The Retroid Pocket Mini v2 is a welcome surprise after the issues with the original Pocket Mini at launch. I don’t think we need to re-hash all the details here but in short part of the screen was hidden by an artificial bezel to give the handheld a 4:3 display. Once the community figured out there was more screen that wasn’t showing because you couldn’t properly use shaders, initially doubling down Retroid re-released the handheld with the proper aspect ratio and more of the screen showing.
Gamers spoke and Retroid listened (a welcome change in this space though not unusual for Retroid). The Pocket Mini V2 released in just one color, Black. This doesn’t bring a lot of confidence that Retroid is planning on keeping this handheld around as all other releases Retroid has introduced a trove of color options. But then maybe I am over thinking it.
Retroid also sent the new screen to Mini v1 customers who wanted to brave swapping it out themselves for the full screen. These replacements also only came in black. It should be a sign that gamers are really enjoying the Pocket Mini due to the extension of the screen replacement units due to customer demand.
The Pocket Mini v2 is unsurprisingly a pcoketable emulation handheld that runs Android 13. Oddly even though it is a smaller device somehow they have managed to give it better ergonomics than Retroid’s other releases so far this year. You can actually use the joysticks located under the DPad with the Pocket Mini v2 unlike their other 2025 offerings.
Power
The Mini v2 is in step with the Pocket 5 and Pocket Flip 2 both also from Retroid using the Snapdragon 865 CPU. I’ve already admitted and will again that I didn’t think this was a powerful enough SOC to be putting in 2025 flagship handhelds, Oh was I wrong. Due to the introduction of Adreno Turnip drivers the SD865 out performs other SOC that Retroid’s competitors are using so far this year.
The handhelds with SD865’s are also able to dual-boot both Android 13 and RockNIX Linux. This opens up additional emulation in systems like PS3 and Xbox. These systems have more mature emulators in Linux than they do in Android and are usable here. This is really fun if for nothing else to tinker and make this handheld do something that was never intended when it released.
Should you buy?
The question I always get asked is if you should buy this handheld. It is a hard question to answer as when being honest not every device is made for everyone. What I can tell you without spending your money for you is, if you are looking for a sub 4″ handheld that offers great performance and you are in the market to pickup a new handheld… then I would. I got this handheld specifically for an upcoming project and have found that I am using it more than any of my other devices with this same SOC right now. It is a fantastic handheld to just slip into your pocket.
Everything else you need to know is in the video review embedded above.
Pickup the Retroid Pocket Mini v2 here:
I am going to include links to the Retroid Pocket Mini v2 as well as Retroid’s other handhelds using this same SOC with discounts where I can find them. Retroid has done a great job making handhelds for everyone this year so you may find one that fits you better.
🛒 Grab the Retroid Pocket Mini v2 Here:
► Retroid: https://RS-Link.ch/RPMiniV2
🛒 Grab the Retroid Pocket 5 Here:
► AliExpress: (use code: IFPJSQE for $149-25)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFKi1NE
► Retroid: https://RS-Link.ch/RP5
🛒 Grab the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Here:
► Retroid: https://RS-Link.ch/RPFlip2
What do you think about the Retroid Pocket Mini v2? Is this a handheld you are looking at getting or have you already picked it up?
GameOn
CellPhish
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