The retro gaming world is buzzing this week as Anbernic pulls back the curtain on its most anticipated device yet: the Anbernic RG DS. Fresh gameplay footage has given us our first real taste of this budget-friendly, dual-screen handheld in action, and it’s shaping up to be a potential game-changer for Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation.
Just a week after the company officially acknowledged the device's existence, ending months of rampant speculation, they've dropped a bombshell: not only is the RG DS real, but it’s already smoothly running a library of classic games.
The new information, which expands on the initial details we reported on last week, confirms that the RG DS is being designed from the ground up to faithfully recreate the unique dual-screen experience of Nintendo's iconic portable systems, all for a price that's shockingly accessible.
A Glimpse at the Games: From Pokémon to Ninja Gaiden
The most exciting reveal is, without a doubt, the early gameplay footage. Anbernic has demonstrated the RG DS playing a curated selection of titles that showcase its capabilities. Fans were treated to scenes of the side-scrolling indie darling Shovel Knight running on what appears to be the top screen, while the classic RPG Pokémon Black Version 2 was also shown, demonstrating the device's ability to handle a wide range of DS-era software.
Perhaps the most significant confirmation, however, was stylus support. Anbernic has explicitly stated that the bottom display of the RG DS will be touch-sensitive and compatible with a stylus, mirroring the functionality of the original Nintendo DS and 3DS. This isn't just a minor feature; it's the key to unlocking a vast library of games that were built entirely around touch input.
To prove its point, Anbernic highlighted compatibility with stylus-first classics like:
- Kirby: Canvas Curse: A game controlled almost exclusively by drawing paths for Kirby.
- Nintendogs: The pet simulator that relied on touch for petting, feeding, and playing.
- Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword: An action title played entirely with the DS held vertically (or "book-style"), using the stylus for combat and movement.
You can see the device in action for yourself in this newly released gameplay video
Seeing these titles in motion on a non-Nintendo device, with what appears to be solid performance, is a clear signal that Anbernic is targeting authentic emulation, not just basic functionality.
The Heart of the Machine: What’s Powering the RG DS?
While the software showcase is impressive, Anbernic is still keeping one crucial detail under wraps: the chipset. The choice of processor is the single biggest factor that will determine the RG DS's ultimate performance and compatibility, especially with the more demanding Nintendo 3DS library.
Given the company's confirmation of a sub-$100 launch price, it's highly unlikely we'll see the powerful Unisoc T820 or MediaTek Dimensity 8300 that power its higher-end Android handhelds. The economics simply don't align.
So, what's the likely candidate? Based on the grapevine and analysis of Anbernic's recent product stack, the most plausible rumor points to the Unisoc T620. This chip would represent a meaningful step up from the aging but capable Unisoc T618 found in popular models like the RG405M and RG405V. The T620 offers better CPU and GPU performance, which would be essential for handling the 3DS's more complex architecture while keeping the price point firmly in the budget category.
For context, the RG476H, one of Anbernic's current Android-powered devices, retails for around $190 on Amazon, highlighting just how aggressive the RG DS's sub-$100 pricing strategy is.
The Competitive Landscape and What’s Next
The announcement of the RG DS sends a clear shot across the bow of the entire retro handheld market. While other companies are pushing the boundaries of power and price with devices like Ayaneo's new Pocket S, Anbernic is focusing on perfecting a specific, beloved form factor at a mass-market price.
No release date has been announced, but the steady drip-feed of information suggests that Anbernic is moving quickly. For fans of the DS and 3DS eras, the RG DS represents the most promising effort yet to preserve these libraries on modern, dedicated hardware. If Anbernic can deliver solid performance, good build quality, and full stylus integration at under $100, the RG DS won't just be another retro handheld—it will be a portal back to one of gaming's most innovative periods.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Anbernic RG DS as we learn more about its specs, release window, and final pricing.
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