Latest news with #Retroid
The Verge
09-06-2025
- The Verge
Retroid's $69 second screen is ready for your favorite DS games
The Nintendo DS was a wildly successful console, but emulating its unique dual screen design on modern handhelds is a challenge. You can try to squeeze both screens onto a single touchscreen, attempt to completely recreate the DS' unique hardware, or do what Retroid is doing and release a temporary clamp-on, secondary screen that's compatible with its handhelds and other third-party devices. The Retroid Dual Screen Add-on is currently available through the company's online store in black, purple (inspired by the GameCube), and translucent white color options for $69, but are currently sold out. That includes a version designed for Retroid's own Pocket handhelds including the RP Mini, RP Mini V2, RP4 Pro, and RP5, and the version for third-party handhelds. As long as a device isn't taller than 115mm and supports DisplayPort over USB-C it should be compatible, but Retroid specifically points out the Steam Deck is not. Featuring a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and dedicated brightness buttons on the side, the Dual Screen Add-on attaches to devices with an expanding clamp and can be positioned at three different angles using a 'click-stop hinge.' However, the second screen can't be folded flat against the handheld it's attached to like with the DS. The add-on features touchscreen functionality, which is supported through the DisplayPort protocol. If your handheld of choice is lacking touch capabilities, hanging the add-on off the bottom will let you play DS games that heavily relied on lower touchscreen interactions. But since Retroid's Dual Screen Add-on is at its core just an external display for a handheld, what games you can play and how the screen will be utilized is left to the device's operating system or the emulator you're using. The add-on weighs around 130 grams, thanks in part to it skipping a built-in battery. It's powered directly by the device it's connected to, but it does have its own USB-C port with pass-through charging capabilities so you can keep both the display and your handheld running without killing its battery.
Android Authority
09-06-2025
- Android Authority
Miss the LG V60's second screen? This Dual Screen add-on might be the next best thing
TL;DR Retroid has revealed full specs and pricing for its upcoming Dual Screen add-on. The 5.5-inch AMOLED screen clamps onto 6 or 7-inch devices, including possibly smartphones. It retails for $69 and goes on sale later today alongside a screen protector and carrying case. Dual-screen gaming handhelds never really recovered from the death of the Nintendo 3DS, with niche devices like the LG V60 or Surface Duo failing to recapture the magic. Retroid's take on a second screen was revealed last week, and now that we have full specs, pricing, and even a release date, it might just be the one to make Nintendo DS emulation comfortable. The Retroid Dual Screen add-on is a 5.5-inch 60Hz AMOLED display, likely the same one found in the Retroid Pocket 5 and Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Like the screen case for the V60, it does not feature an internal battery, and instead draws power from your device. However, it does feature pass-through charging, so you can top off your handheld while you play. That screen is attached to a clamping mechanism with built-in click stops at 120°, 150°, and 180°. Retroid estimates that it will weigh 130g and come in three colorways: Black, GC (GameCube), and Translucent. In terms of compatibility, the company has stated that it will work with the Retroid Pocket 5, Pocket Mini/Mini V2, and Pocket 4 Pro. However, it will also work with third-party devices with 6- or 7-inch screens that support DisplayPort over USB-C. That means popular handhelds like the Odin 2 Portal, as well as most smartphones, should be supported. The Dual Screen add-on will cost $69 and launches later today. That said, the USB-C cable is placed at the bottom of the clamp, since that's where most retro gaming handhelds have their charging ports. It appears to have a wider opening and a flexible cable to suit different designs. Retroid still hasn't shown the clamping mechanism in full, so it may require a dongle or extender for use with smartphones. This design is clearly aimed at Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation, although only a few emulators currently support two-screen gameplay. If this accessory proves popular, this may change in the coming weeks as demand grows. Of course, it can also be used to watch YouTube videos or check guides while you play. The Dual Screen add-on will cost $69 and will be available later today on the official Retroid website. You can also pick up an official screen protector or a large carrying case designed to hold the Retroid Pocket 5 with a grip and the Dual Screen add-on. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
Retroid just announced a dual-screen device, but not the one you expect
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority TL;DR Retroid just announced a Dual Screen add-on for its popular retro gaming handhelds. This can make emulation for Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Wii U games more immersive. The company has not announced pricing or availability yet. Retro gaming handheld maker Retroid spent most of this week teasing a dual-screen device, which was finally revealed this morning. Rather than a new device to its growing lineup, it's an accessory that can attach to some of its most popular handhelds. The aptly named Dual Screen add-on has a large screen with a clip on the bottom. When attached to a gaming handheld, it creates a clamshell form factor similar to the LG V60 or Microsoft Surface Duo. Retroid hasn't shared much beyond the picture above, but a representative confirmed on Discord that it's an OLED panel. It's compatible with several of Retroid's flagship handhelds, including the Retroid Pocket 5, Pocket Mini, and Pocket 4 Pro. However, it's not compatible with either of the most recent releases, the Pocket Flip 2 or Classic. That's not too surprising, given the form factors of those devices. Adding a second screen looks a little goofy, but it makes emulation for Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Wii U games more immersive. Popular DS and 3DS emulators already support gameplay on two screens, although Wii U support is still lacking. A second screen is a game-changer for Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation. This is far from the first device of its kind. The aforementioned LG V60 had an optional second screen, but the ROG TwinView Dock accessories for the first three ROG Phones were very similar, with a platform and clamp to hold the phone. A YouTuber named DNA Mobile Gaming also recently ran an Indiegogo campaign for the DNA Duo, another similar device with a very high price tag. Retroid has yet to announce pricing or availability for the Dual Screen add-on, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
Retroid fans are losing their minds over potential dual-screened handheld teaser
Andy Walker / Android Authority TL;DR Retroid made a cryptic post linking to a song titled 'Two Heads Are Better Than One.' Fans have been clamoring for a dual-screened handheld for years, and this might finally be it. Recent releases like the Pocket Flip 2 have proven there's interest in unique form factors. Earlier today we got our first look at ANBERNIC's Xperia Play-like sliding handheld the RG Slide, but Retroid has now swooped in to steal the limelight with a single cryptic post linking to a song from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. The title of that song is 'Two Heads Are Better Than One,' and fans are taking that to mean there's finally a dual-screen device on the horizon. Fans have been begging for a dual-screen device that can comfortably play Nintendo DS and 3DS games for years. The closest that's been available so far is the AYANEO Flip DS, but that's a costly Windows-based machine. The upcoming MagicX Zero 40 takes another approach with a very tall screen, but it just doesn't hit the same as an actual dual-screen device. The Surface Duo 2 would be another alternative if it weren't, well, the Surface Duo 2. The recent release of the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, which has a very similar clamshell design as a Nintendo DS but without the second screen, has brought the issue back to the forefront. That device has an auspiciously empty space where the second screen would go. Fans have been asking for a dual-screen handheld for years, and this might be it. While Retroid hasn't confirmed anything, Retroid fans have latched onto the post as confirmation of an upcoming dual-screened device. Community reactions range from a picture of former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé with the text 'My body is ready' to claims that 'Retroid can have my firstborn if they release a half decent dual screen clamshell.' Whether or not the dual-screen handheld is a reality, what's clear is that there's a real desire for unique form factors in the retro gaming handheld space. The Nintendo DS and 3DS are particularly interesting cases, since even the best emulators can't truly replicate the experience with a single screen. As a result, the market for second-hand and modded devices remains strong years after they've been discontinued. Whichever company releases the first affordable dual-screened emulation device will fill a very underserved niche. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
I can't believe how good the Retroid Pocket Classic is at this price
Retroid Pocket Classic The Retroid Pocket Classic features a new chipset with exceptional retro gaming performance for the price. Combined with the best screen in the biz, this is the new vertical handheld to beat. The Retroid Pocket Classic feels like it took second string to the Pocket Flip 2 when they were both announced earlier this year. The Game Boy-esque handheld was tucked away in the back of the promotion image, and details didn't emerge until weeks later. Sure, some of that was due to the new chipset, which was still unannounced at the time. However, the Pocket Flip 2 felt like it was getting the lion's share of attention, with the Classic being a kind of experimental device for the company. After all, it's the company's first vertical handheld since its first device in 2020. After testing both devices, the Classic is easily my favorite. I cannot believe how good this DMG-style handheld is, and it's made me incredibly excited about the future of Android gaming handhelds in a way I had not expected. A Game Boy for the modern (retro) gamer Nick Fernandez / Android Authority When I first opened the box, I was surprised by just how large the Retroid Pocket Classic is. It's significantly larger than my previous everyday carry vertical handheld, the TrimUI Brick, and roughly the same size as the Pocket Flip 2 when closed. It's also incredibly light. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like a Game Boy with the batteries removed. It's comfortable to hold, to be sure, but it has a strangely hollow feeling, especially toward the bottom. At this point, it's worth pointing out that there are several design options. Most have a standard Game Boy-like layout, with a D-pad and four face buttons. However, the Classic 6 variant features six buttons, taking inspiration from Sega consoles. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority That's the variant that I grabbed for this review, despite falling on the Nintendo side of the aisle when I was younger. I was a late convert to Sega consoles, but I figured the extra buttons would always come in handy as hotkeys when playing consoles with standard layouts. They can also serve as the C buttons for N64, although emulating that console on the Pocket Classic isn't ideal without a stick. There are four- and six-button variants of the Pocket Classic. The Classic 6's buttons are also different in design, with three concave A B C buttons and three smaller X Y Z buttons. These buttons were my least favorite part of the device. They have very little resistance and a loud clacky sound when pressed. I would feel very self-conscious playing this in a quiet place in public, let alone in bed next to my spouse while she's trying to sleep. They're also fairly small. As mentioned above, the Pocket Classic is fairly large, so there's plenty of real estate for larger buttons. The volume and power buttons on the side, while not overly important, also feel downright cheap compared to the rest of the device. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The triggers and D-pad, on the other hand, are great. I almost wish Retroid had gone with a shield design similar to those used by Sega in the 90s for the Classic 6 model, but I suspect it's hard to find a matching off-the-shelf component nowadays. In any case, it's great for everything from platformers to fighting games. The mono speaker is more than serviceable, and it gets nice and loud considering the size. There's a handy headphone jack on the top of the device for better sound, plus Bluetooth 5.1 support for wireless audio. But the real star of the show here is the massive 3.92-inch AMOLED screen. This is the same screen found on the premium AYANEO Pocket DMG, and it's by far the best screen available on any vertical handheld available today. The colors are incredible, the blacks are perfect, and the aspect ratio is great for most consoles you'd want to emulate on this thing. It's also very bright, and I had no problem playing in the bright Spanish sun while my son was napping in his stroller. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Granted, 16:9 systems like the PSP have large black bars. The bars on 3:2 GBA games (seen above) are still manageable, but I wouldn't buy this device for PSP games. The bezels also play a role here. The Classic 6 model I tested and the Retro colorway have light gray bezels, while the other models have darker bezels. I suspect the darker bezels help blend the screen into the body of the device, so you might want to pick one of those colorways if you plan on playing GBA or PSP games. The chipset of the future Nick Fernandez / Android Authority I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of performance, since this is the first device shipping with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 processor. The Pocket Classic was actually announced a few weeks before the processor itself, leading to some cageyness from Retroid in marketing materials. I ran the device through our standard suite of benchmarks (except for anything related to ray tracing, which this chipset does not support), and the results aren't too surprising. On paper, it's similar to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, a mid-range processor from 2023 that uses the same 4nm process with two performance cores and six efficiency cores. However, the G1 Gen 2 is designed from the ground up for gaming handhelds, and it shows. It's not made for high benchmarks but for solid performance on a tight budget, with great heat management. Temperatures never climbed beyond 30 degrees Celsius in my testing, although the fan on the back of the Retroid Pocket Classic does have a slight coil whine when placed in Sport mode. As seen in the Wild Life Stress Test, the GPU is wildly underpowered, but emulation relies almost entirely on the CPU. The new chipset has a few other benefits not found in cheaper retro gaming handhelds, including fast charging. In my testing, the massive 5,000mAh battery charged from 10% to 90% in just 45 minutes. Once charged, the device sipped power, lasting well over 12 hours for older systems like SNES and Game Boy Color, and roughly five or six hours on more demanding consoles. I'd love to see capacity-limiting battery health features from Android 15 added to this device, but until then, you'll want to be careful not to overcharge the device. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Results on paper are one thing, but after testing emulation performance, I have to say this chipset blew me away. As expected, I got great results when emulating everything up to Dreamcast and Nintendo 64, as well as handhelds like the PSP and Nintendo DS. However, I was surprised that it could easily handle many PS2 and GameCube games. Demanding games will run slow, but the JRPGs and strategy games that I enjoy run at a consistent 60fps. I'm really looking forward to replaying Wild Arms 3 on this device. Emulation performance is way better than I expected at this price. In fact, performance was only slightly worse than the Snapdragon 865 found in the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 for relevant games at this aspect ratio. That's impressive considering the Classic is just over half the price of the Flip 2. Benchmark comparisons are heavily skewed toward the Flip 2, but the most significant difference in practice is that it can't handle demanding shaders due to the weak GPU. Lightweight shaders work fine, but you might have to do some experimenting to get the best mix of aesthetics and performance. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The other asterisk here is Sega Saturn emulation, but that's not necessarily the fault of the chipset itself. Games like Batsugun and Sakura Wars loaded and ran ok, but there were graphical glitches and occasional crashes. I'm sure there are ways to make it work, but despite the Classic 6's design, I wouldn't position this as the ideal device for Sega Saturn emulation. There are issues with a few other consoles as well, but they mostly come down to the lack of sticks. For me, this isn't really a bug, but rather a feature. Sticks would make this device far less pocketable and detract from the Game Boy-like design. The small sticks found on these kinds of devices are also generally uncomfortable to use. You can make it work by swapping the D-pad for the left stick and adding an overlay on the screen for the other stick, but that's not a great experience, either. Just stick to D-Pad-focused games. The lack of sticks is a feature, not a bug. Interestingly, while the chipset nailed emulation performance, it suffered from occasional stutters when navigating menus in Android 14. It also lacks compatibility for some Play Store games and apps, both in terms of software and controls. Some apps turned the screen on its side, with no option to rotate it back to its proper position. I suspect many of these quirks will be fixed over time, but one thing that can't be fixed is the lack of video out support. I confirmed with Qualcomm that the chipset simply doesn't support it, so you'll have to look elsewhere to play on a big screen. Regardless, it's extremely impressive how well this chipset performs, and it's made me very excited to see the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, which is confirmed for the next flagship Retroid Pocket handheld. Retroid Pocket Classic review verdict: The best value in Android gaming handhelds Nick Fernandez / Android Authority With all that said, the most surprising thing about this handheld is the price: it starts at just $119 for the 4+64GB version. I'd recommend bumping that up to the 6+128GB for $10 more, but that's an incredible value for what you're getting here. Sure, you can spend half that on something like the TrimUI Brick ($84.99 at Amazon) seen above, but the Linux-based handheld is smaller, far less powerful, and you lose compatibility with Android games. For more power, you'll have to pay hundreds more for the AYANEO Pocket DMG ($419 at Manufacturer site), which is frankly overkill for a device like this unless you really want a luxury Game Boy clone. The Retroid Pocket Classic is unbeatable in its price bracket. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Retroid Pocket Classic, and I suspect it will replace every other vertical handheld in my collection. You'll still have to jump through some hoops to install emulators and a decent front-end like ES DE, but for $120-130, it's worth the trouble. Just think about whether or not you really need those two extra buttons from the Classic 6 edition. This is an incredible first showing for Qualcomm's cheapest gaming-focused chipset and an absolute home run for Retroid. I love this device, and I can't wait to see more handhelds utilize these chips. Retroid Pocket Classic Bright AMOLED display • Exceptional performance • Incredible value MSRP: $119.99 A Game Boy for the modern (retro) gamer The Retroid Pocket Classic offers exceptional retro gaming performance for the price, with a screen that can't be beat. See price at Manufacturer site Positives Bright AMOLED display Bright AMOLED display Exceptional performance Exceptional performance Six-button option Six-button option Great battery life Great battery life Incredible value Cons No video out No video out Middling buttons Middling buttons Some compatibility issues
