Anbernic has revealed new footage of their upcoming RG DS clamshell, showing the device in action for the first time. The engineering prototype in the video is a premium-looking device, and the hype factor is real when combined with a remarkably cheap price point.

The Anbernic RG DS looks slightly smaller than a DSi XL, albeit with a bunch of extra buttons, including two PS Vita sticks recessed into the body for a low profile. Cleverly, the bottom screen features a slight rise, preventing the top screen from resting too heavily against buttons and sticks when the device itself is closed. There’s also an observable microphone hole revealed in the hinge of the device, and stereo speakers on each side of the top screen.

The demo starts with a 3DS game, which runs better than might be expected for a sub-$100 device, but nevertheless stutters audibly. Instead, like the Magic X Zero 40, the device is clearly meant to be a modern replacement for the original Nintendo DS. The rest of the video showcases exclusively DS games, which appear to be running well at an upscaled resolution. The user in the video alternates between touch input and a stylus on the bottom screen, with both methods appearing responsive and accurate.

Anbernic has confirmed that the RG DS will come in at less than $100, which serves to place it in an entirely different area from other dual-screen handhelds from AYN and AYANEO. We still don’t know what chipset the device is running on, but to get such consistent performance on a dual-screen device at a budget price point is a new milestone, and hopefully leads to even more innovation in the budget sector.

So far, other details are scarce, but we assume it will run a version of Android and will be powered by a competent chip like the Unisoc T618. We also know that the RG DS will be available in four colors at launch: Red, Turquoise, White, and Transparent.

The Anbernic RG DS is shaping up to be the high-quality, low-cost dedicated DS emulation device that the fans have yearned for, assuming Anbernic can stick the landing. Will you be picking one up at launch? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!

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