Anbernic RG DDS Adds AI Game Creation and Translation Features to Dual-Screen Retro Handheld

Anbernic showcases new AI Game Workshop and screen translation features for its upcoming dual-screen RG DDS retro handheld ahead of its December launch.

Anbernic's forthcoming RG DDS handheld is attempting to combine Nintendo 3DS-style hardware with modern emulation and artificial intelligence, creating a device that apparently wants to play your favourite retro games and help invent entirely new ones. The company has demonstrated additional features ahead of the handheld's planned December launch, including an AI Game Workshop capable of generating simple HTML5 games from written instructions. According to Anbernic, users can describe the rules, controls and gameplay style they want, after which cloud-based and onboard AI systems attempt to produce a playable game directly on the device. The concept resembles the growing trend of prompt-based game creation, although the quality, complexity and reliability of generated results remain to be established through independent testing. The RG DDS also incorporates AI-assisted screen translation and an interactive assistant intended to provide help when players encounter difficult sections. Its dual-screen design introduces an additional interface feature in which the lower touchscreen can function as a touchpad controlling the upper display. A dedicated control centre provides access to performance settings, cooling controls, brightness and audio adjustments. The handheld is scheduled to launch in December, with preorders beginning at approximately $284.99. Its promotional material has already attracted controversy after Anbernic demonstrated an unofficial fork of the Azahar Nintendo 3DS emulator. That issue highlights the complicated relationship between commercial retro handheld manufacturers and the independent developers responsible for many of the emulation projects their devices rely upon. For retro enthusiasts, the most important unanswered questions concern actual emulation performance, battery life, display quality and software compatibility. The AI features may appeal to some buyers, but they are unlikely to replace careful hardware engineering or well-maintained emulators. The RG DDS represents an interesting attempt to expand what a retro handheld can do. Whether players genuinely want their portable console to write games while they are trying to finish an old Zelda adventure remains to be seen.