Recently, several leaks suggest that Anbernic, already well-established in the handheld emulation market, is planning to launch a dual-screen model heavily inspired by the Nintendo DS.

A design strongly inspired by the DS / DSi

According to images shared on Chinese social media, the upcoming device — supposedly named RG DS — adopts a clamshell design, aesthetically very close to the DSi, with a glossy top shell.
It features two symmetrical screens, a solid hinge, and a layout with classic directional and action buttons, as well as four shoulder triggers on the top edge of the console.

One notable detail: the new device is said to include two analog sticks, which is quite unusual for a DS-inspired console.
It would also feature two USB-C ports, a MicroSD slot, and design cues reminiscent of Nintendo models — particularly the metallic finish on the top.

Speculation and uncertainty

Even though these leaks have sparked a lot of discussion, they should be taken with caution:

• Some elements in the images seem suspicious — for instance, one of them carries a “Google Gemini” watermark, suggesting it might have been AI-generated or edited.
• Neither Anbernic nor any official sources have confirmed the specs, release date, or pricing.
• Pricing remains unclear, but leaks mention a “three-digit price”, which could mean somewhere between $100 and $200, depending on the region.

What can players expect?

If the project turns out to be real, the RG DS could appeal to Nintendo DS / 3DS emulation fans looking for a dedicated, compact, and faithful handheld.

Competition in this category already exists (with, for example, the AYANEO Pocket DS — which we covered here — and other dual-screen devices), but Anbernic, closely followed by the retro gaming community, could stand out if the price-to-performance ratio is right.

⚠️ WARNING: As of today, only two Anbernic models are officially supported by Recalbox.
You can find the full list of supported handhelds here.

Sources: Time Extension / Retrododo