Retroid Pocket 2 Plus Review A Superb Handheld Worth It
The Retroid Pocket 2+ is a standout in the realm of retro gaming handhelds, offering a powerful and feature-rich experience at an unbeatable price. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this device a superb choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Hardware and Performance
The Retroid Pocket 2+ boasts impressive hardware specifications that set it apart from other handhelds in its price range. It is powered by a Unisoc Quad-core Tiger T310 processor, which includes one A75 core and three A55 cores, paired with a PowerVR GE8300 GPU. This combination provides more than enough power to run a wide range of emulators smoothly, including those for systems like the PSP, Nintendo 64, and GameCube.
Memory and Storage
The device comes with 2GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This increased memory and storage ensure that the device can handle demanding games and applications without lag.
Display and Controls
The Retroid Pocket 2+ features a 3.5-inch IPS touch screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. This display is ideal for retro gaming, providing a clear and vibrant visual experience. The controls include a non-clickable left analogue stick, a classic D-Pad, four gaming buttons, and a non-clickable right analogue stick. The D-Pad and gaming buttons are slightly more raised on the 2+ model, offering a more responsive and tactile feel.
Additional Features
The device includes several connectivity options, such as Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C port. There is also a Micro HDMI port for outputting video to a larger screen, making it versatile for both portable and home gaming setups.
Ease of Use and Setup
While the Retroid Pocket 2+ is not as user-friendly for beginners as some other devices, it offers immense value for those willing to invest a little time in setting it up. The device comes with a user guide and a screen protector, and it allows users to switch between Retroid’s proprietary front-end app loader and a plain Android 9 skin, providing flexibility in how users interact with the device.
Emulation Performance
The Retroid Pocket 2+ supports a wide range of emulators, including Citra for 3DS, PPSSPP for PSP, M64Plus FZ for N64, Dolphin for GameCube and Wii, Redream for Dreamcast, and Yaba Sanshiro 2 for SEGA Saturn, among others. These emulators run smoothly on the device, thanks to its powerful hardware.
Battery Life and Design
The device has a 4000mAh battery, which provides decent battery life. In tests, running a game like Daytona USA on the Dreamcast emulator for an hour used around 20% of the battery. The Retroid Pocket 2+ is designed to be compact and lightweight, measuring 6.02 x 3.19 x 0.79 inches and weighing 7.02 ounces, making it easy to carry around.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The build quality of the Retroid Pocket 2+ is generally good, although some users have noted inconsistent build quality in certain units. The device is available in five different colors, each with a nostalgic design that pays homage to classic consoles.
Value and Comparison
At a price point of $99, the Retroid Pocket 2+ offers exceptional value. It outperforms many other handhelds in its class, including the Anbernic RG351MP and RG351V, and it provides a more comprehensive gaming experience due to its ability to run Android games and apps in addition to emulators.
Community Support
The Retroid community is active and supportive, with resources such as a Discord server, Facebook group, and a helpful wiki page. This community support is crucial for users who may need assistance with setup or troubleshooting.
Special Features
The Retroid Pocket 2+ includes several special features that enhance the gaming experience. It has haptic feedback, pre-loaded emulation and game streaming apps, and a Micro SD card slot for expanding storage. The device also comes with an integrated rumble motor and conductive rubber design for the D-Pad and face buttons, adding to the overall gaming experience.
Connectivity and Expansion
The device supports Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless connectivity. The Micro HDMI port enables users to connect the device to a larger screen, and the USB-C port supports data transfer and charging. The Micro SD card slot allows users to expand the storage capacity, making it easier to store more games and applications.