Tag: KT Pocket

  • KTR2 Launch: Premium Retro Gaming Pocket Console for Budget Gamers

    KTR2 Launch: Premium Retro Gaming Pocket Console for Budget Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Market Entry: The KTR2 from KT Pocket is a new competitor in the retro handheld gaming market, aiming to disrupt pricing norms in the $100 to $200 range.

    2. Build Quality and Features: The KTR2 features a magnesium alloy construction, a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, active cooling, and dual Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity.

    3. Affordable Pricing: The base model of the KTR2 is priced at $142, with pre-sale and retail prices expected to stay below $200 across configurations.

    4. Competitive Landscape: The KTR2 faces strong competition from devices like the Mangmi Air X and Retroid’s Pocket G2, which offer different specifications and price points.

    5. Pre-sale and Shipping: The KTR2 is available for pre-sale, but shipments are anticipated to be delayed until 2026, making its success dependent on real-world performance and international launch.

    In the busy world of new retro handheld gaming devices, where products are competing in the $100 to $200 bracket, a new player has entered the scene. This newcomer is not from well-known brands like Retroid, Anbernic, or AYANEO. The latest addition is called the KTR2 from KT Pocket, which was recently announced by RetroGaming with DeadFred on X.

    A Shift in Branding

    Initially introduced as the KTR1S, this handheld has now been renamed to KTR2. The goal of the KTR2 is to break free from the high prices typical of retro handhelds and to shake up the market with aggressive pricing that remains friendly to budgets. However, the big question is whether KT Pocket can deliver on these claims, especially in the current climate of memory shortages.

    Notable Features

    To the amazement of many, the device that was once the KTR1S, now known as KTR2, is constructed from a magnesium alloy, setting it apart from competitors made of ABS plastic. It is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, a new 2024 SoC that is making its first appearance in the KT Pocket range.

    The KTR2 is designed with active cooling to avoid overheating during intense gaming sessions. In terms of connectivity, it includes dual Wi-Fi and 4G options for gamers who want to enjoy online gaming while on the move. Pre-sales are already active in China, with plans for international sales to start soon.

    Budget-Friendly Pricing

    KT Pocket is cutting prices to draw in buyers who are looking for high-quality but affordable handhelds that aim to disrupt the retro gaming market. The base model comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at $142 for the Wi-Fi version, while the premium 12GB/512GB 4G model costs $255. During this period, pre-sale and retail prices are expected to keep most configurations below $200.

    The retro handheld market is getting crowded, with numerous options targeting the same audience. The KTR2 faces tough competition right from the start. For instance, the Mangmi Air X is priced at just $90 and features a Snapdragon 662 chipset with Android 14, capable of handling many PS2 and GameCube games on its 5.5-inch 1080p display, making it a solid choice for entry-level retro gamers.

    Competing Devices

    Retroid’s Pocket G2, which costs $199 for early supporters, is powered by a Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 processor, features 8GB of RAM, and has a bright 5.5-inch AMOLED screen running Android 15. This device is efficient at emulating challenging PS2 and GameCube games.

    Another noteworthy device is the AYANEO Pocket Air Mini, which starts at $70 for its basic model with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Although it features a 4.2-inch display, it mainly focuses on lighter retro emulation and falls short on performance compared to its rivals.

    The KTR2 from KT Pocket finds itself in a challenging position, but it has the potential for success with its high-quality build and features at a reasonable price. The magnesium alloy body combined with active cooling could help prevent overheating, and the Dimensity 7300 offers a performance advantage over devices like the Mangmi Air that rely on the Snapdragon 662. However, shipments are anticipated to be delayed until 2026. Crowdfunding for the KTR2 is ending soon, and its success will depend on how well it performs in real-world tests and its international launch.

    Pre-sale Opportunities

    The KTPocket is currently available for pre-sale with discounts for interested buyers. If someone is looking for a different option that is more readily available, the more expensive AYANEO Pocket ACE can be found on Amazon, with Prime shipping available to various states within a two-day timeframe.

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  • KT Pocket KT-R1S Handheld Set for Imminent Launch

    KT Pocket KT-R1S Handheld Set for Imminent Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. KT Pocket’s second handheld device, the KT-R1S, uses the new Dimensity 7300 chipset for improved performance.
    2. The KT-R1S is expected to have about a 20% performance increase compared to the original KT-R1 model.
    3. The Dimensity 7300 chipset still falls short compared to the higher-end Dimensity 8300 found in other handhelds.
    4. The KT-R1S will offer two configuration options for joystick placement, enhancing user adaptability.
    5. Pre-orders for the KT-R1S may begin soon, although pricing and release dates are not yet confirmed.

    KT Pocket has finally shared additional information about its much-anticipated second handheld device. To summarize, the KT-R1 took more than two years to reach the market after it was first launched in early 2023. Nearly three years later, the handheld gaming landscape has evolved beyond the Helio G99 chipset that the KT-R1 utilizes.

    New Chipset Details

    Given this shift, KT Pocket has chosen the Dimensity 7300, which features Cortex-A55 and Cortex-A78 CPU cores, along with a Mali-G615 MP2 GPU. Our benchmarks indicate that this chipset is expected to give the KT-R1S about a 20% performance increase compared to the older model, KT-R1. However, it’s important to note that the Dimensity 7300 will still lag behind the Dimensity 8300 handhelds, such as the Anbernic RG477M, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon.

    Configuration Options

    Despite this, KT Pocket aims to provide the KT-R1S with more adaptable configurations compared to Anbernic’s latest Android gaming devices. From the images available so far, it appears that the KT-R1S will be offered in two versions: one featuring a left-hand joystick positioned on the top and another with the left joystick located at the bottom, just below the dpad. Although the exact pricing and release date are still not confirmed, Retro Gaming with Deadfred hints that KT Pocket might start taking pre-orders shortly.

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