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AmberELEC
What it is
AmberELEC is free, open-source firmware for the Anbernic RG351P, RG351M, RG351V, RG351MP, and RG552 handhelds. Its 64-bit build is optimized for those models, with configured defaults intended to get users playing quickly. RetroArch and multiple emulator cores are included, along with save states, video filters, and native RetroAchievements support on supported emulators. RetroArch Netplay works when players use the same AmberELEC version, ROM, and core. An integrated scraper can retrieve game images, videos, manuals, maps, and metadata, but requires Wi-Fi and a ScreenScraper account. A package manager handles community themes. The exFAT games partition is accessible from Linux, Windows, and macOS, and guides cover importing LaunchBox playlists and media. An rclone-based tool backs up and restores saves, states, screenshots, and device backups; initial setup uses command-line and computer-based cloud authorization. Stable downloads are listed by model, so users must select the matching build.
For and against
For
- Free open-source firmware
- Supports multiple Anbernic handheld models
- Includes RetroArch and emulator cores
- Offers scraping and community themes
- Supports save states and Netplay
Against
- Only listed Anbernic models are supported
- Scraping requires Wi-Fi and ScreenScraper
- Cloud backup setup requires command-line work
- Rewind is disabled by default
The verdict
AmberELEC combines device-specific firmware with emulation, library tools, themes, and backup features. Users should verify their handheld model and follow the matching download guidance.
Who it suits
AmberELEC suits owners of the listed Anbernic handhelds who want open-source, self-hosted firmware with emulation and customization tools. It is also useful for users managing scraped libraries, themes, netplay, or backups.
Plans and prices
AmberELEC
Open source firmware for supported Anbernic handhelds; download the version matching your device
Read 8 Oct 2026 · amberelec.org
On the record
- Achievements
- AmberELEC has native RetroAchievements support on supported emulators.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Architecture
- The firmware is 64-bit and optimized for the RG351P/M/V/MP and RG552.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Cloud backup
- An rclone-based tool can back up and restore saves, states, screenshots, and device backups; initial setup requires command-line use and computer-based cloud authorization.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The download page lists stable downloads for RG351P/M, RG351V, RG351MP, and RG552, and warns users to choose the version for their device.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Emulation
- AmberELEC includes RetroArch and supports multiple emulator cores, with the latest site announcement highlighting new cores and emulators for the RG552.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- File access
- The exFAT games partition is accessible from Linux, Windows, and macOS.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Game scraping
- Its integrated scraper can retrieve game images, videos, manuals, maps, and metadata; scraping requires Wi-Fi and a ScreenScraper account.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The guides describe importing LaunchBox playlists, games, metadata, and media, and using RetroArch Netplay when players have the same AmberELEC version, ROM, and core.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Performance limit
- Rewind is disabled by default because enabling it can significantly slow games.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- AmberELEC is open source firmware developed for the Anbernic RG351P/M/V/MP and RG552 handhelds.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The guide recommends changing the root password or disabling SSH when it is not in use.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Setup
- The project says its pre-configured optimized defaults are intended to let users pick up and play.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs general questions and help requests to its Discord community and asks users to submit bug reports and feature requests through issue templates.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Themes
- A package manager lets users install and update community-made themes.amberelec.org · read 8 Oct 2026
