Anbernic just dropped a bombshell in the handheld gaming world with its RG DS - a dual-screen clamshell device that can run Nintendo DS and 3DS games for under $100. That's $50 cheaper than what Nintendo's original DS cost two decades ago, creating a compelling value proposition for retro gaming enthusiasts looking to play classics like Kirby: Canvas Curse and Shovel Knight without breaking the bank.
The handheld gaming market just got a major shake-up. Anbernic has revealed new footage of its upcoming RG DS dual-screen clamshell device, and the price point is nothing short of aggressive - under $100 for a device that can emulate both Nintendo DS and 3DS titles.
To put that in perspective, when Nintendo launched the original DS in North America over 20 years ago, it carried a $149.99 price tag. Adjusted for inflation, that's roughly $230 in today's money, making Anbernic's offering look like an absolute steal.
The new gameplay footage shows the RG DS running stylus-driven games like Kirby: Canvas Curse alongside 3DS titles such as Shovel Knight. While Anbernic hasn't recreated the 3DS's signature glasses-free 3D display technology, the dual-screen form factor appears to handle the emulation surprisingly well.
What makes this launch particularly interesting is how it positions against the competition. The retro handheld market has been heating up, but most premium dual-screen devices have priced themselves out of mainstream reach. Ayaneo, for instance, has crowdfunded devices like the Flip 1S DS starting at $999 and the Pocket DS at $519 - making Anbernic's sub-$100 price point look almost too good to be true.
The company is keeping some details close to the vest. No specific release date has been announced, nor have they revealed what processor powers the device or detailed performance specifications. What we do know is that it'll launch in four color variants: red, blue, standard white, and a translucent white option that's sure to appeal to nostalgic gamers.
This pricing strategy could reshape the entire retro handheld segment. While companies like Ayaneo have focused on premium experiences with high-end specs and Windows compatibility, Anbernic seems to be betting that most consumers just want to play their favorite DS games without the premium price tag.
The timing couldn't be better either. Nintendo's own handheld legacy continues with the Switch, but there's been a persistent demand for devices that can properly run the dual-screen classics that defined portable gaming in the 2000s and early 2010s. The original DS sold over 154 million units worldwide, creating a massive library of games that many players still want to revisit.
What remains to be seen is whether Anbernic can deliver quality hardware at this price point. The company has built a solid reputation in the retro handheld space, but dual-screen devices present unique engineering challenges - from hinge durability to screen quality and battery life when powering two displays simultaneously.
