Now it's not to say that specific hardware doesn't exist, but there's always a catch. AYANEO released the Flip DS earlier this year with two displays, but the secondary display is low resolution. The Surface Duo exists as an Android device with two discrete 4:3 screens, but finding an ideal controller for that becomes a challenge. And for either of those you're forking out hundreds for new hardware when you may already own a Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or any other number of handhelds that exist out there.
The DNA Duo takes a different approach to the problem, and it's one I appreciate. A 6.5 inch 1080p touch display that runs at 60Hz, the DNA Duo is a second screen designed to enhance the tech you already own. The screen attaches to your device of choice using a unique magnetic connector, leaving you with a hinged clamshell design. As it stands each system requires a unique adaptor, with the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Odin 2, and Retroid Pocket 4 Pro being available to order now. The creator Jordan, also going by Mister DNEH, has stated they're looking into a more universal design, and that other adaptors for further compatibility are being considered in the meantime.
I reached out to Jordan for a little more on the story behind the DNA Duo. The larger design stems from their love of clamshell systems, starting with the GBA SP they got as a child. The project really found its roots back in March though when they picked up the DraStic emulator for the first time in years, discovering it had the capability to make use of a second connected display for emulating DS games via Media Projection on Android. From there they started their R&D journey buying and trying a number of off-the-shelf screens on Amazon, but none quite offered the full feature set they were wanting. It needed to have USB C for video, another USB C for charging pass-through, and some kind of Mini or Micro HDMI port for better compatibility. Realising they'd need something more bespoke, they looked overseas and landed on what we're looking at today; a display that ticks all the boxes.
To get the project off the ground they require a minimum order of 500 screens, which would come to $50,000 CAD. The project is currently live on Indiegogo with the display itself being priced at $200 CAD, and system-specific adaptors ranging from $20 CAD to $30 CAD. The campaign is live for the next 42 days, with estimated shipping listed as November 2024. As with any crowdfunding campaign there are risks involved in pledging, but this is a project I do feel worthy of attention.
If you're interesting in learning more, you can find the project page below:
DNA Duo Project Page
