Anbernic RG DDS is a new Nintendo 3DS clone, this time with a powerful Snapdragon and Android

Anbernic is a specialist in retro handhelds. It offers a whole range of them, from the cheapest with a price under $40 to more powerful models for $260. The recently introduced “flagship” model, Anbernic RG DDS, will likely fall into the latter category. At first glance, it is almost an exact copy of the Nintendo New 3DS handheld, but it runs on Android and uses a gaming chipset from Qualcomm.

Significantly more powerful than the rest of the lineup

The new Anbernic RG DDS is already the third dual-screen handheld in the brand’s lineup. While the first two focused primarily on Nintendo DS games, and their performance reflected that, the new device can easily handle Nintendo 3DS games and even more demanding ones. This is primarily due to the chipset used. Specifically, we are talking about Qualcomm’s gaming platform – Snapdragon G2 Gen 2. Its performance could be compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen2, which has a weaker processor but a slightly more powerful graphics chip. You can read about the real capabilities of this solution in our review of the Retroid Pocket G2 handheld, which uses the same chip.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not disclose how much RAM or storage the Anbernic RG DDS will offer. The displays used are a minor point of controversy – they are smaller than those of competitors like the Retroid Pocket Duo or Ayn Thor, have lower resolution, and are IPS, not OLED panels. On the other hand, they maintain exactly the same aspect ratio as the original Nintendo New 3DS and offer its pure triple resolution. Specifically, there is an upper 4.7″ panel with a resolution of 1200 × 720 px (5:3 aspect ratio) and a lower 4″ display with a resolution of 960 × 720 px (4:3 aspect ratio). The manufacturer also included a stylus integrated directly into the device’s body.

The console offers a familiar layout of controls, which, compared to the original Nintendo design, also adds a right analog stick. The dedicated AI button seems peculiar, and I currently can’t imagine its real-world use – but let’s wait and see. Inside, there is a 6,000 mAh battery, and the manufacturer also showed us a glimpse of the Android interface used – specifically, the control panel on the bottom display. The new Anbernic RG DDS doesn’t deny its inspiration, even with the speaker grilles, which not only have an identical appearance but also the exact same placement. The manufacturer has not yet announced the estimated price. However, if the new device is to directly compete with models like the Retroid Pocket Duo, it should start below the $270 mark (approximately 5,900 CZK converted).

Do you own a similar retro handheld?

Source: RetroDoDo.com