The main difference between the Anbernic RG DS and the Zero 40 is the shape.
The Anbernic RG DS is a clamshell that folds shut, the Zero 40 is a horizontal.
Other differences
- The Anbernic RG DS has two analog sticks; the Zero 40 has one.
- The Anbernic RG DS runs Android, the Zero 40 runs Android or Linux.
- The Anbernic RG DS runs on the RockChip RK3568, the Zero 40 on the Allwinner A133 Plus.
Which is better
Which fits in a pocket better?
Zero 40The Zero 40 (136 x 105 x 17 mm, 182 g). The Anbernic RG DS is 160 x 91 x 21.5 mm, 321 g. Neither fits a jeans pocket; think jacket pocket or bag.
Which is better for PS2 games, the Anbernic RG DS or the Zero 40?
NeitherNeither is built for PS2. They score 10 and 0 out of 100.
Which costs less?
Zero 40The Zero 40, at about $75 at launch against $94. Prices today vary by store and the used market.
Which is better for GBA games?
TieBoth play GBA (100 and 100 out of 100).
Which has the bigger battery?
TieAbout the same: 4,000 and 4,300 mAh.
Side by side
| Anbernic RG DS | Zero 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $94 | $75 |
| Released | Dec 2025 | Jun 2025 |
| Plays well up to | Dreamcast | Dreamcast |
| Shape | Clamshell | Horizontal |
| Software | Android | Android or Linux |
| Chip | RockChip RK3568 | Allwinner A133 Plus |
| Memory | 3 GB | 2 GB |
| Screen | Two screens: 4.0 x2 inch IPS | 4.0 inch IPS |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 480 x 800 |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Weight | 321 g | 182 g |
| Size | 160 x 91 x 21.5 mm | 136 x 105 x 17 mm |
| Analog sticks | Double, symmetrical | Single, bottom |
| Hall effect sticks | Yes | Yes |
| L2 and R2 | Yes, side by side | Yes, side by side |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Video out | No | No |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
Green marks the better value where one is clearly better. Prices are launch prices.
Emulation
- Anbernic RG DSZero 40
- Game Boy
- NES
- Genesis
- GBA
- SNES
- PS1
- DS
- N64
- Dreamcast
- PSP
- Saturn
- GameCube
- 3DS
- PS2
100 means the system runs at full speed with no known issues.
Full details
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More comparisons
Why this pair: buyers weigh these two against each other. 24 comments by 20 different people compare them in community discussions, and 5 post titles name both. Specs, emulation scores and launch prices from the retrocatalog.com handheld database.