Anbernic has officially revealed an upgraded version of its RG DS emulation handheld, the RG DS Plus, a clamshell device visually and functionally inspired by Nintendo's DS line.
The company presented the device as a refinement of the existing RG DS platform, maintaining a focus on dual-screen portable emulation while introducing hardware and software changes aimed at improving accuracy and usability.
Key hardware upgrades
- Dual 4.3-inch screens: The RG DS Plus uses two 4.3-inch displays at 1,024 × 768 pixels each.
Anbernic says the screens enable pixel-perfect 4x scaling when compared with the original Nintendo DS resolution of 256 × 192, a feature intended to preserve sharp, block-accurate visuals for DS-era titles.
- Redesigned hinge: The clamshell hinge has been reworked with what Anbernic calls a "dual alloy" mechanism.
The company describes the hinge as "stepless," which in practical terms means it provides continuous-angle adjustment so users can set the lid to any position rather than being limited to discrete stops.
- Built-in capacitive stylus: Unlike the prior RG DS model, the RG DS Plus includes an integrated capacitive stylus for touch input on the lower display.
Software and emulation
The RG DS Plus runs a Linux-based operating system and ships with a new emulator named NNDDSS.
Anbernic characterizes the OS user interface as fully customizable; in journalistic terms, the company states the UI can be adjusted extensively by users.
The NNDDSS emulator supports screen swapping (allowing the top and bottom displays to be interchanged) and adds microphone support for titles that require it.
Standard emulator features such as shaders, save states, and cheat-code functionality are also listed as supported.
What we don't know
Anbernic has not published details about the RG DS Plus chipset, release date, or retail price.
Those specifications and commercial particulars remain unannounced at the time of the reveal.
Context
Anbernic is known for producing handheld devices targeting retro gaming and emulation markets.
The RG DS Plus follows that lineage with focused improvements aimed at better DS-era presentation and usability.
While the device draws inspiration from Nintendo's DS hardware, it is a third-party emulation handheld and not affiliated with Nintendo or its platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Direct, or the eShop.
As of this announcement, fans and retailers are awaiting further technical specifications and availability information from Anbernic.
The company presented the device as a refinement of the existing RG DS platform, maintaining a focus on dual-screen portable emulation while introducing hardware and software changes aimed at improving accuracy and usability.
Key hardware upgrades
- Dual 4.3-inch screens: The RG DS Plus uses two 4.3-inch displays at 1,024 × 768 pixels each.
Anbernic says the screens enable pixel-perfect 4x scaling when compared with the original Nintendo DS resolution of 256 × 192, a feature intended to preserve sharp, block-accurate visuals for DS-era titles.
- Redesigned hinge: The clamshell hinge has been reworked with what Anbernic calls a "dual alloy" mechanism.
The company describes the hinge as "stepless," which in practical terms means it provides continuous-angle adjustment so users can set the lid to any position rather than being limited to discrete stops.
- Built-in capacitive stylus: Unlike the prior RG DS model, the RG DS Plus includes an integrated capacitive stylus for touch input on the lower display.
Software and emulation
The RG DS Plus runs a Linux-based operating system and ships with a new emulator named NNDDSS.
Anbernic characterizes the OS user interface as fully customizable; in journalistic terms, the company states the UI can be adjusted extensively by users.
The NNDDSS emulator supports screen swapping (allowing the top and bottom displays to be interchanged) and adds microphone support for titles that require it.
Standard emulator features such as shaders, save states, and cheat-code functionality are also listed as supported.
What we don't know
Anbernic has not published details about the RG DS Plus chipset, release date, or retail price.
Those specifications and commercial particulars remain unannounced at the time of the reveal.
Context
Anbernic is known for producing handheld devices targeting retro gaming and emulation markets.
The RG DS Plus follows that lineage with focused improvements aimed at better DS-era presentation and usability.
While the device draws inspiration from Nintendo's DS hardware, it is a third-party emulation handheld and not affiliated with Nintendo or its platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Direct, or the eShop.
As of this announcement, fans and retailers are awaiting further technical specifications and availability information from Anbernic.
