ultimateimp – Anbernic has released a gameplay video highlighting the emulation capabilities of its upcoming RG DS Plus handheld.
The dual-screen device can also stream PC games and support multiplayer gaming with a second compatible device. The announcement arrives only months before the first anniversary of Anbernic’s original RG DS handheld.
The new RG DS Plus is larger than its predecessor and runs Linux as its operating system. By comparison, the original RG DS launched with Android before later receiving a Linux build.
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Anbernic says the RG DS Plus uses a custom-developed Linux operating system. The company has also equipped the handheld with a new emulator called NNDDSS.
NNDDSS supports features including custom shaders and save states for compatible games. Despite its dual-screen design, the RG DS Plus is not limited to Nintendo DS-style games.
The handheld can emulate single-screen platforms such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. Anbernic has also confirmed support for games from the PSP, PlayStation 1, Sega Dreamcast, and Sega Saturn.
The company says the handheld can emulate games from dozens of other systems as well. Anbernic’s latest gameplay video provides several examples of the device’s emulation capabilities.
The RG DS Plus is shown running Nintendo DS games including The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. The handheld also runs Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars during the showcase.
Another demonstrated title is Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, which requires the device to be held sideways. For that game, the player uses the integrated stylus rather than the handheld’s physical controls.
This setup allows the RG DS Plus to reproduce the touchscreen-focused controls required by certain Nintendo DS games. The dual-screen hardware also provides flexibility when running games originally designed for single-screen systems.
RG DS Plus Adds Steam Streaming and Netplay
When playing games from single-screen handhelds or retro consoles, users can choose their preferred display. Players can select either the top screen or bottom screen for gameplay.
The unused display can also be switched off when it is not needed. Alternatively, the second screen can display an image representing the emulated gaming platform. This can include an image resembling the original console’s game controller.
The feature allows the second display to remain useful even when playing games from single-screen platforms. Beyond local emulation, the RG DS Plus can stream PC games through Steam.
Anbernic’s gameplay footage demonstrates the handheld running PC games through the streaming service. This gives the device another gaming option beyond its built-in emulation capabilities.
The RG DS Plus also supports multiplayer gaming through Netplay. The showcase demonstrates the handheld being used for multiplayer gaming with a second device.
This feature could allow users to play compatible games together across supported handhelds. However, several important details about the RG DS Plus remain unavailable.
Anbernic has yet to reveal the handheld’s complete specification sheet. The company has also not announced its official price or release date.
Those details will provide a clearer picture of the device’s position within Anbernic’s handheld lineup. For now, the gameplay video offers the most detailed look at the RG DS Plus.
The device combines dual-screen hardware with broad emulation support and touchscreen controls. It also adds PC game streaming through Steam and multiplayer functionality through Netplay.
Anbernic has confirmed that the handheld will be offered in three different colors. The latest video shows all three color options that will be available when the device launches.
