Retro handheld Anbernic RG DS leaked: Is it a Nintendo DS Lite clone or just AI hype?

News about Anbernic’s new console is here again – a leaked video allegedly showing the Anbernic RG DS circulated on the Internet this morning. The appearance of the handheld in the video is almost identical to Nintendo’s classic DS Lite or DSi: symmetrical dual screens, retro outline, and even the proportions of the hinge and corners are very similar.

This news immediately sparked heated debate within the handheld and retro gaming communities: Is this a nostalgic remake or a carefully orchestrated hype?

Many retro gaming enthusiasts believe this is real.

Anbernic has just released its new handheld, the RG476H, which blends hardware elements from the RG557 and the RG Slide (currently priced at $199 on Amazon). The brand typically releases new devices monthly, so it’s reasonable to assume that Anbernic will soon begin teasing its next product.

For example, about a month after launching the RG477M in early August, Anbernic released the first teasing information for the RG476H. While teasing for the next product hasn’t yet begun, this promotional video for the Anbernic RG DS has convinced many retro gaming enthusiasts that it’s real.

Retro comeback: Nintendo DS Lite looks almost like a replica

Leaked videos suggest the Anbernic RG DS features a “retro” aesthetic: the upper and lower screens are identical in size, they feature a hinge, and the speaker openings are symmetrically arranged. The overall visual experience evokes a strong “early Nintendo” feel.

For many nostalgic gamers, this design directly resonates with the memory—the warm feeling of holding a childhood handheld console is brought back.

However, some have raised the question: if a device simply replicates a classic design but crams it with a modern operating system (Android), is its soul truly “retro” or “compromised”?

Controls and Layout: Minor tweaks for modern gameplay

The video shows that Anbernic isn’t simply repurposing an old design: dual joysticks have been added below the d-pad, ABXY keys are on the right, and the button layout has been adapted for modern games. Speakers on either side of the top screen and a touchscreen area on the bottom screen (possibly with touch support) make it easier to use with modern emulators or Android games.

For gamers who prefer an authentic retro look with a modern feel, this could be a fantastic combination.

However, some are concerned: Will the addition of joysticks ruin the original simple button aesthetic? Or will “more modern” controls dilute the significance of the revival? Share your preferences in the comments.

The shadow of AI: authenticity in doubt, Google Gemini watermark in the spotlight

Interestingly, the leaked image has a Google Gemini watermark in the lower right corner—a common mark on AI-generated images.

This puts the issue on two extremes: either the leaked video is a genuine engineering prototype, ready for release, or it’s a hype stunt created using AI-generated images/videos.

Both possibilities are not uncommon, especially in the handheld game world, where buzz-driven pre-sales and community interest often translate easily into sales.

System and Positioning: Android Retro Fan or Linux Enthusiast?

It’s unclear whether the Anbernic RG DS will primarily utilize Android or Linux.

Given Anbernic’s recent success with Android handhelds like the RG476H and RG477M, it’s likely that the platform will remain Android to facilitate compatibility with a wider range of emulators and handheld apps. However, for die-hard retro gamers and open-source enthusiasts, Linux’s stability and customizability hold irreplaceable appeal.

Business-wise, Anbernic’s move is clearly aimed at the niche market of gamers willing to pay for high-fidelity reproductions—those willing to spend on authentic aesthetics, premium hinges, and symmetrical screens.

If you’re one of these gamers, would you prioritize appearance over performance? Or would you prioritize system openness and a robust software ecosystem?

The interweaving of truth and falsehood: What kind of follow-up are we looking forward to?

The most practical thing to do now is to wait for more details: official announcements, unboxings, battery life and heat dissipation data, and, most importantly, hands-on reviews.

If the RG DS is truly a 1:1 replica with a high-quality hinge, a symmetrical screen, and a modern control layout, it will be a truly unique product. However, if it’s just visual marketing, player disappointment could translate into a potential reputational risk. Therefore, I’d prefer to see a real-world review rather than a polished rendering.