Is the New Anbernic DSi Handheld Real?! | When will they release it?

The rumors are thick right now around Anbernic testing a DSi style handheld and they might be testing it before our eyes.

It no secret that flip and dual-screen handhelds are all the rage in 2025. It’s also no secret that Anbernic doesn’t get left behind and if they think they are, they will rush to market.

There have been rumors of an Anbernic DSi style dual-screen handheld for a while now, we started hearing rumblings around March of this year. I don’t see why they haven’t released one already, it has to be easier than the Anbernic RG Slide?

As the rumors have gotten more prevalent I started noticing a reacquiring theme in their last few gameplay videos… a second screen. This initially made me think that Anbernic was creating an add-on like Retroid did earlier this year, but now I’m not so sure.

Bolt on dual-screens aren’t the easiest thing to conquer. The DNA Duo has taken over a year for a 1 man team to design, build, troubleshoot and build again with a product to put to production for IndieGoGo backers.

All that said Anbernic has an entire team and manufacturing resources behind them. They are also known to release an entirely new handheld model in what seems like hours after a competitor makes an announcement and will be first to market undercutting them. One wouldn’t expect the additional screen to be all that challenging for them.

Initially it also seemed like they were waiting for Retroid to work the bugs out for the add-ons, but nothing announced yet as bugs seem to have been fixed. So what is Anbernic waiting for?

What to expect

If this Reddit post from user /u/Qinki001 is to be believed from yesterday; we should see a matching size 256×192 (4:3) dual-screen handheld with a Unisoc T620 designed to play NDS. This Anbernic “DS” has possibly been in the works for over a year now and may be the next handheld release after the upcoming RG467H. My favorite quote “it should satisfy you” in the below messaging thread, obviously don’t know me very well.

The poster states the information being shared is from Tencent QQ (maybe Tencent HQ?). I have no idea how intertwined these companies are so I’m not here to say that’s not a legit source.

They also state; unsure if LCD or OLED, along with the lower screen being touch. It looks like Anbernic wants this to come in a low price which is evident by the use of the T620 chipset that is powerful enough for single screen DS emulation (don’t think it’s been tried on a dual-screen). That said if this “DS” is shooting for a low price I can all but guarantee it won’t be OLED as Anbernic’s only OLED they are currently using is 5.48 1920×1080 Touch AMOLED being used in the RG557.

It goes without stating but sometimes I feel like I need to anyways, the DS Game Carts from Nintendo won’t be playable in this new handheld, according to the post. To be fair Anbernic does have the K101 Plus which can play GBA Carts, though at the wrong resolution.

There is a conversation attached to the post on Reddit, I’m unsure exactly how accurate the translation is but it’s good for a reference. I think the above message was taken from the information here:

Landscape

As I stated earlier 2025 is the year of the Flip Emulation Handhelds. We have had variants of the GBA SP, DS/3DS and add-on dual-screens on a steady rollout since the end of last year.

I wasn’t sure where to put the Retroid Pocket Flip, it fits between GBA and DS as a single screen Android Flip device that can run Switch emulation?

There are also some others not listed above in the X86 gaming market, but I don’t think they really fit here. Also coming soon is the ZPG A2-DS and I’m not really sure if that is a flip or a slide, I’ve never actually seen it anything but open.

Why now?

Aside from everyone is doing it, Anbernic might have been waiting for Nintendo to discontinue a service. Lucky for them Nintendo just made that announcement.

If you are unaware Nintendo announced a few days ago that they are ending repair support for New 2DS XL models, in turn ending all DS device support do to lack of parts. I’m sure it’s a coincidence after Anbernic waited until the Sony Playstation patent expired on the Xperia Play to release the RG Slide the same day. Complete speculation!

It probably has to do more with a Anbernic feeling left out. If they did start making this DS handheld a year ago it was a completely untapped market for an Android Emulation Handhelds. People were begging for someone to come out with a Flip Android device which we first got from Retroid.

Then once the Retroid Flip was in everyone’s hands a common question arose online, why didn’t they add a second screen. The Retroid Flip without opening it looks like there is room for one, once you crack open the shell not so much.

Anbernic vary well could have started this project as a single screen handheld and has since changed course. This could be cause for the delay.

I’m now wondering what happened to that dual-screen slide handheld that looked kinda like a vertical sidekick that Anbernic patented a year or two ago (that I’m now realizing I never published the article I wrote on)?

What now?

So now we wait. If the Anbernic DS becomes the next release after the RG476H we should start to see the beginning of a steady drip showing “leaked” images of the handheld in the next 2-3 weeks. Some may even be sitting in a puddle of spilled tea (reference to a past leak for the unaware).

I’m slightly concerned after Anbernics last couple of releases that this won’t be a low enough priced handheld for their audience. When you can order the Ayn Thor with its dual-OLED screens starting at $249 or the just released Anbernic RG477M starting at $239, it leaves me room for a pricing concern.

What do you think about Anbernic possibly coming out with a DS style handheld? Do you think Anbernic will release a competing dual-screen accessory? I would love to know your thoughts.

As always if we find out more we’ll let you know.

GameOn

CellPhish

This article may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase an item I may earn a commission which comes at no additional cost to you and supports future content. 

0

0