Tag: RG DS

  • YouTubers Test Anbernic RG DS: Early Issues with Nintendo DS Experience

    YouTubers Test Anbernic RG DS: Early Issues with Nintendo DS Experience

    Key Takeaways

    1. Companies are shifting focus to budget-friendly clamshell designs to compete with the Anbernic RG35XX SP priced at $69.99.
    2. Anbernic’s RG DS closely resembles the Nintendo DSi and is available for pre-order at around $109.
    3. The RG DS runs on Android 14 but lacks the Play Store and Play Services, possibly due to hardware limitations.
    4. The device can emulate most Nintendo DS titles and some 3DS games, but has issues with input lag and screen refresh rates.
    5. Reviewers have provided mixed insights on the RG DS’s design and performance, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.


    Earlier this year, companies that make gaming handhelds started to focus on budget-friendly clamshell designs to compete with the Anbernic RG35XX SP, which is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon. A few months later, Ayaneo and Ayn entered the market with their premium dual-screen devices, named the Pocket DS and Thor. Then, just this month, Anbernic introduced the RG DS as a more affordable option.

    Similarities to Nintendo DSi

    The RG DS is designed to closely mimic the Nintendo DSi and can still be pre-ordered for about $109, not including any launch discounts. YouTubers like The Phawx have noted that Anbernic paid attention to the finer details of the DSi, such as its shiny top surface, matte underside, and joystick arrangement. Nevertheless, Adin Walls feels that the design choices made by Anbernic come off as somewhat cheap, especially when compared to the firm’s other recent handheld devices.

    Performance and Compatibility

    Running on Android 14, the RG DS is expected to be compatible with modern games available on the Google Play Store. However, Anbernic has not included the Play Store or Play Services out of the box. The Phawx thinks this might be due to the RG DS’ less powerful Rockchip RK3568 chipset and its 3 GB of RAM, which might struggle to run both services while playing games.

    Emulation Capabilities

    That said, the RG DS is capable of emulating most Nintendo DS titles and some 3DS games. Unfortunately, the touch sampling rate on the RG DS screens results in longer input lag compared to Nintendo’s handhelds. Additionally, the inactive screen’s refresh rate drops to about 40 Hz after 30-40 seconds, causing a delay when playing dual-screen games until the inactive screen is tapped. It is hoped that Anbernic will address this issue with a software update before the RG DS starts shipping next month.

    Review Insights

    In summary, Adin Walls, ETA Prime, Retro Handhelds, and The Phawx have all weighed in on the RG DS, offering insights into its design and performance.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Anbernic Unveils Gyro and Mic Features for New Nintendo DS Handheld

    Anbernic Unveils Gyro and Mic Features for New Nintendo DS Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic announced the RG DS gaming handheld with no prior notice, and shipments will begin in December 2025.
    2. The RG DS features dual-screen functionality, allowing separate or combined use for Nintendo DS game emulation.
    3. Stylus input support is confirmed, along with emulation for games requiring gyro or microphone controls.
    4. The device can run the Nintendo 3DS comic app for reading comics on its dual displays.
    5. The RG DS combines 4-inch screens from the RG40XX series with a Rockchip RK3568 chipset and a 4,000 mAh battery, priced under $100.


    Earlier this week, Anbernic unveiled its RG DS gaming handheld to the world, following a series of last-minute leaks. The announcement came without any prior notice, and Anbernic has made it clear that shipments won’t start until December. According to the company, they plan to dispatch RG DS pre-orders “in sequence before December 15, 2025.”

    Dual-Screen Features

    In the meantime, Anbernic has released a video showcasing the unique dual-screen functionality of the RG DS. The video, which is embedded below, illustrates that users can operate each screen separately or use both screens together to emulate a single Nintendo DS game. While support for stylus input has been confirmed, Anbernic has also announced that the RG DS can emulate DS games that need gyro or microphone controls as well.

    Additional Compatibility

    Furthermore, the RG DS is able to run the Nintendo 3DS comic app, allowing users to read comics on its two displays. Essentially, the RG DS merges the 4-inch screens from the RG40XX series, including models like the RG40XX H (currently priced at $73 on Amazon), with a Rockchip RK3568 chipset and a 4,000 mAh battery. For more information about Anbernic’s new gaming handheld priced under $100, please refer to our original launch article and the videos provided below.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Anbernic RG DS: Specs and Pricing Revealed Before Launch

    Anbernic RG DS: Specs and Pricing Revealed Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic’s RG DS is its first dual-screen handheld device, following previous models like the RG Slide.
    2. The RG DS features a Rockchip RK3568 chipset, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and a 4,000 mAh battery.
    3. It will run on Android 14 and include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.
    4. The initial price will start at $108.99, with early buyers potentially getting it for under $100.
    5. The RG DS can emulate Nintendo DS games but has limited ability for Nintendo 3DS games, with a possible release in mid-December.


    Anbernic has been slowly revealing details about its new RG DS for almost three weeks now. This marks the company’s first dual-screen gadget, following a line of unique handhelds like the RG Slide, which is currently priced at $194.99 on Amazon. Interestingly, there hasn’t been much information released by Anbernic since the initial reveal, aside from some images and videos of the device.

    New Info from AliExpress

    Recently, a listing on AliExpress has shed light on many unanswered questions regarding the RG DS ahead of its launch. Unfortunately, it seems that the device might not be as powerful as the promotional videos implied. According to the listing, the RG DS will come with a Rockchip RK3568 chipset, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB of storage, and a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh. Additionally, it is said to have displays with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, potentially similar to those used in the RG40XX H model.

    Pricing and Features

    The listing also states that the RG DS will run on Android 14, equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features. The starting price is $108.99, which will eventually increase to $114.99. However, early buyers may be able to snag the device for under $100, as hinted at before.

    As highlighted by Joey’s Retro Handhelds, the RG DS seems to be capable of emulating Nintendo DS games using Drastic, but its ability to emulate Nintendo 3DS games appears to be quite limited. It remains uncertain if the mid-December date mentioned on AliExpress will align with Anbernic’s actual release schedule for this new gaming handheld.

     

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for DS/3DS Games

    Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for DS/3DS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has officially announced the RG DS, its first dual-screen gaming handheld.
    2. The RG DS is capable of playing Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS titles, including Shovel Knight and Pokémon Black Version 2.
    3. It supports stylus inputs on the lower screen, allowing gameplay for stylus-based games like Kirby: Canvas Curse and Nintendogs.
    4. The expected launch price for the RG DS is under $100, with speculation about the use of the Unisoc T620 chipset for better performance.
    5. A release date for the RG DS is yet to be confirmed.


    Anbernic has recently revealed new details about the RG DS, which is its very first dual-screen gaming handheld. Just to summarize, the company officially recognized that this device exists about a week ago. Still, there were whispers about the RG DS even when Anbernic was gearing up to launch the RG476H (currently priced at $189.99 on Amazon).

    RG DS Gameplay Highlights

    A week after its initial announcement, Anbernic has demonstrated the RG DS playing several titles from Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS, including Shovel Knight and Pokémon Black Version 2. The company also confirmed that the RG DS can utilize stylus inputs on its lower screen, similar to what was seen in the Nintendo DS series. To illustrate this feature, Anbernic pointed out the RG DS’s compatibility with stylus-based games such as Kirby: Canvas Curse, Nintendogs, and even Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, which can be played in a vertical setup.

    Chipset Speculation

    At this moment, Anbernic is keeping fans guessing about the chipset that powers the RG DS. Considering the handheld’s expected launch price of under $100, it seems unlikely that Anbernic will opt for the Unisoc T820 or the Dimensity 8300, which have been used in their latest Android devices. According to recent speculations, Anbernic might go for the Unisoc T620, which offers better performance than the Unisoc T618 found in the RG405M and RG405V. However, a release date is still up in the air for now.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Anbernic RG DS: New Pocket-Sized Handheld for Nintendo DS Emulation

    Anbernic RG DS: New Pocket-Sized Handheld for Nintendo DS Emulation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic launched the RG476H, priced at $199, combining features from the RG557 and RG Slide.
    2. The company regularly releases new devices, with teasers often appearing shortly after previous launches.
    3. A promotional video hints at a new device called the RG DS, reminiscent of Nintendo DS handhelds.
    4. The RG DS features two recessed joysticks, USB Type-C ports, a microSD card slot, and shoulder buttons in a new layout.
    5. The RG DS is expected to run on Android, diverging from Anbernic’s typical Linux-based systems.


    Anbernic has launched the RG476H, a device that combines features from both the RG557 and RG Slide, which is currently priced at $199 on Amazon. The company is known for regularly unveiling new devices, typically on a monthly basis. Therefore, it’s reasonable to think that Anbernic could soon start teasing its next product.

    Teasers and Rumors

    For example, the first teasers for the RG476H came about a month after the release of the RG477M in early August. Although we haven’t seen any teasers for a new device just yet, a supposed promotional video has surfaced on Chinese social media, hinting at what might be Anbernic’s next product. This device is believed to be the RG DS, which had been speculated earlier this month.

    Features of the RG DS

    As indicated by its name, the RG DS aims to bring back the feel of handhelds from the Nintendo DS series, like the DS Lite or DSi. Nevertheless, Anbernic has modified the control layout to include two recessed joysticks. From the video linked below, it can be seen that the Anbernic RG DS is equipped with two USB Type-C ports on the back, a microSD card slot, and shoulder buttons positioned inline. Furthermore, the buttons located under the joysticks suggest that the Anbernic RG DS will operate on Android instead of a Linux-based system.

    Sources and Insights

    The promotional content was shared on Bilibili by GameboyJuntaro and also referenced by Retro Handhelds. The excitement surrounding Anbernic’s upcoming devices continues to grow, with fans eagerly awaiting more information.

    Source:
    Link