GoRetroid Unveils the Retroid Pocket 5
GoRetroid, known for their line of retro gaming handhelds like the Retroid Pocket and mini consoles, has once again impressed fans by revealing a new entry to its lineup—the Retroid Pocket 5. This device boasts a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen, which marks it as an improvement over its predecessors, particularly the Retroid Pocket 4 series that featured a smaller and less vibrant IPS screen.
The new handheld’s features also include a 1080p resolution and feature a modern ergonomic design. The AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios.
What do you think of the design? How do you think this device will compare to other retro-gaming handhelds on the market?
I got an RP2 (not plus) when it came out, and while it was a very nice little device for the price, I ended up switching back to using my phone, once I found a way to output HDMI over cable from my phone (it doesn’t do it natively, but there’s a way) so I could seamlessly transition to a big TV when I’m at home. The performance on the RP2 just wasn’t good enough when compared to my phone and a Bluetooth controller.
I kept my eye on the scene for a little while, hoping for something that could do DC, GCN, and PS2 at full speed, since my phone can’t quite do that. But despite claims of various handhelds having this capability, none of them really did; in real tests they would just limp along with a few games at around 50% speed or worse. So I got kind of burned out by the hype and stopped paying attention.
I’ve just had a look and it seems like the RP4 kinda sorta actually DOES handle PS2 to a large degree. So as long as it’s got a wired HDMI out, it’s not too big physically, and the price is reasonable, I might be back in the market for something soon.
How do you get hdmi out if your phone doesn’t support it?
There are a couple of different USB devices (usually sold as just cables) that communicate with an app on the Android device. I tried a few that worked well at first, but for some reason became flakier and flakier until they wouldn’t even start after a year or so. I’m pretty sure that the devices are still fine, but the app updates killed the functionality by degrees, to lock out clones and force customers to buy a new device periodically.
However, there is one decent company with a reliable software and device chain: DisplayLink. They have a free app, and sell their chips to various equipment manufacturers, as well as making some of their own.
I will warn you that you need to be careful about buying equipment that carries the DisplayLink compatibility logo, because there are some devices that use their chips but don’t support the software. You also need to make sure that the device will work with your phone, i.e. USB 2.0 or USB 3.x. Not all USB-C ports are automatically USB 3.x.
I got a secondhand HP device intended to be used with laptops for a second display output, but it works great with my phone. HDMI output with sound and negligible lag. I can even use it with a hub and have a wired controller at the same time. Now if only my phone supported simultaneous charge and OTG hosting. Ah well.