The handheld market in 2025 identified a strong demand to revive the golden era of the Nintendo DS, and it is in this context that the Anbernic RG DS emerges as a bold proposal: to bring back the unique experience of playing on two simultaneous screens, a feature that defined an entire generation.
With an affordable price and modern specifications, it positions itself as a budget handheld console that seeks to balance nostalgia and innovation. The promise is clear: deliver a faithful retro experience with updated features that meet today’s expectations — the question is whether the RG DS truly fulfills this mission, which will be explored in detail.
Design of the Anbernic RG DS
The Anbernic RG DS is clearly inspired by the classic Nintendo DSi XL, featuring a compact, foldable body with dimensions of 16 cm length, 9.1 cm width, 2.15 cm height, and 321 grams of weight. The matte plastic finish ensures greater resistance, prevents fingerprints, and reinforces the sense of durability.
The clamshell format protects the internal screens and provides the same portability that made the original DS so popular, allowing the console to be easily carried in a pocket or backpack.
To suit different styles, the RG DS is available in white, turquoise, and black with red accents, offering options that balance nostalgia and modernity.
Controls of the Anbernic RG DS
The controls, while inspired by the Nintendo DS, were designed to provide a complete and functional layout. It includes a cross-shaped D-pad, ideal for classic games requiring precision, along with two analog sticks that expand compatibility with home consoles like PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64. The ABXY buttons are well-defined, accompanied by Select, Start, Menu, and Back keys, ensuring practical navigation and gameplay.
The L1, L2, R1, and R2 triggers were developed in a linear format, a choice that favors portability without compromising functionality. This arrangement makes the console more compact and easy to carry, while maintaining the ergonomics needed for long sessions.
Connectivity of the Anbernic RG DS
The Anbernic RG DS comes equipped with Wi-Fi 5G and Bluetooth 4.2, expanding connectivity and allowing users to download games directly and integrate achievements via RetroAchievements.
For physical connections, it offers a USB-C port for charging, another dedicated to OTG, plus a microSD slot and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with both modern and traditional accessories.
Display of the Anbernic RG DS
The standout feature of the RG DS is its dual 4-inch IPS screens, both with 640x480 resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio. The top screen delivers 2.5 times more resolution than the original Nintendo DS, ensuring vivid colors, excellent viewing angles, and faithful reproduction of games.
Beyond graphical fidelity, the use of two simultaneous screens preserves the essence of the DS experience, enabling unique interactions and greater versatility in gameplay.
Battery of the Anbernic RG DS
The RG DS is powered by a 4000mAh battery, offering an average of 4 to 6 hours of continuous use, depending on brightness and game type.
Charging is handled via USB-C, with an estimated time of 2 to 3 hours for a full charge.
Performance and Storage of the Anbernic RG DS
The RG DS is equipped with the Rockchip RK3568 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM, delivering solid performance for emulation up to the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 generation with excellent fluidity. For Nintendo DS titles, it runs at 2x resolution without difficulty, ensuring a sharper and more enjoyable experience that enhances both gameplay and visual fidelity.
Storage includes 32GB internal memory, expandable via microSD up to 256GB, allowing users to build a large game library without restrictions.
Operating System + Emulation
The RG DS runs on Android 14, offering a modern interface and support for apps beyond emulators.
Platforms That Run Perfectly:
- 32 & 64-bit consoles: PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64
- 8 & 16-bit consoles: NES, Master System, Super Nintendo, Mega Drive
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
Platforms That Run Some Titles:
- Nintendo 3DS
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Price of the Anbernic RG DS
The Anbernic RG DS is available on AliExpress with prices ranging from U$89 to U$99, making it a competitive option in the dual-screen handheld category.
Is the Anbernic RG DS Worth It in 2025? Final Analysis and Alternatives
The Anbernic RG DS stands out as the best current option for those who want to relive or discover the world of one of the most iconic consoles of all time — the Nintendo DS. With high-quality screens, the ability to run games with superior performance compared to the original era, combined with good ergonomics and smooth emulation of other home and handheld consoles, the RG DS emerges to dominate the dual-screen handheld category, a segment until now little explored, balancing nostalgia and innovation in a single device.
Alternatives to the Anbernic RG DS include
- AYN Thor: A premium console with a sophisticated finish, equipped with dual screens and high-end performance, designed to deliver an advanced experience with superior quality.
- Anbernic RG35XX SP: A clamshell handheld with a 3.5″ screen, H700 chipset, and no analog sticks, focused on simplicity and portability.
- Powkiddy V90: Considered the cheapest foldable console in the world, runs smoothly up to Super Nintendo and GBA.
- Powkiddy V90S: An improved version of the V90, with better performance and ergonomics for greater comfort.
- Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Shares the same performance as the Thor Lite, with a clamshell design. Priced between USD 179 and 199, it is an affordable alternative with a foldable format.
