RETROID Pocket 2

A really solid system with a learning curve. Not as simple to set up as the Anbernic retro devices. But once you set it up and learn how to use it, the Retroid Pocket 2 is a great retro device with a ton of uses.

I'm really pleased with my Retroid Pocket 2. I especially love the dual boot system, so you can boot into the Retroid OS and just start playing with the ample number of games provided. Then, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can boot into Android and start tinkering with the Retroarch config. As an "older" retro gamer, I wanted to play some of the older 8-bit games on emulators for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. With some time spent in the Retroarch settings, these can be configured quite easily. There's plenty of blogs and videos out there to help you.

I like that this device will appeal to both users who want to install extra emulators and those who don't want to be bogged down in any technical stuff.

Plus I can't fault the build quality either. It's very very good.

Anyone buying one of these already knows that it’s a “tinkerers” device, however I suggest anyone buying this watch detailed videos of the update, setup and optimisation process, as it’s far from simple

Great little device to relive the glory days of gaming. The ability to dual boot and use Android OS or Retroid's bespoke system is a good feature, with the latter including an easy means to add new roms directly to the device without the need for a PC etc. Around two to three thousand games are pre installed, with the emphasis being on original arcade games. Everything ran nicely up to PS1, with N64 mainly being fine. Dreamcast emulation wasn't so good with stock settings, but reviews I have seen contradict this, so likely would just need a little tinkering to get satisfactory performance. Comes in a nice range of colours and the service from DroiX was excellent, with next day delivery working well. Can be linked to an external display for easier two player action (hdmi cable included) if you're one of those fancy people with friends. Overall, a great little machine and it's really convenient to be able to buy from a reliable UK source, rather than entering an East - Asian lottery. Recommended machine and supplier.

The console feels great, well constructed and good quality. The screen is great, crystal clear. The only complaint I have with the console itself is a very stiff D-Pad. I wanted it because I like Android and the emulators, but for some reason my machine freezes and chugs even just navigating the GUI. Every time I try to install an app from the google play store it crashes back to the desktop. And when I use a file manager like EZ or Astro it also crashes. No matter how I try it will not allow me to install apk’s from the SD card. I’m thinking it’s because of the android version. No idea. Gonna wipe it and start over with a new OS.