Anbernic has unveiled the RG DS Plus, an upgraded iteration of its DS-inspired emulation handheld, and released hands-on footage demonstrating the new device in action.
The announcement and accompanying videos were published in early September 2026, with the original reveal on September 3, 2026, and additional hands-on material posted on September 7, 2026.
The RG DS Plus targets retro gamers who prioritize accurate display scaling and handheld versatility.
Design and displays
The RG DS Plus retains the clamshell form factor modeled after the Nintendo DS but makes several hardware refinements.
It uses dual 4.3-inch displays, each running at 1,024x768 pixels.
That resolution equates to exact 4x pixel scaling relative to the Nintendo DS native resolution of 256x192, providing pixel-perfect visuals for DS titles when the scaling feature is used.
Anbernic also redesigned the hinge with what it describes as a dual-alloy mechanism.
The new hinge supports stepless positioning, letting users set the lid angle anywhere across a continuous range rather than snapping to fixed positions.
Software and emulation
The system runs a Linux-based operating system and introduces a new built-in emulator called NNDDSS.
NNDDSS includes features modern retro players expect: the ability to swap screen output, microphone support for games that require it, shader support, save states and cheat-code functionality.
The user interface is presented as fully customizable by the company, allowing users to configure menus and layouts to personal preference.
Notable hands-on footage
In footage released by Anbernic on September 7, 2026, the RG DS Plus is shown running Nintendo DS titles under emulation alongside other systems such as Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast.
The videos also demonstrate PC ports running on the device, Steam-based streaming, and netplay functionality, illustrating the unit’s multi-purpose capability beyond native DS emulation.
Other features and unknowns
The RG DS Plus adds a built-in capacitive stylus — a convenience absent from the previous RG DS model.
Anbernic has confirmed the core hardware features revealed so far but has not disclosed the system’s chipset, retail price or launch date.
As Anbernic continues to publish footage and technical details, the RG DS Plus is positioned as a notable update in the company’s line of retro-focused handhelds, combining DS-era fidelity with broader emulation and streaming capabilities.
The announcement and accompanying videos were published in early September 2026, with the original reveal on September 3, 2026, and additional hands-on material posted on September 7, 2026.
The RG DS Plus targets retro gamers who prioritize accurate display scaling and handheld versatility.
Design and displays
The RG DS Plus retains the clamshell form factor modeled after the Nintendo DS but makes several hardware refinements.
It uses dual 4.3-inch displays, each running at 1,024x768 pixels.
That resolution equates to exact 4x pixel scaling relative to the Nintendo DS native resolution of 256x192, providing pixel-perfect visuals for DS titles when the scaling feature is used.
Anbernic also redesigned the hinge with what it describes as a dual-alloy mechanism.
The new hinge supports stepless positioning, letting users set the lid angle anywhere across a continuous range rather than snapping to fixed positions.
Software and emulation
The system runs a Linux-based operating system and introduces a new built-in emulator called NNDDSS.
NNDDSS includes features modern retro players expect: the ability to swap screen output, microphone support for games that require it, shader support, save states and cheat-code functionality.
The user interface is presented as fully customizable by the company, allowing users to configure menus and layouts to personal preference.
Notable hands-on footage
In footage released by Anbernic on September 7, 2026, the RG DS Plus is shown running Nintendo DS titles under emulation alongside other systems such as Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast.
The videos also demonstrate PC ports running on the device, Steam-based streaming, and netplay functionality, illustrating the unit’s multi-purpose capability beyond native DS emulation.
Other features and unknowns
The RG DS Plus adds a built-in capacitive stylus — a convenience absent from the previous RG DS model.
Anbernic has confirmed the core hardware features revealed so far but has not disclosed the system’s chipset, retail price or launch date.
As Anbernic continues to publish footage and technical details, the RG DS Plus is positioned as a notable update in the company’s line of retro-focused handhelds, combining DS-era fidelity with broader emulation and streaming capabilities.
