Tag: Retroid

  • Retroid Launches Pocket Classic: A Game Boy & Sega Saturn Handheld

    Retroid Launches Pocket Classic: A Game Boy & Sega Saturn Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pocket Classic is one of two new gaming handhelds released by Retroid, featuring the new Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chipset.
    2. The Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 includes two performance cores, six efficiency cores, and an Adreno A12 GPU, offering improved performance over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2.
    3. The Pocket Classic has a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels and a 5,000 mAh battery supporting 27W wired charging.
    4. Pricing for the Pocket Classic starts at $119 for the 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage version, with a $129 option for 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage.
    5. Retroid is offering stackable coupon codes for initial discounts, and pre-orders for the Pocket Classic will begin shipping in mid-April.

    The Pocket Classic is one of the two new gaming handhelds introduced by Retroid today, with the other one being the Pocket Flip 2. In brief, the Pocket Flip 2 is expected to be more powerful compared to the Pocket Classic. However, the Pocket Classic is notable for being the first device released with the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chipset, which Qualcomm unveiled today along with the more advanced Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipsets.

    Details on the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2

    Information about the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 is currently limited. Qualcomm confirmed that this chipset includes two performance cores, six efficiency cores, and an Adreno A12 GPU during its reveal. According to early rumors, the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 is likely to be a bit more powerful than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, which would make the Pocket Classic perform better than the Anbernic RG406V (currently priced at $209.99 on Amazon).

    Performance and Features

    At this moment, it’s uncertain whether Qualcomm’s new chipset will adequately support the Pocket Classic’s 6-button variant for Sega Saturn emulation. In addition, the Pocket Classic features a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels and a 5,000 mAh battery that supports 27W wired charging.

    The pricing for the Pocket Classic starts at $119 for the version with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, available in Classic 6 and Retro variants.

    Pricing Options and Promotions

    Alternatively, Retroid provides a model with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for $129, available in the same variants plus colors like Berry, Atomic Purple, Teal, Kiwi, and PKM Yellow. Initially, Retroid is introducing stackable coupon codes, CLASSICSAVE5 and MINISAVE10, which offer discounts of $5 and $10 respectively. Just a heads-up, the latter coupon is exclusive to those who’ve previously bought a Pocket Mini. Pre-orders for the Pocket Classic will start shipping in mid-April.

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    Retroid Launches Pocket Classic: A Game Boy & Sega Saturn Handheld

     

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  • Retroid Pocket Flip 2: High-End Clamshell Gaming Handheld Launch

    Retroid Pocket Flip 2: High-End Clamshell Gaming Handheld Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pre-orders for the Pocket Flip 2 will start on March 17 in some regions and March 18 in others, at 01:30 UTC.
    2. The base price for the Pocket Flip 2 is $189, featuring a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset, while a Snapdragon 865 version is available for $219.
    3. The Snapdragon 865 model offers about 30% better performance than the Dimensity 1100 in benchmarks.
    4. Both versions will feature a 5.5-inch AMOLED display and a 5,000 mAh battery, but the Dimensity 1100 has slower wired charging.
    5. The Pocket Flip 2 aims to match the performance of the more expensive Ayn Odin2 when emulating games from systems like the PS2 and Wii.

    The Pocket Flip 2 has an official release date, similar to the Pocket Classic that was discussed earlier. To summarize, Retroid first introduced the Pocket Flip 2 nearly a month ago, and soon after, speculations about the device started circulating online.

    Pre-Order Details

    Now, it has been announced that fans only have a few days left until pre-orders for the clamshell gaming handheld become available. As shown in the image below, the Pocket Flip 2 will be available for purchase starting March 17 in certain regions and March 18 in others. Specifically, Retroid will start taking pre-orders at 01:30 UTC on March 18.

    Pricing and Specifications

    The Pocket Flip 2 will be priced starting at $189 and features a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset, 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and 128 GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage. Alternatively, there will be a version with a Snapdragon 865 for $219, which has the same memory specifications, including a $10 discount for launch. For comparison, the Snapdragon 865 performs about 30% better than the Dimensity 1100 in our benchmarks.

    Performance Expectations

    With the Snapdragon 865, the Pocket Flip 2 is expected to approach the performance levels of the pricier Ayn Odin2 (currently listed at $449 on Amazon) when emulating games from systems like the PS2 and Wii, among others. Both versions of the Pocket Flip 2 will come equipped with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display and a 5,000 mAh battery. However, the Dimensity 1100 model will have slower wired charging, yet it includes a slightly newer Bluetooth version compared to the Snapdragon 865 model.

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    Retroid Pocket Flip 2: High-End Clamshell Gaming Handheld LaunchRetroid Pocket Flip 2: High-End Clamshell Gaming Handheld Launch

     

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  • Retroid Offers Solutions for Pocket Mini Display Shader Issues

    Retroid Offers Solutions for Pocket Mini Display Shader Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid initially rejected return requests for the Pocket Mini but later allowed returns for only 200 units despite all devices having the same display issue.
    2. Customer dissatisfaction led to significant backlash, including doxxing of a company representative, who later stepped down.
    3. Current Pocket Mini owners can receive a $10 refund if they keep their devices, and the limit on returns has been lifted.
    4. Retroid plans to release a new hardware revision for the Pocket Mini with a replacement display, expected in about a year.
    5. Existing Pocket Mini owners will receive a discount on the upcoming display hardware.

    Last week, we shared news about Retroid’s plan to address ongoing display problems affecting the Pocket Mini. The company mentioned that anyone needing assistance could reach out to their support team for help. Since then, the situation has evolved, and not all of it is pleasant.

    Issues with Returns

    At first, some customers reported that Retroid was rejecting return requests, which contradicted their earlier reassurances. Later, the company stated that only 200 units could be returned, even though all Pocket Mini devices have the same problem with rendering CRT shaders correctly. It’s important to note that this issue is exclusive to the Pocket Mini and does not affect the Pocket 5 or the earlier Pocket 4 and Pocket 4 Pro (currently priced at $199 on Amazon).

    Customer Reactions

    In a video by Retro Game Corps, it was highlighted that the company’s social media rep faced doxxing due to backlash from unhappy owners over Retroid’s handling of the situation. After this individual stepped down, Retroid released a detailed update regarding the Pocket Mini’s future.

    Refund and Hardware Updates

    For instance, all current Pocket Mini owners can now receive a $10 refund if they choose to keep their devices. If that refund doesn’t meet your expectations, the previous limit of 200 returns seems to have been lifted. Additionally, Retroid announced plans to create a new hardware revision for the Pocket Mini, which will include a replacement display. While this new version won’t be available for another year, existing owners can expect a discount on the upcoming display hardware. For further information, please refer to the statement below.

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    Retroid Offers Solutions for Pocket Mini Display Shader Issues
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  • Retroid Pocket Classic Offers Superior Display Over Ayaneo & Analogue

    Retroid Pocket Classic Offers Superior Display Over Ayaneo & Analogue

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid announced details about the Pocket Classic, including display specs and color options.
    2. The Pocket Classic features a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels and a 5:4 aspect ratio.
    3. It offers a brightness level of 500 nits, surpassing the Pocket DMG’s 400 nits.
    4. An optional six-button version, called the ‘Classic 6,’ is available for the Pocket Classic.
    5. It’s expected that the Pocket Classic may use the same chipsets as the Pocket Flip 2, likely the Dimensity 1100 and Snapdragon 865.

    Retroid has shared more details about the Pocket Classic, following their previous announcements about solving display issues with the Pocket Mini. They showed additional render images of the Pocket Classic and introduced its color choices, along with an optional six-button version.

    Display Specifications

    The company has confirmed the display specs for the Pocket Classic, which we have included below. The device will feature a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen that has a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels and an effective aspect ratio of 5:4 (1.15:1). In comparison, the Analogue Pocket, currently priced at $320 on Amazon, comes with a 3.5-inch LCD that offers a higher resolution of 1,600 x 1,440 pixels and a 1.11:1 aspect ratio.

    Brightness Capabilities

    Additionally, the Pocket Classic is designed to reach a brightness level of 500 nits, outperforming the Pocket DMG’s 400 nits. This gives the Pocket Classic a 25% edge in brightness, although Analogue does not provide peak brightness figures for the Pocket on its website.

    While Retroid currently associates these specifications specifically with the six-button ‘Classic 6’ variant, we believe they will likely apply to all models. As for other features of the Pocket Classic, we still don’t have much information; however, it wouldn’t be surprising if Retroid includes the same Dimensity 1100 and Snapdragon 865 chipsets that are found in the Pocket Flip 2.

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    Retroid Pocket Classic Offers Superior Display Over Ayaneo & Analogue

     

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  • Retroid Update: Fixes for Pocket Mini Display Issues

    Retroid Update: Fixes for Pocket Mini Display Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid has launched a teaser campaign for the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2 while updating on the Pocket Mini’s issues.
    2. The Pocket Mini, released last summer, is compact and performs well compared to larger devices like the Ayn Odin2.
    3. Initial units of the Pocket Mini had color scheme discrepancies compared to what was advertised.
    4. Display issues with the Pocket Mini involve improper rendering of shaders, which Retroid initially thought could be fixed via software.
    5. It has been confirmed that the shader issue is a hardware problem, leading to an expanded return policy for dissatisfied customers.

    Retroid has launched a new teaser campaign for the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2. At the same time, the company has shared some updates regarding the Pocket Mini and its persistent display troubles.

    Pocket Mini Performance Recap

    The Pocket Mini was released last summer, featuring compact dimensions of 165 x 77 x 16.5 mm and weighing 215 g. It performed comparably to the significantly larger Ayn Odin2 (currently priced at $449 on Amazon) in demanding emulator tasks. Retroid didn’t experience the usual production delays associated with long-run gaming handhelds, but some initial units were shipped with a different color scheme than what was shown on their website.

    Display Issues and Updates

    After release, it became clear that the Pocket Mini struggled with displaying shaders properly. Instead of looking correct, filters and scan lines appeared distorted and uneven. Retroid initially thought they could fix this by collaborating with Qualcomm, possibly through a software update.

    Hardware Problems Confirmed

    Sadly, they have now confirmed that this issue will not be resolved that way. The Pocket Mini’s failure to render shaders is attributed to a ‘behavior of the screen.’ This implies that the problem lies within the hardware itself rather than being due to faulty software. Consequently, Retroid has expanded the return policy for the Pocket Mini for customers who are dissatisfied with their devices. More details can be found in the screenshot below.

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    Retroid Update: Fixes for Pocket Mini Display Issues
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