ANBERNIC's new Nintendo 3DS lookalike might cost more than expected

After showing it off last week, ANBERNIC is gearing up for a full launch of the RG DDS, its ambitious dual-screen clamshell emulator built for high-end Nintendo 3DS gaming. However, interested buyers might need deeper pockets than initially anticipated, as pricing details have surfaced earlier than expected.

Reddit user landblord unearthed an unlisted page on ANBERNIC’s AliExpress store profile. The listing indicates that the RG DDS could be priced between $300 and $365, depending on regional conversions and configurations. That sits well above the community’s hopes for an aggressive sub-$250 price tag, putting the clamshell within striking distance of powerhouse alternatives like the AYN Thor Base.

More specifically, the ANBERNIC RG DDS could be priced at $300 for its 8GB + 128GB model, while the 12GB + 256GB model could be priced at $365. Pre-sales are said to begin tomorrow, October 16, and buyers could get a $15 discount early on. Shipping is said to begin on December 10, 2026.

Continuing its teaser campaign, ANBERNIC dropped an official First Look gameplay showcase on YouTube, showcasing the device’s capabilities on heavier emulation targets.

Dubbed the “Dream Dual-Screen,” the RG DDS runs on Android and features an integrated pull-out telescoping stylus, dual thumbsticks, and active cooling exhaust vents along the rear housing.

In the demonstration video, the handheld runs Nintendo 3DS titles like Pokémon Ultra Sun at 3x resolution, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D at 5x resolution. Beyond dual-screen setups, ANBERNIC demonstrated PS3 emulation running Saint Seiya: Sanctuary Battle, Wii U emulation via Cemu with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, original Xbox gameplay with Panzer Dragoon Orta, and native Android gaming running Zenless Zone Zero. The company also showed PC/Steam game streaming via GameNative and Turnip drivers, with Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown running.

While performance across 3DS and higher-tier platforms looks promising, the leaked pricing makes for a steep climb. Reddit users pointed out that the handheld still relies on standard 60Hz 720p IPS displays in a 5:3 aspect ratio, whereas competing dual-screen consoles at this price bracket offer higher-refresh OLED panels and broader 16:9 utility.

Under the hood, the RG DDS is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 processor paired with an Adreno GPU, backed by active fan cooling to sustain high clock speeds. The system is kept running by a 6,000mAh battery and boots Android. Other hardware details include dual Hall-effect analog sticks, a built-in telescoping stylus housed directly in the chassis, inline shoulder triggers, and a dedicated AI assistant button where the original 3DS C-stick nub once sat.

We’ll have to wait for ANBERNIC to confirm pricing and availability details, and that should happen tomorrow if the leak pans out.