Recently, Retroid asked if I’d be interested in reviewing their latest handheld, the Pocket 6.
This one is particularly interesting because, due to what I’ve been calling the “RAM apocalypse,” prices have increased and the 12GB version of the device has been discontinued. On top of that, Retroid also had to scrap an entire handheld (the Pocket G2 pictured below), which came in my favorite color, turquoise, and has now disappeared as well :(
These are just some of the many victims in the retro handheld scene lately. Prices are rising across the board, and specs are likely to trend downward in the near future.
Keeping all of that in mind, I thought it would be interesting to take a different approach in the beginning of my review: speaking to developers from various projects to get their perspective on how viable 8GB is now and in the long term. I spoke with devs from GameNative, GameHub, Eden, Retroid, and more. Asking how they thought 8GB would be with running PC games on the RP6.
(I mean, just look at how beautifully it upscales PSP games!! This screenshot from Daxter just amazed me)
The rest of the article is my full review of the RP6, and it really is impressive. If you’re focused on emulating platforms like Switch, along with lighter (older) and indie PC games, as well as upscaled PS2, Wii U and so on, then 8GB will be more than sufficient. The only real bottleneck, unsurprisingly, is that RAM when it comes to newer PC emulation.
If you’re interested, you can read my review of it here:
https://gardinerbryant.com/hands-on-with-the-retroid-pocket-6-the-8gb-sweet-spot/
…and naturally if you have any questions on it at all, feel free to ask!
The crazy thing to me is how much I love this device. I was sent a Odin 3 Max to review toward the end of last year, which is by all metrics a far, far more powerful and capable handheld. But using them side-by-side, Retroid just nails that ‘fun’ feeling and aesthetic that the more mature designs and looks miss (if that makes any sense?!)
It is truly a lovely handheld, and you’d know that with the G2! My friend from Retroid told me they do hope to bring them back, one day, but who knows how that’ll go with current market conditions :(
^ That sparkling color in the front glass front is just perfection!!!
Which color G2 did you opt for?
I initially wanted the black model but it was out of stock. I ended up going with the 16Bit style. No regrets.
Oh you made the right choice! I’ve had a few black handhelds I have reviewed, but I have long since started asking for other colors. The black (at least with glass fronts) smudge and fingerprint soooooo much
Your 16bit colors are much nicer!