Reviews
Revolutionary Retroid Pocket 3+ Unveiled: Unbiased Review
Retroid Pocket 3+
A great handheld but shady marketing tactics
Pros
Imagine this: you’re searching the internet for your dream gaming laptop, but not just any laptop will do. You want something special that meets all your criteria. What are those criteria? Affordability is a must – who wouldn’t want a good deal? You also need a comfortable design that feels good and looks great. And, of course, the laptop needs to be able to handle Gamecube emulation. After all, why get a gaming laptop if it can’t play the classics? Luckily, the perfect gaming laptop exists and it meets all your requirements. It not only offers affordable power, but also has a comfortable design that’s a joy to hold. Plus, it has top-notch Gamecube emulation capabilities so you can relive the glory days of gaming effortlessly. Bid farewell to your search and welcome your new go-to gadget – it’s time to game on!
Cons
The Retroid Pocket 3+ is a handheld device that I have mixed feelings about. Usually, it’s easy to love or hate a handheld, but with this one, it’s a bit more complex. I definitely enjoy using it, but some recent marketing done by the manufacturer, GoRetroid, has left me feeling bothered.
Last September, GoRetroid released the Retroid Pocket 3 with a lot of hype and excitement. They boasted about its impressive performance and new design, even calling it their new “flagship” device. However, they didn’t disclose some key information about an even newer handheld that would be launching just a few weeks later.
I really did enjoy the Retroid Pocket 3, but then just two months later, GoRetroid launched the Retroid Pocket 3+, which boasted even better emulation performance thanks to a brand new chip. To add insult to injury, the Retroid Pocket 3 was discounted to $99 for Black Friday shortly after.
I used to hold GoRetroid in high regard, but these questionable marketing tactics have made me feel like they’re just another profit-driven Chinese handheld manufacturer. I apologize to anyone who bought the Retroid Pocket 3 based on my recommendation, and I’m disappointed that I didn’t see this coming. I can’t bring myself to recommend the Retroid Pocket 3+ because of what feels like a manipulative marketing stunt.
It’s frustrating to see manufacturers using these scammy tactics because it only encourages others to do the same. ANBERNIC is notorious for this, which is why I only recommend a few of their handheld devices. It’s concerning to see GoRetroid follow in their footsteps when I thought they were better than that.
While the Retroid Pocket 3+ is actually a great device, it’s important to keep in mind that GoRetroid doesn’t seem to have their customers’ best interests at heart. Ultimately, as adults, we can choose to spend our money how we want, but it’s important to be aware of these marketing tactics.
Retroid Pocket 3+ Specifications
This new device is causing a stir in the tech world. Let’s take a closer look at its specs. It has a powerful 2.0ghz Octa-core Unisoc Tiger T618 CPU that provides seamless performance. In addition, it has a Mali G52 MC2 @850MHz GPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage for all your important files and data.
The 4.7″ touch-screen display is beautiful, with a resolution of 750×1334 @60fps and an impressive brightness of 450nits. This means you can expect clear visuals whether you’re streaming your favorite shows or browsing social media.
The battery life is also impressive for this device. With a 4500mAh battery, you can stay connected all day without worrying about running out of power. This device runs on Android 11 and has all the latest features and security updates to keep you at the forefront of the technology game. It’s a game-changer for anyone who demands top-notch performance from their tech.
How does it feel?
Let’s talk about the Retroid Pocket 3+, the latest gaming device now available. If you know about the original Retroid Pocket 3, you’ll notice the 3+ looks quite similar. However, the 3+ boasts an upgraded T618 chip paired with 4GB of RAM to handle games that demand more power.
What I love about the design is that it’s slim and has a bright touchscreen display. The stacked shoulder buttons look almost identical to the ones on the Nintendo Switch, giving it a sleek and recognizable appearance. The conductive rubbers have been improved to provide more feedback, creating a better gaming experience overall. Additionally, two new colors (including atomic purple) have been released, so you have more options to choose from.
But looks aren’t everything – the Retroid Pocket 3+ also has an extra 500MAH of battery power, meaning a lifespan of around 6-7 hours on one charge. The setup process is quick and easy, with all emulators needed on Android 11 getting installed automatically. Rather than using the traditional Android homepage, the Retroid Pocket launcher showcases your emulators and games.
For those who want to expand their game collection, the Google Play Store is available straight out of the box, making it easy to install more emulators, games, or streaming apps.
While it’s not a revolutionary device, the Retroid Pocket 3+ has significant upgrades that make it a reliable choice for any mobile gamer.
How does it play?
Get ready, because there’s big news in the world of retro gaming. You might remember the Pocket 3, a handheld emulator that imitated some of the Dreamcast’s and PSP’s best games for only $139. But now, GoRetroid’s Pocket 3+ with its new T618 chip takes it to the next level. I tried it for days and found out that it can emulate Dreamcast, PSP, most Gamecube games, and even some smaller PS2 games—all for under $150!
Dreamcast games run great, with classics like Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi performing just as well as on the original console. The Pocket 3+ can also run PSP games at 2x native resolution, which was surprising. I tested out games like God of War and was amazed by how good they looked on the 16:9 screen. The most impressive feat was the Gamecube games, with games like Simpsons Hit & Run performing well at its original resolution.
Unfortunately, the Pocket 3+ can’t quite handle the best PS2 games. Although it can handle a few games like Marvel vs. Capcom, bigger titles like Grand Theft Auto just don’t run that well, no matter how much you try to tweak the settings. However, smaller consoles like Gameboy, Nintendo DS, Playstation 1, and N64 all work great. Plus, there’s even a feature for game streaming by connecting it to your Xbox account.
The Pocket 3+ is designed for portability and ease of use, with a horizontal layout and comfortable design that make it easy to hold and play for hours. The battery lasts up to five hours, so you can take it with you on the go without worrying about running out of power.
In case you’re wondering if you should upgrade from the Pocket 3, the answer is no. But if you’re in the market for a new retro handheld that can emulate Gamecube games, then the Pocket 3+ might be worth considering. However, beware of GoRetroid’s questionable marketing tactics.
Overall, the Pocket 3+ is a great retro handheld that packs a punch and won’t break the bank. What are you waiting for? Get your game on!