Anbernic unveiled the RG DS Plus handheld console for Nintendo DS games
Anbernic has launched the RG DS Plus, a new dual-screen handheld console primarily designed for Nintendo DS emulation.
Compared to the standard RG DS model, this version features larger screens with resolutions suitable for integer scaling, a redesigned hinge, an integrated stylus, and a new emulator. However, the processor remains unchanged, while RAM capacity has been reduced.
Displays and chassis
The RG DS Plus is equipped with two 4.3-inch displays, each with a resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels and an aspect ratio of 4:3. The original Nintendo DS has a resolution of 256 × 192 pixels per display, allowing the image to be scaled exactly four times.
For comparison, the first RG DS used 4-inch panels with a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels.
Anbernic has also redesigned the hinge. The design uses two metal elements, and the screen can be locked at various angles ranging from approximately 15° to 180°.
The chassis now includes a compartment for the included capacitive stylus. The microphone is positioned near the hinge, closer to the design of the original Nintendo DS.
For control, there is a crosspad, four face buttons, four shift keys, and one analog stick. There are also two USB Type-C ports, two microSD slots, a 3.5 mm jack, and front-facing stereo speakers.
The console will be available in black, blue, and pink.
Performance
Anbernic retained the quad-core Rockchip RK3568 with Cortex-A55 cores and a frequency up to 2.0 GHz. The Mali-G52 handles graphics.
At the same time, the amount of RAM was reduced from 3 GB to 1 GB. The new model also lacks the built-in 32 GB eMMC storage used in the RG DS. System and games will be stored on microSD cards.
Support for Nintendo 3DS emulation has not yet been announced.
Nintendo DS emulation
RG DS Plus runs on Linux. A dedicated dual-screen emulator called NNDDSS has been developed for it, featuring an interface adapted for the console.
It supports screen switching, touch controls on the lower display, state saving, real-time clocks, a microphone, cheat codes, and over 70 shaders.
A resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels enables rendering Nintendo DS games with precise fourfold scaling, while the built-in stylus simplifies control in projects that heavily rely on touchscreen interaction.
Anbernic is also working with developer TheGammaSqueeze on GammaOS support.
Price and sales start
The exact release date for the RG DS Plus has not yet been announced.
According to preliminary data, the standard price of the console will be less than $100. During the first 72 hours after sales begin, the cost may be lower at $90, although Anbernic has not yet disclosed final prices.
