Anbernic has officially announced the RG DS, its first dual-screen clamshell handheld gaming device. The Anbernic RG DS will retail for less than $100, positioning it as the most affordable dual-screen handheld currently on the market. This announcement comes as the dual-screen handheld segment experiences renewed interest, with several manufacturers releasing Nintendo DS-inspired devices. The aggressive pricing strategy could make the Anbernic RG DS a significant competitor in the budget retro gaming market.
From AI-Generated Leaks to Official Confirmation
The Anbernic RG DS first appeared in leaked images and videos in September 2025, sparking debate within the handheld gaming community. Some of the leaked content featured a Google Gemini watermark, leading several content creators to question whether AI generated the images.
On October 11, 2025, Anbernic released an official teaser video on its YouTube channel, confirming the device is real. The video showcases the RG DS from multiple angles and confirms several key features. Most significantly, Anbernic stated the price will be “under $100,” though the company has not disclosed an exact figure.
Anbernic RG DS Design and Features
The Anbernic RG DS adopts a clamshell design reminiscent of the Nintendo DS Lite and DSi. The device features two screens positioned one above the other when opened. Both displays appear to use a 4:3 aspect ratio based on promotional footage, though Anbernic has not officially confirmed screen specifications.
The control layout incorporates dual analog sticks positioned symmetrically below the directional pad on the left and the ABXY buttons on the right. Physical controls include a D-pad, ABXY button cluster, four shoulder buttons, and the dual analog sticks. The device features two USB-C ports on the top edge, a 3.5mm headphone jack on the front, and a MicroSD card slot for storage expansion.
The promotional video shows what appears to be a microphone in the center hinge area, though Anbernic has not explicitly confirmed this feature. The announcement video’s thumbnail depicts a stylus alongside the device, suggesting touchscreen functionality for at least the bottom display. However, Anbernic has not officially confirmed this feature.
The device will be available in four color variants: red/black, turquoise/blue, white, and transparent. The transparent option represents Anbernic’s first fully transparent handheld design. Anbernic has confirmed the device will feature stereo speakers.
What We Don’t Know: Specs and Performance
Anbernic has not released technical specifications for the Anbernic RG DS. The chipset, RAM capacity, internal storage, screen resolution, and battery capacity all remain unannounced.
Within the handheld gaming community, speculation centers on several possible chipsets. Some enthusiasts suggest Anbernic might use the H700 processor, which has appeared in several of the company’s Linux-based budget devices since 2023, including the RG Cube XX. Others speculate the device could run Android on a Unisoc T618 or possibly a T820 chipset. However, the latter seems less likely given that Anbernic’s recently released RG476H with T820 retails for $165.
The sub-$100 price point strongly suggests a budget or mid-range chipset. Based purely on the price positioning and design, the device appears primarily targeted at Nintendo DS emulation. However, Anbernic has not explicitly stated emulation capabilities.
Several sources have noted that 3DS emulation seems unlikely for the RG DS. The top screen’s apparent 4:3 aspect ratio doesn’t match the 3DS’s widescreen top display, and a sub-$100 device would likely struggle with 3DS emulation demands. However, these are assessments rather than confirmed limitations.
Anbernic RG DS Price and Market Position
The “under $100” price tag positions the Anbernic RG DS as the most affordable dual-screen handheld gaming device currently announced. The AYANEO Pocket DS, which opened for pre-orders in summer 2025, starts at approximately $400. The AYN Thor offers two configurations, with the entry-level model priced at $249. The Anbernic RG DS undercuts both competitors by at least $149.
Interestingly, the Anbernic RG DS will likely be cheaper than the original Nintendo DS, which launched in 2004 at $149.99. The substantial price advantage suggests Anbernic is pursuing aggressive market penetration rather than premium positioning.
Release Date and Availability
Anbernic has not announced a release date for the RG DS. The company’s announcement consists solely of the October 11, 2025 teaser video, which provides visual confirmation of the device and the sub-$100 price commitment but no timeline for availability.
The device’s final retail price within the “under $100” range also remains unspecified. Industry observers widely expect the price to land at $99.99, though this has not been confirmed.
Anbernic has not disclosed additional specification details, including the chipset, memory configuration, display resolution, and battery capacity.
The Anbernic RG DS represents the company’s entry into the growing dual-screen handheld market with an aggressively budget-focused approach. While many technical details remain undisclosed, the sub-$100 price point and Nintendo DS-inspired design suggest a device aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts seeking affordable DS emulation.
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