Head-to-Head
RG ARC-D vs RG ARC-S
RG ARC-D vs RG ARC-S: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | RG ARC-D | RG ARC-S |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Android 11, Linux | Linux |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3566 | RockChip RK3566 |
| RAM | 2 GB LPDDR4 | 1 GB LPDDR4 |
| Screen | 4.0 inch | 4.0 inch |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Price | $98 | $78 |
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The RG ARC-D and the RG ARC-S are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist, and on our compatibility grid they grade identically on every system we track. The gap between them is hardware and price, not the games they can run.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The RG ARC-D is powered by a RockChip RK3566 with 2 GB LPDDR4. The RG ARC-S uses a RockChip RK3566 with 1 GB LPDDR4. On our performance scale, the RG ARC-D scores 10/10 and the RG ARC-S scores 10/10. The RG ARC-D grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. The RG ARC-S grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. In practice, the RG ARC-D reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed. The RG ARC-S reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The RG ARC-D has a 4.0 inch display at 640 x 480. The RG ARC-S has a 4.0 inch display at 640 x 480. The RG ARC-D is a horizontal device, while the RG ARC-S is horizontal. Both share the same horizontal layout, so the choice between them comes down to hardware and price rather than shape.
Battery and price
The RG ARC-D carries a 3500 mAh battery, and the RG ARC-S a 3500 mAh battery. On price, the RG ARC-D sits around $98, while the RG ARC-S is around $78.
Which should you buy?
On every system we grade, the RG ARC-D and the RG ARC-S are level, so there is no spec-sheet winner: the difference is the RAM (2 GB LPDDR4 against 1 GB LPDDR4) and the price ($98 against $78). Buy the one that costs less where you are, or the one whose screen size you prefer. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.