The new dual-screen handheld embraces the spirit of the Nintendo 3DS with higher specs and a steep price tag.
Anbernic is releasing a premium dual-screen handheld called the RG DDS, priced at $299.99 with a temporary preorder at $284.99. It runs on a Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, offers 8GB/12GB RAM options with 128GB or 256GB storage, and supports up to 2TB via microSD. It ships starting December 10, 2026, in three colors: Glacier White, Basalt Black, and Phantom Blue. It runs Android 16 and includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4.
For retro gamers, this is a bigger step up than Anbernic’s usual budget devices, promising more performance and a broader game library through Android. The AI button is a fresh twist, offering guides and translation during gameplay.
What happens next: expect more detailed specs and regional availability to surface as December approaches.
Anbernic is stepping up from its budget-focused line with a premium dual-screen handheld that’s a nod to the Nintendo 3DS. The company calls it the RG DDS, and it’s priced at $299.99 in the United States. If you act fast, there’s a temporary preorder price at $284.99. The ship date starts December 10, 2026, with the company rolling out units gradually.
Under the hood, the RG DDS runs on a Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 processor, a notable upgrade for a handheld that’s courting retro fans who want more than just a nostalgic shell. Anbernic is offering two memory/storage configurations: 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, or a higher-end model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Both models include a microSD slot that can accept up to 2TB of extra storage, so long as you buy the card separately.
As the name suggests, the RG DDS features two screens, designed for classic handheld gaming and emulation. It will run Android 16, which opens up a wide library of emulator apps and games beyond just 3DS titles. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, and it supports 1080p video output, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a six-axis gyro for motion input in games that support it.
One feature Anbernic highlights is an AI button that promises game guides, real-time translation, and other “fun AI features.” It’s a small nod to the growing role of AI in gaming devices, though it remains to be seen how useful those tools will be in practice for casual players. The RG DDS won’t offer glasses-free 3D, a signature of the original 3DS, but the higher-resolution screens and better internals could offset that.
Color options announced for the launch are Glacier White, Basalt Black, and Phantom Blue, with the devices shipping gradually beginning Dec. 10, 2026. If you’re eyeing this as a way to play older games with modern perks, the RG DDS marks a clear shift for Anbernic toward higher-end hardware and more ambitious software capabilities.
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