Anbernic RG DS Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX SP
The Anbernic RG DS Plus (Under $100) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) are closely matched Linux handhelds. The right pick comes down to display, battery, and form factor — not raw performance.

Anbernic RG DS Plus
- Anbernic RG DS Plus (Under $100) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) sit at nearly the same price.
- Processor: Anbernic RG DS Plus runs a Rockchip RK3568 vs H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 in the Anbernic RG35XX SP.
- 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.
| Spec | Anbernic RG DS Plus | Anbernic RG35XX SP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Under $100 | ~$95(best) |
| Display | Dual 4.3" 1024x768 (4x DS integer scale) | 3.5" IPS 640x480 |
| Processor | Rockchip RK3568 | H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB DDR4 |
| Storage | No eMMC; dual microSD | 64GB + microSD |
| Battery | TBA | 2,600mAh |
| Weight | TBA | ~~186g |
| OS | Linux (NNDSS; GammaOS planned) | Linux / GarlicOS / MUOS |
PS1 / GBA
Anbernic RG35XX SP winsPortability
Anbernic RG35XX SP winsBattery
Anbernic RG35XX SP winsValue
Anbernic RG DS Plus winsAnbernic 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 SP is best for
- Screen protection when closed
- Nostalgia for GBA SP form factor
- Same performance as RG35XX Plus in clamshell
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 SP watch outs
- Smaller battery than Plus (2,600mAh)
- No Wi-Fi in base model
- Slightly thicker when closed
Pick Anbernic RG35XX SP if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG35XX SP if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.
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Anbernic RG DS Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX SP FAQ
Which is better, the Anbernic RG DS Plus or the Anbernic RG35XX SP?
Pick Anbernic RG35XX SP if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG35XX SP if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.
What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG DS Plus and the Anbernic RG35XX SP?
The Anbernic RG35XX SP costs $95 while the Anbernic RG DS Plus is $99 — a $4 difference. Anbernic RG35XX SP 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 SP?
The Anbernic RG35XX SP scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 chip with 1GB DDR4 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 SP?
The Anbernic RG DS Plus ships with a TBA battery. The Anbernic RG35XX SP has a 2,600mAh. 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 SP?
The Anbernic RG DS Plus weighs TBA, while the Anbernic RG35XX SP weighs ~~186g. 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 SP?
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 screen protection when closed, the Anbernic RG35XX SP is the stronger long-term pick. Neither is about to be replaced — both vendors have 12+ month refresh cycles.
