Head-to-Head
RG ARC-S vs RG DS
RG ARC-S vs RG DS: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | RG ARC-S | RG DS |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Clamshell (Dual Screen) |
| Operating System | Linux | Android 14 |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3566 | RockChip RK3568 |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 | 3 GB |
| Screen | 4.0 inch | 4.0 inch x2 |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Price | 78.0 | $94 (+ shipping) |
The RG ARC-S and RG DS are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist. They are not identical, and the right choice depends on what you actually want to play and how much you want to spend.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The RG ARC-S is powered by a RockChip RK3566 with 1 GB LPDDR4. The RG DS uses a RockChip RK3568 with 3 GB. On our performance scale, the RG ARC-S scores 5.5 and the RG DS scores 5.75. 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. The RG DS 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-S reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The RG ARC-S has a 4.0 inch display at 640 x 480. The RG DS has a 4.0 inch x2 display at 640 x 480. The RG ARC-S is a horizontal device, while the RG DS is clamshell (dual screen). That shape difference matters for how the device feels in the hand and how comfortable it is for longer sessions.
Battery and price
The RG ARC-S carries a 3500 mAh battery, and the RG DS a 4000 mAh battery. On price, the RG ARC-S sits around 78.0, while the RG DS is around $94 (+ shipping).
Which should you buy?
Choose the RG DS if you want the stronger overall package for the money. Choose the RG ARC-S if its specific strengths match your library, and the RG DS if its tradeoffs suit you better. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.