Anbernic's New Handheld Boasts Ideal 3DS Aspect Ratio

It looks like retro gaming enthusiasts might have something new to get excited about. Anbernic, a company known for its portable gaming devices, is reportedly working on a new handheld called the RG DDS. What's particularly interesting about this upcoming device is its screen setup, which seems tailor-made for playing games originally designed for the Nintendo 3DS.

The RG DDS is set to feature a dual-screen configuration. The main, larger display will sport a 5:3 aspect ratio. This is a bit of a departure from the more common 16:9 or 4:3 ratios we see on many modern devices. However, the real kicker is the bottom screen, which is rumored to have a 4:3 aspect ratio. This particular ratio is significant because it's very close to the native aspect ratio of the Nintendo 3DS's screens.

For those unfamiliar, the Nintendo 3DS, released by Nintendo in 2011, was a powerful handheld console that offered stereoscopic 3D visuals. Its games were designed around its specific screen dimensions. Playing these games on a device with mismatched aspect ratios can often lead to stretched or cropped visuals, detracting from the intended experience. Anbernic's RG DDS, with its 4:3 bottom screen, seems to be aiming to solve this very problem for 3DS emulation or perhaps even native 3DS game playback, depending on the device's capabilities.

While the 5:3 aspect ratio for the main screen is a bit unusual, it's possible Anbernic has found a way to make it work well for a variety of retro titles, or perhaps it's intended for different UI elements or even specific games that benefit from its wider format. The focus on the 4:3 ratio for the secondary screen, however, strongly suggests that 3DS compatibility is a major selling point for the RG DDS. This move could appeal to a dedicated niche of gamers who cherish the 3DS library and are looking for a dedicated, high-quality device to revisit those titles.

Details are still emerging, but if Anbernic can deliver on this promising screen configuration, the RG DDS could become a highly sought-after device for retro gaming aficionados. We'll be keeping an eye out for more information on its release date and full specifications.