Anbernic has given the RG DS a new way to run Linux without forcing owners to give up Android. The handheld still keeps Android 14 from the factory, while Linux is loaded separately from a microSD card.
That setup makes the RG DS more flexible for users who want to experiment without touching the original system. Instead of replacing Android, the new option works alongside it in a more cautious dual-boot approach.
Linux arrives as a separate addition
The new Linux OS is not installed by default on the device. It is added later and stored on external media, which means the built-in Android installation remains intact.
That approach is different from the way Anbernic has handled some other handhelds in the past. The company has previously released devices with Android, Linux, or both, but on the RG DS the Linux option comes later as a manual installation.
How the installation works
Anbernic explained the setup process in a video that also shows the new system in action. Users are instructed to copy the system to a microSD card with at least 64GB of capacity.
Once the card is inserted, the RG DS boots into Linux instead of Android. Returning to Android is straightforward: power the device off, remove the microSD card, and turn it back on.
Features built for a dual-screen handheld
The Linux OS brings three themes: DS Dark, DS Light, and Classic. Anbernic also added functions that suit a dual-screen device, including independent brightness control for each screen.
Users can also swap the content shown on each display and use custom fonts. A new button test interface is included as well, making it easier to check inputs on the device.
Small details that improve the interface
One of the more noticeable touches appears when a game uses only one screen. The system shows a platform-specific icon, such as a PlayStation icon for PS1 games or a Game Boy Advance icon when running GBA titles.
That visual treatment gives the interface a more relevant look when the second screen is not being used for gameplay. It helps the menu feel cleaner without getting in the way of the game itself.
Download availability and device pricing
The new Linux OS is already available through a download link provided by Anbernic. The package also includes the software needed to flash the system onto a microSD card.
The RG DS is sold on Amazon for $124.99. With Linux now available as an additional option, owners can try another firmware path while keeping the Android system that ships with the device.