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| The Youniq Duo has a design that's similar to the Anbernic RG DS. |
A mysterious new player enters the ring with a device that bears a striking resemblance to Anbernic's popular RG DS—but with some intriguing differences.
Last November, Anbernic turned heads with the launch of the RG DS, a dual-screen gaming handheld that immediately evoked memories of the beloved Nintendo DS. Now, just as retro gaming enthusiasts were getting comfortable with that option, a new challenger has appeared—and it's raising eyebrows for more reasons than one.
The device, reportedly named the Yoniq Duo, comes from a company simply called Yoniq. While the brand might not be a household name, they're making bold claims about their industry credentials. According to a report from Retrododo, the manufacturer stated they "have a huge business in China and have worked with hundreds of gaming brands"—though they stopped short of naming any specific partners.
What we know about the Yoniq Duo so far
In a marketing email sent to gaming publications, Yoniq revealed some interesting details about their upcoming handheld. The device features high-definition dual screens with 4x pixel-perfect scaling—a feature that should please retro gaming purists who value crisp, accurate visuals. The inclusion of a built-in stylus also echoes the Nintendo DS design philosophy, giving players a natural way to interact with touch-based games.
Check out the full report on Retrododo for more details on this emerging handheld
What's immediately noticeable from the provided mockup images is the Yoniq Duo's resemblance to Anbernic's RG DS. However, eagle-eyed observers will spot some key differences. The Yoniq Duo sports three LED indicators for Wi-Fi, location, and power positioned where the left hinge would be. It also features purple thumbsticks and D-pad that add a distinctive aesthetic flair.
The missing pieces
Anbernic's RG DS, currently available on Amazon for $129.99, has established itself as a solid option in the dual-screen handheld space. Interestingly, while Anbernic's device lacks an integrated stylus, it does ship with a capacitive stylus—a workaround that some users have found acceptable.
A surprising second device spotted
Perhaps most intriguingly, the promotional images also show a render of what appears to be a completely different device—one that looks like a DualShock controller with a screen mounted in the center. Described by some as resembling a PlayStation Portal that might have been designed during the PS2/PS3 era, this mysterious second device suggests Yoniq might have bigger ambitions than just a single product launch.
What's next for Yoniq?
Currently, Yoniq has remained tight-lipped about specifications, pricing, or availability for either device. Gaming enthusiasts will be watching closely, however, as the company has confirmed they'll be attending Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany. Interested parties can find them at Hall 10.1, Booth C-052G, where more details are expected to be revealed.
The retro handheld market continues to heat up with new entrants bringing fresh perspectives—and sometimes familiar designs. Whether the Yoniq Duo can carve out its own identity remains to be seen, but the addition of a stylus and those distinctive purple accents suggest this challenger isn't content to be just another clone.
For those wanting to compare with the current market leader, the Anbernic RG DS remains available for purchase.
What are your thoughts on the Yoniq Duo? Will the built-in stylus and design tweaks convince you to consider this new option, or are you sticking with the Anbernic RG DS? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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| The Anbernic RG DS is an Android-powered dual-screen handheld reminiscent of the Nintendo DS. |