Anbernic RG DS Plus gameplay video highlights dual-screen emulation, PC game streaming, and stylus controls
Anbernic has revealed a closer look at its upcoming RG DS Plus, a new dual-screen retro handheld designed for fans of Nintendo DS-style gaming, classic emulation, and portable game streaming. The latest gameplay video shows the handheld running a variety of titles, using its built-in stylus, switching screen layouts, and even streaming PC games.
The Anbernic RG DS Plus arrives as a larger follow-up to the original RG DS. One of the biggest changes is the operating system. While the earlier model launched with Android before later receiving a Linux build, the RG DS Plus will ship with a custom Linux-based system from the start. This suggests Anbernic is aiming for a more focused retro gaming experience with software built specifically around emulation and dual-screen play.
Although Anbernic has not yet confirmed the full specifications, pricing, or release date, the gameplay showcase gives a strong preview of what the device can do. The handheld will be offered in three color options and includes an integrated stylus, making it especially appealing for games that rely on touch input.
A key highlight of the RG DS Plus is its ability to emulate Nintendo DS games across two displays. In the video, the handheld is shown running titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. These examples demonstrate how the device handles games designed around dual screens, touch controls, and portable play.
The video also shows Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, a game that uses a sideways orientation. The RG DS Plus appears to support this play style, allowing users to rotate the handheld for compatible titles. Instead of relying only on physical buttons, the player uses the built-in stylus, which should make touch-heavy DS games feel more natural on the device.
Anbernic is also introducing a new emulator called NNDDSS for the RG DS Plus. According to the company, this emulator supports features such as custom shaders and save states. These options should make the experience more flexible, giving players the ability to improve the visual style of older games and save progress more conveniently.
While dual-screen DS emulation is the main attraction, the RG DS Plus is not limited to Nintendo DS games. Anbernic says the handheld can also emulate a wide range of single-screen systems, including Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PSP, PlayStation 1, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, and many other classic platforms.
For games that only require one screen, players can choose whether to use the top or bottom display. The unused screen can either be turned off or used to show themed artwork, such as an image representing the original console or controller. This is a thoughtful touch that makes the second display feel less wasted when playing traditional retro games.
Beyond emulation, the RG DS Plus also supports PC game streaming through Steam. This means owners should be able to stream games from a computer to the handheld, expanding its use beyond retro titles. The gameplay video also highlights online multiplayer support through Netplay, allowing users to play supported games with others.
The Anbernic RG DS Plus looks like a promising option for retro gaming fans who want a modern dual-screen handheld with stylus support, broad emulator compatibility, and PC streaming features. With its custom Linux system, flexible display options, and support for both classic and streamed games, it could become one of Anbernic’s more interesting handheld releases.
For now, the biggest unanswered questions are the final hardware specifications, launch date, and price. If Anbernic manages to deliver strong performance at a competitive cost, the RG DS Plus could attract players looking for a dedicated dual-screen emulation handheld with more versatility than the original model.
