Head-to-Head
RG DS vs RG ARC-D
RG DS vs RG ARC-D: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | RG DS | RG ARC-D |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Clamshell (Dual Screen) | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 11, Linux |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3568 | RockChip RK3566 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 2 GB LPDDR4 |
| Screen | 4.0 inch x2 | 4.0 inch |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Price inside the EU | €119.95 at RetroGear, VAT incl. In stock · checked 7 Nov 2026 | No verified EU listing |
| Maker's price ships from outside the EU | $94 (+ shipping) | $98 |
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The RG DS and the RG ARC-D 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 DS is powered by a RockChip RK3568 with 3 GB. The RG ARC-D uses a RockChip RK3566 with 2 GB LPDDR4. On our performance scale, the RG DS scores 10/10 and the RG ARC-D scores 10/10. 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. 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-D reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The RG DS has a 4.0 inch x2 display at 640 x 480. The RG ARC-D has a 4.0 inch display at 640 x 480. The RG DS is a clamshell (dual screen) device, while the RG ARC-D is horizontal. 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 DS carries a 4000 mAh battery, and the RG ARC-D a 3500 mAh battery. On price, the RG DS sits around $94 (+ shipping), while the RG ARC-D is around $98.
Which should you buy?
On every system we grade, the RG DS and the RG ARC-D are level, so there is no spec-sheet winner: the difference is the RAM (3 GB against 2 GB LPDDR4), the screen size (4.0 inch x2 against 4.0 inch), the battery (4000 mAh against 3500 mAh) and the price ($94 against $98). 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.