Anbernic has announced the RG DDS, a new dual-screen handheld device. This announcement comes as a potential rival to the Retroid Pocket Duo series, which was previously thought to be the last dual-screen handheld of its kind in 2026. The Anbernic RG DDS aims to offer a new take on the DS form factor, featuring what appears to be Anbernic’s most powerful dual-screen handheld to date.

The retro handheld market continues to see innovation with new hardware and software developments. This week’s news includes the Anbernic RG DDS, the MagicX Mini Dream with a Dimensity 7300 version priced at $179, and a transparent makeover for the ModRetro Chromatic. Additionally, Abxylute has launched its M5 and M6 models via Kickstarter, and GameStop is increasing the price of the PS5 Pro.

Further hardware news includes potential new devices from Miyoo, the Miyoo Mini Plus and Miyoo Flip. OpenMote has also introduced a way to turn a Wii Remote into a programmable universal remote. The Atari 800XL Haimacloud Gear is also mentioned as a new development.

Elegant handheld gaming device with colorful backlighting against a dark backdrop
Elegant handheld gaming device with colorful backlighting against a dark backdrop. Illustrative stock photo via Pexels.

SteamOS Comes to Android via App

In software news, DroidDeck has emerged, bringing SteamOS to Android devices through an application. This development follows Valve’s release of SteamOS for ARM, with DroidDeck enabling users to experience SteamOS on their Android handhelds simply by installing the app. This offers a new way to access the SteamOS environment on compatible devices.

Itch.io has also updated its app, showcasing “Donk,” which is essentially the Itch App scaled down for ARM Linux handhelds. This port has been most prominently featured on devices like the RG35XXH and RG40XXH. Meanwhile, GammaOS has released version 1.4.4, with updates specifically targeting Anbernic’s dual-screen devices, the RG DS and RG DS Plus.

Retro Handhelds Weekly Newsletter Launched

The Retro Handhelds team has launched a new weekly newsletter. This newsletter aims to provide readers with ad-free, weekly updates on the retro handheld community. Content includes news on handhelds, devices, emulation and software, gaming, community updates, reviews, and deals. The newsletter also features current “RH games of the week/month/quarter/year.”

The publication also highlighted several reviews from its writing team. These include the “Wonderfitter M17 Gen 2 Review: Light Gun Gaming Gets Serious,” “Evercade Nexus Review: This is the One,” and “8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller Review: Not Much Ultimate About it.” Other reviews cover the “Mobapad C2 Lite Controller” and initial impressions of the “AYANEO Pocket Micro 2.”

Looking at deals, the Acer Predator Atlas 8 is available for pre-order at $1299.99. The XTEINK X4 Pro is priced at $84.15, offering a 15% saving. Several Retroid handhelds are also on sale, including the Pocket Flip 2 for $229 (save $40), Pocket 5 for $219 (save $40), and Pocket Classic for $145 (save $34). A “Fall in Love with Video Games” sale is happening at Woot. The ACEMAGIC X3 is available for $548.55, a reduction of $90.44. Additionally, the Govee x PAC-MAN Gaming Pixel Light is on sale for $79.99, with a $60 discount.

The Retro Handhelds Weekly edition covers a wide range of news, from new hardware announcements like the Anbernic RG DDS to software innovations such as DroidDeck bringing SteamOS to Android. The focus on dual-screen devices and the expansion of software accessibility indicates a dynamic period for retro handheld gaming. The upcoming year, 2026, is shaping up to be significant for the retro gaming ecosystem.