Anbernic's second take on a dedicated Nintendo DS handheld refines almost everything I loved about the original, and somehow still manages to be incredibly affordable.

I’ve just published my time with the Anbernic RG DS Plus, the bulk of this is the usual review things, but of some note was that I got to chat directly with Anbernic about the device and their take on it: why they revisited the original RG DS, the new NNDDSS emulator and some of the design decisions behind the Plus.

The RG DS Plus itself is Anbernic’s second iteration of making a NDS-focused retro handheld. I love this one so much.

I also spoke with the devs behind Cocoon, who are working on bringing Cocoon (a super 3DS-ish front-end/launcher for dual screen handhelds) to the RG DS Plus very soon. Just a bit of a chance to look a little beyond the hardware itself and at what this could mean for dual-screen Linux handhelds going forward, Cocoon for the DS Plus isn’t far off now (they’re moving from being Android-only to both Android and Linux!)

If you’re interested in the RG DS Plus, DS emulation or where these weird little dual-screen handhelds are heading, you might like this one!___

  • sbeak@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    1·
    4 hours ago

    I really want one. It’s a little cheaper than the original RG DS, has larger screens, ships with Linux OOTB (and sacrifices the memory needed by Android, which never ran well to begin with), has an integrated stylus, and comes in pink too! (I’d rather have a lilac, but you take what you get)

    The only thing I’m waiting on is Rocknix support. It looks like the new NNDDSS still needs a bit of work too (can you change it to Drastic in stock firmware?). GammaOS Nano is also able to run on this apparently, which is pretty exciting. Will definitely wait for CFW, since Anbernic’s stock OS is never all that great.

    If I do get one, this would be my first dedicated handheld (I’ve mostly used my laptop and phone for it right now), and I’m eyeing a dual-screen option since it will fulfill a use case that neither device does very well. The candy bar devices are all excellent, but they’re essentially smartphones with a controller attached to them (smaller ones, but an extra device that fulfills a similar function nonetheless)

    I think the RG DS is better if you want a smaller device that can do more RAM intensive stuff (like Android or PortMaster), or perhaps you just like Turquoise or the Red/Black dualtone over the Deep Blue or Pink (white is present on both), but for me, I would take the Plus any day.

    • PerfectDark@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      3·
      10 hours ago

      This isn’t build for the 3DS. It is marketing specifically as a DS handheld, and with good reason. The screens matching in size give it away (both the same size = DS! Large top, small bottom = 3DS!). While it runs some, they’re not ideal on here.

      You’d be better looking at AYN’s Thor or Retroid’s Duo (coming up soon)

    • friend_of_satan@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      11 hours ago

      I was looking at the Steam Frame earlier this week hoping that somebody will make (or has already made) a VR 3ds emulator where you get 3d for the emulated top screen.

  • LoafedBurrito@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    4·
    2 days ago

    So i just bought an RG DS a few months ago and i love it. The battery life sucks, but it’s dual screen, that is to be expected. This Plus version has the exact same chip and just a slight redesign to integrate the stylus and have nicer screens. So i have no reason to upgrade, but i can see why this would be the better option between the 2 considering they are the same price.

  • bluesquid0741b@aussie.zoneEnglish
    5·
    2 days ago

    I loved my DS lite, and this looks like a nice premium version of it. But I refuse to sink any more money into these cheap retro handhelds.

    I’ve had 3 Anbernic devices, and 1 powkiddy. Only have one left working. The powkiddy v90 stopped working (can’t figure that one out), and two of the Anbernics got inflated batteries.

    As much care as I tried to take with having the right usb cord, the right amperage charger, Only charge it when I can have it sitting next to me to check in it, never unattended or over night… I do love these things but they need some sort of proper battery management hardware or something.

    • tidderuuf@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      2 days ago

      Which Anbernic models do you have? I’ve got an RG405V, RG35XXSP and RG35XXPro. Each with well over 100hrs and no issues. I think the XXSP hinges might be ready to crack soon but seems easily replaceable.

    • PerfectDark@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      Really interesting that you’ve got issues! I’ve got…far more than I care to admit (since I review them though, that’s a handy excuse!) and I haven’t had any issues with the batteries or any system failures. I’m sorry to hear you do!

  • B0NK3RS@lazysoci.alEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    It’s still early days with the dual screen handhelds so I’m not going to bother getting one myself for a while yet. I was very tempted to buy the original RGDS but instead it inspired me to hack my kids 2DS’s instead and buy a DSpico :D