Skip to content
All comparisons
Head-to-head comparison

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 dual-screen Linux clamshell handheld with built-in stylus

Anbernic RG DS Plus

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

Anbernic RG35XX SP

GBA SP style clamshell
Price~$95
Key differences
What sets these handhelds apart
  • 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.

SpecAnbernic RG DS PlusAnbernic RG35XX SP
PriceUnder $100~$95(best)
DisplayDual 4.3" 1024x768 (4x DS integer scale)3.5" IPS 640x480
ProcessorRockchip RK3568H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
RAM1GB1GB DDR4
StorageNo eMMC; dual microSD64GB + microSD
BatteryTBA2,600mAh
WeightTBA~~186g
OSLinux (NNDSS; GammaOS planned)Linux / GarlicOS / MUOS
Performance comparison
How they stack up in real-world use

PS1 / GBA

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

Portability

Anbernic RG35XX SP wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
86
Anbernic RG35XX SP
88

Battery

Anbernic RG35XX SP wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
80
Anbernic RG35XX SP
85

Value

Anbernic RG DS Plus wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
93
Anbernic RG35XX SP
92

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 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
The verdict

Pick Anbernic RG35XX SP if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG35XX SP if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.

Still unsure?

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

Take the quiz

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.

More comparisons

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) are closely matched Linux handhelds. T...
The Anbernic RG DS Plus (Under $100) and Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) go head-to-head in this Linux h...
The Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) and Miyoo Mini Plus (~$65) are closely matched Linux handhelds. The ri...