QRD mostly known for their Spark N5 controllers and Pro S3 hit pad have joined the Retro Handheld space. The Vortex F5 is expected to have QRD’s build quality in an affordable 5.5” IPS ergonomic handheld console.
(Since I began the writeup the QRD F5 has begun showing up in sales listings which I will link below. This lets me know how close we are to release outside the QRD website.)
In 2025 we are seeing the majority of players in the Retro Handheld space releasing their entry level handhelds with the RK3326. What we are seeing here in the F5 is the more powerful RK3566. Though not a new SOC by any means, it is typically introduced in a higher price tier than we are seeing here. There is actually a few things we are seeing here that are typically in higher priced devices.
The F5 is even coming out with Hall Effect joysticks. I don’t have the F5 in my hands yet but it appears the sticks are Switch style and inset. I honestly don’t mind Switch style sticks as much as some people do. If I’m not playing on a Retro Handheld I’m likely gaming on my Switch. With the size of the handheld I think this was a good call.
Some other things we get here are a 5.5” 1280×720 IPS display, HDMI out, dual speakers and a 5000mAh battery amongst others. This is a pretty feature rich device at sub $80. Now it all just needs to come together and perform.
With new handhelds manufacturers, one of the biggest issues is firmware. They typically haven’t nailed it down and until they get a following with a few handhelds out it’s difficult to get the community behind making CFW. Though another advantage of having the RK3566 SOC in the F5 is that RockNIX amongst other Rockchip firmware won’t be much of a stretch to get working.
*edit – a couple reviewers have received their units ahead of myself and commented on some needed improvements in the firmware. I’ll reserve my opinion for my own experience soon.
I’m excited for the QRD Vortex F5. There are a lot of companies that reach out to me to look at their handhelds, but QRD really seems passionate about this project. This is refreshing as a reviewer as they seem receptive to suggestions (time will tell for sure). They aren’t new to gaming but handhelds are a different animal and they seem to appreciate the work it takes to get it right. They trust their Handheld enough to have me review it. so they’re confident but not cocky.
If you want to pickup the QRD Vortex F5 this link goes to their direct AliExpress listing.
I’ll be testing the handheld shortly so stay tuned for my full review.
GameOn
CellPhish
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