Tag: dual screen handheld

  • Anbernic Rumored to Launch Discontinued Nintendo-Style Handhelds

    Anbernic Rumored to Launch Discontinued Nintendo-Style Handhelds

    Key Takeaway

    – Anbernic is developing two new dual-screen handhelds: the RG 2DS (wedge design) and RG 3DS (clamshell design).
    – The RG 2DS will feature a 1600×900 main display and a 400×240 secondary display, inspired by the Nintendo 2DS.
    – The RG 3DS will have a 1600×900 main display (5:3 aspect ratio) and a 400×240 secondary display, but lacks glasses-free 3D support.
    – Both devices are expected to include modern upgrades like USB-C, powerful processors, larger batteries, and Android/Linux OS.
    – No official release date has been announced, but more leaks are anticipated before launch.

    Anbernic has announced a handful of handhelds this year such as the PS Vita-inspired RG Vita and RG Vita Pro, and more recently, the RG Rotate with a swiveling display. That doesn’t seem like all it has planned for the year, as reports of two new handhelds in development have surfaced.

    Reported Anbernic RG 2DS Details

    The first of these new handhelds is reported to be called the Anbernic RG 2DS, and like the RG DS (available on Amazon for $129.98) released in 2025, it is based on a Nintendo handheld, specifically the Nintendo 2DS. The dual-screen handheld, which was released in 2013, was a part of the Nintendo 3DS family, but unlike the 2DS XL, 3DS, and 3DS XL, it doesn’t have a hinge.

    Display Specifications Compared

    The info about Anbernic’s new handheld reportedly surfaced on the Chinese social network, QQ. According to the source, the handheld will have a custom display with a 1600 × 900 resolution and another with a 400 × 240 resolution. For comparison, the original Nintendo DS launched with a 3.53-inch 400 × 240 upper display and a 3.2-inch 320 × 240 lower display.

    • Custom main display: 1600 × 900 resolution
    • Secondary display: 400 × 240 resolution
    • Original DS: 3.53-inch 400 × 240 upper, 3.2-inch 320 × 240 lower

    The Anbernic RG 2DS is reported to have a similar design to the Nintendo 2DS. However, apart from the higher resolution displays, we can expect modern features such as a USB-C port, a more powerful processor, better speakers, a much larger battery capacity, and either Android or Linux preinstalled.

    Rumored Anbernic RG 3DS Leaks

    The other handheld is reported to launch as the Anbernic RG 3DS, and like the RG 2DS, the details were also posted on QQ. The RG 3DS will be based on the Nintendo 3DS, which means it will be a dual-display handheld with a clamshell design.

    Key Differences From Original 3DS

    The Anbernic RG 3DS is rumored to have a main display (custom made) with a 5:3 aspect ratio and a 1600 × 900 resolution while the secondary display will have a 400 × 240 resolution. However, it won’t have support for glasses-free 3D like the Nintendo 3DS. It is also not known if it will have cameras like the original 3DS. Nevertheless, we can expect the handheld to pack modern and better features in key areas such as the processor, RAM, storage, and battery life.

    • Main display: 5:3 aspect ratio, 1600 × 900 resolution
    • Secondary display: 400 × 240 resolution
    • No glasses-free 3D support
    • Unknown camera inclusion
    • Expected modern processor, RAM, storage, battery

    There’s no info yet regarding when these two handhelds will be released, but before they are officially announced, there’s likely to be more leaks.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Anbernic RG DS: New Linux OS, no Android uninstall needed

    Anbernic RG DS: New Linux OS, no Android uninstall needed

    Key Takeaway

    – Anbernic RG DS can boot a new Linux OS from a microSD card without erasing the preinstalled Android, an update after shipping with Android 14.
    – Installation method: use a microSD card of at least 64GB, flash the Linux image, insert the card to boot into Linux; to return to Android, power off, remove the card, and power on again.
    – Linux OS features: three themes (DS Dark, DS Light, Classic); independent screen brightness; swap content on each screen; custom fonts; new button test interface; secondary screen shows platform icons for single-screen games.
    – Availability and access: Linux OS is downloadable from the provided source link and includes the tools to flash it; the RG DS is listed on Amazon for $124.99.

    Anbernic has released handhelds that ship pre-installed with either Android, Linux, or both as is the case with the RG Vita Pro. However, what is unusual is for it to launch a device with one operating system, and then release a different operating system later that users can manually install, which is what it has done with the RG DS. The approach keeps buyers guessing and curious about what will come next.

    Background

    The Anbernic RG DS ships with Android 14 out of the box. Unfortunately, the software experience leaves a lot to be desired such that people have to resort to installing a custom firmware such as GammaOS. Now, Anbernic has released a Linux OS for the RG DS, that users can install without erasing the preinstalled Android OS.

    Linux OS Details

    The features of the new Linux OS as well as how to install it on the RG DS, priced at $124.99, have been detailed in a video. According to the video, users can flash the new OS onto a microSD card with a capacity of at least 64GB. Once done, simply insert the microSD card into the device, and it will boot into Linux instead of Android. To switch back to Android, power off the device, remove the microSD card, and power it on again.

    Within the Linux OS, you can choose from three themes — DS Dark, DS Light, and Classic — and it brings a handful of practical tweaks that sharpen the handheld’s usability. Independent screen brightness adjustments let you calibrate each display separately, you can swap the content on each screen to suit the game you are playing, you can load custom fonts, and there is a new button test interface to verify input.

    Additionally, the OS design considers multi-screen gaming. When you are playing a single-screen title, the RG DS’s secondary display automatically shows an icon that corresponds to the platform being emulated, for example a PlayStation controller icon for PS1 games or a Game Boy Advance emblem when you enjoy a GBA title. This cue helps players recognize the game family at a glance, even while focusing on action.

    Features and UX

    The Linux OS package is available to download in the referenced location, and it includes the software needed to flash the OS onto a microSD card. For those who want to experiment, the bundle provides flashing tools and a concise guide that walks you through copying the system image, preparing at least a 64GB card, and mounting it so the device boots Linux rather than Android. No data on Android gets erased during the switch.

    Anbernic has a YouTube presence where the maker posts updates, demonstrations, and tips for the RG DS. Viewers can watch hands-on runs of the Linux install, see how the themes change the interface, and get practical advice for maintaining the device alongside Android. The videos add context to the written guides and help new owners get up and running.

    In summary, Anbernic’s RG DS opens doors to dual-OS flexibility with a path from Android 14 to Linux without erasing the original setup. The Linux option, priced at $124.99, ships with three themes and features tailored for portable gaming and power users alike, while the boot-from-microSD approach keeps the change reversible. Fans should stay tuned for fresh tweaks and enhancements as this line evolves.

    Sources
    Tags: , , ,
  • Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for Gaming Under $100

    Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for Gaming Under $100

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anbernic RG DS gaming handheld features a dual screen design with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and 4-inch touch screens.
    2. It runs on Android 14, allowing for both Android apps and various emulators.
    3. The device is powered by an RK3568 processor, with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage.
    4. It has a 4,000 mAh battery, supports WiFi connectivity, and includes multiple control options.
    5. The RG DS is available for pre-order at $94, with shipping starting on December 15, and buyers should check for shipping policies and import fees.

    Anbernic has launched its new RG DS gaming handheld, featuring two screens. Right now, it’s only available for pre-order at a starting price of $94, which does not include a memory card. Buyers can choose from three different colors, and the shipping is set to start on December 15. It’s wise for interested customers to check the shipping policies and any potential import fees beforehand.

    Impressive Displays

    The “DS” refers to its dual screen design, boasting a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and each screen measuring 4 inches diagonally with touch capabilities. This makes the Anbernic RG DS an excellent choice for playing Nintendo DS games. It runs on Android 14, allowing it to run both Android apps and various emulators for different gaming experiences.

    Solid Performance Inside

    Inside, the device is powered by an RK3568 processor, paired with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage space, all backed by a 4,000 mAh battery. For controls, it has two joysticks, action buttons, and shoulder buttons. It also supports WiFi connectivity on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Additionally, the handheld measures 16 x 9.1 x 2.15 cm and weighs 321 grams, featuring a built-in vibration motor for added immersion.

    Source:
    Link

    Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for Gaming Under $100Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for Gaming Under $100

     

    Tags: , ,