Before you start: what you need
The G350 has no internal memory and no built-in Wi-Fi. Everything goes through the microSD cards and a computer. According to published unboxings, the box contains the console, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a manual and a 64 GB microSD card. There is no charger, no case and no screen protector. So you will need a 5 V mains adapter of at least 1.3 A. A phone charger can work if it is rated at least that. You will also need a computer with a card reader, either built in or a USB card reader, and your own game files.
On the legal side, the rule is simple: only use games you own the rights to. This guide gives no game list and links to no download sites. If you add a card for games, choose a microSD from a well-known brand. The manufacturer states a capacity of up to 256 GB, and the usable space after formatting is always less than the capacity printed on the card.
Charging and switching on
The USB-C port is on the top edge, on the left, marked DC/OTG. It is the console's only USB port, used for both charging and data. In the middle of that edge you will see two small indicator lights, and on the right the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Connect the supplied cable to a 5 V adapter of at least 1.3 A, then let the console charge before your first proper session. No fast charging is stated and no verified charging time is available, so allow plenty of time rather than watching the clock.
To switch on, press the Power button on the right-hand side. The Reset button sits on the same side, so take a moment to tell them apart. According to the manual, the console vibrates when it starts up. The menu of the factory Linux system, based on EmulationStation, then appears. As for battery life, expect up to 6 h according to the manufacturer, depending on brightness, volume, the emulator and the game you are playing.
| Step | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Charge | Connect the supplied cable to a 5 V adapter of at least 1.3 A, using the USB-C port on the top edge | Looking for a charger in the box: there isn't one |
| Switch on | Press Power on the right-hand side; according to the manual, the console vibrates at start-up | Pressing Reset, which is on the same side |
| Back up | Copy the games card and make a full image of the system card | Agreeing to format the TF1 card when the computer offers |
| Copy games | Put each file in its system's folder on the TF2 card | Renaming folders or dumping everything in the root of the card |
| Reinsert the card | With the console off, insert the games card into the TF2 slot on the right-hand side | Swapping the TF1 and TF2 cards |
| Refresh the list | Use the refresh game list option in the system menu | Deciding a game is incompatible before refreshing the list |
Two card slots, two jobs
The G350 has two microSD slots, one on each side. On the left, the TF1/INT slot holds the system card: it contains the Linux system and the menu. On the right, the TF2/EXT slot is for games. This split is handy: you can take out, fill and put back the games card without touching the system. It also calls for one simple habit. The TF1 card is not the place to add games, and it should never be formatted, even if your computer offers to do so.
For the games card, the manual specifies the FAT32 file system. Above all, remember that folder names matter: each emulated system has its own folder, and a game placed in the wrong folder will show up in the wrong place, or not at all. If your computer does not offer FAT32 for a new, high-capacity games card, a dedicated formatting utility will let you choose that format.
Back up both cards first
Before adding a single file, make a backup. Switch the console off, remove the cards, then insert them one at a time into your computer's reader. For the games card, copy everything into a dated folder on your drive. For the system card, a simple file copy is not always enough, as part of the card may stay hidden in Windows or macOS. Disk imaging software saves the whole card as a single file, which you can write back to another card if something goes wrong.
This backup protects you against a damaged card, a slip of the hand or trying out a community system. Community systems such as ArkOS, dArkOS and ROCKNIX exist, but installing them is at your own risk. Keep the original cards in a small labelled box rather than a pocket: a microSD card is easy to lose, and the system card holds all of the console's software.
Copying your games to the TF2 card
Put the games card in your computer's reader and open it. You will find one folder per emulated system. Copy each game file into the matching system folder, without adding extra subfolders unless you are sure they will be read. Leave the folder names as they are: renaming them is enough to make games vanish from the menu. Keep an eye on free space while copying, then use your computer's eject option before removing the card. Pulling a card out mid-write can lose files.
Start small. Copy a few games from two or three systems, check they appear and launch, then add more. The RK3326 chip runs 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, classic arcade and handhelds, including the GBA, very well, along with much of the PS1 library. For N64, PSP, Dreamcast and DS, results depend heavily on the game and the settings. PS2 is not supported.
Refreshing the game list and learning the controls
With the console off, put the card back in the TF2 slot on the right-hand side, then switch on. If your new games do not appear, open the system menu and look for the option that refreshes the game list: its exact name can vary between versions. The console also has a dedicated M button for the menu, between the D-pad and the ABXY buttons. The other controls are quick to find: angled SELECT and START buttons, two analogue sticks at the bottom of the front, four triggers, L1, L2, R2 and R1, side by side on the back, and volume on the left-hand side.
In their published reviews, several testers praised a precise D-pad and quiet buttons, which are nice for playing in the evening without disturbing anyone. Sound comes from a single downward-facing speaker; for stereo sound, plug headphones into the 3.5 mm jack. If anything in your box differs from what our product page describes, the G350 shop, an independent retailer, will help you by email.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add games without removing the card?
The G350 has no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so a card reader is the simplest method. The manufacturer says a USB Wi-Fi module can be connected to the USB-C port. It is sold separately, occupies the charging port and whether it works depends on the installed system. Online play is not promised.
What capacity should I choose for a games card?
The manufacturer states a maximum capacity of 256 GB. 8-bit and 16-bit games are tiny, so a small card is plenty. PS1 and PSP games take up far more space. Choose based on the systems you are interested in and leave some headroom, as the usable space after formatting is less than the capacity printed on the card.
What if a game appears but won't launch?
First check it is in the right system's folder, then copy the file across from your computer again in case it is damaged. For N64, PSP, Dreamcast or DS, behaviour depends a lot on the game and the emulator settings: one title may run well and another may not. No specific game is guaranteed.
Can I connect the console to a TV?
No. The G350 has no HDMI port and no TV output. Its only USB-C port, on the top edge, is for charging and data. So you play on its 3.5-inch 640 × 480 IPS screen, which has a 4:3 aspect ratio: games designed for that format fill the screen with no black bars.
Sources
- Retro Handhelds, G350 setup guide
- Handhelds Wiki, G350 page (specifications and photos)
- Retro Catalog, G350 specification sheet
Our guides draw on the manufacturer's documentation, supplier listings and published reviews. They do not describe any testing carried out by us.
