The Anbernic RG DS Plus is a capable, ergonomic handheld for Nintendo DS emulation

The Anbernic RG DS Plus is a dedicated dual-screen handheld that offers a comfortable, ergonomic experience for Nintendo DS emulation. While it lacks the power of the original hardware and has been downgraded in some specifications—such as having only 1GB of RAM and no internal storage—it excels as a budget-friendly, plug-and-play device. The handheld features a 4.3-inch display with a 1024x768 resolution, which provides a perfect 4x integer scale for DS games, resulting in sharp, crisp visuals. The device includes a built-in stylus holder and improved, clicky buttons that enhance the overall user experience. Although it is larger than the original Nintendo DS and not particularly pocketable, its rounded design makes it comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. The device runs on a Linux-based operating system and utilizes two microSD card slots, one for the OS and one for game storage. While it is not as seamless as an original console, it is a significant improvement over previous models for those prioritizing a dedicated DS experience.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Anbernic RG DS Plus is a dedicated dual-screen handheld that offers a comfortable, ergonomic experience for Nintendo DS emulation. While it lacks the power of the original hardware and has been downgraded in some specifications—such as having only 1GB of RAM and no internal storage—it excels as a budget-friendly, plug-and-play device. The handheld features a 4.3-inch display with a 1024x768 resolution, which provides a perfect 4x integer scale for DS games, resulting in sharp, crisp visuals. The device includes a built-in stylus holder and improved, clicky buttons that enhance the overall user experience. Although it is larger than the original Nintendo DS and not particularly pocketable, its rounded design makes it comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. The device runs on a Linux-based operating system and utilizes two microSD card slots, one for the OS and one for game storage. While it is not as seamless as an original console, it is a significant improvement over previous models for those prioritizing a dedicated DS experience.

The RG DS Plus features a 4.3-inch display with a 1024x768 resolution, allowing for perfect 4x integer scaling of Nintendo DS games. The device is physically larger than the original Nintendo DS, making it less portable but more ergonomically comfortable for long play sessions.

The handheld includes a built-in stylus holder and features improved, clicky buttons that provide a tactile and responsive gaming experience. The device runs on a Linux-based operating system and uses two separate microSD card slots for the OS and game storage.

The RG DS Plus is a Linux-only device with 1GB of RAM, which is a downgrade from previous models that supported dual-booting Android. The device has a 4000mAh battery that provides approximately four hours of gameplay and takes two to three hours to fully charge.

Chapter guide

Release and PricingDetails on the release date, retail pricing, and available color options for the RG DS Plus.Hardware UpgradesAn overview of the display, ergonomics, and button quality improvements over the previous model.Hardware DowngradesA discussion of the reduced RAM, lack of internal storage, and battery performance limitations.Software ExperienceAn explanation of the stock operating system, the Drastic emulator, and how to navigate the interface.Emulation PerformanceA breakdown of how the device handles various systems, including DS, PS1, and Dreamcast.Future Software PotentialA look at upcoming custom firmware options like Rocknix and the early beta of the DS-specific emulator, DSperit.Market PositioningA comparison of the RG DS Plus against the Retroid Pocket Duo and the original Nintendo DS.

Worth noting

  • The reviewer notes that the GammaOS Nano and Rocknix operating systems are currently in early development and not fully optimized for the RG DS Plus.
  • The reviewer mentions that the device was provided by Anbernic for the purpose of this review.

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