Anbernic’s DS Clone Costs Less Than Nintendo’s Original
▼ Summary
– Anbernic’s upcoming RG DS handheld will feature dual screens and play emulated Nintendo DS and 3DS games, including stylus-based titles.
– The device is priced under $100 and will be available in four color options: red, blue, white, and translucent white.
– Anbernic has not announced the RG DS’s release date, exact pricing, performance specifications, or processor details.
– The handheld can emulate NDS and 3DS games but will not include the 3DS’s glasses-free 3D feature.
– While not the first dual-screen handheld, the RG DS is notable for its affordability compared to competitors like Ayaneo’s devices starting at $519.
Anbernic’s upcoming RG DS dual-screen handheld is generating significant buzz for its ability to emulate classic Nintendo DS and 3DS games at a remarkably accessible price point. The device promises to deliver nostalgic gaming experiences without the premium cost typically associated with modern retro consoles, positioning itself as an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Footage released by Anbernic demonstrates the RG DS smoothly running stylus-based titles like Kirby: Canvas Curse alongside popular 3DS games such as Shovel Knight. This capability suggests the hardware can handle the unique control schemes and processing demands of both Nintendo handheld generations, though the company has yet to disclose specific technical specifications or the processor powering the device.
Priced under $100, the RG DS represents a substantial value proposition compared to both historical and contemporary alternatives. When the original Nintendo DS launched in North America two decades ago, it carried a $149.99 retail price, nearly 50% higher than Anbernic’s upcoming model. The new handheld will be available in four color variations: red, blue, white, and translucent white, offering aesthetic choices to match different preferences.
While Anbernic hasn’t clarified exact availability dates or finalized pricing, the confirmed sub-$100 positioning makes it notably more affordable than competing dual-screen devices. Companies like Ayaneo have entered this niche with products such as the Flip 1S DS starting at $999 and the Pocket DS beginning at $519, making Anbernic’s offering potentially disruptive to the retro handheld market.
The demonstrated gameplay confirms the RG DS will not attempt to replicate the 3DS’s signature glasses-free 3D functionality, focusing instead on 2D emulation of both platforms’ libraries. This practical approach likely contributes to the device’s cost-effectiveness while still preserving the core gaming experience that made these titles beloved. For gamers seeking dual-screen functionality without premium pricing, the RG DS appears positioned as a compelling alternative worth watching as more details emerge.
(Source: The Verge)
