This DS-style Android handheld looked like the real deal, but the specs tell a different story

As the owner of multiple Retroid, Anbernic, and Ayaneo devices, I’m not shy about my enthusiasm for Android handhelds. With that in mind, I was quite looking forward to checking out the upcoming Anbernic RG DS, which, as the name suggests, looks a lot like the iconic Nintendo DS of my gaming glory years. However, a new AliExpress listing detailing the device’s specs has dampened my interest, and I doubt I’m the only one.

My main concern surrounding the RG DS is its Rockchip RK3568 chip, which doesn’t offer the sort of power you might need to run the best mobile games, especially demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile. Combine that processor with a lowly 3GB of RAM and just 32GB of storage, and the specs make for some pretty disappointing reading.

The display specs are also a little concerning, with both four-inch screens offering a 640×480 resolution. That might be an upgrade on the original DS, which, may I remind you, launched in 2004, but we’re now in 2025, and I’d expected a little better from the RG DS. We’ll have to test it ourselves to know for sure, but it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be a stunner in the graphics department, at least not compared to some of the top picks from our guide to the best retro handhelds.

The caveat to these sub-par specs is that the RG DS at least appears to be very affordable, with the AliExpress listing displaying a $108.99 pre-order price. That’s substantially cheaper than some of the other DS-style handhelds we’ve seen of late, such as the Ayaneo Pocket DS and the Ayn Thor. However, those handhelds are also much more capable in terms of performance, so we’ll have to wait and see whether mobile gamers are willing to make the trade-off.

Finally, it’s worth noting that this AliExpress listing, first spotted by Joey’s Retro Handhelds, has since disappeared. So, we’ll have to wait for an update from Anbernic for final confirmation on the handheld’s price and specs. If, instead, you’re looking for something you can pick up and play right away, check out our guides to the best handheld consoles and the best Steam Deck alternatives while you’re here.