The world of retro gaming handhelds is a battlefield of innovation and nostalgia, and manufacturer Anbernic has just dropped a compelling new contender into the fray. Meet the Anbernic RG DS, a purpose-built dual-screen gaming device that aims to capture the magic of a beloved era while packing enough modern power to be a legitimate Android gaming companion. And in a move that’s sure to turn heads, it’s doing all this with a starting price tag of less than $100.
Currently available for pre-order, the base model of the RG DS starts at $94, though it’s important to note that this price is for the device without a memory card. Shipping is scheduled to begin on December 15, with three color options—Classic Gray, Retro White, and a vibrant Purple—offering a stylish nod to gaming’s past. For international customers, it's always wise to check the specific shipping conditions and potential import duties before completing an order.
A Tale of Two Touchscreens
As the name unsubtly hints, the RG DS’s entire identity is built around its dual 4-inch displays. Both screens are touch-sensitive and feature a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. This configuration isn’t just for show; it’s a direct love letter to the Nintendo DS and 3DS libraries. For the first time in a long time, emulating dual-screen classics like The World Ends With You, Chrono Trigger, and the Professor Layton series can be done on a device that respects the original hardware's form factor, potentially offering a more authentic experience than single-screen devices that have to toggle between views.
But the utility of these screens extends beyond pure emulation. With the device running the latest Android 14 operating system out of the box, the dual-screen setup opens up intriguing possibilities for multitasking with Android apps and games, even if developers would need to specifically optimize for it.
More Than Just a Clone: Modern Power for Retro and Modern Gaming
Anbernic isn’t just recreating an old shell; they’re filling it with surprisingly capable modern hardware. Powering the RG DS is the Rockchip RK3568 processor, paired with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. This chipset has become a reliable workhorse in the mid-range emulation scene, known for its efficiency and ability to handle systems up to and including PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Nintendo Dreamcast with ease.
The control scheme also takes a page from modern handhelds. It features two full analog joysticks, a full complement of action and shoulder buttons, and even includes a vibration motor for haptic feedback. This makes it a more versatile device than the original DS, comfortably accommodating a wider range of emulated consoles and Android games.
For a closer look at the full specifications and to check pre-order availability, you can visit the official product page here: Anbernic RG DS
A Surprising Streaming Contender
One of the most compelling hidden features of the RG DS is its potential as a cloud and local streaming device. With robust support for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, the handheld is well-equipped for lag-free gameplay sessions. Imagine streaming your library of AAA titles from your home PC via Moonlight or Steam Link, or diving into the vast catalogs of Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW, all on a device with a unique dual-screen layout that could be perfect for displaying game footage on one screen and chat or control guides on the other.
Housing all this tech is a device measuring 16 x 9.1 x 2.15 cm and weighing 321 grams, making it a solid and likely comfortable unit to hold during extended gaming sessions. The sizable 4,000 mAh battery promises to provide plenty of juice for on-the-go play.
The Verdict: A Niche Filled Brilliantly
The Anbernic RG DS enters a crowded market with a clear and clever strategy. By focusing on the still-unique dual-screen form factor, it carves out a specific niche for DS/3DS enthusiasts and retro gamers who have longed for a dedicated, modern device. Coupling that niche with the flexibility of Android, capable hardware, and streaming potential, all at a sub-$100 price point, makes the RG DS one of the most interesting and accessible handhelds to be announced this year. It’s a bold reminder that in gaming, sometimes looking back is the best way to move forward.
