In the wee hours of the morning, Retroid dropped a teaser for an upcoming device, known simply as the Retroid Pocket Nova, a new horizontal handheld with a 4:3 aspect ratio and an OLED screen. Many in the retro handheld scene have already speculated this is the “mortgage screen” spoken about by Retroid’s CEO in response to the debacle that was the cropped screen on the Retroid Pocket Mini V1.
Let’s dig in!
What We Know About the Pocket Nova
The shadowy silhouette of the device that was provided seems to indicate a more compact, horizontal handheld. While it appears the device might have inline triggers from the image, Chris over on the Retroid Discord has already confirmed that this is not the case, as well as confirming that multiple color options will be available for the Pocket Nova.
While we can’t make out the location of the D-pad, face buttons, or analogue sticks, many have already started analyzing the image and are providing estimations. User Kirais over on the r/SBCGaming subeddit even provided some visual estimations, and they are calling for a 4.4″-4.5″ screen, which would give the device dimensions similar to that of the Retroid Pocket Mini.
With a 4:3 aspect ratio, it would make sense for this device to have the D-Pad above the analogue sticks, as this would favor older gaming consoles that work well with that aspect ratio. This would also make the Retroid Pocket Nova even more similar to the Retroid Pocket Mini, and is a layout that appears to be a favorite for many in the retro handheld and emulation communities based on the initial responses to the device. Maybe Retroid will provide options for both layouts, similar to the Retroid Pocket 6?
Looking Forward
No further details about the Retroid Pocket Nova have been shared at this time. While there’s plenty of speculation about the chip that will be inside – the Retroid Pocket Mini came with a Snapdragon 865, so many are hoping for something more powerful like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – and the price, Retroid is keeping silent on those details at the moment.
2026 has been a quiet year for handheld manufacturers, in large part due to the outrageous prices of storage and memory components in today’s market. This is some much-needed exciting news, especially given that this could be the device with the fabled custom AMOLED “mortgage screen” spoken about by Retroid previously.
Once we have more details and information, we’ll be sure to share with everyone!
