short trips, or lunch break gaming.

Who It Is For

Choose the RG353V if you value a classic handheld feel, want an easy start in Linux with the option to tinker in Android, and primarily play systems from the 8 bit through PlayStation era with selective forays into Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and PSP. If your priority is flawless performance in the most demanding 3D titles from the sixth generation onward, you should look higher up the performance ladder or consider devices with larger horizontal layouts and more powerful chipsets. For its intended libraries and use cases, this model hits a sweet spot of price, capability, and convenience.

Verdict

The RG353V brings together a comfortable vertical design, a bright and responsive screen, excellent D pad and button feel, and a flexible dual OS approach that caters to both beginners and tweakers. Strong performance across classic libraries, reliable WiFi and Bluetooth, and clean HDMI output round out a very complete package. Battery life is solid for its class and the silent operation makes it easy to keep nearby and pick up anytime. It is not a powerhouse intended to crush every demanding 3D title, and the vertical shape is less optimal for games that lean heavily on shoulder inputs. Within its lane, however, the experience is polished, friendly, and surprisingly versatile.

If your retro tastes center on handheld and 16 bit favorites, with PlayStation and a curated selection of Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and PSP titles on the side, the RG353V is an easy recommendation. Add in Android streaming and living room play over HDMI and you get a compact device that punches above its size.

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Assassin's Creed Mirage - Launch Edition (PlayStation 5) Review

Platform: PlayStation 5
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: October 5, 2023

Introduction

The Assassin's Creed franchise has evolved over the years, shifting its focus from traditional stealth-action to expansive RPGs with an emphasis on exploration, level grinding, and narrative-driven choices. With Assassin's Creed Mirage, Ubisoft brings the series back to its roots—offering a more focused, linear experience that harkens back to the days of the original games. Set in the bustling city of 9th-century Baghdad, Mirage is a nostalgic journey through the heart of the Middle East, but does this return to form manage to meet the high expectations of long-time fans and newcomers alike? Let's break it down.

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Story and Setting: A Return to the Golden Age of the Assassin's Creed Franchise

The story of Assassin's Creed Mirage follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a young thief who is drawn into the world of the Assassin Brotherhood after an early encounter with a mysterious group of figures. The game takes place in 861 CE, in the golden age of the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate, and explores Basim's journey as he grapples with his personal motivations, loyalty to the Assassins, and the larger political intrigues of the time.

The narrative, while not as sprawling as recent entries like Valhalla or Odyssey, is rich in character-driven moments. Basim, who was introduced in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, is now at the center of his own origin story. His development from street rat to skilled assassin is a compelling arc, and the writing does a good job of drawing the player into his personal struggles and relationship with other key figures in the Brotherhood.

The setting is one of Mirage's strongest points—Baghdad in the 9th century is meticulously recreated, with vibrant streets, towering minarets, and intricate marketplaces, all rendered beautifully on the PlayStation 5. The city's density feels alive with NPCs, animals, merchants, and political factions, making it a living, breathing world full of potential for exploration and assassination. The choice to focus on a singular, well-crafted location rather than a sprawling open world is a major shift from recent games and it works in Mirage's favor, ensuring that the environment doesn’t feel too overwhelming and is full of meaningful encounters.

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Gameplay: Stealth, Parkour, and Precision Combat

At its core, Assassin's Creed Mirage brings back the classic formula of stealth, parkour, and fast-paced, fluid combat that made the early Assassin's Creed titles so iconic. The game places heavy emphasis on the stealth-based approach, rewarding players for planning out their assassinations, using shadows, and making the most of environmental tools to eliminate targets without raising alarms.

• Stealth Mechanics: The stealth mechanics are back in full force, with Basim having access to a variety of tools such as smoke bombs, hidden blades, and distracting items to help him move unnoticed. The AI is responsive but not overly punishing—allowing players to feel like true Assassins when they pull off a perfectly executed sneak attack.

• Parkour and Movement: One of the most refreshing aspects of Mirage is the return of the parkour-focused movement system. Basim has a fluid and agile range of movements, from wall-running to vaulting over obstacles. The parkour system is more refined than in Valhalla, and it encourages verticality—players can move across the rooftops of Baghdad’s grand buildings with ease, providing plenty of opportunities for fluid escapes or surprise attacks.

• Combat: Combat is satisfying but feels more grounded compared to the more RPG-inspired battles of recent Assassin's Creed games. Basim uses a variety of weapons, from his hidden blades to swords and daggers. The combat is focused on swift, decisive attacks and counters, with an emphasis on rhythm rather than brute force. While not as deep as some RPG-style combat systems, the focus on quick strikes and fluidity works well for a title that is trying to recapture the spirit of earlier entries.

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Graphics and Audio: A Visual Feast for the Senses

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a visual treat, thanks to the power of the PlayStation 5 hardware. The game's recreation of Baghdad is absolutely stunning, with detailed textures, dynamic lighting, and atmospheric weather effects that bring the city to life. The intricate designs of the market stalls, bustling streets, and impressive architectural landmarks are incredibly well-crafted, with a sense of scale that immerses players in the world.

The use of lighting, especially during sunset or dawn, gives the game a beautiful and cinematic feel. The day-night cycle is effective in establishing mood—whether it’s sneaking under the cover of darkness or navigating sunlit streets, the environment feels alive and reactive to Basim’s movements.

The soundtrack, composed by Jesper Kyd (famous for his work on previous Assassin’s Creed games), complements the setting beautifully, with a blend of traditional Middle Eastern instruments and orchestral elements that set the tone for exploration and assassination. Voice acting is solid, with Basim's performance being particularly noteworthy for how well it conveys the character's inner turmoil and growth.

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Length and Replayability

In terms of length, Assassin's Creed Mirage is more concise than recent Assassin's Creed entries, clocking in at around 15-20 hours for the main story, depending on how much side content you explore. The game offers various optional objectives, such as collecting hidden artifacts, completing assassination contracts, and finding secret locations across the city. While it’s not as sprawling as Valhalla, there’s still a healthy amount of content to keep players engaged beyond the main narrative.

The game's focused structure makes it feel like a more traditional action-adventure title, offering a satisfying amount of challenge without the need for endless grinding. The replayability factor comes from the multiple ways to approach assassinations and the pursuit of collectibles, but the linearity may leave some wishing for more variety in terms of environments and side content.

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Final Verdict: A Stealthy, Satisfying Return to Form

Assassin’s Creed Mirage successfully reinvents the Assassin's Creed formula, offering a more traditional and focused experience that will resonate strongly with fans of the original games. The return to stealth, parkour, and the rich, historical setting of Baghdad is a welcomed change after the vast, sprawling worlds of previous entries. The narrative, while not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep players invested in Basim’s journey, and the game’s refined mechanics make for a satisfying and fluid experience.

Though it might feel a bit familiar for players who have seen the franchise evolve over the years, Mirage nails what made the early titles so beloved. For anyone looking for a compact, thrilling return to the roots of Assassin’s Creed, Mirage is a solid and highly enjoyable title.

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