Pre-Order Retroid Pocket 3
Retroid finally unveiled its new handheld after weeks of speculation and leaked images. The Retroid pocket 3, the latest iteration of its mainstay handheld, is finally revealed. The hardware is more powerful, and the handheld has a larger screen.
These are the full specs of the Retroid Pocket 3 as announced by Retroid:
- CPU: 1x ARM Cortex-A75 + 3x ARM Cortex-A55 CPU
- GPU: GE8300 GPU at 800MHz
- RAM: 2GB LPDDR4x RAM (3GB upgrade available)
Storage: 32GB eMMC - Display 4.7-inch touchscreen (1333×750 at 60fps, 16:9 aspect ratio and 450 nits brightness)
- Battery: 4000mAh battery
- Operating System: Android 11
Connectivity – WiFi 2.4G/5G and Bluetooth 5.0. Also, HDMI video output - (720p).
- Weight: 230g
Retroid Pocket 3 costs USD 119 for the 2GB RAM model and $129. The 3GB model will cost just slightly more at $129. Retroid boasts a new aluminium heatsink and metal frame for passive cooling. They also added two clickable analogue sticks to the Retroid Pocket 2+. It measures 184.65mm by 81.38mm and 24.23mm (7.27 x 3.25 x 0.95 inches)
The CPU/GPU combination is the same as the Retroid pocket 2+ that was released in March this year. This model is still available at $99, slightly less than the Pocket 3. This time, you get an updated design, performance improvements due to Android 11 and dual clickable analogue sticks. You also get performance gains by grabbing the 3GB RAM version.
The frontend game launcher has been updated so that you can play your emulated games straight out of the box. We cannot evaluate the Pocket 2+’s frontend and can’t comment on how it has changed. Emulator fans can expect to emulate the PlayStation 2, Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast with the occasional PlayStation 2 or GameCube title. The 3GB RAM should allow more PlayStation 2 or GameCube space.
Retroid Pocket 2+ owners may find it difficult to justify an upgrade. The portable handheld market has become more competitive in recent years. This Retroid Pocket 3 is a great competitor to Anbernic’s RG503 at $149 MSRP. However, the higher end of the market is starting to get more options like the Ayn Odin Pro ($287 – $328) and Ayaneo Air (500+). This is all before we get to the Valve Steam Deck. It costs $399-$649 but isn’t available immediately as Steam is still fulfilling reservations.
Retroid Pocket 3 is a great retro gaming device that’s affordable and solid if you don’t own any other devices. It seems that you can purchase a Pocket 3 sooner than other options. Pre-order the device now; available in six colours: Black, White (Indigo, Orange), Retro (16-Bit) and Retro. Retroid states that the shipment of the devices will start on August 20. If I were you, I would spend the extra $10 to get the 3GB model.
