Anbernic’s next dual-screen handheld could replace your aging Nintendo 3DS

Anbernic shared a new video of its upcoming dual-screen handheld it announced last week showing the device playing 3DS, Xbox, and PS3 games through emulation. While competitors like Ayaneo have been making dual-screen handhelds for a few years, Anbernic only recently introduced its own dual-screen devices including the RG DS and RG DS Plus. Those handhelds are designed to be modern replacements for the Nintendo DS, but the new RG DDS, short for “Dream Dual Screen,” has a faster processor and displays with aspect ratios optimized to replace the Nintendo 3DS — although Anbernic isn’t trying to recreate the glasses-free 3D effect.

Full performance details aren’t yet known, and Anbernic has yet to reveal the RG DDS’ price or how aggressively it plans to compete with devices like the Ayaneo Pocket DS which currently starts at $579. Both the Anbernic RG DS and DS Plus start at under $100.

What we do know is that the RG DDS will feature a 4.7-inch, 1,200×720 top screen and a 4-inch, 960×720 bottom display that match the aspect ratios of what the 3DS used. Those displays also both feature triple the resolution of the 3DS’ screens allowing emulated games to be easily scaled up. The RG DDS will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset with a 6,000mAh rechargeable battery and will include built-in vibration feedback and an extendable stylus stashed inside.

The RG DDS’ design looks nearly identical to the 3DS although you’ll find an additional analog thumbstick on the lower right for playing 3D games that require a pair of them. It also carries forward the small button found next to the top right corner of Nintendo’s New 3DS’ touchscreen. But instead of functioning as a camera controller the RG DDS will use the button as a shortcut for accessing AI features that have yet to be revealed.