Well this is rather unfortunate. Handheld makers have been making changes to account for the ongoing RAMageddon, and Retroid is back with another one. This time around, the Retroid Pocket Classic is seemingly next up on the chopping block, at least the four-button model.
At the time of this writing, only the PKMN variant is the only 4-button model currently available, priced at $149. However, earlier today, it seems that there are less than 100 units left before it’s gone forever. Moving forward, it seems that Retroid will only be carrying the 6-button versions, leaving the Classic 6 and the Classic 6 SG as the last two models standing.
This comes after the company already “temporarily” discontinued the Pocket G2, ditching the 12GB Pocket 6, and raising prices. We’re still waiting for official confirmation from our Retroid representative, but clearly the end is nigh for the RP Classic.
What remains to be seen is if this really is RAMageddon claiming another victim, or if Retroid is just gearing up to release a new handheld. We highly doubt this to be the case, but it’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility.
After looking around at some of the other retailers, it seems there is still some stock of the PKMN version available on AliExpress and Amazon. Surprisingly enough, despite the $179 price tag, the Amazon listing is actually sold by “Moorechip”, Retroid’s parent company. Take into account that it would cost $169 at a minimum if buying direct from Retroid (once you include shipping), another $10 to buy through Amazon doesn’t seem like such a bad deal.
If this really is the end of the Retroid Pocket Classic, this leaves an opening for another vertical Android-powered handheld to take the reigns. Anbernic has a couple options of its own between the RG477V and RG406V, however, it would be interesting to see if a company like MANGMI would enter the space.
So far, the company’s first two handhelds have been the Air X and Pocket MAX, both horizontal handhelds. Not to mention that both of Anbernic’s offerings cost $165 or $240, respectively. Another, more budget friendly, option would be nice to have.
