Anbernic RG DS Plus: gameplay video shows the dual-screen handheld in action

Just a few months before the first anniversary of its dual-screen handheld, the RG DS, Anbernic has announced a new model that will be sold as the RG DS Plus. The new handheld is larger and runs Linux, unlike the RG DS (available on Amazon for $129.98) that originally launched with Android, before receiving a Linux OS build a few months ago.

Despite the unveiling of the Anbernic RG DS Plus, there are still a lot that haven't been revealed such as its full spec sheet, price, and release date. While we await those details, Anbernic has shared a gameplay video that shows what the RG DS Plus is capable of.

As stated above, the Anbernic RG DS Plus ships with Linux, although Anbernic says it is a custom-developed OS. The handheld also comes with a new emulator called NNDDSS, which offers features such as custom shaders and save states.

Although the DS Plus has dual screens just like the Nintendo DS family of handhelds, Anbernic's device is also capable of emulating handhelds with a single screen such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. Anbernic has disclosed that it can emulate games made for the PSP, PS1, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, and dozens of other devices.

In the gameplay showcase video, the Anbernic RG DS Plus is shown running Nintendo DS games such as The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. We also see the DS Plus used to play games such as Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword which requires the handheld to be held sideways, although rather than use the physical controls, the player uses the integrated stylus.

When playing games made for devices with a single screen or a retro console, players will be able to choose whether to use the top or bottom display. They can also choose to turn off the screen that's not in use or have it display an image that represents the platform such as the console's game controller.

In addition to emulation, the video also shows that the Anbernic RG DS Plus can be used to stream PC games via Steam. It also shows the handheld has support for online multiplayer using Netplay. We also get to see all three colors the handheld will be available in when it launches.