Tag: Retroid Pocket Mini

  • Retroid Pocket Mini V2 In Stock – Limited Time Discount Available

    Retroid Pocket Mini V2 In Stock – Limited Time Discount Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid Pocket Mini V2 is now officially in stock and ready for purchase, addressing issues from the original version.
    2. The original Pocket Mini had a hardware problem affecting screen display and Retroid has since lifted return limits and offered refunds.
    3. A complimentary DIY kit for screen replacement was provided, but the repair process proved challenging for users.
    4. The Pocket Mini V2 was released earlier than expected, possibly using parts from the DIY kit instead of a new display.
    5. The Pocket Mini V2 is priced at $199, with a limited-time $10 discount available using the code ‘V2SAVE10’.

    Just a few days after its quiet launch, the Pocket Mini V2 by Retroid is now officially in stock and ready for purchase.

    New Features of the Pocket Mini V2

    The Retroid Pocket Mini V2 is a fresh variant designed to address the problems seen in the original Pocket Mini that was launched last year. The first version had a screen issue that made it unable to display CRT shaders correctly. Initially thought to be a software issue, it was later discovered that the problem was with the hardware itself.

    Retroid initially allowed customers to return defective devices but complicated matters by limiting the number of returns. After receiving significant criticism, they lifted the cap and offered a $10 refund for those who chose to retain their device. Additionally, it was announced that a new custom display panel is being developed for an updated Pocket Mini.

    DIY Kit for Repair

    Soon after, the company announced a complimentary DIY kit that included a replacement screen from the Pocket Classic for users who wanted to repair their devices. However, the process of replacing the screen turned out to be quite challenging, even for those with experience in such repairs.

    The unexpected early release of the Retroid Pocket Mini V2 is surprising, especially since Retroid stated back in March that a revision featuring the new display would take about a year to launch. Given the short time frame, it’s possible that the new Pocket Mini is being shipped with the screen from the DIY kit rather than a completely new display.

    Purchase Details

    Regardless, the Pocket Mini V2 is currently available for purchase at $199, matching the price of the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (which can also be found on Amazon for $199). Retroid is providing a $10 discount when the code ‘V2SAVE10’ is used at checkout. This promotion is valid for only 72 hours starting today, May 10. Shipping for the handheld will commence on May 14.

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  • Retroid Pocket Mini Display Swap: Official Video Review

    Retroid Pocket Mini Display Swap: Official Video Review

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid Pocket Mini faced issues with initial units being shipped in incorrect colors.
    2. The Android 13 update caused significant problems, leading users to recommend staying on Android 10.
    3. The device’s display specifications were misleading, as it was not equipped with a 3.7-inch and 960p display as claimed.
    4. Fixing hardware issues requires a complicated disassembly and reassembly process, with users needing to install a new front shell.
    5. Retroid does not offer a warranty for damage that may occur during the repair process, increasing the risk for users.

    The introduction of the Pocket Mini hasn’t unfolded as Retroid had hoped. At first glance, this device seemed like a fantastic choice for gamers who wanted a small retro gaming handheld with more capabilities than the Anbernic RG40XX H (currently priced at $84.99 on Amazon). To sum up, the Retroid Pocket Mini features a vibrant AMOLED display paired with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, enabling it to emulate nearly any game you can think of.

    Issues with Early Units

    However, problems arose when the company began shipping some initial units in a different color than what was shown on its official site. After this mix-up, the eagerly awaited Android 13 update caused significant issues, prompting current users to advise others to stick with Android 10. Furthermore, it was revealed that Retroid misled fans into thinking the Pocket Mini had a 3.7-inch and 960p display, which was not accurate at all.

    Complicated Hardware Solutions

    Now, it appears that Retroid’s only fix for the hardware issues necessitates a complicated disassembly and reassembly process. To summarize, the company announced recently that they would be providing a new Pocket Mini front shell that comes with the 3.92-inch and 1080p AMOLED display found in the Pocket Classic. However, the installation of this new shell is anything but straightforward. From the video shared below, we suggest taking extreme care while executing such a fragile task. This concern is magnified by Retroid’s apparent lack of warranty if someone messes up the repair, which is quite likely given the multitude of delicate ribbon cables involved.

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  • LG Wing Details and Retroid Pocket Classic DIY Solution Revealed

    LG Wing Details and Retroid Pocket Classic DIY Solution Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid Pocket Mini features a 3.7-inch OLED screen with a native resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels, but it has display issues.
    2. Retroid attributes these display problems, particularly with CRT shaders, to a hardware issue without providing specific details.
    3. The Pocket Mini uses a screen originally designed for the LG Wing’s secondary display, which is not fully compatible with the Pocket Mini’s resolution needs.
    4. The LG Wing’s secondary display has a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels but can only display at 1,240 x 930 pixels, leading to image distortion when scaled.
    5. Retroid plans to offer a DIY display replacement kit featuring a compatible 3.92-inch, 1,240 x 1,080-pixel panel from the new Pocket Classic.

    The enigma surrounding the display problems of the Retroid Pocket Mini may have been uncovered by a daring hardware modder who previously created a homemade PlayStation 1 gaming handheld. To put it simply, the display within the Pocket Mini isn’t exactly what it appears to be.

    Display Details

    At first glance, Retroid has fitted the Pocket Mini with a 3.7-inch OLED screen that boasts a native resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels. Because of this, Retroid opts to market the Pocket Mini alongside the Pocket 2S, instead of the more recent Pocket 4 or Pocket 4 Pro, which is currently priced at $199 on Amazon.

    Hardware Problems

    As we have talked about before, Retroid has attributed the Pocket Mini’s inability to properly render CRT shaders in all cases to a hardware problem. Although the company has chosen not to provide any further explanation, YveltalGriffin seems to have found the underlying issue.

    Root Cause Revealed

    It turns out that the Pocket Mini uses screens that were originally meant for the LG Wing’s secondary display. This alone isn’t necessarily problematic, but the Wing’s secondary display is 3.92 inches and has a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels.

    According to Retro Handhelds, this particular panel cannot natively display at 1,280 x 960 with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Instead, it can only achieve 1,240 x 930 pixels, which the Pocket Mini then scales up to 1,280 x 960.

    Consequently, the display was never truly able to reach its advertised resolution from the onset without the Pocket Mini distorting the image to achieve that. In addition to the recent fixes, Retroid has also confirmed plans to offer a DIY display replacement kit featuring the 3.92-inch, 1,240 x 1,080-pixel panel from the new Pocket Classic.

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    LG Wing Details and Retroid Pocket Classic DIY Solution RevealedLG Wing Details and Retroid Pocket Classic DIY Solution Revealed

     

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  • Retroid Pocket Mini Android 13 Upgrade: Caution for Users

    Retroid Pocket Mini Android 13 Upgrade: Caution for Users

    The Retroid Pocket Mini and Pocket 5 have been around for a while now, as they were released in September. Both devices share similar hardware, but the Pocket Mini fell behind the Pocket 5 at launch due to its outdated software.

    Software Discrepancy

    Surprisingly, Retroid chose to install Android 10 on the Pocket Mini, while the Pocket 5 came with Android 13. This decision resulted in the Pocket Mini having older software than the Pocket 4 and Pocket 4 Pro (currently $199 on Amazon), even though it was released nearly a year later.

    Impact of the Software Version

    This software difference might seem minor, but it prevented the Pocket Mini from running certain emulators or games that require newer Android versions—some of which Google released over five years ago. Fortunately, Retroid has fixed this issue by updating the device to Android 13, which users can download from its Discord server.

    Upgrade Concerns

    However, there are significant drawbacks at the moment. For example, the upgrade process completely wipes the device, instead of keeping the existing software. Additionally, there are several reports of bugs in the current Android 13 version. Therefore, Retro Handhelds advises users to hold off on upgrading their Pocket Minis to Android 13 unless it’s absolutely necessary.

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