In the ever changing video game market, there has been one trend that has recently been on the rise. The return of the Handheld Gaming Console.
With the Nintendo Switch doubling as a handheld and a console, the Switch 2 continuing that trend, the release of the PlayStation Portal, and the impressive Steam Deck; it seems like handhelds are making a full on return. However, what if I told you that one of the best ones out there isn't one of these heavy hitters? What if I told you that there is a cheaper and pretty diverse alternative.
Well, the truth is there are actually many. I could go on and on and on about all of the "retro" handhelds that have released over these last few years, but today I want to take a look at one specifically. A handheld that has actually helped make my job writing for Netto's Game Room a lot easier, and one I feel deserves more attention for it's wide variety of uses.
And that handheld is none other than the Retroid Pocket.
What is the Retroid Pocket?
The Retroid Pocket is a "retro" styled handheld device that runs on android, and is built as a dedicated gaming console. The controller is built in, obviously, it comes in different shapes and sizes across its multiple models, and newer models can even dock Switch style to a TV to play your games on the big screen. It is a powerful little device, and thanks to the Android operating system it can actually do a lot.
At the time of this article, there are currently three main models being sold, with each release being better/stronger than the last. The Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro is the cheaper option at $149, the Retroid Pocket 5 Mini is a smaller premium upgrade starting at $199, with the Retroid Pocket 5 coming in at $219.
The newer models obviously get a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, and not everyone "needs" that power. It honestly depends what the user is going to be playing on the device, and how they want to use it. For those who want a more standard handheld feel, there are "Classic" style models and "Flip" models as well, which replicate the look and feel of the Game Boy line.
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| (Retroid Pocket Classic & their Color Variants) |
That being said, the handheld has a lot of uses.
Playing Android Games
As an Android device, a Retroid Pocket allows you to download and install nearly any Android App or game. While this isn't the surprising part, what is on the other hand is the fact that most Android games support Xbox and PlayStation controllers. The Retroid Pocket controls are detected by most games that are opened on the device, and that is a game changer for many.
Games like Call of Duty Mobile are a night and day difference between using touch screen controls, and using a physical controller. The same can be said for other popular titles like Genshin Impact, Fortnite, and console games that have been ported to mobile. Being able to play these games on a "handheld console" feels great, and makes everything so much easier. Being able to dock the Retroid to a TV is a nice bonus as well, but that does require the use of a bluetooth controller.
The Power of a PlayStation 2
There's no denying another use for this device. The Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro, and the Retroid Pocket 5 have chipsets that are strong enough to handle nearly every game released up until the PlayStation 2, and then some.
Their specs are as follows:
Retroid Pocket 5
CPU: 1*A77@2.8G 3*A77@2.4G 4*A55@1.8G
GPU: Adreno 650
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
CPU: 4*A78@2.6GHz 4*A55@2.0 GHz
GPU: G77 MC9@836MHz
Retroid Pocket 4
CPU: 2*A78@2.4GHz + 6*A55@2.0GHz
GPU: G68 MC4@900MHz
And future models will only have better and stronger hardware. Thanks to this, users who physically own such consoles and games could copy their console's bios and games to the device, and play the vast majority of them on the device. The same can be said for handhelds, especially those which already use digital downloads.
There are also ways to download and install PC games you own directly to the device, but once again, that requires going outside of official means. Android isn't built as a PC OS, so it isn't as simple as downloading Steam and installing your games.
With all of this being said, Netto's Game Room will not provide information on how to do this, nor do we endorse it, but this alone without a doubt is a major selling point for many. I did however want to be transparent about what the device can do, with Retroid themselves linking to some of the apps within Google Play.
The Power of Streaming
Besides playing Android Games, the biggest feature that gets overlooked by many, is honestly the one I use this device for. The ability to Stream the vast majority of modern games I own.
Living a busy day to day life, it isn't always easy to sit down in front of a TV to play games. Even then the TV isn't something I want to tie up all the time, which is why handheld devices have always been my go to. I can't tell you how many countless hours I spent on my Game Boy Color, or the Advance, or the DS and 3DS. The PSP was also another major part of my life, and my Vita is something I keep constantly charged and ready to go (it's actually sitting next to this very keyboard I am typing on).
In short, I have always been a handheld fan, and the Retroid is a device that has allowed me to experience nearly all of my modern games in the same way. On a handheld.
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| (View of Steam Link. Dunk Dunk Launches May 8th) |
All Retroid Pocket models are devices that can run the main streaming apps, and can allow you to play most of your games from nearly anywhere in the world (assuming you have an internet connection or hot spot on your phone). Xbox Game Pass works flawlessly, Nvidia works great if you have a subscription with less limits, and Amazon Luna connected to a GOG account lets you access many great titles without paying for the Luna + subscription. These three options let you play a large library of games through the Retroid, and do not require additional hardware. If you have a Retroid, you can sub to one of these services, and you are good to go. Similar to Luna, Game Pass also now allows you to stream games you own,, so that is something players can look forward to as well.
However, these aren't the only options that are open to you.
PS Play is a fan made PlayStation Streaming app, which actually works better than the official PlayStation App. It has a large amount of customization options, and it lets you fine tune things to fit your needs and adjust the quality of your stream. Once things are configured however, the app can be used to stream your PS4 or PS5 games to the device, effectively serving the same role as the official PlayStation Portal (which is a streaming only device). Sadly PlayStation Premium streaming isn't available as a stand alone app at this moment, but in the future that could always change, and be something the Retroid supports as well.
Physical Xbox consoles can also stream to the device if you do not want to use Game Pass. This means anything on your Xbox One or Series X|S can be tapped into with the Retroid, allowing you to play your console off of the TV. Currently Xbox does not have a dedicated handheld of their own, but using devices like a Retroid are a great substitute.
Thanks to apps like Moonlight and Steam Link, PCs can also be connected to the Retroid, and played from nearly anywhere. Moonlight allows for a bit more customization and lets you use other game services, but Steam Link is also great for anything that is currently on Steam (or non-steam games linked to Steam). Again, this is taking remote control of your PC to play these games, but it means you do not need to be sitting in front of a computer to enjoy them. Obviously not everything is controller friendly, but many mouse and keyboard games can still be played using a touch screen instead. This means the vast majority of Steam games out there will work perfectly fine on a handheld with a controller, with some settings that can be adjusted for text size if needed.
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| (Prime members can play select games for free; Luna also links to GOG Accounts) |
Of course these later options require additional hardware (consoles or a PC), but it allows those who already own them to take their games on the go, or at least away from the big screen.
How the Retroid Pocket Helps Us at Netto's Game Room
As weird as this might sound, the Retroid Pocket has become one of the key tools I've used writing here at Netto's Game Room. I'm not the only writer to own the device, but for me the device became a lifeline of sorts.
Again, living a busy life and not always sitting down in front of a TV or a PC is always always doable for me, but the Retroid has been a solid alternative. When I'm not at home, or while me and my wife are watching something on TV, the Retroid is a device I use to get through a lot of my games. As a reviewer many of the games I receive come through digital PC copies or are on PlayStation. This means Remote Play is my best friend, and allows me to work through games at my own pace. All I need is a stable internet connection (even my phone surprisingly can provide me a good enough one), and I am golden! Of course I avoid playing pre-released titles when I'm in public, but even taking the handheld with me on the go has worked out surprisingly well. It is perfect for RPGs and story heavy games in general, but I've even used it more recently for games like Monster Hunter Wilds; a series I prefer to play handheld anyway.
Sure, there are hiccups now and then (nothing is perfect), but in general I've been able to clear dozens of games over the last couple of years thanks to this device. Not to say I don't play on my TV or PC as well, but I've ended up spending more time on handheld mode in general.
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| (Expedition 33 works very well on Handhelds) |
Should you buy a Retroid?
Honestly if you should buy a Retroid Pocket of any model depends on what you are going to use it for. It is easily the best retro handheld for its price point, and it can be used in so many different ways. Again, I will not be going into the full extent of what it can technically do, but the power alone makes it a device that can handle thousands upon thousands of games from most of the console generations. That alone is pretty impressive, and the native Android games and streaming options opens it up so much more.
If you are a gamer who prefers handhelds, or would like a handheld streaming device without buying something like the PlayStation Portal, then there really isn't a reason to get one of these. Just know that setting one up does require knowledge about what you are going to use it for (fans have posted plenty of guides however), so it isn't fully a turn on and play type of device. It starts with all the basics like any Android Device, and that is pretty much it.
Even so, I strongly recommend one; it is a great device that has helped me out a lot.
You can learn more for yourself by visiting their website.
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