Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Review: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse for Retro Gaming Enthusiasts

In the ever-evolving world of handheld gaming consoles, the Retroid Pocket series has carved out a niche for itself by offering affordable, compact devices that cater to retro gaming enthusiasts. The latest addition to the lineup, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, promises to take things up a notch with improved hardware, a sleek design, and enhanced performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Portable, and Premium

The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro boasts a modern, minimalist design that feels both premium and practical. The device is compact enough to slip into your pocket, making it perfect for gaming on the go. The matte finish on the shell not only looks great but also helps resist fingerprints, a common annoyance with glossy handhelds.

The button layout is well thought out, with a comfortable D-pad, responsive face buttons, and dual analog sticks that feel surprisingly sturdy for a device in this price range. The inclusion of shoulder buttons and customizable rear triggers adds versatility, especially for more complex emulation or modern Android games. The 4.7-inch touchscreen is bright and vibrant, offering excellent viewing angles and crisp visuals, which is a significant upgrade over its predecessors.

Performance: A Leap Forward

Under the hood, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. This is a substantial upgrade from previous models, and it shows. The device handles everything from classic 8-bit and 16-bit consoles to more demanding systems like the PSP, Dreamcast, and even some GameCube and PS2 titles with ease.

Emulation performance is where the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro truly shines. Using popular emulators like RetroArch, Dolphin, and AetherSX2, the device delivers smooth gameplay for most titles. While not every GameCube or PS2 game runs perfectly, the compatibility is impressive for a handheld at this price point. Android gaming is also a breeze, with the device capable of running modern titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile at respectable frame rates.

Software and User Experience: Android Done Right

The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro runs on Android 13, which provides a familiar and customizable interface. The inclusion of the Retroid Launcher simplifies navigation, offering a console-like experience for those who prefer a more streamlined approach. However, if you’re comfortable with Android, you can easily customize the device to your liking, whether that’s adding your favorite emulators, tweaking settings, or sideloading apps.

One of the standout features is the ability to connect the device to a TV via HDMI, effectively turning it into a mini console. Pair it with a Bluetooth controller, and you’ve got a versatile gaming setup that works both on the go and at home.

Battery Life: Solid but Not Spectacular

The 5,000mAh battery provides a decent amount of playtime, lasting around 6-8 hours depending on the intensity of the games you’re playing. While it’s not the longest battery life in the handheld market, it’s more than sufficient for most gaming sessions. The device supports fast charging, so you can quickly top it up when needed.

Price and Value: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

Priced at around $199, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro offers incredible value for money. It’s not the most powerful handheld on the market, but it strikes an excellent balance between performance, portability, and affordability. For retro gaming enthusiasts who want a device that can handle a wide range of systems without breaking the bank, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is hard to beat.

Pros:

- Powerful hardware for the price

- Sleek, portable design

- Excellent emulation performance up to PS2/GameCube

- Android 13 offers flexibility and customization

- HDMI output for TV play

Cons:

- Battery life could be better

- Some GameCube and PS2 titles may require tweaking

- No built-in Wi-Fi 6 support

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Retro Gamers

The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a testament to how far handheld gaming devices have come. It’s a versatile, powerful, and affordable option that caters to both retro gaming purists and those looking to dabble in modern Android games. While it’s not without its minor flaws, the overall package is hard to resist.

If you’re in the market for a handheld that can handle a wide range of systems, offers great build quality, and won’t break the bank, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re reliving your childhood memories or discovering classic games for the first time, this little device delivers big on fun.

What do you think about the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro? Would you consider adding it to your gaming collection? Let us know in the comments below!