Anbernic RG DS Review: The Best Budget Dual-Screen Retro Handheld Bringing Back DS Magic in 2025

Hey folks, if you're like me—a die-hard retro gaming fan who's been chasing that Nintendo DS nostalgia on modern hardware—the Anbernic RG DS just hit me right in the feels. I've been knee-deep in the retro handheld scene for years, testing everything from the tiny Miyoo minis to beefier Android slabs, and this clamshell beauty promises to be the ultimate portable retro gaming console for $100. Priced at just $109.99 (includes Free Shipping), it's a steal for what it delivers: dual screens, stylus support, and solid emulation power in a DS-inspired shell. I snagged a Turquoise Blue unit right after launch, updated it to the latest firmware (shoutout to the GammaOS Next fix), and spent a weekend blasting through classics. Here's my honest, no-BS take.

 

Unboxing and First Impressions: Pure Nostalgia in a Modern Package

Cracking open the box feels like time-traveling back to 2004. You get the RG DS itself, a capacitive stylus (finally, no more fumbling with fat fingers), USB-C cable, screen protector, lanyard, and manual. No pre-loaded games or SD card (grab a 512GB microSD for $20-30 to stuff with ROMs), but that's standard for these budget emulator handhelds.

The build screams "DS Lite reborn." It's got that glossy plastic vibe—shiny but surprisingly fingerprint-resistant—with a firm custom hinge that flips open smoothly and holds angles like a champ. At 160 x 91 x 21.5mm and around 320g, it's bigger than a pocket rocket like the RG35XX but comfier for longer sessions than slab-style devices. Colors pop: my Turquoise Blue evokes ocean waves, while options like Black & Crimson Red or Polar White keep it classy. The Hall magnetic switch auto-sleeps when closed—genius for battery life and screen protection.

 

Specs That Punch Above Their Weight

Don't let the sub-$100 price fool you—this is a powerhouse for retro emulation. Powered by Android 14, it's ready for Google Play apps, streaming, and easy sideloading of emulators like DraStic (for DS) or PPSSPP (PSP).

These specs crush PS1, Dreamcast (80% playable), PSP (70%), N64 (85%), and especially NDS—its sweet spot.

Gameplay That Hits Different: DS Dreams Come True

This is where the RG DS shines as the best retro handheld for DS fans. Early review units had a nasty top-screen 40Hz desync bug, making DraStic feel juddery—total buzzkill for touch-heavy titles. But Anbernic's official update (powered by community hero GammaSqueeze's work) locks both screens at a buttery 60Hz. No more stutters; it's flawless now.

I fired up New Super Mario Bros—pure joy. The bottom screen handles touch jumps and spins with stylus precision, while the top shows the map. Upscaled 3D looks stunning with shaders: sharp pixels, vibrant colors, no heat buildup after an hour. Mario Kart DS? Drifting with analog sticks (Hall-effect for drift-free precision) and online multiplayer via WiFi—racing friends felt like 2005 LAN parties.

The Honest Downsides (Because No Handheld's Perfect)

• D-pad: Mushy with occasional false diagonals—fine for platformers, annoying for fighters.
• Sticks position: Awkward low placement; thumbs cramp after 90 minutes.
• Size: Bulkier than SP clamshells—pocketable but not minimalist.
• Stock OS: Update ASAP for GammaOS perks like global shaders and true multitasking.

Mod with GammaOS Next for immersive mode, EQ tweaks, and zero-latency DraStic—transforms it into a console-like experience.

 

Final Verdict: Grab It If You Love Retro Handhelds

The Anbernic RG DS isn't flawless, but at this price, it's the top budget dual-screen retro handheld for 2025. Perfect for DS diehards wanting touch emulation on the go, with enough juice for PS1/PSP/Dreamcast. Update the firmware, load your ROMs, and relive the golden era. If you crave heavier 3DS/PS2, step up to a Thor or RG556—but for affordable nostalgia? This slays.

Score: 8.5/10 – My new daily driver for bus rides and lunch breaks. Who's grabbing one? Drop your fave DS game below!