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!___

  • 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!