Retroid Launches Polls for Pocket 6 Redesign After Backlash

Key Takeaways

1. Retroid has launched two new handheld devices: the Retroid Pocket G2 (an upgrade of Pocket 5) and the entirely new Retroid Pocket 6.
2. Many fans are unhappy with the design of the Retroid Pocket 6, particularly the symmetrical thumbstick placement and button location.
3. Retroid is conducting polls to gather fan feedback on design preferences, including a choice between the original and a new design.
4. The updated design features relocated buttons and speakers, with M1 and M2 buttons moved to the back, while the overall screen size remains unchanged.
5. Poll results show that approximately 70% prefer the new design and 60% favor an asymmetrical thumbstick layout; it’s unclear if a revised Pocket 6 will be released based on these results.

Retroid has just revealed two new handheld gaming devices — the Retroid Pocket G2 and the Retroid Pocket 6. The Pocket G2 is essentially an upgraded version of the Retroid Pocket 5, while the Pocket 6 is completely new with a different look. However, many fans of the brand are not pleased with how the Retroid Pocket 6 looks.

Design Concerns

A lot of the feedback has been about the thumbstick placement, which is symmetrical like the Pocket 5 and Pocket G2. There have also been issues raised about the buttons located below the screen. Retroid has definitely noticed these comments, and in a rather unusual move, the company is conducting a poll to let fans pick between the original design and a new one.

Revised Design Features

The image of the updated design indicates that it lacks the user-programmable buttons and speakers right beneath the display. According to Retroid, the M1 and M2 buttons are now located on the back (not seen in the image), and the Home and Back buttons have been moved next to the left and right speakers, respectively. The speakers have been shifted beneath the thumbsticks, now with smaller openings, similar to the Retroid Pocket 5 (which you can find on Amazon for $259). Retroid claims that the screen size has not changed.

Poll Results

In another poll, Retroid asks fans if they like the symmetrical thumbsticks with the D-Pad on top or if they prefer an asymmetrical layout where the left thumbstick is above the D-Pad, similar to the AYN Odin 3.

As of now, both polls have garnered over 7,000 votes, with nearly 70% leaning towards the new design and 60% favoring the left thumbstick being placed above the D-Pad.

The next big question is whether Retroid will launch a revised version of the Retroid Pocket 6 based on the poll results. If that’s the case, it raises more questions — will the new design be available alongside the existing one, or will it take over the current design since some users are happy with it? If Retroid decides to go with the new design and replace the old one, it might lead to delays for the Pocket 6.

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