A couple of summers ago, I went on holiday with a Retroid Pocket 3+. While these handhelds are not as common as they were, you can still get one on eBay – but should you?
Let’s cut through the noise: “Retro gaming hype” is a myth. Retro gaming has always been popular, folks. But there’s no denying that reliving those classic feels with old games is experiencing a massive surge in interest. So, if you’re looking to satisfy those old-school gaming desires, where do you turn?
Enter the Retroid Pocket 3+, a pocket-sized emulation console promising to fulfil your retro dreams. But does it actually deliver? Let’s find out.
A look at the Retroid Pocket 3+
Playing old games can range from delightfully simple to surprisingly complex. You could grab a classic Mini console, like an NES Mini, or stick to carefully curated cartridge collections such as Evercade offers. The Retroid Pocket 3+, however, takes a more hands-on approach. This third-generation device isn’t just about 8-bit and 16-bit nostalgia; it truly tackles 32-bit consoles and beyond. We’re talking serious retro here, with robust support for PlayStation 1, Sega Saturn, and Dreamcast, along with Nintendo 64. Pushing its limits, you’ll even find it capable of handling some GameCube and Wii titles, though your mileage may vary significantly in emulating these higher-end systems.
At a lightweight 235 grams, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is genuinely pocketable, coming in various colours – we tested the clear blue option. Charging takes around 2 to 3 hours, and in return, you’re looking at 4 to 8 hours of play. Disabling Wi-Fi helps extend that, and lower-spec games will naturally draw less power. Given you’ll be pushing a lot of 16-bit and 32-bit emulation, be mindful of that battery life.
The control scheme covers all the bases: a responsive D-pad, dual thumbsticks, ABXY buttons, and both triggers and shoulder buttons. While they might not perfectly replicate every arcade experience (trackball or paddle games like Marble Madness are still a challenge), they’re more than adequate for the vast majority of retro titles.
Do what you like with the Retroid Pocket 3+
The beauty and bane of the Retroid Pocket 3+ is that it’s as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Transferring your legally acquired ROMs is straightforward enough via USB or a microSD card. You’ll need to format the card in “portable mode,” configure your directories, and copy ROMs to platform-specific folders.
Then it’s a matter of installing emulators in RetroArch and launching your games. Yes, this isn’t the plug-and-play simplicity of an Evercade cartridge. Those are curated collections, compiled by someone else. With the Retroid Pocket 3+, you get to curate your own collection, and that’s where the complexity (and fun) truly lies. How it works is entirely down to you.
There’s a significant alternative that keeps things simple: the Retroid Pocket 3+ doubles as an Android gaming device. With Google Play pre-installed, you don’t need to reboot or switch modes. All your emulators and the Play Store live happily in the same desktop environment. This means you can find retro classics directly from the Play Store, ranging from arcade gems to Bandai Namco and Atari titles. So, apart from the ROMs (and remember, legal responsibility lies with you), this system is ready for immediate play.
Reliability and flexibility
Unlike the R36MAX, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is reliable and doesn’t suddenly break the controls. Booting into the Retroid Launcher and jumping into games is often refreshing, but it’s not without occasional quirks. Unlike those curated consoles, you’ll encounter some trial and error with ROM compatibility. Once you’re in, the flexibility extends to connectivity: you can hook it up to a big-screen TV via micro HDMI, enjoy private audio with headphones, or even use USB-C for external controls and keyboards.
The Retroid Pocket 3+ has certainly sparked debate in the retro gaming community. Essentially, it’s an upgraded Retroid Pocket 3, offering better performance and, predictably, a higher price tag. If you already own the previous model, an upgrade might be unnecessary unless 32-bit emulation is a crucial draw for you. And, of course, pocket-sized retro gaming consoles are easy to find online these days.
But I think the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, which you can easily find on eBay, is one of the standout devices of its type, even two years later.
However, for newcomers to pocket emulation, the Retroid Pocket 3+ presents an excellent starting point. Just remember, the fun often requires some legal leg work to get your game library in order.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.