My NEW Favourite Handheld Emulator Under $200

[@RetroDodo]

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[@SWPLGAMING]

It is A wounderfull handheld, and it has done me well for a little bit.Awesome Video Rob👍

[@FirstUsername]

why are you linking british websites? nobody lives there

[@saint_hijri7442]

is it good enough to emulate ps3 games?

[@adrian_orozco]

I have the retroid 3+, a handful of ambernic handhelds, but since Delta came out for iOS, I've reached for my iPhone about 99% of the time. Huge game changer for me.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Yeah but this system is more for ps2 and GameCube. Can’t do that on Delta

[@jalene150]

I just can’t figure out a way to synchronize game saves otherwise i would go 100% in

[@Loyidus]

Since I already have a Steam Deck I wanted something smaller with enough power for PS2 emulation. That's why I got the Poket 4 Pro. I've had the device for a week now and I think it's incredibly good for the price.

[@skycloud4802]

The Steam Deck is amazing, but I feel like it's wasted on playing Gameboy games or PS2 games sometimes. So I got this as well to complement my Steam Deck so that one can be tailored more for pc games only.

[@northnorthsouth1]

I did the same thing, I bought the RP4 Pro to take to the firehouse since I own the Rog Ally. This handheld is great

[@tylersoto162]

I got mine the other day, and I'm shocked it can run Switch games so freakin' well! Dave the Diver & Darksouls Remastered are the only games I've tested thus far, but both run exceptionally well. I'm confident it can definitely run any Switch Indie games without issue, but more intense games like BOTW will def be pretty "frame-y". BUUUUT it can load the game... That feat alone makes this thing super impressive

[@iRemainNameless]

Same boat as you. Got a SD but the portability of this is why I ordered it. I'm also going to get the Miyoo Mini plus after I try the Retroid Pocket 4 once it arrives.

[@jamesadams7281]

I have a question that I can’t find answer to, does it have game suspension or sleep mode when you hit the power button?

[@RedneckOgre9000]

I have a Retroid Pocket 3+ and love it. And Retroid sells relatively inexpensive grips for their RP3 and RP4 that make them much more comfortable to use for extended periods.

[@suhtangwong]

The grip is a must!

[@shade20x64]

I actually prefer the dpad to be where it is on this device since most of the games I play on it are 5th gen or below. The Odin 2 (and Aya Neo Pocket S) both have the analog stick located higher, so this allows options for everyone. It would be nice to eventually get a modular controller setup so that the player can configure it however they want.

[@stewiegrffin79]

I've had one a few months now, and love it. First gaming handheld purchase in about 5y. Now I just need a long haul flight to give it a good go without loads of interruptions.

[@geggyboy1269]

Didn't expect a new video on this device this late. 😅

[@ninjason57]

Advertising

[@Cosaamia]

Well im watching it

[@RetroDodo]

Better late than never we say.

[@PedroPauloMota]

The d-pad on top is one of my favorite things about this device. Really glad that not every company is prioritizing the analog stick. It's a retro device still! Playing on a high precision d-pad is one of the best feelings

[@jayjayhooksch1]

Im going to wait one more generation of these handhelds; a little more power to push those pixels a bit more for when I connect the device to my TV. Maybe OLED screens will be standard as well, or the pricing will be a little better. Either way, I feel like the next gen will be the golden age of these retro handhelds.

[@inANUTSHELLANIMATION]

have the 2s and i love it to death and this is the upgrade im buying this

[@iTheBeep]

call me pedantic but...the 4 Pro ISN'T under $200 though. Taxes and shipping, depending on where you live, can cost a lot...

[@centipedekid9824]

It's not pedantic this guy is flat out lying and this is a sponsored video they provided the unit.

[@steepfrugut]

I totally agree. Even excluding the extras you can buy, it's not under $200. I literally clicked on this video because I assumed the price must have dropped in order for the title to have been accurate.

[@piplup10203854]

I am honestly with you. I think it's disingenuous but sadly it's a common practice but I actually like when reviewers disclose ranges for what people may end up paying. To pass it off as it's under 200 and this is sponsored as well so they didn't buy it themselves but they can put it in the thumbnail with that verbiage and it's just inaccurate. So all that to say, I agree with you. I don't think it's pedantic to bring it up like you said that it's not under $200 dollars.

[@AEAE8877]

Plus 1/3 on taxes and etc. in Germany

[@bryanjs4785]

It would be impossible for them to tailor-make the video/thumbnail to include everyone's tax and shipping rate... 199 is under 200. Know your own tax rates and adjust accordingly

[@georged7627]

With my RP4P I cut and glued some Nintendo Switch Grips and made a super comfy Grip for this little machine it actually feels better than the Retroid Grips they sell ive been doing that to all my emulation handhelds since 2019 only the ones that are not ergonomic enough for my slender hands 🤘🏽

[@DevInfinity]

Cool video! Did you test F Zero GX with dual core enabled? Dolphin, for whatever reason, automatically defaults to using only one core of your CPU when playing F Zero GX.

[@sirvel75]

It works fine on this device, according to other tests and videos, probably something was wrong with settings.

[@DevInfinity]

@@sirvel75 That's what I was thinking too. For some reason, Dolphin will only use a single core when running F Zero GX. This is an issue on PC as well. Funny enough, you SHOULD NOT USE VULCAN! Use OpenGL instead with Hyper Ubershaders with the RP4Pro set to high performance with the fan set to smart or sport. You will get 60 FPS in general without the weird graphical glitches.

[@Wrain.]

I like it that the D-Pad is there, that's why I'm getting this instead of the Odin 2.

[@v0LkEN88]

Bruh..I bought it just because of the symmetrical analog stick layout alone. With bazillion of brands and models have asymmetrical layout sticks in the market compared to symmetrical, you still complaint about the stick layout on this one..Retroid please give us more symmetrical analog sticks layout in the future 🙏

[@TheCoolDave]

I have a SteamDeck but, I went for pocketable..... so I grabbed a KT-R1, it's about the same performance, better screen but, pocketable with a 7000mah battery at around the same price.. think it's an epic option.

[@MUCKLEECH]

I think whats coming next is pricing will come down while quality stays more or less the same, until the super high end mobile chips can start doing ps3, 360, and switch emulation. Once that happens, the race is back on. Good stuff

[@jayjayhooksch1]

I hope they push the performance a tiny bit more, I don't mind the price point, but I'd like to push the pixels a little more when connecting the device to a TV.

[@deadlypalms]

Looks great. I've been wavering around what to get for the last few months and this might be the one for decent PS2. Great, helpful review.

[@SicketMog]

Just got one, picking it over Ayaneo/Odin 2/Steam Deck on recommendation, hoping it'll be as great as I think it will be (D-pad placement is what sealed it for me as retro and 2D-indies are what I tend to go for). Maybe getting a Steam Deck to go with it further down the line but am rn VERY excited for this; upgrading from the Anbernic RG351P.

[@FostersHomeFG]

Im just gonna say it, give emulation station a try, once its set up it will make you love the rp4 even more!

[@weizhang6725]

Hello Retro Dodo, I have been searching for a handheld device that can emulate PS2 games with a 4:3 screen for quite some time. Do you know of any devices with a 4:3 screen that can emulate PS2 games without any lag? I am willing to purchase one as soon as possible, regardless of the price.

[@luxiemg]

Does this device still have the issue with the triggers? Seem weird that the reviewer did not mention that

[@keilebron2493]

They already fixed that. The only device that has that problem was the 1st batch.

[@DrakenKnightWorld]

Everything was fixed, even the green screen

[@AnthonyS-w7g]

If I didn't have a Odin Pro already I might be tempted.

[@ryaneaton2724]

I'd rather pay the extra for an Odin 2 for it's 6 inch 1080p screen and 8000 mAh battery.

[@scosee2u]

270g vs 420g is significant

[@ryaneaton2724]

@scosee2u So is a 5000 mAh battery vs an 8000 mAh battery. Besides I'd welcome the extra weight as I have big European hands.

[@chrishong800]

That's extactly why I just sold my RP4 pro and bought a Odin 2 pro...

[@snowolf494]

At this point just buy a Deck.

[@ryaneaton2724]

@snowolf494 5200 mAh battery on the Deck? Nah I don't fancy carrying around powerbanks or being tethered to a plug socket.

[@hosam7609]

Ayn Odin 2 Pro is the Ferrari of those handhelds at the moment, but just like the car, it's $$$

[@AishRios]

Did you make sure to enable dual core on games like f-zero, and what version of dolphin are you using?

[@nelsonnelson31]

I have the RP3 I kind of holding off and waiting on the RP5Pro 😫

[@ryancox4689]

I’ll wait for the RP 5/6 to be safe.

[@PixelShade]

I would have a hard time justifying a device like this at the asking price when I already have a Steam Deck... I would understand it better if it was smaller, had a 4:3 screen and a left analogue stick at top. (due to how most games from the 6th generation were played)... But yeah, I'm sticking with the Steam Deck for playing everything and the Miyoo Mini Plus as a small pocketable device for 2D emulation and Playstation.

[@RetroDodo]

That's totally understandable. The Steam Deck is so unbelievably well priced that it has sort of reduced the appeal of these other handhelds a little bit. If you have a Steam Deck you really only need that and a smaller device with a great d-pad for those older systems and you can play practically everything! The Miyoo Mini Plus is definitely a great choice

[@modestyblaise4167]

It doesn’t just share the iPhone 8, 7, and 6 screen size, it USES those screens. Yep, ancient when it comes to advances in screen technology. The RG552 screen is massively better being OLED and 1080p, which DOES improve pixel art a lot. The one win for the RP4+ is performance but in practice there’s going to be little difference. Neither will be perfect for all GC/Wii and PS2 and 3DS is better on the RG552. With better ergonomics, I’d go for the RG552.

[@Cosaamia]

Great review and I like the console. May get one

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks!

[@Retrohut305]

I have this device and I love playing mario Wonder and sea of stars on this thing

[@iSupermanCKi]

Does it come in ABXY?

[@suhtangwong]

No, just YXBA

[@shadow306k]

The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is my favourite £270 device under $200!!!

[@fanmademunkvideosofficial]

This channel gone downhill Uaed like this channel until the changes was made However good review

[@agamaz5650]

yup they suck

[@TechToyTinkerCompany]

personally I prefer gameforce ace, but this one is pretty solid as well. on the ace i'm getting mid 50 range fps on harder to run stuff like mario wonder or 3d land. It can also dual boot Linux and Android which is a big thing for me personally. The ace does take more tinkering to get it how you want it however. ACE: OS: Android 13/Linux SOC: Rockchip RK3588s Rockchip 64-bit 8-core 4*Cortex-A76 + 4*Cortex-A55 GPU: ARM Mali-G610 MC4 within built-in AI accelerator NPU Support OpenGL ES3.2 / OpenCL 2.2 / Vulkan1.1, 450 GFLOPS NPU computing power up to 6 TOPS Memory: 12GB LPDDR4 2166 MHz Storage: EMMC 128GB, TF Card Slot, M.2 Interface NVME 2242 , Built-in and Expandable WiFi/BT: WiFi 5, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2BLE Screen: 5.5 inches, 1080P 1920*1080 resolution, IPS Touchscreen Speakers: 2*1W Stereo. Mic, Earphone Port Video-out: MicroHDMI Joysticks: 2* Hall Joysticks Heatsink: Full CNC Heathink with 30mm*30mm*4mm Fan Battery: 7400 mAh Charger Port: Type-C, PD2.0 20W Size: 212mm*91mm*16mm

[@Krullerized]

Gamecube is impossible to emulate well by design. The shaders are very hardware specific and need to be recompiled on the go, something that will cause stutter and is often unavoidable.

[@adrian_veidt]

If only the QC of this thing isn't shit and shill channels need to call retroid out

[@mohdidr8629]

Should I save up for a ayn Odin 2 base or is this good enough

[@TheTOShow1]

If you don't want to tweak setting or worry about whether something will play smoothly then get the Odin 2. I decided on an Odin 2 because it has no trouble emulating PS2 and GameCube at a 3x resolution. The Odin 2 just works all the time. Plus I like the larger screen size and it's more comfortable. I use it a lot for streaming from my Xbox Series X (I have large-ish hands too). But the Odin 2 is not pocketable like the RP4.

[@mohdidr8629]

@@TheTOShow1 i have pretty big hands too and was worried about the size of the retroid. Now i will surely save up and get the max version odin 2 since people are starting to emulate pc games on it using windator

[@TheTOShow1]

@@mohdidr8629 Nice! I haven't tried emulating PC games but the Max would be worth it for that. I got the Pro model and have no trouble with PS2, GameCube, and Wii emulation. There is occasional slowdown on the normal performance setting on some Wii games but all you do is set the performance higher and it solves the problem.

[@mohdidr8629]

@@TheTOShow1 what about switch emulation have you dabbled in it at all

[@TheTOShow1]

@@mohdidr8629 No, I just use my Switch Lite for handheld Switch gaming. I've got a few Switch games I'm in the middle of playing already so I don't want to start those over. I also don't want the hassle with fitting a new system onto the Odin 2.

[@carltonleboss]

Very cool device.

[@TheRetroJester81]

Mine 250 not 200 US Texas

[@Manuman49]

The next step is turning it into a flip device .

[@FiestaRogue]

I paid 230 for the faster shipping.

[@Ratchetfan321]

1. 200 is a lie. 2. The Odin 2 is just straight up better

[@RealGregzilla]

Its 199.99 literally right on the official site.

[@natdaqt]

​@@RealGregzillathats before shipping and taxes after shipping + taxes it will range from 230 to 300 dollars depending on where you live

[@RealGregzilla]

@@natdaqt the prices are for the US but also thats just how prices work? Theres always shipping. When somebody says something is 10$ it means 10 plus shipping

[@yoshimansxl]

Rg556 is the better one for me......100 euro less for me lol. Retroid pocket 4 pro is way more expensive here lol.

[@mashy1979]

Me waiting for retroid pocket 5 and 5 pro to play playstation 3 games 🎮

[@kas789]

Will never happen because its android and specs are garbage although the steam deck 2 cant even play ps3 games fluently

[@FastR080T]

Ps3 emulation is still has a long way to go.

[@mashy1979]

@@FastR080T true

[@miganhawkins8390]

Ps2 emulator took awhile before. Ps3 is still going to take some time on really good emulation

[@skycloud4802]

That will probably take a few more generations unfortunately as there is quite a generational leap between PS2 and PS3.

[@JessicaFEREM]

When will these handheld makers just install daijoshi and call it a day?? lol

[@Fonz128]

It plays GameCube games which is something that the Nintendo Switch can’t do.

[@Stoni41]

lol i like your accent

[@devilzavacado8430]

Cats!

[@RetroDodo]

They aren't usually too interested in these handhelds but they seemed to like the Pocket 4 Pro 😂

[@avivmizrachi4382]

Looking at all the emulation examples, the screen ratio on the pocket 4 does not take advantage of the screen real-estate. Its like getting roughly the same screen Size of a much smaller device like a 35xx h. That's more than half the price guys. In other words you're getting more hardware and a larger device feel but loosing like 40% of screen usage due to the proportions of the screen. Unless you're ok with a stretched out experience gaming, why drop 200+ shipping to get the same display of a much smaller device?

[@nicholas_landon781]

Ты на Ленина похож

[@rmb1]

For this amount of money I’m buying a Nintendo Switch not this turd.

[@Bugside]

Retroid are kinda tiny, unfortunately

[@Patrick-bn5rp]

well it is the Retroid "Pocket" line of devices. If you want the bigger version, get an Ayn Odin. Same manufacturing company.

[@GoogleHelpYou]

Which doesn't matter because you can port it to TV

[@thegunnersfan00]

200 usd? BS

[@ben-tendo]

I personally prefer the RG556 for nearly the same abilities, plus the OLED screen as a bonus, for a lot less money (£121 direct from Anbernic's AliExpress store complete with official case) than the RP4P. The pro is still a cool device, but I don't think the cost difference is justified for the performance difference. I've had every PS2, GC and 3DS game attempted to far (including F-Zero GX) running perfectly fine on the RG556.

[@suhtangwong]

The Reason F-zero GX is laggy is because there's a setting in the dolphin emulator that you have to change. Once that is made it will run flawlessly.

[@darkknivezz6847]

There is an issue with dolphin on the pocket 4 pro where it turns off the dual core setting on certain games causing them to run slow/not full speed? I know its off by default for some reason on F-ZERO. So that could be why you werent getting full speed. You should be able to get full speed on 2x res on F-ZERO. Hold down on the game in the dolphin app > edit game settings > config > general > dual core (turn it on)

[@RetroDodo]

I tried playing it with combinations of the dual core mode turned on and off as well as a native resolution and 2x upscale and it didn't run very well in any of my tests. Like you say, in theory with the specs of the Pocket 4 Pro it should work smoothly but for some reason it just doesn't!

[@natdaqt]

@@RetroDodo you have to use dual core with vulkan backend at 1x res

[@rodrigocoronado5248]

I was looking for this comment, they don't do their proper research on this channel, they are a relatively big channel but they always share very generic opinions on things.

[@FatandGod]

Weird, I can run it well at 2x on my rp4 pro. Maybe the dolphin version or something

[@darkknivezz6847]

@RetroDodo I've seen people running it full speed on 2x so there must be some kind of trick to it

[@charlesgriffiths4901]

RG556 is better. OLED screen beats all. For portability, this does win that battle though.

[@DrakenKnightWorld]

And in performance

[@lloydwilliams8642]

very likeable and seemingly professional. very good video quality, well cut, balanced commented. thx! only missed to mention the Official Grip for RP4/4Pro. would have loved a comparison to the odin 2, not exactly the same price range but has pretty much the same performance, also android based but different (better?) ergonomics/button layout

[@jamiecal11]

Real nice machine but when you factor in taxes (I get taxed a tonne), its honestly better to just pay up for a Steam Deck. They're getting cheaper by the day. I got one for 340 with a 1tb upgrade.

[@dcikaruga]

How about the Street Fighter test? Can you do a dragonpunch easily and consistently?

[@mechantchien]

@retro dodo come on ! no word for nintendo switch emulation !? this even more important than ps3 emu ... (-_-)'

[@azurekite3870]

@Retro Dodo the retoid pocket 4 is not under 200 at all with taxes and stuff.

[@UkeofCarl]

It's 'aitch'. There's no 'h' at the start of the word.

[@RetroDodo]

You're going to love one of my upcoming videos covering the RG35XX H 😂

[@Vprod.]

Bit of a strange question, but does it have an IMEI code?

[@agamaz5650]

9:42 you have to enable dual core in the settings

[@tharey69]

Can I play sf6 on this

[@vicentegeonix]

Over $200*

[@Nanijoe10]

Great review! You hit the nail on the head for me when talking about the size & performance of the RP4P. That extra power it has makes a huge difference depending on the game being played. I saw a few videos of people testing various titles where an extra 10 frames essentially makes a game go from unplayable on the RG556 to playable on the RP4P. But more importantly for me, I want a handheld that I can just take anywhere with ease. RP4P is still very pocketable or can be thrown into my sling. RG556 is just slightly too big for me to do the same. It would become an at home device for me to play and I've got a Steam Deck OLED for that.

[@garykwan360]

I like this company.

[@kathiravan7446]

It costs almost $400 to $ 500plus in Singapore

[@fellowninja]

"MSRP says $199, must mean it's under th next dollar up! Full send!"....

[@ToyKeeper]

I think the main ways to improve these are to fully max out hand comfort (upgrade it to match the best controllers), and to improve the software (like, a fully open proper Linux distro instead of Android).

[@PC-ONE]

Thanx for this video. It would be great if you had an Excel file with comparison of several portable consoles. Like CPU, Screen size/Quality, Performance in different emulated systems until The Switch, Final score, etc. Thanx

[@dee12yearsago88]

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1irg60f9qsZOkhp0cwOU7Cy4rJQeyusEUzTNQzhoTYTU/edit?gid=0#gid=0

[@bigemugamer]

It's almost May! When are we gonna get a Linux device with similar or slightly better specs? =(

[@dofflane]

1.25x

[@Ivan-hq2zk]

Why choose RP4PRO over the RG556?WHAT IS THE REAL DIFFERENCE TO MAKE RIGHT DECISION? 😂😂😢

[@DrakenKnightWorld]

In performance, RP4P is better.

[@decisionparalysis7856]

First time watching your channel, big fan of Retro Bird, your name drew me in XD. I have the retroid pocket 3+ and love it but don't use it often, might get the 4 someday but emulate a lot less than I used to. Great video, you earned a subscriber.

[@Magusguile]

Totally agree on the Joystick/D-pad placement, that has been one thing that has made me wait to pick up a RP4! PS1/DS and below focus should be on D-pad, N64/PS2/3DS and above should go with mainly Joystick...sorry PS fans, I know how Sony likes to make their controllers, but I think most agree...

[@conza1989]

I mean it's pocketable and powerful, but after the RG556, not sure what role this is playing any more. Retroid pocket 5, bring Oled and grippier ergonomics, and that'll be interesting, dominating even. That's all it needs, those 2 things, same performance even maybe just a bigger battery.

[@northnorthsouth1]

I bought this from Aliexpress and it's great to me. I only use it to emulate gamecube and Wii and retroarch games, I take it to the firehouse for my down time. Other than that, I have a Rog Ally Z1 extreme that I play the triple A games on.

[@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydude]

i have the 556 and retro pocket and i wanted to love the retro pocket 4 plus more cause i bought it first but i couldnt get behind its many problems and my trigger buttons came broken like everyones elses and it took forever to get to me and my hands always cramp up after 20 min and my eyes hurt trying to see litttle text that werre ment for a TV not a little screen so i ended up liking the 556 alot more and i hated to retro pocket 4 pro so much i dished out another 200 bucks and got the 556 best choise i did in my life i can even play fortnite and call of duty war zone and zombies on it where every im at so i basicly sold my steam deck sold my ps5 and even sold my pc cause the 556 replaced everything tbh

[@Xen0gears515]

I think the size of this is perfect for on the go. I wish the steam deck was about the same size. I think the steam deck, as much I love it, is too big

[@woozi36]

I play god of war chains of Olympus on psp/3x upscale on standard performance mode just fine. No fan either

[@stressless8405]

Why is setting up the device such a cnt with android. I have tried so many front ends and cores and its still hit and miss

[@maxdjently]

I won't bore you with the details about 5th gen games and before, but I will REVIEW THE D-PAD.

[@haysen123]

nah, symmetrical position of joystick is the best. no need to change

[@AhhSamboi]

It has almost identical specs to my Mi11T except I lack a Sd card slot

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

Setting up android devices is such a massive pain in the ass.

[@jakesmith5278]

You buy the grip and this thing is nearly perfect.

[@shigshug8581]

I got mine on January, very well worth every penny.

[@viruscure4677]

Wish it had rgb but im happy with mine

[@turnedmyworld]

I just want a RP4 Pro with a 4:3 screen.

[@GoogleHelpYou]

How about a Retroid Flip 2?

[@Mark-mu4pj]

Thanks great review was thinking about getting the pro.

[@kenkwok83]

Hardware needs to slow down for the software to catch up. PS3 emulation on android is still not there yet

[@RetroDodo]

Agreed!

[@huntersteffey9639]

Yeah...i dunno where you found a pro for 200 flat out but ied love to meet who ever delivers it to you

[@RealGregzilla]

The official website. 199.99

[@zaboomba6635]

How’s the fan noise? I know pre release review models were quite loud.

[@dee12yearsago88]

I don't hear any fan noise at all

[@redxgaming5954]

hehe i giggle when i see this guy, its like the little brother got a hold of the guys pc keep it up guys