The Anbernic RG DS Plus now has a store page, a price, and a date. It is $84.99 for the first 72 hours, then $94.99, and Anbernic opens sales on September 15, 2026 at 3:00 AM PDT with China or US warehouse shipping (Anbernic store, RetroDodo). Specs are no longer TBA: dual 4.3-inch 1024x768 IPS, RK3568, 1GB RAM, Linux on a 16GB TF, 4,000mAh (~6 hours), 344g.
The original RG DS stays the Android dual-screen at $94.99 until you actually want 4x integer DS. Same-week Android rivals: Pocket Duo Lite and Pocket Duo. Shortlist: picker, compare, three-way write-up.
Specs and price
| Spec | RG DS Plus |
|---|---|
| Price | $84.99 first 72 hours, then $94.99 |
| Sale opens | September 15, 2026, 3:00 AM PDT |
| Screens | Dual 4.3" IPS 1024x768, OCA laminated; lower screen touch + stylus |
| Chip | RK3568 quad Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz, Mali-G52 2EE |
| RAM / storage | 1GB; 16GB TF (OS); dual microSD up to 2TB; no eMMC |
| Battery | 4,000mAh, ~6 hours claimed, 5V/1.5A |
| Size / weight | 167 x 96 x 24 mm, 344g |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5, BT 4.2 |
| Ports | Dual USB-C (charge + OTG), dual microSD, 3.5mm |
| OS | Linux (NNDSS); GammaOS planned |
| Colors | Matte Black, Coral Pink, Metallic Blue |
Store copy plus Anbernic's unboxing spec sheet (via Notebookcheck): Hall lid sleep, magnets that close the lid below 15°, metal-dome buttons, stereo speakers, microphone, bundled stylus, two glass protectors, lanyard. That replaces the September 7 "battery and weight TBA" catalog hole.
RG DS vs RG DS Plus
| RG DS (shipping) | RG DS Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Screens | Dual 4.0" 640x480 | Dual 4.3" 1024x768 (4x DS) |
| OS | Android 14 / Linux | Linux-first |
| RAM | 3GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC + TF | 16GB OS card, no eMMC |
| Weight | 321g | 344g |
| Price | $94.99 | $84.99 / $94.99 |
| Stylus | In the box | Stored in the shell |
Plus is not more power. Same RK3568, less RAM, better panels, Linux. Retro Handhelds' first 24 hours: if Plus is cheaper than the original, it is the dedicated DS buy (RH). Do not buy it for 3DS.
Should you buy it?
Buy Plus on September 15 if integer-scaled DS under $95 is the feature. Keep the original RG DS if you want Android dual-screen this week. Spend $135+ on Duo Lite only if you need Android apps in a clamshell; spend $249 on Duo for OLED. Preview post with the teaser-era details: RG DS Plus announcement. Budget context: best handhelds under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Anbernic RG DS Plus?
$84.99 for the first 72 hours after the September 15, 2026 3:00 AM PDT sale, then $94.99, on Anbernic.com. Shipping from China or the US warehouse is extra.
When does the RG DS Plus go on sale?
September 15, 2026 at 3:00 AM PDT (6:00 AM EDT / 11:00 AM BST).
Does the RG DS Plus have more power than the RG DS?
No. Same RK3568. RAM drops from 3GB to 1GB. The upgrade is 4.3-inch 1024x768 panels, Linux/NNDSS, and the in-shell stylus.
What is the battery life?
Anbernic rates the 4,000mAh pack at about 6 hours, charging at 5V/1.5A. Independent endurance numbers are not in yet.
RG DS Plus or Retroid Pocket Duo Lite?
Plus for cheap Linux DS. Duo Lite for Android, Hall sticks, and a September 17 ship date at $135–$169. See RG DS Plus vs Pocket Duo.
Sources
- Anbernic RG DS Plus product page
- Anbernic - RG DS Plus first look
- RetroDodo - price and release date
- Notebookcheck - full spec sheet from unboxing video
- Retro Handhelds - first impressions
Featured image: Anbernic RG DS Plus store. Product images used under fair use for editorial purposes.
