The main improvement seems to be the larger 1024x768 4.3" screens (compared to the 640x480 4" screens on the RG DS) and the inclusion of a built-in stylus (still one of those rubber nib ones though), as well as some minor changes to the hinge and other bits. However, it uses the same chip, has less RAM (from 3GB to 1GB), and ships with a Linux-based OS instead of a barely-runnable Android version. It also has a single stick instead of dual, but the RG DS was never powerful enough to run most dual stick games anyways (PS2, GC, etc.), so that probably isn’t an issue. The internal eMMC storage has also been removed in favour of another microSD slot (one for the OS, another for ROMs)

It’s a little weird they called it the Plus, since the only improvement is the screens and maybe the stylus, while having downgrades to the memory.

It comes in pink, black, and blue (navy-ish), while the RG DS had the red/black, turquoise, and white colourways.

What do you all think of this RG DS “Plus”?

edit: announced, not released!!

I am moving to Piefed at scallisto@retrofed.com (https://retrofed.com/u/scallisto)

  • missingno@fedia.io
    6·
    23 days ago

    I’d be interested in a higher-end dual screen handheld if/when prices ever go back to normal. But the sacrifices they have to make to hit a budget price point just seems like it’s not worth it over a modded DS/3DS. Original hardware is still the way to go to play those platforms since they’re so easily moddable anyway, and for other platforms you would be better off buying any other handheld.

    Even just the fact that it uses a capacitive touchscreen is enough to make it a worse experience for the DS games this is meant for. DS games were built around stylus use, and capacitive styluses kinda just… suck. I’m guessing resistive touchscreens just aren’t readily available for manufacturing anymore, another sacrifice for cost, but it’s another reason to prefer original hardware then.

    I think the only real reason to consider one is if you just can’t get original hardware, since supply is limited.

      • sbeak@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
        1·
        21 days ago

        I believe that the “Lite” version with the 865 is able to run most 3DS games, you’ll only need the 8 Gen 2 if you want to play things above that (Switch, PC emulation, etc.)