Before you start: what you'll need
The G350 has no internal memory and no built-in Wi-Fi. Everything goes through microSD cards and a computer. According to published unboxings, the box includes 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 plan on a 5 V wall adapter rated at least 1.3 A. A phone charger can work if its label shows at least those values. You'll also need a computer with a card reader, either built in or a USB stick-style reader, plus your own game files.
On the legal side, the rule is simple: only use games you own the rights to. This guide doesn't provide a game list or link to any download site. If you add a card for games, choose a microSD from a well-known brand. The manufacturer lists support for cards up to 256 GB, and the usable space after formatting is always a bit less than the capacity printed on the card.
Charging and turning it on
The USB-C port sits on the top edge, on the left, labeled DC/OTG. It's the console's only USB port, and it handles both charging and data. In the middle of that edge you'll see two small indicator lights, and on the right, the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Plug the included cable into a 5 V adapter rated at least 1.3 A, then let the console charge before your first real session. No fast charging is advertised and no verified charging time is available, so give it plenty of time rather than watching the clock.
To turn it on, press the Power button on the right side. The Reset button is on that same side, so take a moment to tell them apart. According to the manual, the console vibrates when it starts up. The factory Linux system's menu, based on EmulationStation, then appears. As for battery life, expect up to 6 h according to the manufacturer. Actual runtime depends on brightness, volume, the emulator and the game you're playing.
| Step | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Charge | Plug the included cable into a 5 V adapter rated 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 |
| Turn on | Press Power on the right side. According to the manual, the console vibrates at startup | 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 card's root |
| Reinsert the card | With the console off, insert the games card in the TF2 slot on the right side | Mixing up the TF1 and TF2 cards |
| Refresh the list | Use the game list update 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 remove, fill and reinsert the games card without touching the system. It also calls for one simple habit. Don't modify the TF1 card to add games, and never format it, even if your computer offers to.
According to the manual, the games card in the TF2/EXT slot reads games in the FAT32 format. The key thing to remember is that folder names matter: each emulated system has its own folder, and a game placed in the wrong folder won't show up in the right place, or may not show up at all. If your computer doesn't offer FAT32 for a new, high-capacity games card, a dedicated formatting utility will let you choose it.
Back up both cards first
Before you add a single file, make a backup. Turn off the console, remove the cards, then insert them one at a time into your computer's reader. For the games card, copy everything to a dated folder on your drive. For the system card, a simple file copy isn't always enough, because part of the card may be hidden from Windows or macOS. A disk imaging tool saves the entire card as a single file, which you can write back to another card if something goes wrong.
This backup protects you from a damaged card, a mistake, 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 labeled box rather than a pocket: a microSD is easy to lose, and the system card holds all of the console's software.
Copying your games to the TF2 card
Insert the games card into your computer's reader and open it. You'll find one folder per emulated system. Copy each game file into the matching system folder, and don't create extra subfolders unless you're sure they'll be read. Leave folder names as they are: renaming them is enough to make games disappear 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 cause lost files.
Start small. Copy a few games from two or three systems, check that they appear and launch, then add more. The RK3326 chip runs 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, classic arcade games, handhelds including the GBA, and a large share of PS1 games very well. 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 side, then turn it on again. If your new games don't appear, open the system menu and look for the option that updates the game list. The exact name may vary by version. The console also has a dedicated M button for the menu, located between the D-pad and the ABXY buttons. The other controls are easy to find: angled SELECT and START buttons, two analog sticks at the bottom of the front, four triggers on the back (L1, L2, R2 and R1 side by side), and volume on the left side.
In their published reviews, several testers praised a precise D-pad and quiet buttons, nice for playing in the evening without bothering anyone. Sound comes from a single speaker that faces down. For stereo sound, plug headphones into the 3.5 mm jack. The G350 shop, an independent reseller, describes the box from published unboxings: if yours differs, or you are unsure which slot the included card goes in, email us before you start.
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 plug into the USB-C port. It's sold separately, takes up the charging port, and whether it works depends on the installed system. Online play is not promised.
What size card should I get for games?
The manufacturer lists a maximum of 256 GB. 8-bit and 16-bit games are tiny, so a small card is plenty. PS1 and PSP games take up much more space. Choose based on the systems you care about and leave some room, since usable space after formatting is less than the capacity printed on the card.
What if a game shows up but won't launch?
First, check that it's in the right system's folder, then copy the file over again from your computer in case it's damaged. For N64, PSP, Dreamcast or DS, behavior depends a lot on the game and the emulator settings: one title may run well while another doesn't. 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. You play on its 3.5-inch IPS screen at 640 × 480 in a 4:3 aspect ratio, so 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 are based on the manufacturer's documentation, supplier product sheets and published reviews. They don't describe any testing done by us.
