Retroid Pocket 2S Review The Best Handheld Under $100

The Retroid Pocket 2S stands out as a top contender in the budget retro handheld market, offering impressive performance and features at an unbeatable price of under $100. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this device so compelling.

Handheld Design

The Retroid Pocket 2S boasts a design that, while similar to its predecessor, includes several key upgrades. The most notable changes are on the face of the device:

• DPAD and Analogue Stick Placement: The DPAD, now designed with a PS Vita-like feel, is located above the analogue stick on the left side. This change has been well-received by fans, providing a more comfortable and intuitive layout.
• Analogue Sticks: The device now features hall joysticks, which are more durable and comfortable compared to the previous analogue slider. These sticks are concave, offering better grip and are positioned outside the shell, although this may make them more prone to snagging in pockets.
• Display: The 3.5-inch touchscreen display has a resolution of 640 x 480, which is sufficient for retro gaming. However, it does come with a fairly large bezel, a point of contention for some users.
• Action Buttons: The action buttons have more travel to them, giving a nostalgic feel that many users appreciate. The shoulder buttons have also been upgraded, offering more travel and movement.

Performance and Emulation

The Retroid Pocket 2S is powered by specifications that make it capable of emulating a wide range of consoles:

• Gamecube Emulation: The device can run Gamecube games flawlessly, including larger 3D titles like "Simpsons Hit & Run." This makes it a go-to portable Gamecube emulator.
• Other Consoles: It also handles Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP, and PS1 games with ease. Mega Drive, NES, SNES, and Gameboy games run smoothly as well.
• Wii and PS2 Emulation: While the device can emulate Wii games, performance is not optimal. PS2 emulation is particularly poor and not recommended.
• Nintendo DS Emulation: Emulating Nintendo DS games can be cumbersome due to the single screen, requiring users to switch screens using a mapped button.

User Experience

The Retroid Pocket 2S offers a user-friendly experience:

• Android OS: The device runs on Android 11, making it easy to set up and navigate. The interface is sleek, showcasing box art throughout the menus, which enhances the gaming experience.
• Battery Life: There is no internal fan, which means no fan noise or increased heating during gameplay. This contributes to a more comfortable and quiet gaming experience.
• Comfort and Portability: The device is lightweight but not flimsy, making it a great portable option. The battery life is good, especially for less intense games.

Additional Features and Considerations

• RAM and Storage: The device comes in two versions: a 3GB RAM version for $99 and a 4GB RAM version for $119, which also includes 128GB of storage. The 4GB version is highly recommended for the extra performance and storage.
• Setup and Customization: The setup process is straightforward, and the device does not come pre-loaded with games, allowing users to customize their gaming library.
• Shipping and Availability: Note that shipping times can be long, often taking over two weeks.

Final Thoughts on Value

For its price, the Retroid Pocket 2S offers unparalleled value in the retro handheld market. It combines powerful emulation capabilities with a comfortable design and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to play retro games on the go. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as large bezels and poor PS2 emulation, these are outweighed by its numerous strengths.