Over on its official QQ channel, it was shared that Retroid plans to drop a promo video for its next device within the week.

According to posts shared on Bilibili (via the Retro Handhelds Discord), Retroid is aiming to produce a promo video for their next major device. It’s rumored to feature a high-resolution 4:3 display and a chip more powerful than the D900 which could position it to be a successor to the Retroid Pocket 2S released a year ago in July 2023.

Retroid’s most recent flagship release was the Pocket 4 and 4 Pro with preorders opening in December 2023. Before that, the company released an upgraded version of their fan-favorite Pocket 2+, the Pocket 2S.

The 2S featured the seemingly standard 4:3 aspect ratio and a 3.5-inch screen with a 640 x 480 resolution. The rumors here suggest Retroid is sticking with 4:3, but nothing is known on if the device will be the fifth release of their Retroid Pocket line, or if it will be a bigger, or more powerful version of the pre-existing 2S.

Most handheld devices that promote their power feature a 16:9 screen best suited for modern-day content; TV shows, movies, and games mostly release in 16:9 today. However, for retro gaming, 4:3 has been a sweet spot for a lot of manufacturers as it offers the most versatility and proper scaling options for multiple different consoles.

The rumor also suggests that the next device will have a Qualcomm chipset stronger than the MediaTek Dimensity 900 inside the Retroid Pocket 4. Being stronger than the D900 could mean this rumored device in its base form will be able to handle PS2 and GameCube games with ease. The Dimensity 1100 found in the 4 Pro can emulate most GameCube games at 2x at full speed with PS2 compatibility being high on its own.

There’s no knowing since details are few and far between, but it’s possible the device could use the D1100 found in the 4 Pro, but reserve it for the base model. Or it could be a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro with a 4:3 screen. Or simply an immensely stronger Pocket 2S — anything is possible.

Retroid Pocket 3

With the past two releases, GoRetroid has released a base model, and an upgraded one alongside it. The Retroid Pocket 3 saw the Pocket 3+ follow soon afterward. The Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro were available for preorder at the same time.

As with all rumors, you should take them with a grain of salt. In the case of Retroid, excitement tends to encapsulate the entire community when the rumor mill starts. The Retroid Pocket 2 and its numerous upgraded models are arguably some of the most beloved hardware designs by fans of the company. With a new device on the horizon, one rumored to have a 4:3 screen, people are eager to see if Retroid will be returning to form, or if they’re placating a large set of their followers only interested in screens more comparable to the Pocket 2.

Are you going to be buying the next Retroid Pocket? Do you think it will be powerful enough to easily handle PS2 and GameCube games? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!

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