Skip to content
All comparisons
Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG DS Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX Plus

The Anbernic RG DS Plus (Under $100) and Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) go head-to-head in this Linux handheld comparison. Anbernic RG35XX Plus averages higher across our benchmarks, while Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins on price.

Anbernic RG DS Plus dual-screen Linux clamshell handheld with built-in stylus

Anbernic RG DS Plus

Budget Linux DS clamshell (announced)
PriceUnder $100
VS
Anbernic RG35XX Plus handheld

Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Best budget retro handheld
Price~$85
Key differences
What sets these handhelds apart
  • Anbernic RG DS Plus (Under $100) and Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) sit at nearly the same price.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG DS Plus runs a Rockchip RK3568 vs H700 Quad-core ARM in the Anbernic RG35XX Plus.
  • Display: Dual 4.3" 1024x768 (4x DS integer scale) vs 3.5" IPS 640x480.

Specs comparison

Side-by-side technical details. The glowing value wins its row.

SpecAnbernic RG DS PlusAnbernic RG35XX Plus
PriceUnder $100~$85(best)
DisplayDual 4.3" 1024x768 (4x DS integer scale)3.5" IPS 640x480
ProcessorRockchip RK3568H700 Quad-core ARM
RAM1GB1GB
StorageNo eMMC; dual microSD64GB + microSD
BatteryTBA3,300mAh
WeightTBA~180g
OSLinux (NNDSS; GammaOS planned)Linux / GarlicOS
Performance comparison
How they stack up in real-world use

PS1 / GBA

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
88
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
95

Portability

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
86
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
92

Battery

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
80
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
95

Value

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
93
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
96

Anbernic RG DS Plus is best for

  • Budget Nintendo DS emulation with integer scaling
  • Buyers who wanted Linux on a dual-screen Anbernic
  • Waiting on a sub-$100 successor to the RG DS

Anbernic RG35XX Plus is best for

  • Retro purists wanting Game Boy vibes
  • Maximum portability in pocketable size
  • 30+ hour battery life on a charge

Anbernic RG DS Plus watch outs

  • Not shipping yet; no store listing or firm date
  • 1GB RAM (down from 3GB on the RG DS); 3DS is not the target
  • No eMMC; games live on microSD. Battery and weight still unlisted

Anbernic RG35XX Plus watch outs

  • No analog sticks limit some games
  • Screen is small by modern standards
  • Build quality is budget-appropriate
The verdict

Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the stronger buy here — it outperforms the Anbernic RG DS Plus without a meaningful price premium.

Winner: Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Still unsure?

Let our picker quiz find your perfect handheld in 60 seconds.

Take the quiz

Anbernic RG DS Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX Plus FAQ

Which is better, the Anbernic RG DS Plus or the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the stronger buy here — it outperforms the Anbernic RG DS Plus without a meaningful price premium.

What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG DS Plus and the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus costs $85 while the Anbernic RG DS Plus is $99 — a $14 difference. Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the value pick; Anbernic RG DS Plus justifies the premium with dual 4.3" 1024x768 panels (4x ds integer scale).

Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG DS Plus or Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a H700 Quad-core ARM chip with 1GB RAM. The Anbernic RG DS Plus uses a Rockchip RK3568 and still handles most emulation workloads competently.

How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG DS Plus and Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

The Anbernic RG DS Plus ships with a TBA battery. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus has a 3,300mAh. Real-world runtime depends on workload: retro emulation typically gets double the runtime of native Android or PS2 emulation.

Which is more portable, the Anbernic RG DS Plus or Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

The Anbernic RG DS Plus weighs TBA, while the Anbernic RG35XX Plus weighs ~180g. Lighter devices are easier for pocket carry and long sessions but often tradeoff battery capacity or grip comfort.

Should I buy the Anbernic RG DS Plus or wait for the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?

Both are currently in market. If your use case fits budget nintendo ds emulation with integer scaling, the Anbernic RG DS Plus delivers today. If you prioritize retro purists wanting game boy vibes, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the stronger long-term pick. Neither is about to be replaced — both vendors have 12+ month refresh cycles.

More comparisons

The Miyoo Mini Plus and Anbernic RG35XX Plus are the two best budget retro handhelds under $100. The...
The Anbernic RG35XX H (~$85) and Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) are closely matched Linux handhelds. Th...
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) are closely matched Linux handhelds. T...