Retroid’s $69 Clamp-On Screen Revives Nintendo DS Experience

The Nintendo DS was a groundbreaking handheld console known for its unique dual-screen design, but replicating this experience on modern devices has been a challenge for gamers and developers alike. Retroid’s latest innovation, the Dual Screen Add-on, offers a clever solution by providing a clamp-on secondary touchscreen that transforms compatible handhelds into a makeshift Nintendo DS.

Priced at $69 and currently available in black, purple inspired by the GameCube, and translucent white, this accessory is designed specifically for Retroid’s own handhelds such as the RP Mini, RP Mini V2, RP4 Pro, and RP5, as well as other third-party devices that meet certain criteria. The key requirements include a device height under 115mm and support for DisplayPort over USB-C, although the Steam Deck is notably incompatible.

The Dual Screen Add-on features a vibrant 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It includes dedicated brightness buttons and a “click-stop hinge” that allows users to adjust the screen to three different angles for comfortable viewing. However, unlike the original Nintendo DS, this secondary screen cannot fold flat against the handheld device.

Touchscreen functionality is supported through the DisplayPort protocol, enabling interactive gameplay on the secondary screen. For handhelds without native touch capabilities, the add-on can be positioned below the device to facilitate games that rely heavily on touchscreen input, such as many Nintendo DS titles.

Since the Dual Screen Add-on functions as an external display, the way games utilize the second screen depends on the handheld’s operating system and the emulator software in use. This flexibility allows users to tailor their gaming experience but also places importance on software optimization to fully leverage the hardware.

Weighing approximately 130 grams, the add-on is lightweight partly because it lacks a built-in battery. Instead, it draws power directly from the connected handheld device. To prevent rapid battery drain, it includes a USB-C pass-through charging port, allowing simultaneous charging of both the handheld and the secondary screen.

Retroid’s Dual Screen Add-on represents a practical and affordable way to revive the classic dual-screen Nintendo DS experience on modern handhelds. While it doesn’t replicate every aspect of the original hardware, its compatibility, adjustable design, and touchscreen support make it a compelling accessory for retro gaming enthusiasts.

For developers and emulator creators, this accessory highlights the importance of optimizing software to take full advantage of dual-screen setups and touchscreen inputs on diverse hardware configurations. It’s a reminder that innovation often comes from bridging classic gaming experiences with modern technology in creative ways.