Update September 14, 2026: Anbernic listed the RG DS Plus at $84.99 (first 72 hours) / $94.99, with sales opening September 15 at 3:00 AM PDT. Battery (4,000mAh), weight (344g), Wi-Fi 5, and dual microSD are on the store page. Full launch coverage: RG DS Plus $84.99, sale Sept 15. Same-week Android dual-screens: Pocket Duo preorders.
Anbernic unveiled the RG DS Plus as a Linux dual-screen clamshell with two 4.3-inch 1024x768 panels (4x integer scale for native DS), a redesigned 15–180° dual-alloy hinge, and a stylus that stores in the shell (Anbernic first look, Notebookcheck). Chip and price did not land in the trailer. Anbernic representative Wild Lee later confirmed RK3568, 1GB RAM, no eMMC, and a price below $100 (likely under $90 for the first 72 hours) to Retro Handhelds (RH spec update).
The original RG DS remains the Android dual-screen at $94.99. Compare dual-screen options in the picker or compare tool.
What is confirmed
| Spec | RG DS (shipping) | RG DS Plus (announced) |
|---|---|---|
| Screens | Dual 4.0" 640x480 | Dual 4.3" 1024x768 |
| DS scale | 2.5x | 4x integer |
| OS | Android 14 / Linux | Linux-first (NNDSS) |
| Chip | RK3568 | RK3568 (same) |
| RAM | 3GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC + TF | No eMMC; dual microSD |
| Stylus | In the box | Stored in the shell |
| Hinge | Standard clamshell | Dual-alloy, 15–180° |
| Colors | Existing RG DS finishes | Matte Black, Coral Pink, Metallic Blue |
| Price | $94.99 | $84.99 / $94.99 (listed Sept 11) |
| Ship date | Now | Sale opens Sept 15, 2026 |
Anbernic's own first-look post was screen-and-software first. The store listing now has RAM, battery, weight, and a buy button; full details are in the launch post.
Why "Plus" is not more power
The original RG DS already uses RK3568. Plus spends the name on panel math and Linux, not a faster SoC. 1024x768 is exact 4x of 256x192 DS, which is the entire reason to wait. RAM dropping to 1GB is a cost cut: Anbernic is aiming GammaOS at a Linux dual-screen, not Android multitasking or 3DS.
Do not buy this for 3DS. Retro Handhelds quoted the brief as cornering the budget DS market. For dual-screen power, the AYN Thor and AYANEO Pocket DS still live in a different price class. Our older RG DS write-up is here: RG DS official specs.
Should you wait?
Buy Plus on September 15 if 4x integer DS on Linux under $95 is the only feature you care about. Buy the shipping RG DS now if you want Android dual-screen this week. Skip both if your library is 3DS/PS2 — that is Thor / Pocket DS / Odin money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the Anbernic RG DS Plus cost?
$84.99 for the first 72 hours after the September 15 sale, then $94.99, on Anbernic.com. That matches the under-$90 early window Wild Lee previewed.
What chip is in the RG DS Plus?
Rockchip RK3568, the same SoC as the original RG DS, with 1GB of RAM and no eMMC. The upgrade is the 4.3-inch 1024x768 panels and Linux software, not CPU horsepower.
Does the RG DS Plus play 3DS?
No. Anbernic is targeting budget DS emulation. 1GB RAM and RK3568 are the wrong class for 3DS. Buy an AYN Thor or a flagship Android clamshell if 3DS is the point.
Is the RG DS Plus shipping yet?
The store listing is live. Sales open September 15, 2026 at 3:00 AM PDT. See the launch post. The original RG DS remains the Android dual-screen you can order today.
RG DS or RG DS Plus?
Buy the RG DS for Android, 3GB RAM, and a $94.99 listing today. Buy Plus on September 15 if 4x DS integer scaling and a built-in stylus slot matter more than Android.
Sources
- Anbernic - RG DS Plus first look
- Retro Handhelds - RG DS Plus reveal and Wild Lee spec update
- Notebookcheck - RG DS Plus unveiled
Featured image: Anbernic RG DS Plus first look / press imagery. Product images used under fair use for editorial purposes.
