ANBERNIC RG DS Aims to be Pocket-Sized Time Machine for DS and 3DS Fans

ANBERNIC’s upcoming RG DS handheld has a clamshell design that folds out to give you two screens – just like the original Nintendo DS – but packs a lot more grunt than you’d expect for a device that’s under $100. It fits in your pocket and won’t break the bank (or your nostalgia) with early footage showing it handling everything from quick sketches in Kirby: Canvas Curse to the meatier stuff of Pokémon Black Version 2 with ease.

When you open it, you’ll see the RG DS proper, complete with two 4-inch screens sharp enough to handle the DS bottom screen’s outdated 256×192 resolution. The top one handles game action, while the bottom takes care of maps, inventory, and other touch controls with ease. They’ve even incorporated a microphone into the hinge, allowing you to shout voice commands in games like Nintendogs, while the stylus slips neatly along the edge for games that require some skill. Controls all cluster around the bottom screen: you get your dual analog sticks for smooth movement, a d-pad for precision, face buttons with a nice weight to ’em, and shoulder triggers that respond right away. There are two USB-C ports on the back to sort out charging and files, and a 3.5mm jack to keep your headphones plugged in. And let’s not forget the stereo speakers – they produce clear audio. There’s also a microSD slot to stuff all your games on without any hassle.

What’s actually powering this device is still a bit of a mystery, but rumors point to the Unisoc T618 or T620 chip – workhorses from Anbernic that have done the job in their recent lineup. They’re not the most powerful chips, but they munch through retro titles with ease. You can expect smooth runs through the entire DS library, including some of the lighter 3DS titles like Shovel Knight or Rune Factory 4 at full speed. Heavier 3DS games might stutter a bit – but that’s the trade-off for keeping costs down. The battery life is also good, lasting a few hours on a charge, which is sufficient for a full afternoon of gaming. And the build feels strong enough with plastic shells available in red, turquoise, white, and even a see-through variant that allows you to peep at the insides.


In Kirby: Canvas Curse, swiping the stylus across the bottom screen feels quick, with no pauses or ghosting to interrupt the flow. When you go to vertical mode for Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, the screens seamlessly rotate over, transforming your hand into a controller. Pokémon Black Version 2 packs up its cities and battles with the same old charm, and the battles flow like they should. Even the 3DS demos in the film, which are simple platformers and RPG slices, have enough power to remind you why 3D glasses-free effects were so tempting at the time.