Head-to-Head
RG ARC-D vs RG-353V
RG ARC-D vs RG-353V: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | RG ARC-D | RG353V |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Operating System | Android 11, Linux | Android 11 / Linux (ArkOS) |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3566 | RockChip RK3566 |
| RAM | 2 GB LPDDR4 | 2 GB LPDDR4 |
| Screen | 4.0 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 3200 mAh |
| Price | $98 | $113 (+ shipping) |
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The RG ARC-D and the RG-353V are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist, and on our compatibility grid they grade identically on every system we track. The gap between them is hardware and price, not the games they can run.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The RG ARC-D is powered by a RockChip RK3566 with 2 GB LPDDR4. The RG-353V uses a RockChip RK3566 with 2 GB LPDDR4. On our performance scale, the RG ARC-D scores 10/10 and the RG-353V scores 10/10. The RG ARC-D grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. The RG-353V grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. In practice, the RG ARC-D reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed. The RG-353V reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The RG ARC-D has a 4.0 inch display at 640 x 480. The RG-353V has a 3.5 inch display at 640 x 480. The RG ARC-D is a horizontal device, while the RG-353V is vertical. That shape difference matters for how the device feels in the hand and how comfortable it is for longer sessions.
Battery and price
The RG ARC-D carries a 3500 mAh battery, and the RG-353V a 3200 mAh battery. On price, the RG ARC-D sits around $98, while the RG-353V is around $113 (+ shipping).
Which should you buy?
On every system we grade, the RG ARC-D and the RG-353V are level, so there is no spec-sheet winner: the difference is the screen size (4.0 inch against 3.5 inch), the battery (3500 mAh against 3200 mAh) and the price ($98 against $113 (+ shipping)). Buy the one that costs less where you are, or the one whose screen size you prefer. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.