It takes a small learning curve but if you can drag and drop files and manipulate any modern operating system you can setup a Retroid Pocket like YOU want. They are hands down my favorite handheld emulators. Build quality, software and experience.
I have one of these, and it was a bit of a PITA to setup coming from the RG35XX and Miyoo Mini Plus BUT once all done it's an infinitely better retro gaming experience - especially with a nice launcher/front end
I have a few devices but my rp2s with Daijisho is my main device cuz it handles all my nostalgic needs, including some PS2 and GC. For the price it cant be beat.
Gary, download and install the Daijisho front-end and it will feel like a more streamlined experience. My "daily driver" retro handheld is the Retroid Pocket 3+ and with a little customization, like you mentioned, I don't see myself moving away from it for quite a while. Excited to hear your thoughts on the 4Pro. Great video!
The Retroid Pocket 2s is the best value handheld under $99. It can play full N64, Dreamcast and even a bit of GameCube and PS2. It's one of my favorite handhelds! I use Emulation Station on it and it's the best. You can see he is contradicting himself, the buttons on the SNES controller and RP2s does not sound that different, the SNES controller feels and sounds hollow too. Anbernic has muuch lesser quality on their devices. The RP2s is the only handheld under $99 that has the following: - Hall effect joysticks - Analog triggers - Dual front facing speakers - Full Dreamcast and N64 emulation Many other "real" handheld reviewers have name it as the best value handheld of 2023. The only gripe is the Android setup, but once you take your time setting it is completely worth it.
I can't wait to set up my 2S and use Emulation Station. My other system is Rg353m. Since that uses a form of ES, do you know if boxarts would transfer over to 2S Emulation Station? That would save me a lot time scraping.
It plays Mario Sunshine better than my old 3 Plus and somehow better than the 4 Pro. Must be the native 4:3 and lower res? I was shocked especially in Delton Plaza. It’s so pocketable, and at $99 you don’t freak out about bringing it places like you do with $250-$700 devices. I’m not tossing my Legion Go in my car very often
I recently bought an RG35XXH and had an issue with the screen. I bought it off Aliexpress and it took a week to get here, plus there was no option to replace it, rather I'd have to return it, get a refund, and then order a new one. On top of all of that, I would have to pay more since I originally bought it on sale and with a first time customer coupon. Overall the $45 I spent seemed like an amazing value for what I was getting, and when I got it, I was super excited and recorded an unboxing, and then I noticed the flickering vertical lines on the screen, both on the home screen and in games. So now, I've decided to send it back, get a refund, and pay a little more for quality and more power with the Retroid Pocket 2s. I look forward to getting it, probably in like a week or so.
Great video! I really like your perspective on this. I’ve wondered about this unit for quite a while. I’ve got loads of the Anbernic devices, but really love the value/performance of some of the Retroid devices. My new love however is the RG556. I have big hands (I guess), and it is the first unit that didn’t make my fingers cramp up after 30 minutes of gameplay. I also love the comfort of the RG405V which I play A LOT ON as well. …ok, ok, back to the Retroid Pocket 2S…I actually want to try/get one more after your video. The speakers are actually a big draw for me. Ok, I’ll stop babbling. Great video! 😄
Also you can probably hook it up to a tv with the mini hdmi port, then set up the ds emulator (drastic) to make the tv the top screen for the ds and the retroid the bottom screen (so kinda like a wii u)
Thanks for the review, really useful points you raised, is a shame about the buttons and cheap/hollow shell... Was the same problem with the RGB30, was a cracking screen but if the feel and inputs aren't great then I'm less inclined to want to use the device. If this was cheaper it would be more forgiveable but $100 plus shipping and taxes makes it less appealing.
You can tell this is a much more casual review. None of these handhelds come with instructions since it's a DIY hobby and the companies don't want to explicitly endorse specific emulators for various reasons that all make sense.
How buttons sound absolutely is a deal breaker for me. I’ve been trying to see which would be better for me between this and the RG35XX H and I think your video just helped me decide.
If you feel that way about the SNES controller then you should look into the Anbernic 353P. It’s shaped like an SNES controller and it comes in the same color scheme.
I personally dislike all the android handhelds. I have 2+, 3+, flip and rg405m. 2+ stopped working properly, daijisho can't even start anymore. Since android is more heavyweight system it will eventually brake or start glitching or demand some kind of updates. On rg405m I couldn't fix my dreamcast setup using retroarch flycast core with vulkan (the best quality, better than redream with less input lag). It crashes right away, reinstalling retroarch and files didn't help, had to reinstall gamma os from scratch and still not working. On the other hand - all of my linux handheld are as perfect as the first day I used them, even v90 lol. Also having to touch the screen often is meh.
Sitting on a plane, train or even your sofa and being able to play directly on the device is likely to be simpler for many people than trying to find somewhere to prop up your mobile. Unless you mean one of those controller grips, which might work for a lot of people and be a cheap option for some.
Having a designated handheld is superior to using your phone. I guess you've never had a game interrupted by a phone call or a barrage of messages. It wouldn't be a whole lot of fun.
