Retro handheld gaming has evolved beyond the traditional single-screen console. More enthusiasts are looking for devices that recreate the experience of classic portable gaming systems while offering modern conveniences such as wireless connectivity, expandable storage and improved displays.
The ANBERNIC RG DS Plus takes a different approach by bringing a dual-screen clamshell design to the retro gaming market. Instead of following the increasingly common horizontal handheld layout, it features two 4.3-inch IPS displays, a touchscreen with stylus support and a Rockchip RK3568 processor.
The Banggood configuration advertises 16GB+128GB storage and a collection of more than 4,000 games. Combined with a 4,000mAh battery, Linux-based software and support for multiple classic gaming platforms, this handheld aims to offer a versatile portable gaming experience.
But is the RG DS Plus simply an interesting-looking retro console, or does its dual-screen design make a meaningful difference? Let’s take a closer look at its hardware, gaming capabilities and everyday usability.
ANBERNIC RG DS Plus: Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | ANBERNIC |
| Model | RG DS Plus |
| Design | Foldable dual-screen handheld |
| Main display | 4.3-inch IPS |
| Secondary display | 4.3-inch IPS |
| Resolution | 1024 × 768 per screen |
| Touchscreen | Lower display supports multi-touch |
| Stylus | Capacitive stylus support |
| Processor | Rockchip RK3568 |
| CPU | Quad-core Cortex-A55, up to 2.0GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G52 2EE |
| RAM | 1GB |
| Operating system | Linux |
| Storage configuration | 16GB + 128GB advertised package |
| Storage expansion | TF card, supports up to 2TB |
| Wireless connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| Advertised battery life | Up to 6 hours |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Weight | Approximately 344g |
| Dimensions | 167 × 96 × 24mm |
Note: The 16GB+128GB configuration refers to the advertised storage package. ANBERNIC’s official specifications list 1GB RAM, a 16GB Linux system TF card and expandable TF storage. Check the selected Banggood variant for the exact included cards and game package.
1. A Foldable Dual-Screen Design That Brings Back Classic Handheld Gaming
The most distinctive feature of the ANBERNIC RG DS Plus is undoubtedly its clamshell construction.
Rather than using a conventional single-display layout, the console opens like a compact notebook to reveal two separate 4.3-inch IPS screens. This arrangement is particularly useful for games originally designed around two-screen interaction.
Both displays use a 4:3 aspect ratio and offer a resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels. The OCA full-lamination construction helps create a more integrated display surface, reducing the visual separation between the panel and protective layers.
The lower display supports multi-touch input and capacitive stylus operation. This makes it possible to interact with games and menus through direct screen input instead of relying exclusively on physical buttons.
If you enjoy compact handheld consoles with a folding design, take a look at our Anbernic RG SP foldable retro handheld review for another portable gaming option.
The foldable structure also offers a practical advantage when travelling. Closing the console protects its two displays during transportation and reduces the amount of space it occupies in a bag.
ANBERNIC offers the RG DS Plus in three colors:
- Matte Black
- Coral Pink
- Metallic Blue
The result is a portable console that combines a familiar retro-inspired appearance with a design specifically suited to dual-screen gaming.
2. Two 4.3-Inch IPS Displays With Touch and Stylus Support
Display quality plays a particularly important role in a dual-screen handheld because users spend time looking at both panels rather than concentrating on a single screen.
The RG DS Plus features two 4.3-inch IPS displays, each with a resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels.
The 4:3 format is well suited to many older gaming systems, helping classic titles retain their original proportions without requiring excessive image stretching.
The lower screen adds another layer of functionality through its multi-touch support. A capacitive stylus is also included, allowing more precise interaction with touch-based interfaces.
This is especially relevant for games that use menus, maps, inventory management or direct touch controls.
For players who enjoy Nintendo DS-style gaming, having two physical displays is much more appealing than trying to reproduce the same experience through a single-screen interface.
The resolution also allows suitable DS content to benefit from four-times pixel scaling, creating a clean presentation when supported by the emulator.
3. Rockchip RK3568 Processor: What Can It Handle?
At the heart of the RG DS Plus is the Rockchip RK3568, a quad-core 64-bit processor based on ARM Cortex-A55 architecture.
Its CPU can reach frequencies of up to 2.0GHz and works alongside an ARM Mali-G52 2EE GPU.
This is not a flagship mobile chipset, but it is designed to provide sufficient processing capability for a dedicated retro gaming device.
The Linux-based platform supports a broad selection of classic gaming systems, including:
- Nintendo DS
- Game Boy and Game Boy Color
- Game Boy Advance
- NES and SNES
- Sega Mega Drive
- PlayStation 1
- Nintendo 64
- Dreamcast
- PSP
- Neo Geo
- Arcade platforms such as CPS1, CPS2 and CPS3
Actual performance depends on the emulator, game and configuration being used. Older 8-bit and 16-bit systems should be the most comfortable workload, while more demanding platforms may require individual game compatibility testing and adjusted settings.
The important point is that the RG DS Plus is primarily designed around retro gaming rather than modern Android titles or demanding 3D games.
Its dual-screen hardware also makes Nintendo DS emulation a particularly relevant use case.
For players who prefer a more powerful Android-based gaming handheld, our ANBERNIC RG 55G1 gaming console review explores another option with a Snapdragon processor and Full HD display.
4. Linux System and Dedicated Dual-Screen Emulation
Software is just as important as hardware when choosing a retro gaming handheld.
The ANBERNIC RG DS Plus runs Linux and supports the manufacturer’s NNDDSS dual-screen emulation software. It also supports third-party software, including RixelHK for game downloading.
The dual-screen software is particularly important because simply having two displays does not guarantee a good gaming experience.
Proper screen allocation, touch input, display switching and emulator compatibility all influence how naturally games operate.
The RG DS Plus is designed to make better use of its two displays, particularly for titles that originally depended on separate gameplay and information screens.
The console also supports multiple game formats and allows users to add compatible game files.
One important consideration is that compatibility is not identical across every supported platform. Buyers should not assume that every game will run perfectly simply because its system appears in the supported-format list.
5. Advertised 4,000+ Games and Expandable Storage
Storage is another major selling point of the Banggood package.
The listing advertises a 16GB+128GB configuration and more than 4,000 games. This makes the product attractive to buyers who want a large retro gaming collection without having to configure everything from scratch.
However, there is an important distinction between the console’s hardware specifications and the seller’s storage bundle.
ANBERNIC lists a 16GB TF card for the Linux system and supports additional TF card storage of up to 2TB. The advertised 128GB option should therefore be understood as part of the selected storage package rather than internal built-in memory.
The larger card can provide additional room for compatible game files, applications and other supported content.
Before ordering, buyers should confirm which TF cards are included and whether the advertised game collection is actually supplied with their selected variant.
It is also worth remembering that the number of advertised games does not necessarily indicate their quality, compatibility or legal distribution status. Users should obtain game files through legitimate sources and check the applicable copyright rules in their region.
6. 4000mAh Battery for Portable Gaming
A handheld console is only useful when it can stay away from a charger for a reasonable amount of time.
The RG DS Plus comes with a 4000mAh polymer lithium battery, with ANBERNIC advertising up to six hours of battery life.
Actual endurance will depend on screen brightness, Wi-Fi activity, speaker volume, emulator workload and other settings.
Running two displays simultaneously naturally places additional demands on the battery compared with many single-screen handhelds.
For everyday use, the 4000mAh capacity provides a reasonable foundation for portable gaming sessions, although users planning long journeys may still want access to a power bank.
The console supports 5V/1.5A charging.
Another convenient feature is its built-in Hall magnetic switch. When the clamshell is closed, the system can enter sleep mode, helping reduce unnecessary power consumption between gaming sessions.
7. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Additional Features
Although the RG DS Plus focuses heavily on retro gaming, it also includes several connectivity and convenience features.
Its wireless specifications include dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, alongside Bluetooth 4.2.
Wi-Fi can be useful for supported online multiplayer features, software-related functions and other network activities.
Bluetooth provides additional flexibility when connecting compatible wireless accessories.
Other features include:
- Built-in stereo speakers
- 3.5mm stereo headphone connection
- Vibration motor
- Built-in DSP sound processing
- Microphone input support
- Adjustable display brightness
- Energy-saving settings
- Customizable system functions
- Online multiplayer and streaming support
The inclusion of a traditional headphone jack is particularly welcome for players who prefer wired headphones or want to avoid Bluetooth audio latency.
Together, these features make the RG DS Plus more than a basic offline emulator device.
8. What Is Included in the Package?
The manufacturer’s listed accessories include:
- 1 × ANBERNIC RG DS Plus handheld console
- 1 × USB charging cable
- 1 × Capacitive stylus pen
- 2 × Screen protectors
- 1 × User manual
- 1 × Lanyard
The exact TF card configuration and preloaded content should be checked against the Banggood package option before purchasing.
9. Who Should Consider Buying the ANBERNIC RG DS Plus?
The RG DS Plus is not designed to compete directly with powerful Android gaming handhelds or modern portable PCs.
Its appeal comes from a different direction: a foldable design, two displays and a software platform built around classic gaming.
It may be particularly suitable for:
Retro gaming enthusiasts: Players who enjoy older console generations can benefit from its broad emulator compatibility.
Nintendo DS-style gaming fans: The two-screen layout and touchscreen make this one of the more interesting use cases for the device.
Portable gaming collectors: The clamshell design and three color options give it a distinctive appearance.
Players who prefer touch interaction: The lower touchscreen and included stylus provide more control flexibility.
Users who want expandable storage: The TF card support offers room for a larger personal game library.
However, people looking for demanding modern 3D gaming, Android application support or high-end emulation should consider more powerful hardware.
Final Verdict: Is the ANBERNIC RG DS Plus Worth Buying?
ANBERNIC RG DS Plus stands out because it does not follow the conventional design of most modern retro handhelds.
Its two 4.3-inch IPS displays, foldable body and lower touchscreen create a gaming experience that is particularly relevant to dual-screen classics. The RK3568 processor, Linux software and broad emulator support provide the foundation for a versatile retro gaming device.
The 4000mAh battery, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, stereo speakers and expandable storage add useful everyday functionality.
There are limitations worth considering. Its 1GB RAM and RK3568 processor are better suited to classic gaming than demanding modern emulation. The advertised 4,000+ game collection should also be evaluated separately from the console’s actual hardware capabilities.
Nevertheless, for enthusiasts who specifically want a dual-screen retro handheld, the RG DS Plus offers a distinctive alternative to conventional single-screen devices.
If you value the clamshell design, touchscreen interaction and compatibility with classic gaming platforms, the ANBERNIC RG DS Plus deserves a place on your shortlist.