The retro gaming community is buzzing with excitement as Retroid introduces two new handhelds: the Retroid Pocket Mini and Retroid Pocket 5. Known for its cutting-edge devices that deliver modern hardware with a nostalgic twist, Retroid’s latest releases cater to both casual gamers and high-performance enthusiasts.. This time around they are bringing us two devices (The Retroid Pocket 5 and the Pocket Mini) with both supporing Andorid, Betocera, and Armbian.
Retroid Pocket Mini: Compact Powerhouse
Though small in stature, the Retroid Pocket Mini packs serious power for a device designed for on-the-go gaming. This sleek, ultra-portable handheld is perfect for retro gaming fans who want a balance of compact design and strong performance.
Specifications & Features:
- CPU: 1x Cortex-A77 @ 2.8 GHz, 3x Cortex-A77 @ 2.4 GHz, 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz
- GPU: Adreno 650
- RAM: 6 GB LPDDR4x @ 2133 MHz
- Storage: 128 GB UFS 3.1, expandable via TF card
- Operating System: Android 10
- Display: 3.7-inch AMOLED, 1280×960 resolution @ 60 fps
- Heat Dissipation: Active cooling
- Battery: 4000 mAh for long-lasting gaming sessions
- Controls: 3D Hall-effect joysticks, analog L2/R2 triggers
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- Software Support: Official OTA updates for incremental upgrades
Despite its small form factor, the Mini boasts a powerful CPU and GPU, ensuring smooth performance even with more demanding retro titles. The AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals, while the 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage allow for seamless multitasking and quick load times. Its active-cooling system ensures that the device remains cool even during extended play.
The Hall-effect joysticks and analog L2/R2 triggers offer precise control, while Wi-Fi 6 ensures a fast, stable connection. The Retroid Pocket Mini is designed for both performance and portability, making it a standout option for retro gaming fans who need a powerful yet pocket-friendly device.
Perfect 4:3 Display for Emulation
One of the key highlights of the Retroid Pocket Mini is its 3.7-inch, 1280×960 screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which makes it an ideal handheld for emulating consoles like the Dreamcast, GameCube, and PlayStation 2. The screen’s 2x pixel scaling fits these games perfectly without the need for stretching or squishing the image, ensuring that the original aspect ratios and pixel art of classic games are preserved. This makes the Mini a highly desirable device for players who value display accuracy and smooth scaling in their emulation experience.
The high pixel density combined with AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors and deep contrast, further enhancing the gaming experience for retro enthusiasts. Whether you’re revisiting Dreamcast titles, exploring GameCube classics, or tackling PS2 gems, the Pocket Mini delivers crisp, true-to-original gameplay, making it the ideal choice for perfectionist emulators.
Retroid Pocket 5: Premium Performance for on-the-Go Gaming
On the other end of the spectrum is the Retroid Pocket 5, Retroid’s flagship device built for serious gamers who demand the best performance for modern and retro titles alike. This time, powered by Snapdragon and a premium design, the Pocket 5 is built to handle both high-end emulation and cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now.
Specifications & Features:
- CPU: 1x Cortex-A77 @ 2.8 GHz, 3x Cortex-A77 @ 2.4 GHz, 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz
- GPU: Adreno 650
- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4x @ 2133 MHz
- Storage: 128 GB UFS 3.1, with expandable TF card slot
- Operating System: Android 13
- Display: 5.5-inch AMOLED, 1080p resolution @ 60 fps
- Heat Dissipation: Active-cooling system for consistent performance
- Battery: 5000 mAh, providing extended playtime
- Controls: 3D Hall-effect joysticks, analog L2/R2 triggers for responsive control
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- Software Support: Official OTA support for regular software upgrades
The Retroid Pocket 5 combines top-tier specs with a sleek, ergonomic design. Its 5.5-inch AMOLED display with 1080p resolution offers vibrant colors and crisp visuals, making it perfect for both retro games and more graphically intense modern titles. The Adreno 650 GPU and 8 GB of RAM ensure smooth performance, while the 128 GB of UFS 3.1 storage provides fast loading times and ample space for a variety of games.
The 5000 mAh battery ensures extended gaming sessions without frequent recharges, and the active cooling system keeps the device from overheating, even during intense gameplay. Like the Mini, the Pocket 5 features 3D Hall-effect joysticks and analog L2/R2 triggers, giving players precise and responsive control for a range of gaming styles.
Running on Android 13, the Pocket 5 is not only powerful but also future-proof, with official OTA updates ensuring that users receive regular software enhancements and security updates.
Retroid’s Competitive Edge
With the release of the Pocket Mini and Pocket 5, Retroid is catering to a wide spectrum of gamers. The Pocket Mini is priced at around $199, making it an affordable yet powerful option for casual gamers and retro fans who prioritize portability and 4:3 emulation. Meanwhile, the Pocket 5, priced at around $225, offers a premium experience with even more RAM and Android 13 right out of the box for serious gamers and more modern 16:9 emulation.
Retroid’s combination of compact, high-performance, affordable handhelds sets it apart in a crowded market, giving gamers the flexibility to choose a device that matches their specific needs.
Conclusion: The Future of Handheld Gaming
The Retroid Pocket Mini and Retroid Pocket 5 mark a new chapter in handheld gaming. Whether you’re looking for a pocket-friendly retro gaming companion or a full-fledged gaming powerhouse, Retroid has a device for every gamer. Both models blend modern technology with a love for classic games, making them must-haves for any retro gaming enthusiast.
For more information, visit Retroid’s official website