We weren’t sure if the rumors were real, but it turns out that Retroid did have something new to announce. A couple of days after Bilibili screenshots surfaced suggesting a teaser was on the way, it’s officially arrived as the Retroid Pocket Mini makes its debut on YouTube.
The official Retroid Pocket YouTube dropped a Teaser Trailer for the Pocket Mini, giving us a look at its next retro handheld. This is a new 4:3 handheld that is giving us some big Anbernic RG Cube vibes.
The video shows the Pocket Mini from all angles, including the somewhat bulbous grips. In fact, the entire device is a bit more rounded, which should make it more comfortable to hold than the Retroid Pocket 2S.
We also have LED joysticks, which is a first for Retroid but continues a trend we’ve seen in many others like the RG40XXH. We can also see the dual-front-facing speakers, one placed in the bottom corner of either side.
Another upgrade that the Pocket Mini looks to bring is stacked shoulder buttons. These look to be a bit larger than what we’ve seen on other Retroid handhelds and are another welcome addition.
Besides that, there’s a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a door covering the microSD card slot. Moving to the top, there’s not much to speak of, besides an exhaust cutout, along with the Power and Volume buttons.
Honestly, the more that we look at the Pocket Mini, the more that it looks like a combination of the RG Cube and the Ayaneo Pocket Air. Maybe it’s just the colorway shown in the teaser, which resembles what the Pocket Air was available in.
Unfortunately, Retroid didn’t share any other details about the Pocket Mini. We didn’t even get to see the screen turn on, so we’ll be sure to provide updates when they are made available.
UPDATE
Shortly after we published this article, the official Retroid Pocket Twitter account shared a few more details, stopping short of spilling all of the beans.
Specs will be posted at a later date, but I can share the screen details now:
4:3
1280×960
3.7inch
OLED— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) August 22, 2024
This marks the first Retroid handheld to feature an OLED display, even if it does mean that we’re in store for a screen under 4-inches. This adds even further credence to the idea that this is really a shrunken-down version of the Ayaneo Pocket Air.
Even still, we’re trying to temper our expectations until the rest of the Retroid Pocket Mini specs are announced and confirmed. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too much longer for Retroid to fill in the gaps for us.
Another Update: More Details Revealed
— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) September 4, 2024
One of the last remaining pieces of the Pocket Mini puzzle was the processor that would power the handheld. Previously, Retroid had confirmed that it would be a Snapdragon chip, and now, we know that it will be using the Snapdragon 865.
Although this chip is a bit older, the Snapdragon 865 offers similar overall performance to the Dimensity 1100 found in the Retroid Pocket 4. However, Snapdragon chips have much better driver support, making them a much better choice for emulating more demanding systems.
Retroid also revealed more of the main specs for the Pocket Mini:
- Display: 3.7-inch AMOLED / 960P / 4:3
- Processor: Snapdragon 865
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 7.7 x 1.7 cm
- Weight: 215g
Pricing Finally Revealed
I heard you guys wanted to know the price of the RP Mini and RP5… here you go. Pre-order dates to follow! pic.twitter.com/teWH6JtJqb
— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) September 6, 2024
In the latest edition of Retroid trickling out information, the company has finally shared how much the Retroid Pocket 5 and Pocket Mini will cost. Early bird pricing is set to come in at $189, lasting for 24 hours. After the 24 hours have elapsed, the pre-order price of $194 comes into play. After pre-orders have concluded, the Pocket 5 will retail for $199.
Surprisingly, Retroid is also offering a “combo” that includes both the Pocket 5 and Pocket Mini. Early Bird pricing for the bundle starts at $369, lasting for 24 hours, before going up to $389 during the pre-order phase. It seems that this bundle will continue to be offered even after pre-orders are complete, as you’ll be able to get both handhelds for $399.
Lastly, pre-orders are set to kick off on September 9 at 9 PM ET.
Retroid Pocket Mini Specs
Android 13 is Coming
Huge news!!!! RP5 owners rejoice! pic.twitter.com/2zX2tdwdup
— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) September 8, 2024
Retroid Pocket Mini Shipping
RP Mini estimated shipping time is the end of September.
RP5 estimated shipping time is the end of October.— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) September 8, 2024
Batocera on the Pocket Mini
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This Handheld looks like an RG-CUBE clone but I’m just happy Retroid finally moved away from the horrible Brick design. I can finally say with the utmost happiness that “The Brick is finally dead!!!” Plus they FINALLY addressed the two main problems with their older Handhelds by adding Built-in Ergonomics!
Didn’t every Retroid system feature stacked shoulder buttons?
Otherwise, I’m planning on sticking with my Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, I’m happy having a slightly bigger system, and hopefully a future iteration of the 4, or perhaps a 5 will have the OLED screens
Looks far more like a shrunk down AYANEO 2 than the Pocket to me.
I wish they would have gone with a 4″ (at the very minimum), or ideally higher screen size. 3.5″ is too small, and 3.7 might not be enough (for me at least).