Anbernic
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"We recommend looking for alternatives" - The Anbernic RG DDS just lost official support from the best 3DS emulator, and it's thanks to "unofficial piracy-focused forks"
The Azahar Emulator team has officially withdrawn support for Anbernic's RG DDS handheld due to the manufacturer's promotion of unofficial, piracy-focused forks of the emulator. This decision, driven by concerns over potential legal repercussions and association with piracy, means Anbernic devices will no longer receive official bug fixes or support, with the developer recommending alternatives like the Retroid Pocket Duo.
Retro Handhelds Loaded With Unlicensed Games Could Face Government Crackdown
The Electronic Software Association (ESA) is urging the US government to crack down on retro handheld devices pre-loaded with unlicensed games, labeling them "superfakes." The ESA wants these devices and associated marketplaces added to the Notorious Markets List to combat piracy and counterfeiting, which they argue significantly harm the gaming industry by substituting for legitimate purchases.
ESA flags retro console maker Anbernic for inclusion on US government's Notorious Market List
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has recommended that retro console maker Anbernic be added to the US government's Notorious Market List due to its alleged facilitation of hardware-based piracy. The ESA claims Anbernic normalizes piracy by selling devices preloaded with unauthorized games, shifting monitoring costs to publishers and potentially bypassing safety protections.
"The functional equivalent of superfakes" - The ESA wants retro handhelds loaded with ROMs to be on the Notorious Markets naughty list, but I need it to target the real bad eggs
The Entertainment Software Association is pushing for retro emulation handhelds pre-loaded with ROMs to be added to the Notorious Markets List. While the ESA aims to target piracy, its broad description risks unfairly targeting legitimate manufacturers like Anbernic and potentially impacting the broader emulation scene.
"I'm still trying to make this work for under $100" - Taki Udon teases a FPGA GBA SP that could shake up…
Taki Udon, creator of SuperStation One, is developing a new FPGA Game Boy Advance SP prototype aiming for a sub-$100 price point. This potential retro handheld revival, which plays real cartridges and has shown compatibility with Game Boy Advance and even Nintendo 64 games, could significantly impact the market, especially if it undercuts existing emulation-based alternatives.
Anbernic is double-dipping into dual-screen handhelds with a new 3DS clone
Anbernic is releasing a new dual-screen handheld, the RG DDS, which closely mimics the design of the 'new' Nintendo 3DS. It features a 4.7-inch main display and a 4-inch bottom screen, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset for enhanced emulation capabilities. This device aims to compete with other dual-screen handhelds like the Retroid Pocket Duo.
Ayaneo launches its Pocket Block for $79, and I'm glad the Game Boy clone has ditched the AI pitch
Ayaneo has launched its Konkr Pocket Block, a vertical Android handheld, for $79, notably dropping the AI marketing that accompanied its initial unveiling. The device aims to compete with rivals like the Anbernic RG35XX Plus by offering a Helio G85 CPU capable of emulating systems up to PlayStation 1 and potentially PSP. While the company plans a future AI-focused broadcast, the current marketing emphasizes its retro cyber design and emulation capabilities.
Not even two weeks later, Retroid just unveiled yet another DS handheld, and the Pocket Duo Lite+ is causing a ruckus
Retroid has unveiled a third Nintendo DS-style handheld, the Pocket Duo Lite+, less than two weeks after announcing previous models. This new device features an upgraded Dragonwing Q-7790 processor and is priced at $219, with an early bird discount to $199. The company is offering an exchange program for customers who pre-ordered the base Lite model due to the rapid succession of releases, which has caused frustration among consumers.
The JRPG Players Guide to Handheld Game Consoles, Part 1: The New Toys
This guide explores handheld gaming options for JRPG players, focusing on modern devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, as well as budget-friendly retro handhelds from companies like Retroid and Anbernic. It discusses how to choose a device based on desired games, portability needs, and budget, highlighting specific JRPGs that perform well on different platforms.
Retroid just said "hold my 3DS" to Anbernic and revealed a $149 Pocket Duo Lite
Retroid has unveiled its new Pocket Duo handheld, a dual-screen device designed for Nintendo 3DS and DS emulation. A budget-friendly 'Lite' version will launch at $149, featuring a Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6125 chipset and smaller displays, while the full model starts at $269 with dual OLED screens. The devices aim to compete with Anbernic's offerings in the retro handheld market.
Anbernic demos its new Nintendo DS clone, and it punches hard in PS1, N64, and even Dreamcast games
Anbernic has demonstrated its new Nintendo DS clone, the RG DS Plus, showcasing its ability to run games from various retro consoles including PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast. While primarily designed for Nintendo DS titles, the handheld's Rockchip RK3568 chipset appears capable of handling emulation for older systems, with a price point expected to be under $100.
Anbernic just revamped its Nintendo DS clone, but I'm still itching for a cheaper 3DS handheld homage
Anbernic has released the RG DS Plus, an updated version of its Nintendo DS clone featuring a higher resolution 1024x768 display and a new dual-screen interface. While it resembles the 3DS XL, it focuses on enhancing the original DS experience with a new NNDDSS emulator and stylus, aiming for a sub-$100 price point.
Anbernic's first Snapdragon handheld looks like a Switch Lite, but it will sweat running PS2 games
Anbernic has released its first Snapdragon-powered handheld, the RG 55G1, which resembles a Nintendo Switch Lite and starts at $139.99. While capable of running games up to Nintendo GameCube, the device struggles with more demanding PlayStation 2 titles like Burnout Revenge and God of War, indicating its limitations with 3D engines.
Anbernic's reimagining of the Switch Lite goes on sale August 31
Anbernic is releasing the RG 55G1, a handheld gaming device, starting August 31. The device will be available in three colors and priced at $150, featuring a design reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Why Cheap Retro Handhelds Make More Sense Than Ever In 2026
Despite rising costs in the gaming industry, affordable retro handhelds from companies like Anbernic offer a compelling way to play games from multiple generations. Devices like the Anbernic R35XXSP, inspired by the Game Boy SP, provide a portable and budget-friendly option for accessing classic titles and even some ported PC games.
For under $60, the Anbernic RG SP looks to be the retro handheld hero we need while portable prices spiral
The Anbernic RG SP, a Game Boy Advance SP clone, is being praised for its sub-$60 pre-order price, which is notably lower than many other portable gaming devices currently affected by AI component demand. Despite its predecessor and other similar devices being available, Anbernic is commended for keeping prices sensible on its core affordable offerings.
You can now pre-order Ayaneo's GBA clone, and its sub-$100 price tag is giving me hope
Ayaneo has opened pre-orders for its Game Boy Advance-style handheld, the KONKR Pocket Advance, starting at $89. The device runs on Android 12 and features a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, capable of emulating systems up to the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Early bird pricing offers a 3GB RAM/32GB storage model for $89, with an upgrade to 4GB RAM/64GB storage available for $109.
The Anbernic RG SP will be available on August 5
The Anbernic RG SP, a modern remake of the Game Boy Advance SP, will be available starting August 5. Early bird pricing is being offered, with the device starting at $65.
Retro handhelds by Retroid, Ayaneo, and more could be in for a world of price pain thanks to Qualcomm chipset hikes
Qualcomm chipset price hikes are expected to significantly increase the cost of retro handhelds from companies like Retroid and Ayaneo. This follows reports of double-digit price increases, impacting popular models and potentially new releases scheduled for 2026. The rising costs are attributed to increased demand for components driven by AI development.
The Anbernic RG SP looks like an awesome update to one of the most iconic Game Boys of all time
The Anbernic RG SP is presented as a modern update to the iconic Game Boy Advance SP. It aims to incorporate desired features for contemporary handheld gaming enthusiasts.