UPDATE: The listing for the Retroid Pocket 6 has been temporarily pulled pending a community-inspired redesign.
The mysterious teaser video from Retroid titled “The future of Retroid is here” has finally paid off. In a move that immediately redefines the Android emulation market, the company didn’t just announce a new flagship; it unveiled two new handhelds, the high-performance Retroid Pocket 6 and the updated budget model, the Retroid Pocket G2.
If you’re already running a Retroid Pocket 3+ or similar device, these announcements represent a major leap in power, especially for systems like PS2 and GameCube.
Retroid Pocket 6: Flagship power finally arrives
The Retroid Pocket 6 is the device the Retroid community have been asking for, taking a huge step-up in raw processing power to compete with the likes of AYN’s lineup. This is where Retroid finally gets serious about next-generation emulation.
Here are the key specs that matter:
- Processor: This is the headline—the Pocket 6 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. This is a massive jump that should finally deliver the reliable, high-end PS2 and GameCube performance that was often compromised on older devices (like the 3+).
- Screen: You get a crystal-clear 5.5-inch AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. Crucially, it now features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it excellent for high-frame-rate Android games and cloud streaming.
- Memory: Available in two tiers: a base model with 8GB RAM and a premium version with 12GB RAM.
- Ergonomics: The design features more rounded sides and a visual change at the bottom bezel, integrating a control panel.
The base model of the Retroid Pocket 6 is set to retail for $229, with a pre-order discount dropping it to $209. Considering the power on tap, that’s an aggressive price point that could shake up the competition.
Retroid Pocket G2: A new mid-range standard?
Not everyone needs demanding emulation. For those who want reliable PS2/GameCube power without paying a premium, the Retroid Pocket G2 steps in as the new mid-range champion.
It’s built as a revised version of the Pocket 5, but with significant upgrades where it counts:
- Processor: It runs on the newer Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 processor, which should offer noticeably better performance than the chip in my Retroid Pocket 3+.
- Screen: It keeps the sharp 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display but remains at a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
- OS: It ships with the newer Android 15, offering better compatibility and longevity.
The price point for the Retroid Pocket G2 is even more appealing, set at $219 retail but available for $199 during the initial launch period.
With the Pocket 6 delivering true flagship performance and the Pocket G2 redefining the mid-range price-to-power ratio, Retroid has positioned itself perfectly to dominate the handheld market for the next year. Both consoles can be ordered from www.goretroid.com.
Are you tempted to upgrade from your current Retroid model for that Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power?
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
