The handheld gaming market continues to expand with innovative devices that cater to retro gaming enthusiasts. Retroid has just unveiled the specifications and color options for its highly anticipated Pocket Flip 2, a clamshell-style Android gaming device that addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor while adding premium features that should appeal to emulation fans.
Design and Display Improvements
The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 maintains the Nintendo DS-inspired clamshell design of the original model but comes with significant upgrades. Most notably, it features a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display capable of reaching 500 nits of brightness, replacing the IPS panel of its predecessor. This display appears to be the same one used in the well-regarded Retroid Pocket 5, promising vibrant colors and deeper blacks that enhance the gaming experience. The device is reportedly larger than its predecessor, with dimensions slightly exceeding those of the New Nintendo 3DS. Retroid has also focused on addressing the hinge durability issues that plagued the original Pocket Flip, which was quietly discontinued between December 2023 and January 2024 after many users experienced broken hinges.
Dual Chipset Options
In an unusual move, Retroid is offering the Pocket Flip 2 with a choice between two processors: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or the MediaTek Dimensity 1100. Both chipsets have previously appeared in Retroid products, with the Snapdragon 865 powering the Pocket 5 and the Dimensity 1100 found in the Pocket 4 Pro. While the processors offer similar performance on paper, the Snapdragon 865 appears to be the superior choice for emulation enthusiasts. It offers better overall compatibility with emulators and features highly optimized drivers as of early 2025. Additionally, the Snapdragon variant is the only one with Linux support, compatible with Batocera and ROCKNIX builds.
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| Processor breakdown showcasing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 and MediaTek Dimensity 1100 for the Pocket Flip 2 |
Technical Specifications
Both versions of the Pocket Flip 2 will come equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via microSD. The device houses a substantial 5,000mAh battery, though runtime estimates haven't been provided. Control-wise, Retroid has implemented full-size analog Hall Effect sticks and triggers, addressing another common request from the gaming community. The Dimensity 1100 variant does offer some advantages, including support for Bluetooth 5.2 with BT LE and the L3 codec, compared to the older Bluetooth implementation in the Snapdragon model.
Color Options
Retroid has revealed four color options for the Pocket Flip 2: Ice Blue, GC (GameCube-inspired), 16Bit US (SNES-inspired), and Black. Three of these colorways are carried over from the Retroid Pocket 5 lineup, with the transparent Ice Blue offering a frosted retro aesthetic that differs from previous designs. Early social media reactions suggest that Ice Blue is emerging as the fan favorite, similar to when this color option was introduced for the Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro. Some fans have expressed disappointment that the popular Watermelon (transparent red) color doesn't appear to be planned for this release.
Market Positioning and Pricing
While Retroid hasn't yet announced pricing for the Pocket Flip 2, industry observers speculate that the Dimensity 1100 model could start around USD$249, with the Snapdragon 865 variant commanding a USD$20-30 premium. This pricing strategy would position the device slightly above the Retroid Pocket 5 (USD$219) and Pocket Mini (USD$199), reflecting its enhanced feature set and clamshell design. The company's strategy of using older but still capable chipsets allows them to offer feature-rich devices at competitive price points compared to mainstream gaming handhelds.
Availability
Retroid has indicated that the Pocket Flip 2 is slated for a Spring 2025 release, though specific availability dates haven't been announced. The company has promised more information soon, following their typical approach of gradually revealing details about upcoming products. Retroid is also reportedly working on a mysterious vertical handheld teased earlier this month, suggesting an expanding product lineup aimed at different segments of the retro gaming market.