While the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and Classic won’t be shipping pre-orders for another couple of weeks, the Flip 2 review units have started to surface. This includes Stubbs, joined by Rob the Retro Tech Dad, who unboxed Retroid’s newest clamshell live over on YouTube.
But after all of the initial hubbub was done, Stubbs provided even more thoughts in a separate Retroid Pocket Flip 2 First Impressions video. So let’s take a look at what he had to say about the different aspects of Retroid’s latest handheld.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Design and Hinge
- The matte plastic finish is nice and comfortable, while also being similar in thickness to the original RP Flip
- While the Flip 2 is definitely pocketable, it’s probably better suited for an EDC bag or case.
- Unlike what some others have found, there really wasn’t any flex, even when pushing down in the center.
- So far, it seems that the hinge is pretty durable, and it can even go all the way back to 180 degrees, like the GKD XD+
- It’s obvious Retroid put a lot of focus on the hinge and Stubbs says that it’s already a big improvement over the original.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Ergonomics and Controls
- Stubbs found that the Flip 2 is already more comfortable to use than the original RP Flip.
- The D-pad is practically identical to the Retroid Pocket 5, making it great for D-pad-centric games.
- Face buttons are lower-profile than the RP5 and, as a result, are quieter.
- The L1/R1 buttons are “quiet-clicky,” offering tactile feedback without annoying everyone around you.
- Some might want to remap because the A Button isn’t exactly comfortable to press while also using the left stick to move your characters around. No issues with any of the other buttons or triggers.
- The analog sticks feel good, with a decent range of motion. Which makes sense given the deeper cavities surrounding each of the sticks.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Display
- Likely using the same OLED panel as the RP5, as it gets super bright and is vibrant with deep blacks.
- Stubbs did notice that the Retroid Pocket 5 has a slightly redder color tone. But that’s just something related to the display tuning and isn’t cause for concern.
- Enough clearance for a screen protector.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Software
- For some reason, Auto-rotate is enabled by default out of the box
- Ships with the new Retroid Launcher that was released last year.
- With the majority of games, you’ll be just fine leaving it set to either Performance or Standard Mode. Obviously, this comes down to what game you’re playing or trying to emulate.
- Your best bet is to leave Fan Speed set to Smart unless you end up experiencing throttling in games
- Standby Mode works well. Goes to sleep right before the lid closes, and wakes up as soon as you open the lid.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Gameplay
- Burnout Revenge – NetherSX2 2.5X Vulkan
- Mega Man Maverick Hunter X PPSSPP via RA at 3X
- Gunfire Reborn via GeForce NOW.
- The device can get warm in the center, but the heat is not felt in the grip areas
More Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Fun!
Unsurprisingly, the fun didn’t stop there, as the Pocket Flip 2 garnered much of the focus for a good portion of the latest Retroid Handhelds Podcast episode. Check it out in the video above as Stubbs shares a few more impressions now that he’s had some time to spend with the device. Then, stick around as we have a lot of fun while covering some of the other trending topics in the space.
If you were on the fence, but Stubbs helped push you over the edge, you can still take advantage of the pre-order deals from Retroid for the Pocket Flip 2 and Classic. With that, you’re able to save $10 off of the Pocket Flip 2 when using code FLIP2SAVE10 at checkout, and there’s a bundle that includes both of Retroid’s latest handhelds, saving you $30 in the process.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2Retroid Pocket Classic
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.