Remember the buzz? Just over a month ago, the retro gaming world was set abuzz by a leaked video of a mysterious Anbernic handheld, the RG DS. The footage, showcasing a bold dual-screen design, was so unexpected that it sparked debate. Skepticism ran high, with at least one prominent YouTuber dismissing it as "pure AI slop," an unsubstantiated but widely circulated claim. Well, it's time to put those doubts to rest.
The Anbernic RG DS is not a fantasy. It is officially confirmed, and the company itself has released a new video, putting a definitive stamp of authenticity on the project. While the original leak might have utilized AI in its creation, its core claim—the existence of this unique device—has been validated by the source itself.
The real headline, however, isn't just the confirmation—it's the price. In the description of their official video, Anbernic has made a promise that is sure to send shockwaves through the budget handheld market: the Anbernic RG DS will launch for under $100.
What We're Seeing Now
Anbernic's latest video gives us our clearest look yet at the device that dared to be different. We're treated to views from multiple angles, confirming the Nintendo DS-inspired layout. Beyond the initial black model, we now know the RG DS will also come in a vibrant blue, a clean white, and a partially transparent case that will undoubtedly appeal to modders and fans of classic tech aesthetics.
The core design is clear: two displays sit above a control scheme featuring dual analog sticks, a directional pad, and the standard action buttons. It’s a familiar yet exciting configuration for anyone who cherished the dual-screen era of gaming.
The Lingering Questions
While the design is coming into focus, key technical details remain under wraps. Anbernic has yet to announce the System-on-Chip (SoC) powering the device or the resolution and quality of the two screens. This information will be crucial in determining the RG DS's emulation capabilities and which consoles it can comfortably handle.
In the absence of official specs, the community is already hard at work. One keen-eyed Reddit user has attempted to estimate the device's dimensions using the USB-C port as a scale reference, providing our first potential look at its footprint.
You can see that detailed dimension estimation analysis on Reddit here.
A Crowded and Exciting Field for Anbernic
The launch of the RG DS places Anbernic in a fascinating new segment of the market. This move comes as the company is also gearing up to release other innovative devices, like the landscape-form RG Slide, showing a clear strategy to diversify beyond its traditional single-screen clamshells.
For more on Anbernic's other upcoming device, check out our coverage of the RG Slide.
The Final Word
The Anbernic RG DS is no longer a rumor; it's a reality. With an official sub-$100 price target and a unique dual-screen design, it has the potential to be a disruptive force in the affordable retro handheld space. While we await final specifications and a firm release date—which is expected in a matter of weeks, not months—the anticipation is justifiably building. One thing is certain: the budget gaming scene is about to get a lot more interesting.
*What do you think of the Anbernic RG DS? Is a sub-$100 dual-screen handheld on your wishlist? Let us know in the comments below!*
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