{
  "id": 16878130,
  "title": "The ANBERNIC Nintendo clone I would recommend you buy isn’t the one I use the most",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/the-anbernic-nintendo-clone-i-would-recommend-you-buy-isnt-the-one-i",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-28T09:00:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Android Authority",
    "slug": "android-authority",
    "url": "https://www.androidauthority.com/anbernic-rg-55g1-ds-plus-review-3714059/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ANBERNIC is well-known for crafting Nintendo-inspired handhelds, such as devices hailing from the Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Nintendo DS eras. It's not surprising that ANBERNIC has launched a rendition of the Nintendo Switch Lite and another modeled after the DS form factor. The RG 55G1 is a recent addition to their lineup, bearing remarkable similarities to the Nintendo Switch Lite, yet they've also introduced the RG DS Plus, a dual-screen handheld that echoes the Nintendo DS Lite and DSi. After hands-on sessions with these devices, it became clear that the ANBERNIC RG 55G1 is the recommended handheld for most consumers seeking an affordable yet potent Android device. Despite its Switch Lite resemblance, the RG 55G1 features a heavier build, weighing in at 339 grams, a detail that came as a surprise. However, the device meets all the necessary criteria for a sub-$150 handheld in 2026. The build quality, though not exceptional, is decent, with a non-fingerprint plastic back and a glass front. The control layout is a standout feature, placing both analog sticks below the D-pad and face buttons, a deviation from Nintendo's staggered layout. While I prefer the staggered layout, the controls are satisfactory for most console games. The device boasts impressive specs, powered by a Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chipset and offering 4GB/64GB or 8GB/128GB configurations. This chipset, while at the lower end of Qualcomm's gaming processors, delivers solid performance for a low-end Android handheld. It outperforms the MANGMI Air X and AYANEO Pocket Air Mini in CPU benchmarks, particularly excelling in CPU-bound emulators. The ANBERNIC RG 55G1 also shines in terms of temperature management, maintaining lower average temperatures compared to its competitors. Its 6,000mAh battery provides ample endurance, keeping you gaming for most of the day without significant power draw during standby. On the software side, the RG 55G1 runs on Android 14 with a mostly stock-like interface, complemented by ANBERNIC's RG Home desktop and the option to switch to a more familiar GammaOS. While the standalone Linux OS is basic, it is user-friendly, allowing for easy navigation of menus and features like fan control, performance profiles, and customizable button layouts. However, the RG DS Plus, ANBERNIC's other recent offering, falls short in comparison to its predecessor, the RG DS. Sporting the same low-end Rockchip chipset, the RG DS Plus has been downgraded from 3GB RAM to 1GB and lacks storage altogether, necessitating the use of a microSD card. Despite these downsides, the RG DS Plus remains a Linux-only device, with a basic stock Linux OS that can be navigated via shoulder buttons for menu navigation.",
  "summary": "The RG 55G1 is a great cheap Android handheld for most people, but I'm playing the Nintendo DS Lite clone most of the time.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}