Following its announcement last month of the upcoming dual-screen handheld gaming console, Anbernic has now officially launched it on its website."Anbernic RG DS"Pre-orders for the handheld gaming console are now open. Anbernic had previously announced a price below $100, and they have kept their promise, with pre-orders starting at $93.99 (approximately NT$3000). The price will revert to $99.99 after the pre-order period ends.
Specifications revealed: Rockchip RK3568 chip, dual 4-inch IPS touchscreens
Anbernic also announced the full specifications of the RG DS. The core hardware uses the Rockchip RK3568 chip. This chip is expected to have no major problems emulating Nintendo DS games, but it is generally believed that its performance is insufficient to support the smooth execution of Nintendo 3DS games with high-intensity graphics.
However, Anbernic also released some gameplay footage, showcasing some Nintendo 3DS games such as Shovel Knight, Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns, and Rune Factory 4 on the RG DS, seemingly in an attempt to alleviate external doubts.
In terms of screen, the RG DS features two 4-inch IPS touchscreens, both with a resolution of 640 x 480. Unlike some other dual-screen handheld consoles, both screens on the RG DS support touch and capacitive stylus input.
Other specifications include a built-in microphone, a six-axis gyroscope, a dedicated button for switching screen focus, expandable storage via micro SD card, a 4000mAh battery (officially claimed to last up to 6 hours), and it runs on Android 14.
The color options have been reduced, and the previously teased transparent white is temporarily absent.
While Anbernic has kept its price promise, it appears to have reduced the range of color options. The "transparent white" colorway, which was previously revealed, is not available on the pre-order page.
Currently, the RG DS is only available in three colors: black & crimson red, turquoise blue, and polar white. Anbernic states that pre-orders are expected to begin shipping before December 15th.
