Head-to-Head
RG DS vs RG DS Plus
RG DS vs RG DS Plus: 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 DS Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anbernic | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Clamshell (Dual Screen) | Clamshell |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Linux |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3568 | RockChip RK3568 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 1 GB |
| Screen | 4.0 inch x2 | 4.3 inch x2 |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 1024 x 768 (x2) |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Price | $94 (+ shipping) | $95 |
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The RG DS and the RG DS Plus 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 DS Plus uses a RockChip RK3568 with 1 GB. On our performance scale, the RG DS scores 10/10 and the RG DS Plus 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 DS Plus grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range.
Screen and ergonomics
The RG DS has a 4.0 inch x2 display at 640 x 480. The RG DS Plus has a 4.3 inch x2 display at 1024 x 768 (x2). Both the RG DS (dual screen) and the RG DS Plus are clamshell devices, so the choice between them comes down to hardware and price rather than shape.
Battery and price
The RG DS carries a 4000 mAh battery. We do not have a published battery figure for the RG DS Plus. On price, the RG DS sits around $94 (+ shipping).
Which should you buy?
On every system we grade, the RG DS and the RG DS Plus are level, so there is no spec-sheet winner: the difference is the RAM (3 GB against 1 GB) and the screen size (4.0 inch x2 against 4.3 inch x2). Buy the one whose screen size you prefer. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.