Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Review Summary

Introduction

• Presenter: Russ from Retroid Gamecore
• Focus: Updated review of the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro.
• Duration: 8 months after release.
• Target Audience: Newcomers in the $100-$200 mid-range price point.
• Purpose: Discuss strengths, weaknesses, and suitability of the device.

Device Overview

• Type: Middle-tier Android-based retro handheld.
• Models:
  • Retroid Pocket 4: Dimensity 900 chipset.
  • Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: Dimensity 1100 chipset.
• Price:
  • Retroid Pocket 4: $150.
  • Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: $200.
• Shared Features:
  • 4.7-inch touchscreen.
  • 16:9 aspect ratio, 1334x750 resolution.
  • Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2.
  • 5000mAh battery.

Hardware Updates Since Launch

• Trigger Issues:
  • Reports of faulty triggers fixed with warranty extension.
  • Retroid to replace faulty units with new back shell.
• Screen Improvements:
  • Color balance issues resolved through hardware and software updates.
  • Faster boot-up times observed with newer screens.

Performance Highlights

• Highly customizable:
  • Six different color options.
  • DIY section for buttons, joysticks, and backplates.
• Control Quality:
  • D-pad, face buttons, and analog sticks are praised for comfort and accuracy.
  • Dedicated buttons for back and home.
• Overall Size:
  • Compact and portable, comparable to a large cell phone.
  • Optional $15 silicone grip for better ergonomics.

Emulation Performance

• Excels in running various systems:
  • Retro Systems: Game Boy, GBA, SNES, Genesis.
  • Higher Tier Systems: N64, Dreamcast, PS1, Sega Saturn.
  • Modern Lightweight Titles: Nintendo Switch games perform well in handheld mode.
• Streaming Capability:
  • Can stream from PC or cloud services (e.g., GeForce Now).

Software Updates

• Improvements to RetroArch for stability.
• Fan curves and performance profiles adjusted for better sound management.

User Experience Enhancements

• Emulation Station Desktop Edition:
  • New front-end for navigating games and enhancing experience.
  • Features like game previews, box art scraping, and customizable collections.

Areas for Improvement

• Heat Management:
  • Device gets warm during intensive gaming; fans help alleviate this.
• Battery Life:
  • About 2 hours during high-performance gaming; 4-6 hours during less intensive use.
• Screen Size:
  • 4.7 inches may be too small for modern games with small text.
  • Suggestion for a 5-5.5 inch display with 3:2 aspect ratio.

Recommendations and Alternatives

• Recommended for:
  • Best handheld under $200 with excellent performance.
• Alternatives:
  • TrimUI Smart Pro: Cheaper, retro-focused, but limited performance.
  • Retroid Pocket 4: $50 cheaper, decent performance for retro games.
  • Amarnik RG556: Similar price, larger OLED screen, but compromised controls.
  • Odin 2: Higher performance for more money; better for modern emulation.
  • Odin 2 Mini: Smaller form factor, more powerful, but more expensive.

Conclusion

• Overall, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is highly recommended due to its performance, compact design, and emulation capabilities.
• Future releases from Retroid are anticipated but unlikely to be a direct successor in the immediate term.