Why Run Multiple Custom OSes on the RG DS?
The ANBERNIC RG DS is a compact dual-screen Android handheld that costs under USD 100 (approx. RM460), which makes it an appealing playground for emulation and handheld Linux installation. Out of the box it ships with a custom Android 14 build, but many users found the stock firmware sluggish and poorly tuned for dual screens. Community and official projects have stepped in with four major RG DS custom firmware options: GammaOS (an optimized Android), Anbernic Linux (the official dual-screen Linux build), ROCKNIX, and KNULLI. Each one targets a different balance of performance, features, and interface design, and several can boot directly from a microSD card without wiping the internal Android installation. This means you can treat the RG DS like a tiny, dual-screen emulation device that swaps personalities simply by changing cards or boot options, tailoring the experience for Nintendo DS, classic systems, or broader Android gaming.
Installing GammaOS: A Better Android Experience
GammaOS Next is the go‑to custom Android build for the RG DS if you want to keep Android apps while improving responsiveness, game latency, and overall usability. Start by downloading the three GammaOS Next SD card install archives from the official releases page and place them in the same folder on your PC. Use 7‑Zip to highlight and extract all three at once, entering the provided password when prompted. Connect a microSD card, back up any data, and format it if needed. Then use Rufus or a similar image burner to flash the extracted GammaOS image to the card. With the RG DS powered off, insert the card and boot the handheld, letting the installer finish. Power off, remove the card, and boot again to complete the standard Android/GammaOS setup. Once done, you’ll have a cleaner, faster Android base to pair with your other dual‑boot options.
Installing Anbernic Linux for Dual‑Screen Optimizations
Anbernic’s official Linux firmware is designed specifically for the RG DS’s two screens, offering new themes, dual‑screen menus, and better Nintendo DS emulation. Download and extract the RG DS Linux image on your PC, then connect a microSD card and back it up or format it as needed. Use Rufus to flash the Linux firmware to the card. With the handheld powered off, insert the microSD and boot the RG DS, waiting for the first‑time installation and initial Linux interface to load. Power down again, remove the card, and reconnect it to your PC. Open the previously extracted Linux folder and find the mod_20260508 directory. Copy its contents into the Roms/APPS folder on the card. Reinsert the card into your RG DS and boot. From Applications > Apps, run mod_20260508.sh, tweak any options, press SE to save, and allow the system to reboot, after which you’ll see new Modified_System_Settings and Modified_System_Tools apps.
Setting Up ROCKNIX and KNULLI for Linux‑Focused Emulation
If you prefer a pure Linux experience, ROCKNIX and KNULLI each offer a different spin on dual‑screen emulation. ROCKNIX is a lightweight distribution that minimizes background overhead and runs directly from microSD, so you can keep your original Android install intact. To set it up, download the ROCKNIX‑RK3566.aarch64‑20260517‑Specific.img.gz file from the ROCKNIX Nightly repository, extract it to obtain the .img file, then flash it to a microSD card with Rufus. Insert the card into a powered‑off RG DS, boot, and let ROCKNIX complete its first‑run configuration. KNULLI follows the same basic pattern: download the knulli image tailored for the RG DS, write it to a microSD, and boot from that card. Together, these Linux builds complement Anbernic Linux, giving you multiple front‑ends, RetroArch‑centric setups, and varied performance profiles for your KNULLI ROCKNIX setup on the same handheld.
How to Switch and Choose the Right OS for Your Games
Once all four operating systems are prepared, the RG DS becomes a flexible dual‑boot (or multi‑boot) machine. The internal storage typically holds stock Android or GammaOS, while each Linux‑based OS—Anbernic Linux, ROCKNIX, and KNULLI—lives on its own microSD card. To switch, simply power the handheld off completely, swap to the card that holds the OS you want, and boot. For app‑heavy Android games and streaming, choose GammaOS. For polished dual‑screen menus, independent brightness controls, screen‑swap features, and improved Nintendo DS emulation with stylus support, use Anbernic Linux. When you want a leaner environment focused on RetroArch and classic systems, boot into ROCKNIX or KNULLI. Because the device sits below USD 100 (approx. RM460), experimenting with these firmware options is low‑risk, and you can refine your setup over time to match your ideal dual‑screen emulation workflow.