Anbernic demos its new Nintendo DS clone, and it punches hard in PS1, N64, and even Dreamcast games

Anbernic has recently unveiled a revamped version of its Nintendo DS clone, the Anbernic RG DS Plus, and shared a video demonstration highlighting its performance capabilities. In a demo lasting just under six and a half minutes, the handheld is primarily shown running Nintendo DS software. However, the latter half of the footage tests the device with titles from several other classic systems, including Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories on the PSP, Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64, Crazy Taxi on the Dreamcast, Shining Force III on the Sega Saturn, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for the original PlayStation.

Hardware specifications indicate the RG DS Plus is equipped with a Rockchip RK3568 chipset and features a 4.3-inch 1024 x 768 display alongside an integrated stylus. While the device handles various retro platforms, the demonstration purposefully skips 3DS emulation. Reports note that while the handheld might manage lighter entries in the 3DS library given its capacity to run Dreamcast and PSP games, users seeking solid performance for that specific system may need to consider alternatives like the Ayn Thor, which features a base Lite model priced at $259.

By comparison, the Anbernic RG DS Plus is expected to retail for under $100. This places it in a similar budget tier to alternatives like the MagicX Zero 40 vertical handheld priced at $75.99 and the existing Anbernic RG DS model available for around $88. While comprehensive testing and final reviews will determine its overall performance across entire libraries, the RG DS Plus aims to provide an affordable, dual-screen clamshell option for retro gaming enthusiasts prioritizing Nintendo DS aesthetics and versatile emulation.