github TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOSNext v1.2.2-ANBERNICRGDS
GammaOS Next - Anbernic RG DS - v1.2.2
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21 days ago

GammaOS Next v1.2.2 (Anbernic RG DS) Release Notes

image

Patreon Exclusive Release
Password obtained from Patreon for GammaOS Insider tier supporters: https://www.patreon.com/posts/149686245
This release becomes publicly available to non-supporters on Thursday, 2nd April 2026. The password will be posted here after that date.

Release Date: 1st February 2026.

Known Issues

  • GammaOS Full may feel sluggish on RG DS due to Google Services overhead. Lite is strongly recommended for best performance. If using Full, then set up your device, sign into Google, then leave your device on for a few hours with wifi and screen on. This will eventually complete installing all the updates that Google pushes which affect your performance initially.
  • If you ever used Rocknix (or another mainline distribution), this will affect your ability to restart or turn on the device. You must unplug and replug the battery to fix this issue. This happens if you ever used Rocknix on a SD card or flashed to eMMC at all.
  • Performance improvements are mainly for NDS/DraStic only. Don't expect 3DS titles to run any better.

Before You Download (Choose Install Method + Lite or Full)

This release can be installed in two ways:

  • SD Card Install (preferred): Burn an image to SD card, insert it, and it auto-flashes internal storage.
  • Fastboot Install (advanced): Traditional fastboot/fastbootd flashing from a PC.

Both methods include:

  • GammaOS Lite (recommended, no Google Services, best performance)
  • GammaOS Full (includes Google Services, noticeably slower on RG DS)

Option A: SD Card Install (Preferred)

The SD card method is the preferred way to install GammaOS on RG DS.

Download the SD Card Package

Download all split archives:

  • RG_DS_GammaOS_v1.2.2_SDCARDINSTALL.7z.001
  • RG_DS_GammaOS_v1.2.2_SDCARDINSTALL.7z.002
  • RG_DS_GammaOS_v1.2.2_SDCARDINSTALL.7z.003

Extract (SD Card Method)

Extract all parts together (extract the .001 while .002 and .003 are in the same folder). After extraction you will have two images:

  • RG_DS_GammaOS_Full_v1.2.2_SDCARDINSTALL.img
  • RG_DS_GammaOS_Lite_v1.2.2_SDCARDINSTALL.img

Flash (SD Card Method)

  • Burn one of the above .img files to your microSD card, using a tool like dd/Rufus/balenaEtcher/Raspberry Pi image etc. (this will overwrite the card contents).
  • Insert the SD card into the RG DS.
  • Power on and let it flash the device onboard storage automatically, overwriting the existing Anbernic stock OS.
  • When it finishes, remove the SD card. You do not need the card anymore after installation (you can reuse it afterward).

Option B: Fastboot Install (Advanced)

This method is for users who prefer fastboot/fastbootd flashing from a PC.

Download the Fastboot Package

Download both split archives:

  • RG_DS_GammaOS_v1.2.2_FASTBOOT.7z.001
  • RG_DS_GammaOS_v1.2.2_FASTBOOT.7z.002

These archives contain both GammaOS Full and GammaOS Lite. You choose which one to install after extracting.

Additional notes

  • This is a fresh install only and will wipe your device (both SD card and fastboot methods).
  • SD card install: Burning the image will wipe the SD card contents. Back up the card first if needed.
  • Fastboot install: Remove any microSD card before flashing to avoid issues entering fastboot/fastbootd.
  • If you plan to use streaming apps, keep your system updated and prefer Lite for best overall responsiveness.

v1.2.2 improvements and bug fixes (RG DS)

  • Fixed the 40 Hz refresh bug on the top screen. Both screens now run at the same refresh characteristics expected from real Nintendo DS behavior.
  • Touch panels now run at 120hz, for a more smoother touch motion and gameplay.
  • Added DualStack support, allowing apps to behave like a single-screen experience when desired. Long-press the DualStack Quick Settings tile to change settings.
  • Reduced Drastic secondary screen latency when using DualStack, improving touch and visual responsiveness.
  • Additional performance tuning for Drastic, targeting smoother frame pacing and reduced overhead.
  • Quality-of-life improvements for dual-screen usage:
    • RetroArch can launch directly on the second screen
    • True multitasking (reduced aggressive pausing and background disruption)
    • Use the Launch Guard and Secondary Screen Quick Settings tiles to control behavior quickly
  • Fixed sleep and resume issues, improving reliability after standby and long idle periods.
  • Fixed Widevine / Netflix DRM issues where supported by the device stack.
  • Added per-screen volume adjustments for better dual-screen usability.
  • Added GammaEQ support for improved audio quality and more consistent output tuning.
  • Keyboard is now pinned to the bottom screen, improving usability of your second screen!

Recommended: Use GammaOS Lite on RG DS. GammaOS Full includes Google Services and slows the device down significantly.

Overview

GammaOS Next v1.2.2 is the latest optimized build for the Anbernic RG DS, based on Android 14 / LineageOS 21.
This release focuses on DS-accurate display behavior, DualStack usability, emulator performance, system stability, and a smoother dual-screen experience overall.

Both Full (Google Apps included) and Lite (no Google services, maximum performance and battery efficiency) builds are available.

Key Features

DS-Accurate Display Timing

The top screen refresh bug has been fixed so both screens behave consistently, matching the timing expectations for DS-style gameplay and reducing visual oddities.

DualStack Support

DualStack enables a single-screen style presentation for apps that are not designed for dual displays.

  • Toggle and control it via Quick Settings
  • Long-press the DualStack tile to access configuration options

Drastic Optimizations

This release improves Drastic on RG DS:

  • Lower secondary screen latency when using DualStack
  • Performance enhancements focused on smoother gameplay and reduced stutter

Dual-Screen Quality of Life

Multiple improvements for daily use:

  • RetroArch launching support for the second screen
  • Better multitasking behavior without the system unnecessarily pausing apps
  • Quick Settings tiles for Launch Guard and Secondary Screen for fast control

Sleep and Stability Fixes

Improved sleep and wake reliability with fewer cases of broken resume or inconsistent display behavior after standby.

Widevine and Netflix DRM

DRM handling has been fixed to restore expected behavior for Widevine and Netflix where supported.

Per-Screen Audio Controls and GammaEQ

  • Per-screen volume adjustments for dual-screen comfort
  • GammaEQ support to improve audio quality and tuning consistency

Installation Instructions

Full installation steps are available here:
https://github.com/TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOSNext/wiki/GammaOS-Next-Installation#anbernic-rg-ds

Note: Both install methods will wipe all data. Back up your device first.
Preferred install method is SD Card Install, since it is simpler and auto-flashes internal storage.

Support

For assistance or feedback, please open an Issue here:
https://github.com/TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOSNext/issues

Thank you for supporting GammaOS development and helping improve GammaOS Next for the Anbernic RG DS.

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