Anbernic has opened preorders for the RG DDS, a new dual screen Android handheld designed with Nintendo 3DS style gaming in mind.
The handheld is scheduled to begin shipping on December 10, with two memory and storage configurations available during the preorder period. The base model includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $285, while the higher end version offers 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $365.
Shipping costs are extra.
RG DDS Is Built Around Dual Screen Gaming
The RG DDS joins a growing group of Android handhelds built around two displays, but Anbernic appears to be aiming more directly at the Nintendo 3DS experience than some of its competitors.
Its dual LCD screens are aligned to support 3x native resolution when playing 3DS games, which should make the device particularly appealing if dual screen emulation is your main priority.
Other dual screen handhelds such as the Retroid Pocket Duo, AYN Thor and AYAneo Pocket DS take a broader approach, while the RG DDS is positioned more specifically around the layout and proportions associated with Nintendo's handheld.
| RG DDS configuration | RAM | Storage | Preorder price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base model | 8GB | 128GB | $285 |
| Higher end model | 12GB | 256GB | $365 |
These prices do not include shipping.
The article notes that shipping to the United Kingdom is around $15, which is lower than the roughly $30 charged for some competing Retroid products.
Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 Powers the Handheld
Anbernic is using the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 in the RG DDS, making it the most powerful chip the company has placed in one of its handhelds so far.
The processor gives the RG DDS a clear performance advantage over the Qualcomm Dragonwing Q 7790 used in the Retroid Pocket Duo.
Against the AYN Thor and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the situation is less straightforward.
The RG DDS is expected to perform competitively in some workloads, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 remains the faster overall platform based on the comparison provided.
That makes the RG DDS an interesting middle ground between lower powered dual screen devices and more expensive high end alternatives.
60Hz LCD Screens May Be Its Biggest Weakness
The display configuration is one area where the RG DDS may struggle to stand out.
Both screens use 60Hz LCD panels, which puts the handheld at a disadvantage compared with some rival devices that offer more advanced display technology or higher refresh rates.
That matters because the RG DDS is not particularly cheap.
At $285 for the entry model and $365 for the 12GB version, buyers are entering a price range where display quality, processor performance and overall build become increasingly important.
The device therefore appears to rely heavily on its 3DS focused dual screen layout and stronger Anbernic hardware platform to justify its price.
Shipping Begins on December 10
Preorders are available now, with Anbernic planning to begin shipments on December 10.
The RG DDS enters an increasingly competitive dual screen handheld market alongside products from Retroid, AYN and AYAneo.
Its biggest advantages appear to be the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 processor and a screen arrangement specifically suited to 3DS games.
Its biggest concerns are pricing and the use of 60Hz LCD panels.
Real world testing will ultimately determine how well the hardware performs, particularly with dual screen emulation and more demanding Android workloads. For now, the RG DDS gives Anbernic a more powerful entry in a category that has expanded quickly over the past year.
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