RG DS Plus vs RK2023 (WiFi model): Which Should You Buy?
RG DS Plus vs RK2023 (WiFi model): both start around the same price ($85), so price should not decide it; the RG DS Plus has the bigger screen (4.3 inch x2); the RK2023 (WiFi model) is 135 g lighter; our emulation grades differ on 6 of the systems we rate on both. Full spec table and a straight recommendation below.
At a glanceMore powerful RG DS PlusSharper screen RG DS PlusBigger battery RG DS PlusMore pocketable RK2023
(WiFi model)
| RG DS Plus | RK2023 (WiFi model) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $85–$125 | $85 |
| Brand | Anbernic | PowKiddy |
| Released | 2026 / 09 | 2023 / 06 |
| Type | Clamshell | Horizontal |
| OS | Linux | Linux: JELOS (Unofficial) |
| Performance | ||
| Chip (SoC) | RockChip RK3568 | RockChip RK3566 |
| CPU | Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz | Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE | Mali-G52 2EE |
| RAM | 2 GB LPDDR4 | 1 GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | Internal 32 GB eMMC, Dual MicroSD slots | Dual External MicroSD |
| Cooling | Passive heatsink | — |
| Power tier | Entry | Entry |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 4.3 inch x2 | 3.5 inch |
| Screen type | Dual IPS (Lower Screen Multi-Touch) | IPS |
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 x2 | 640 x 480 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Pixel density | 298 PPI | 228.57 PPI |
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 x2 | 4:3 |
| Body & battery | ||
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Weight | 310 grams | 175 grams |
| Dimensions | 164 mm x 95 mm x 22 mm | 151.5 mm x 78 mm x 17.5 mm |
| Shell | Plastic with built-in stylus bay | Plastic |
| Colors | Classic White, Matte Black, Cobalt Blue | Black |
| Ports & connectivity | ||
| Wireless | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 | WiFi, USB-C OTG |
| Video out | Mini HDMI | Mini HDMI Top facing |
| Charging port | USB-C Top facing | USB-C x2 Bottom facing |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone Bottom facing | 3.5mm Headphone Bottom facing |
| Speakers | Stereo Front facing | Dual Stereo Bottom facing |
Emulation compared
| RG DS Plus | RK2023 (WiFi model) | |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / Color | A | A |
| NES | A | A |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | A | A |
| Game Boy Advance | A | A |
| SNES | A | A |
| PlayStation 1 | A | A |
| Nintendo DS | A | A |
| Nintendo 64 | A- | B+ |
| Dreamcast | A- | B |
| PSP | B+ | B- |
| Sega Saturn | B | C |
| GameCube | D | D |
| Nintendo 3DS | D | D- |
| Nintendo Wii | F | F |
| PlayStation 2 | F | D- |
| Switch | F | F |
| Wii U | F | F |
| PlayStation 3 | F | F |
Physical size & scale compared
Footprint (RK2023
(WiFi model) 32% smaller)164 × 95 mm vs 152 × 78 mm
Thickness (RK2023
(WiFi model) -4.5mm)22.0 vs 17.5 mm
Volume (RK2023
(WiFi model) -136cm³)343 vs 207 cm³
Weight310 grams vs 175 grams
Display Mode:Reference Overlay:
RG DS Plus164 × 95 mm
RK2023
(WiFi model)152 × 78 mm
Proportional 1:1 millimetric silhouettes (Retrosizer standard). Toggle Side-by-Side or Direct Overlay to inspect dimensional footprint.
Which should you buy?
Bottom line: price is effectively a tie, so it should not decide this one; the RG DS Plus has the bigger screen (4.3 inch x2 vs 3.5 inch); the RK2023 (WiFi model) is 135 g lighter; the RG DS Plus is rated higher on our emulation power scale.
Choose the RG DS Plus if…
- you want the bigger screen (4.3 inch x2)
- you want the screen protected in a bag — it folds shut
- you want the larger battery (4500 mAh)
- you care about Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP — we grade it higher there
Choose the RK2023 (WiFi model) if…
- you want the more pocketable one (3.5 inch)
- you hold it for long sessions — it is 135 g lighter (175 grams vs 310 grams)
- you prefer a slab shape with the controls beside the screen
- you care about PlayStation 2 — we grade it higher there
- RG DS Plus's recorded downside — limited to linux os — would bother you
- RG DS Plus's recorded downside — cannot emulate ps2 or 3ds smoothly — would bother you