With a sub-$100 early bird price and DS-focused design, fans are weighing portability, specs, and battery life.
With the Anbernic RG DS now officially available for pre-order, the handheld gaming world is both excited and skeptical. Early leaks of the specs sparked considerable discussion, particularly regarding the screen size and resolution, which raised concerns about how well DS games would perform on the new device. The price also raised a stir; early reports indicated it would cost more than $100, leaving fans wondering if it would be worth the investment.
The pre-order page for Anbernic is now live on their website. The early bird price is $93.99, which is just under $100. The regular price is $99.99. The gadget will be available in four shades: Polar White, Crimson Red, Teal Blue, and Black. Many fans are already considering their options. Some, like the person who wrote this report, who pre-ordered the game, are skipping the SD card that comes with it because they already have enough space on their own.
The RG DS is said to have a 640×480 screen, which is approximately 2.5 times the resolution of the original DS. The RK3568 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor powers the device and should be able to handle DS games well. A few 3DS games can be played, but the device is mostly made to be a handheld for the DS.
Another thing to think about is the battery life. Anbernic says that the 4,000 mAh cell can last for up to six hours of play. In reality, people might get more like four or five hours with the brightness set higher. The device features a built-in hall switch chip that puts it to sleep when the clamshell lid is closed. This is a thoughtful addition that fits with the pick-up-and-play style of portable games.
Pick it up, play with it, and put it back down. The clamshell design lives on.
With the RG DS, the popular DS Lite’s portability and durability are tried to be brought back. Many fans fondly remember the clamshell design because it protects screens and fits easily into pockets. It also doesn’t have any active cooling or internal fans that can break. Many people consider the DS Lite to be one of the best handhelds of its time, which makes Anberick’s new version a good idea.
However, there are still some questions that remain. Shipping is expected to begin around the middle of December, with December 15 suggested as a possible arrival date. But because global supply lines are still changing, delays are still possible. Additionally, although the device itself costs less than $100, shipping costs may significantly increase the price—$25 in this case—bringing the total closer to $ 125.
People who want to buy might want to wait until there are reviews and teardowns from outside sources. These will give you a better idea of the RG DS’s build quality, performance, and how well it lives up to its “DS-first” claim. Early hands-on views suggest that Anbernic has created a true tribute to the DS Lite, but only time will tell how well it performs in real-life use.
The machine costs $94; shipping costs extra.
Fans of the Nintendo DS who want a portable gaming experience will enjoy the Anbernic RG DS, which combines old-school charm with modern ease. Its low price, well-known look, and updated internal specs make it an interesting choice for both fans and casual players. Although the early bird price is appealing, potential buyers should consider the shipping costs and read reviews before making a purchase.
For now, the RG DS is still a great addition to the world of retro handhelds. Those who want to can pre-order directly from Anbernic, but people may need to be patient to make sure this revival lives up to the famous predecessor.
