The competition in the portable console market is very tough and sometimes it can be difficult to choose the one that best suits our needs. But if one of our requirements is that it be a console with Android as the operating system, there is a brand that we must take into account, yes or yes: Retroid.
Retroid has already launched several Android-based consoles, and all of them are characterized by good performance and support. The launch of the new Pocket 5 and Pocket 5 Mini has therefore been one of the most anticipated of the year; Finally, the company has confirmed that the reservation period has started, confirming the technical details of the consoles.
The most important information and the one that everyone was waiting for was the choice of processor. Finally, Retroid has opted for a chip that readers of EL ESPAÑOL – El Androide Libre will surely recognize: the
It’s no surprise then that Retroid’s goal with these consoles is to run PlayStation 2 games, and they should also offer decent performance on many Android games. Both models will have 6 GB RAMalthough they have access to a “virtual memory” function, thanks to which up to 4 GB of internal storage can be used as RAM, leaving it at 10 GB.
At least on paper, this should be enough to enjoy many classic titles, although everything will depend on the software optimizations obtained by Retroid. What is clear is that these consoles cannot compete with the AYN Odin2, based on a much more powerful and new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2; But to be honest, the price is not close either, as we will see later.
The Retroid Pocket 5 and Pocket 5 Mini are very similar portable consoles, both in terms of “hardware” and “software”; there are only small details that differentiate them, and one of them is in the name. The Mini version is smaller, thanks to its 3.7-inch AMOLED screen and its resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels, while the conventional version uses a 5.5-inch panel and its resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Due to the difference in size, the Pocket 5 has a 5,000 mAh battery, while the Pocket Mini has 4,000 mAh.
But perhaps the most interesting difference between the two consoles is the aspect ratio. The Retroid Pocket 5 has a 16:9 aspect ratio, typical of a modern screen. On the other hand, the Retroid Pocket 5 Mini has a 4:3 ratio, like that of previous TVs; that should do it more suitable for classic gameswhich don’t have widescreen modes and would leave black blocks on both sides on the Pocket 5.
For this generation, Retroid promises improvements in the “software”, particularly in the game launcher, whose design has been renewed. In addition, for the first time in the brand, official Linux support addedUsers will therefore be able to switch to Batocera and Armbian operating systems if they prefer them to Android.
The new Retroid consoles will be available for pre-order on Monday, September 9. The Retroid Pocket 5 will be available for $219, while the Retroid Pocket 5 Mini will cost $199.