Retroid Pocket 4 Launches: A New Era in Portable Gaming

Retroid Pocket 4 Gaming Console Launched with Dimensity 900 and 1100 Processors
The Pocket 4, while externally similar to its third version, packs significant internal upgrades.

The portable gaming console market has a new entrant – Retroid Pocket 4. The Chinese manufacturer has equipped the new console with a 4.7-inch HD display, 128GB of built-in UFS 3.1 memory, a microSD card reader, and a 5000mAh battery. This retro console supports Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6.

Designed primarily for retro gaming, the console features Hall sensor joysticks and analog triggers. It was first announced earlier this month and is now available in two variants: the basic Retroid Pocket 4 priced at $150 and the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro at $200. Additionally, both models are available in several color options.

Both models are of the same size, measuring 185 x 83 x 16 mm and weighing 261 grams. Furthermore, both versions have a fan for active cooling, a USB-C port for data transfer and charging, and an HDMI port supporting 720p video output.

The Chinese claim that the new gaming consoles have the same touchscreen with a resolution of 1344×750 pixels and a brightness of 450 nits as the previous version, Pocket 3+. Essentially, the console’s exterior has remained virtually unchanged.

The main innovations of the Retroid Pocket 4 lie in more powerful processors, enhanced graphics, support for double the memory capacity, faster storage, and improved wireless connectivity options.

So, what’s the difference between the standard and professional models?

The $150 Retroid Pocket 4 is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor and 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM, while the flagship Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, priced at $200, features a Dimensity 1100 chip and 8GB of the same type of RAM.

Performance Cores:

• Dimensity 900: 2 x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4 GHz
• Dimensity 1100: 4 x Cortex-A78 @ 2.6 GHz

Efficiency Cores:

• Dimensity 900: 6 x Cortex-A55 @ 2 GHz
• Dimensity 1100: 4 x Cortex-A76 @ 2 GHz

Graphics:

• Dimensity 900: Mali-G68 MC4
• Dimensity 1100: Mali-G77 MC9

Another difference is that the Pro model supports 1080p video output through the USB-C port, thanks to the support for an alternate DisplayPort mode, a feature that is not available in the basic model.

According to Retrododo, both portable consoles should successfully handle the emulation of classic gaming consoles up to the Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2. Therefore, the $50 extra for the Pro version may be a sensible investment, considering its significantly higher performance.

Expanding on this, the Retroid Pocket 4 series represents an important advancement in the field of retro gaming consoles. The decision to utilize powerful processors such as the Dimensity 900 and 1100 indicates a commitment to providing a high-quality gaming experience. The consoles’ ability to emulate games up to the Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2 era is a testament to their processing power, making them an attractive option for gamers who have a penchant for classic titles.

Furthermore, the inclusion of modern connectivity features like Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 ensures that these consoles are not just limited to gaming but can also be used for a variety of other functions, akin to a smartphone. The versatility of the Retroid Pocket 4 series, combined with its competitive pricing, positions it as a strong contender in the growing market of portable gaming devices, appealing to both retro gaming enthusiasts and those seeking a modern handheld gaming experience.

The Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro are the latest entries in Retroid’s line of retro gaming handhelds, promising significant upgrades in power and hardware over their predecessors. Here’s a detailed look at their specifications and features:

General Specifications

• Operating System: Both models run on Android, with the Retroid Pocket 4 using Android 11 and the 4 Pro using Android 13, offering access to a wide range of apps and games available on Google Play.
• Display: They feature a 4.7-inch IPS touch screen with a resolution of 750×1334 pixels, which is suitable for emulating more demanding platforms like PlayStation 1 or PlayStation 2.
• Battery: A significant 5,000mAh battery powers these devices, capable of being fully charged in just 2.5 hours via USB-C. This battery size is designed to ensure gamers aren’t left stranded mid-game.

Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

• Processor and GPU: It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 processor with eight cores (4x A78 @ 2.6Ghz and 4x A78 @ 2.6Ghz) and a G77 MC9 GPU (@836Mhz).
• RAM and Storage: The device comes with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable using a UFS 3.1 SD card.
• Connectivity: Includes WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, supporting modern wireless standards for online gaming and more.
• Additional Features: The 4 Pro model supports 720p HDMI output, allowing gamers to play on their home television. It also includes an integrated vibration motor and offers full crosshead design controls.

Retroid Pocket 4

• Processor and GPU: This model is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, with cores distributed in 2x A78 at 2.4GHz and 6x A55 at 2.0GHz, and a G68 MC4 GPU (@900Mhz).
• RAM and Storage: It has 4GB LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB eMCP storage, with support for expandable memory.
• Connectivity: Like the Pro model, it also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
• Emulation Capabilities: Both models can emulate a variety of gaming platforms including PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, PSP, GameCube, N64, NeoGeo, MAME, Sega Genesis, and SNES.

Design and Price

• Aesthetics: Both models are designed with similar external aesthetics but differ in their internal processing power.
• Price: The Retroid Pocket 4 is priced at around $150, while the Pro model is available for under $200, making them competitively priced for their features.

In summary, the Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro are set to be strong contenders in the retro gaming handheld market in 2024. Their combination of powerful hardware, versatile emulation capabilities, and connectivity options, all at a competitive price point, make them attractive options for both retro gaming enthusiasts and those looking for a more modern gaming experience on a handheld device.

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