Less than a week after introducing the RG DDS, Anbernic released a first look at the handheld today on YouTube. Nintendo 3DS emulation might be the ideal fit for Anbernic’s Dream Dual Screen, but we know gamers will always push the limits of a device once it’s in their hands. With that in mind, today’s video has a few surprises.
Using an engineering prototype, Anbernic demonstrates games running from several systems, including the Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PlayStation 3, original Xbox, and PlayStation 2, along with PC games through GameNative.
Those of you with an AYN Thor Max might be shrugging your shoulders, but for anyone looking for a potentially cheaper alternative, there’s plenty in this video to get excited about.
As expected, Nintendo 3DS emulation receives the most attention. Using Azahar Plus, Anbernic demonstrates five games, including Pokémon Ultra Sun, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate at 3x resolution.
Pushing things further, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Kirby: Triple Deluxe were both demonstrated at 5x resolution.
As a reminder, the RG DDS is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 processor. It also features a 4.7-inch upper display with a 1200 × 720 resolution and a 4-inch lower touchscreen running at 960 × 720. Both displays offer three times the original 3DS resolution along each dimension.
For those looking to move on from their aging 3DS or unwilling to pay exorbitant aftermarket prices, the RG DDS could be an appealing modern alternative.
The video also somewhat features The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD running through Cemu (the gameplay footage is blurred), PS3’s Saint Seiya: Sanctuary Battle through ARMSX3, and Panzer Dragoon Orta from the original Xbox.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown also makes an appearance running through GameNative. Okay, so now we’re seeing this thing run PC games, too.
I feel like I’ve been neck-deep in my own PC gaming experiments lately. I’ve spent time tinkering with GameNative and DroidDeck on the Retroid Pocket Nova and AYN Thor, with the Odin 3 soon joining the mix. So why not throw the RG DDS onto the growing pile of devices to test?
It’s one thing to watch someone else get a PC game running on one of these handhelds, but it’s an entirely different experience trying to get consistently playable results yourself.
Anbernic also demonstrates God of War II through NetherSX2 and the Android version of Zenless Zone Zero.
Of course, we’re watching a demonstration on an engineering prototype. How well the RG DDS holds up during extended gameplay, how it handles heat, and whether it can maintain performance in more demanding titles remain unanswered questions. We’ll need independent testing before drawing any conclusions.
Anbernic has confirmed a 6,000mAh battery, active cooling, and a built-in retractable stylus. The device also features a redesigned control center for managing performance, cooling, and display settings.
Reviewers and industry observers have been speculating that the RG DDS could land somewhere around $300. I wouldn’t begin to guesstimate the official price, but I’d assume Anbernic will aim for something slightly more expensive than the Retroid Pocket Duo while remaining cheaper than the AYN Thor.
For now, Anbernic is in full-on slow-drip marketing mode. These campaigns have their predictable beats before the company finally reveals everything. We still don’t have a release date or confirmed RAM and storage configurations, and questions about battery life and the final software experience remain unanswered.
Anbernic continues to plant its flag firmly in the ground during these Clamshell Wars.
How much would you be willing to pay for the RG DDS? And seriously, what does that AI button do?
| Anbernic (YouTube) | RG DDS gameplay demonstration |
| Retro Handhelds | Gameplay demonstrations and emulators used |
| Notebookcheck | 3DS performance and hardware details |