Anbernic's latest handheld gaming device, the RG DS, is now available for preorder, but there's a catch for Nintendo fans. The budget-friendly DS clone, priced at $93.99 for early birds, seems to fall short of 3DS emulation expectations. But here's where it gets controversial: Anbernic's marketing materials suggest otherwise.
Anbernic initially teased a dual-screen device with a transparent white color option, but the preorder page offers only black, crimson red, turquoise blue, and polar white. The device's RK3568 chip is powerful enough for Nintendo DS games, but its ability to handle 3DS emulation is questionable. Despite this, Anbernic's demos showcase the RG DS running 3DS games like Shovel Knight, Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns, and Rune Factory 4.
The RG DS boasts two four-inch IPS displays with touch and stylus support, a feature lacking in some competitors. It also includes a six-axis gyroscope and a button to toggle between screens. Running on Android 14, the device promises around six hours of gameplay on a single charge.
And this is the part most people miss: Anbernic's RG DS might not be the ultimate 3DS emulation solution, but it could still be a solid choice for Nintendo DS enthusiasts on a budget. Will it live up to the hype or leave gamers disappointed? Only time will tell, and the comments section is open for your predictions and opinions!