Anbernic RG DS : The Return of the Dual-Screen Era 🎮

The Anbernic RG DS is shaking up the retro handheld world — bringing back that classic clamshell dual-screen nostalgia we all remember from the Nintendo DS days, but with a modern twist and a price tag that feels almost too good to be true. Designed for fans of handheld gaming who want a taste of the past mixed with today’s tech, this device might just be the next must-have for collectors and emulation enthusiasts.

Dual-Screen Nostalgia, Reimagined

The RG DS looks and feels like a love letter to the DS Lite generation — complete with a flip-open design, dual screens, and even stylus support for touch-based games. That means titles like Kirby: Canvas Curse or Nintendogs can actually be played the way they were meant to be — stylus in hand, bottom-screen action and all.

Anbernic didn’t stop there. The unit sports dual analog sticks, a headphone jack, and dual USB-C ports, which shows they’re blending retro style with modern practicality. It’s available in a variety of colors — red, blue, white, and even translucent — giving it that perfect blend of old-school cool and new-age design.

Built for the DS Library — and Maybe a Little More

Let’s be real — this handheld is clearly built to make DS games shine. Early previews and gameplay footage show smooth emulation, snappy input response, and the dual-screen setup doing exactly what it should: recreating the DS experience without compromise.

But it doesn’t stop there — lightweight 3DS titles seem to be playable too. Games like Shovel Knight and Rune Factory 4 have been seen running decently, hinting that it’s capable of handling some higher-end emulation with the right settings. Still, this is primarily a DS-first handheld, not a powerhouse for every console under the sun.

Under $100 — That’s the Hook

Anbernic has built its reputation on affordable, capable emulation hardware — and the RG DS continues that trend. Coming in at under $100, it’s one of the most budget-friendly dual-screen handhelds ever made. That makes it ideal for gamers who want the DS experience without hunting down expensive used hardware or dealing with aging original cartridges.

What We Still Don’t Know

There’s still some mystery around the hardware. The processor and GPU haven’t been fully confirmed yet, and that’ll determine how far this little machine can go. If it’s running something modest like a mid-range mobile chip, expect DS emulation to be perfect, but 3DS or heavier systems could hit limits.

Performance aside, the biggest question mark is software optimization. Anbernic’s past devices usually shine once the community steps in with custom firmware — so we’ll likely see modders and tinkerers unlocking its full potential soon after launch.

Why It’s a Big Deal

This handheld represents something more than specs. It’s a return to the kind of tactile, dual-screen handheld gaming that made so many of us fall in love with portable consoles in the first place. The DS library is massive, nostalgic, and still wildly fun — and this device brings that entire era back to life in your hands.

If you’ve been missing that flip-open moment, the click of the hinge, and the charm of stylus gameplay — the RG DS is probably already on your wishlist.

Final Thoughts

The Anbernic RG DS isn’t trying to be an all-in-one emulation monster — it’s focused, nostalgic, and priced right. It gives you a proper DS experience with a fresh coat of modern polish. Sure, we’ll have to wait for the final hardware details and real-world reviews before crowning it the new retro king, but from what we’ve seen so far, it’s definitely one to watch.

Affordable. Nostalgic. Dual-screen magic.
That’s the Anbernic RG DS.