Anbernic RG DS – an affordable dual-screen Android handheld for DS emulation
RetroGear Anbernic and we have become inseparable. We’re big fans of this company’s modern handhelds. They’re good quality, virtually indestructible and relatively easy to repair – and we think that’s important.
With this new gadget, the Anbernic RG DS, Anbernic is heading in a new direction. This is an affordable dual-screen Android handheld. As you might have guessed, this handheld has been specially designed to emulate Nintendo DS games, and it does so surprisingly well.
Read a detailed review of the Anbernic RG DS on RetroReady.
Key features
- Dual-screen design with two 4-inch IPS touchscreens
- Android 14 operating system
- Optimised for Nintendo DS emulation
- Includes a stylus for touch control
- Rockchip RK3568 processor
- Support for many retro systems
- Clamshell design with automatic retraction (Hall sensor)
- Built-in gyroscope and vibration
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- An affordable entry point into dual-screen handhelds
Why the ‘ Anbernic RG DS ’ is special
The RG DS has clearly been built with one goal in mind: Nintendo DS emulation, and it really shows. With the latest firmware (installed as standard on all models we supply), the well-known bugs have been ironed out of the DS emulation and everything now works flawlessly. The touchscreen, screen layout and performance feel exactly as you’d want them to for DS games.
The handheld runs on Android 14 and is powerful enough to handle all classic systems, plus PS1, N64 and many PSP games. Some Nintendo 3DS games are also playable, but if that’s your main aim, we’d advise looking elsewhere – for example, at a AYN Thor, which is simply better suited to that purpose.
The dual-screen design is, of course, ideal for DS games, but it’s also surprisingly practical for other uses. You can easily use the second screen for music, walkthroughs, guides or other apps whilst you’re playing. Thanks to the clamshell design with a hall sensor, the system automatically goes into sleep mode when you close it, making it convenient for everyday use.
The RG DS comes with a stylus, so you can get started straight away with games that use touch controls.
What you get
- Anbernic RG DS -handheld
- Stylus
- USB-C charging cable
Specifications
- Operating system: Android 14
- Processor: Rockchip RK3568 (quad-core Cortex-A55 up to 2.0 GHz)
- GPU: ARM Mali-G52 2EE
- RAM: 3 GB
- Storage: 32 GB (expandable via microSD up to 2 TB)
- Screens: 2× 4.0-inch IPS touchscreens
- Resolution: 640 × 480 per screen
- Touch: Multi-touch, capacitive stylus
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.2
- Audio: Stereo speakers, 3.5 mm jack
- Sensors: 6-axis gyroscope, vibration, Hall sensor (auto-sleep)
- Battery: 4000 mAh (approx. 6 hours’ playtime)
- Charging: USB-C
- Dimensions: 160 × 91 × 21.5 mm
- Weight: 321 grams
- Colours: Black & Crimson Red, Turquoise Blue, Polar White
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this handheld designed specifically for the Nintendo DS?
Yes, that’s clearly the main aim. DS games run brilliantly on this system.
Can I play on other systems as well?
Yes. Think of 2D consoles, the PS1, the N64 and lots of PSP games.
Is this compatible with the GameCube or PS2?
No, this handheld isn’t powerful enough for that.
Are there any games on it?
No. No ROMs are included. You install your games yourself via Android.
Is a stylus included?
Yes, the RG DS comes with a stylus as standard.
Why buy from RetroGear
- Dispatched from the Netherlands
- 12 m aanden warranty
- Personalised support with any questions regarding installation and use
