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Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG DS Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX SP

The Anbernic RG DS Plus ($94.99) 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

Sub-$95 Linux DS clamshell
Price$94.99
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 ($94.99) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) sit at nearly the same price.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG DS Plus runs a Rockchip RK3568 quad Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz (Mali-G52 2EE) vs H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 in the Anbernic RG35XX SP.
  • Listed battery specifications: 4,000mAh (~6 hours claimed), 5V/1.5A vs 2,600mAh. Capacity alone does not establish runtime; game, settings, and power draw matter.
  • Display: Dual 4.3" IPS 1024x768, OCA laminated (lower screen touch + stylus) vs 3.5" IPS 640x480.
  • Weight: 344g (167 x 96 x 24 mm) vs ~~186g — Anbernic RG35XX SP is more pocketable.

Specs comparison

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

SpecAnbernic RG DS PlusAnbernic RG35XX SP
Price$94.99~$95
DisplayDual 4.3" IPS 1024x768, OCA laminated (lower screen touch + stylus)3.5" IPS 640x480
ProcessorRockchip RK3568 quad Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz (Mali-G52 2EE)H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
RAM1GB1GB DDR4
Storage16GB TF (OS) + dual microSD up to 2TB; no eMMC64GB + microSD(best)
Battery capacity4,000mAh (~6 hours claimed), 5V/1.5A(best)2,600mAh
Weight344g (167 x 96 x 24 mm)~~186g(best)
OSLinux (NNDSS; GammaOS planned)Linux / GarlicOS / MUOS
Performance comparison
Spec-based catalog ratings, not measured game benchmarks

PS1 / GBA

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

Portability

Anbernic RG35XX SP wins
Anbernic RG DS Plus
84
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
95
Anbernic RG35XX SP
92

Anbernic RG DS Plus is best for

  • Budget Nintendo DS with pixel-perfect 4x scaling
  • Linux dual-screen under $100
  • Buyers replacing the original 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

  • Intro $84.99 window closed; Anbernic store lists $94.99 (16GB) as of 2026-09-21
  • 1GB RAM (down from 3GB on the RG DS); 3DS is not the target
  • No eMMC; Linux lives on the included 16GB TF. 5V/1.5A charging only

Anbernic RG35XX SP watch outs

  • Smaller battery than Plus (2,600mAh)
  • No Wi-Fi in base model
  • Slightly thicker when closed
The verdict

Compare the specs and tradeoffs for your target games. Anbernic RG35XX SP has the higher or equal average catalog rating; Anbernic RG DS Plus has the lower or equal listed starting price. Catalog ratings are not measured game benchmarks.

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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?

Compare the specs and tradeoffs for your target games. Anbernic RG35XX SP has the higher or equal average catalog rating; Anbernic RG DS Plus has the lower or equal listed starting price. Catalog ratings are not measured game benchmarks.

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

The Anbernic RG DS Plus and Anbernic RG35XX SP are priced similarly at a listed starting price of $95. Compare the exact configuration and check shipping, tax, and store availability before ordering.

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

The Anbernic RG DS Plus uses Rockchip RK3568 quad Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz (Mali-G52 2EE) with 1GB RAM; the Anbernic RG35XX SP uses H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 with 1GB DDR4 RAM. Catalog ratings are not measured game benchmarks. Check testing for your games, emulator version, resolution, and power settings before choosing.

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

The Anbernic RG DS Plus ships with a 4,000mAh (~6 hours claimed), 5V/1.5A battery. The Anbernic RG35XX SP has a 2,600mAh. Capacity alone does not establish battery life. Compare runtime tests using the same game, brightness, and power settings; manufacturer claims may use different workloads.

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

The Anbernic RG DS Plus weighs 344g (167 x 96 x 24 mm), 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?

Check each official store for current stock, preorder status, and shipping estimates. Choose around the games and features you need now. This comparison does not verify delivery dates or predict when either manufacturer will release a replacement.

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