Name: Anbernic Arc-D
Brand: Anbernic
SKU: ARC-D 16GB

In the ever-evolving world of retro gaming, the pursuit of the perfect handheld emulator has led to the discovery of some truly unique devices. One such device, the Anbernic ARC-D, promises to revive nostalgia for classic Sega fans with its iconic Mega Drive-style design and a suite of features aimed at offering a portable gaming experience. While this handheld initially caught the attention of retro gaming enthusiasts, it quickly faded from the spotlight. But why did this promising device fall out of favor, and can custom firmware be its saving grace? Let’s dive into the details.

A Retro Design That Packs a Punch

At first glance, the Anbernic ARC-D is a visual treat for Sega fans. With its Mega Drive-style D-pad, six front-facing buttons, and Sega-inspired design, this handheld will instantly transport ’90s gamers back to the days of arcade classics. It doesn’t just look the part—it feels incredibly comfortable to hold, with the D-pad responding well to diagonal inputs and the buttons, though a bit high and stiff, still offering decent feedback.

Specs similar to the 353V line of handhelds, remember that?

Despite its impressive design, the build quality leaves a bit to be desired. The plastic on the rear feels slightly cheap, but once you start gaming, that’s quickly forgotten. However, it’s important to note that the controls are not quite up to the level of the original Mega Drive controller, especially when compared to other similar devices like the 8BitDo M30.

A Mixed Experience with Stock Firmware

We didn’t expect anything good. They delivered… Crap.

The Anbernic ARC-D comes preloaded with stock firmware, but unfortunately, it’s far from perfect. Upon booting up, you’ll encounter the operating system, with 16GB of storage providing only a handful of freeware games. Admittedly this is what we wanted, choosing to go with the single 16gb microSD option. The OS includes an Android 11 interface, and while it allows for touchscreen navigation, it’s severely lacking in functionality due to the lack of the Google Play Store.

Despite the stock firmware boasting a smooth interface, many systems, including PSP and PlayStation games, failed to run well, if at all. PSP required frameskip to run well, and Saturn was hit and miss. Adding ROMs was a nightmare, as the folder structures were unintuitive, and the system frequently crashed or refused to load games.

Ridge Racerrrrrrs, driving at 90% full speed.. Bruuum, SCREEEEEETCH!!! BRRBRBBRBRBR!

This half-baked experience reflects the downfall of many similar retro handhelds, where the stock firmware fails to live up to the potential of the hardware.

Custom Firmware – The Game-Changer

The true potential of the Anbernic ARC-D shines through when you switch to custom firmware. Whereas other handhelds have a vast array of choices, the ARC-D only has two options, Gamma OS and Rocknix. These tailored operating systems breathe new life into the device, unlocking its true gaming potential.

Gamma OS, based on Android 12, is optimized for handheld use. It comes preloaded with RetroArch and Google Play, and its streamlined interface makes emulation easier and smoother. However, for those who prefer Linux-based systems, Rocknix is a fantastic alternative. Although installation requires a bit of effort (and removing Android entirely), Rocknix brings solid performance, allowing the device to run a huge variety of systems, from GameBoy to Dreamcast.

One of the standout features of Rocknix is its compatibility with a wide range of retro games, including classics like Quake, F-Zero, and Sonic remakes. The software runs smoothly, and the device’s design—especially the large, vibrant display—makes it ideal for these retro experiences. Even when playing more demanding games like PlayStation and Sega Saturn, Rocknix delivers reasonable performance, though demanding titles might require some adjustments to settings.

Classic games is where the Anbernic ARC-D SHINES

Performance and Playability

When it comes to actual gameplay, the Anbernic ARC-D really starts to shine. Its large, 4-inch IPS display is bright and vibrant, making it perfect for enjoying classic games. The buttons are well-suited for fighting games, and the mini HDMI port turns it into a console when hooked up to a TV, though performance is best on a 720p or 1080p display to minimize input latency.

The device handles a range of classic systems with ease, from Game Boy Color and Megadrive, to PS1 and Amiga. While PSP, Saturn and Dreamcast emulation may require altering options, and the use of frameskip, the device manages to run many games at full speed. The ability to play classic Mega Drive and Sega CD games, as well as titles from 3DO and Arcade systems, makes the ARC-D a true gem for retro gaming aficionados.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Sega-inspired design with a comfortable, familiar feel.
Excellent D-pad and front-facing buttons, making it perfect for arcade and fighting games.
Rocknix firmware transforms the device into a capable retro powerhouse, with smooth emulation for a variety of systems.
Vibrant, 4-inch 4:3 display ideal for portable gaming.
Mini HDMI port for easy TV output, turning it into a console experience.

Cons:

Stock firmware is incomplete and unreliable, with many systems failing to run correctly.
Limited battery life, offering just 2 to 4 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
Lack of analog sticks can hinder the experience for certain games, especially those requiring precise controls.
Build quality is a bit cheap, though this is mitigated by the device’s overall comfort.

Final Thoughts: A Diamond in the Rough

At a price of around $75, the Anbernic ARC-D offers an incredible value for any ’90s kid or Sega enthusiast looking to relive the glory days of retro gaming. While the stock firmware is far from perfect, the Rocknix custom firmware truly elevates the device, making it a capable and enjoyable handheld for emulating a wide range of classic consoles.

The Anbernic ARC-D is undoubtedly a hidden gem—a device that faltered at launch but has the potential to provide hours of retro gaming fun with the right tweaks. If you’re willing to invest a little time into custom firmware, this handheld could be a perfect companion for all your retro gaming needs. Despite its initial setbacks, the Anbernic ARC-D deserves a second look and could easily become your go-to portable emulation handheld.