There are a lot of retro handhelds, and a lot of them can’t run Nintendo DS properly with actual touchscreen support. So here’s my list of retro handhelds that have 90% or more Nintendo DS compatibility and are safe to purchase for Nintendo DS specifically with actual touchscreen support.
However, the best way to play Nintendo DS right now is still on an actual Nintendo 3DS or DS. While emulation is there, the lack of options for dual screen devices and having to use touchscreen make it a bit cumbersome to play.
Here’s the list (from cheapest to most expensive):
- Budget Pick (RP4/RP4 Pro): $149/199 US – Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro
- Top/Down Pick: $170 US – Anbernic RG Cube
- OLED Pick: $219 US – Retroid Pocket 5
- Top Performer: $299 US – AYN Odin 2
Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro – $149/199 US
Buy the Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro here: https://joeysrh.link/RP_4PRO
Anbernic RG Cube – $170 US
Buy the Anbernic RG Cube here: https://joeysrh.link/ANB_RGCUBE
Retroid Pocket 5 – $219 US
Buy the Retroid Pocket 5 here: https://joeysrh.link/RP_5
AYN Odin 2 – $299 US
Buy the AYN Odin 2 here: https://joeysrh.link/AYN_ODIN2