Retroid Pocket 2S Review: A Budget Retro Handheld with Solid Performance
Retroid Pocket · 2023-08-01
The Retroid Pocket 2S is a compact Android handheld offering great value for retro gaming, with a 3.5-inch 4:3 IPS touchscreen, Unisoc T610 chipset, and up to 4GB RAM. It handles N64, PSP, and Dreamcast smoothly, with some GameCube playability.
Overview
The Retroid Pocket 2S (also known as "Shadiao 2S") is a compact, horizontal handheld gaming device running Android. It features a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a 4:3 aspect ratio (640x480 resolution), ideal for classic retro games. Powered by the Unisoc T610 processor (Cortex-A75/A55, up to 2.0 GHz) and Mali-G52 MP2 GPU, it offers 3GB or 4GB LPDDR4x RAM and 32GB or 128GB eMMC storage, expandable via microSD. The device includes dual stereo speakers, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Micro HDMI output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Its 4000 mAh battery provides extended playtime. Available in multiple colors (retro gray, black, transparent black, green, silver) with plastic or metal shell options.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: Unisoc T610 (8-core, 1.8-2.0 GHz)
- GPU: Mali-G52 MP2 @ 614 MHz
- RAM: 3GB or 4GB LPDDR4x
- Storage: 32GB or 128GB eMMC + microSD slot
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen, 640x480, 4:3, 60Hz
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Micro HDMI, 3.5mm audio
- Weight: 200 grams
- Dimensions: 155 x 80.6 x 28 mm
- OS: Android
Who It Is For
The Retroid Pocket 2S is perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a portable device to play classics from N64, PSP, Dreamcast, and some GameCube titles. It's also suitable for Android gaming and emulation on a budget, offering good performance for its price range ($100-$150).
Buying Notes
Prices vary by configuration: 3+32GB plastic at $99, 4+128GB plastic at $119, and 4+128GB metal at $149. Released in August 2023. Note that PS2 emulation is limited to simple 2D games; for higher-end emulation, consider more powerful devices. The metal version offers better build quality but adds weight.
| CPU | Cortex-A75 / Cortex-A55 |
|---|---|
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| RAM | 3 GB / 4 GB LPDDR4x |
| Name | Retroid Pocket 2S |
| Alias | Shadiao 2S |
| Brand | Retroid Pocket |
| Weight | 200 grams |
| Battery | 4000 mAh |
| Cooling | None |
| Storage | Internal 32 GB / 128 GB eMMC, external TF card slot |
| Speakers | Dual stereo |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | Unisoc T610 |
| Vibration | None |
| Dimensions | 155 mm x 80.6 mm x 28 mm |
| Screen PPI | 228.57 |
| Body Colors | Retro gray, black, transparent black, green, silver |
| Price Range | $100 - $150 |
| Screen Size | 3.5 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS touchscreen |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Release Date | 2023 / 08 |
| Video Output | Micro HDMI |
| CPU Frequency | 1.8 GHz - 2.0 GHz |
| Other Sensors | None |
| Shell Material | Plastic, Metal |
| Starting Price | 3+32GB: $99, 4+128GB (Plastic): $119, 4+128GB (Metal): $149 |
| Operating System | Android |
| Screen Resolution | 640 x 480 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 614 MHz |
| Screen Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 8 cores, 8 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | N64, PSP, and Dreamcast almost full speed; some GameCube games playable; PS2 almost unplayable, only some easy 2D or small games |