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| The Anbernic RG DS is based on the Nintendo DSi XL. |
It’s the classic pre-launch scramble, but this time, gamers are winning. The highly anticipated Anbernic RG DS, positioned as this year's most affordable dual-screen handheld, is about to start hitting doorsteps. With shipping set to begin on December 7, the excitement was palpable—until a wave of early reviewer feedback revealed some significant hiccups.
Now, in a proactive move just days before units ship, Anbernic has rolled out a crucial software update aimed squarely at fixing the most talked-about problems. Let's dive into what was wrong and how the update promises to deliver a smoother experience right out of the box.
The Trouble with Dual Screens: What Reviewers Found
In late November, as a select group of tech reviewers and handheld enthusiasts got their hands on early samples, a consistent set of issues emerged. The most glaring problem was a desynchronization between the two displays when playing DS-era games. This kind of bug is a deal-breaker for a device whose entire purpose is to emulate dual-screen classics seamlessly from the Nintendo DS and 3DS libraries.
Other quirks were noted, painting a picture of a promising device that needed just a bit more polish before its mass-market debut. The community’s feedback was clear and, thankfully, it seems Anbernic was listening.
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| The Anbernic RG DS is available in three colors. |
The Day-One Save: Anbernic’s Version 1.4 Update
According to a detailed report from Retro Handhelds, Anbernic has officially released its first update, taking the RG DS software to version 1.4. Crucially, the company has confirmed that all new devices will ship with this update pre-installed, meaning most customers will never encounter the initial bugs.
For the full breakdown and source details, you can read the comprehensive report here: Anbernic RG DS Gets First Official Update, Addressing Major Bugs.
So, what’s actually fixed? The changelog is music to a retro gamer’s ears:
- Upper Screen Frame Rate Fix: This resolves the infamous “40Hz bug” that caused the refresh rate of the top screen to noticeably drop whenever the bottom screen was active, leading to a choppy, uneven visual experience.
- Screen Synchronization Optimization: The core issue. Anbernic has optimized the synchronization between the two IPS displays, which should eliminate the lag and disconnect reviewers experienced in dual-screen gameplay.
- Dual-Screen Backlight Control: A welcome new feature. The update adds support for independent backlight control for each screen, allowing users to adjust brightness per display for better battery life or visual comfort.
A Closer Look at the RG DS Itself
Before the update, the hardware specs alone made the RG DS a compelling contender in the budget handheld space. For those catching up, here’s what your money gets:
Priced at an MSRP of $99.99 (with a pre-order discount of $93.99 until December 9), the RG DS packs two 4.0-inch IPS touch displays with a sharp 640 x 480 resolution per screen—perfect for the native res of many classic games.
Under the hood, it’s powered by the Rockchip RK3568 processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage via microSD. It runs a clean version of Android 14 out of the box, opening the door to a vast library of emulators and native Android games.
Rounding out the package are stereo speakers, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a substantial 4,000mAh battery that Anbernic claims offers up to 6 hours of gameplay.
The device is available for pre-order in three distinct colorways: Black & Crimson, Turquoise Blue, and Polar White. You can check out all the variants and place an order directly on the official product page here: Anbernic RG DS Official Store.
The Verdict: A Timely Fix for a Promising Handheld
This last-minute update is a significant confidence booster. It shows Anbernic is committed to supporting its products and responding to community input, even before the official launch. The fixes address the very flaws that could have hampered the core dual-screen experience.
For retro gamers who’ve been eager for a capable, budget-friendly way to dive into the DS and 3DS catalog, the Anbernic RG DS now looks poised to deliver on its promise. The combination of solid hardware, an attractive sub-$100 price point, and proactive software support makes it one of the most interesting handheld releases as we head into the new year.
If you were on the fence, the pre-order discount and the news of these crucial day-one fixes might just be the push you needed.