The World's First 4:3 OLED Handheld: Retroid Pocket Mini Review

[@retrohandhelds]

What's *your* thoughts on the RP Mini? I look forward to seeing what the RP5 has to offer next! Our Livestream has more GC & PS2 testing (albeit with stock emulators), video out testing and extra thoughts: kzbin.infotlyjgAdlHFs Notes: -The new Retroid Launcher isn't ready yet, that's why you don't see it here, and Batocera Linux (along with Android 13) isn't coming until October. -Micro SD card being used is the SanDisk Extreme 512GB. -More sleep and battery tests to come. -Zombies Ate My Neighbors is *SNES not NES. -My face cam output was set at 29.97fps instead of 30 like usual for both this and the livestream, apologies on the audio lag! Emulators used: 3DS - Lime3DS latest APK from their github, 2x - 3x res Vita - Vita 3K v12 from their website, left on stock settings but might need to tinker to stop the crashes PS2 - NetherSX2 latest alpha patch, pre-built at archive.org, Vulkan 2X res most games GC/Wii - Latest Playstore Dolphin Beta, OpenGL / Dualcore on, 2x res most games PSP - PPSSPP latest apk from their website, 3x res most games x86 - Winlator latest build from their website Everything else - Retroarch x64 apk from their website

[@jinstinky501]

I absolutely love it. Unfortunately I don't want to deal with retroarch on that screen. It's brutal on a 3.5" screen. RP5 for me.

[@Happyhaha9000]

@@retrohandhelds Honestly I hate the glass front, I'll be skipping this generation, hopefully the next one (flip 2? 🙏) is more retro/matte like the rp4

[@clausjahnel5379]

I like the glass front, but not on the grey model. Alltogether I'd find this very imteresting as a secondary device, it has a lot going for it. But the tiny screen compleely ruins it for me. I mean, this screen is smaller than that of a psp.

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

Honestly I'm pretty frustrated that they didn't put a 4" screen in there. I'd have bought one in a heartbeat... Too bad since they had plenty of room for it.

[@orakaa]

Same. After having played on a 4" handheld, it's really hard to go back to a lower screen size

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah, that would have been awesome. A 4" OLED 4:3 screen just doesn't exist is my theory on that choice.

[@lastonewon]

Waiting for the RP5 this screen is way too small for my eyes and fingers to be squinting, pressing and swiping at . Plus the bezels arent pretty why didn't they just make it all usable screen at 4"? There would still have been a significant size distinction between this and the 5.5" screen version

[@heaven_10.9]

They fumbled the dunk

[@garryw1974]

The main thing I don't like is the screen size,just looks to difficult to use. It's a pity there are no 5inch 4/3 screens

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Be easier getting a 5 inch 1:1

[@HendraWijaya1983]

Only 1 minus for me,the screen is not 4 inch.so i pre order retroid pocket 5.not mini.

[@emilianomontanari283]

3.7 inch diagonal 4:3 is 6,57 square inches. A 4 inch display is 7,68 square inches. It is a huge difference, not little 😅 . The difference between being able to read and not being able to, between straining and not straining.

[@odanrov]

man I can't wait for the rp5, sad it got delayed a month from the rp mini but happy with the extra ram and android 13 that they added. Mini looks pretty good but I prefer the bigger screen and versatility to play both 16:9 and 4:3 content at a comfortable size.

[@skippyb.coyote895]

There's so much I love about the RP Mini, but I think a 3.7" screen is just a little too small for GameCube and PS2 and I'm not a fan of the all glass front. I'll wait for Anbernic's inevitable RG406 H.

[@MithosDagon]

Looks cool, but Im going to skip

[@KeiRetroGaming]

Fantastic review! Can't wait to see that beautiful AMOLED panel in person.

[@retrohandhelds]

Thank you Kei sir! Can't wait for your vid.

[@rorivers180]

Can’t appreciate if it is Playstation’s standard gray or Nintendo’s ash gray… 😅

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah good call, it is a more blue-ish gray? I guess Ash? I believe it's supposed to be color matched to a PAL SNES.

[@rorivers180]

@@retrohandheldsis it a similar gray to the RP4pro?

[@retrohandhelds]

@@rorivers180 I don't have one on me right now, but i've owned that version in the past, and I believe it is the same: retrohandhelds.gg/retroid-pocket-4-4-pro-revealed/

[@chrisw8069]

Wish they would make these with 6 face buttons. Arcade and Sega emulation would benefit heavily from 6 face buttons.

[@mkay6915]

And N64

[@chrisw8069]

Exactly!

[@CYPH3RsD0M41N]

Whoop whoop!

[@cirmothe9]

I wanna see heavy stress testing with ps2 emulation since that's what I'd use it for primarily.

[@retrohandhelds]

Check out our livestream linked in the pinned comment, it includes more PS2! More testing to come though..

[@11tea82]

13:46 i could survive playing my 3ds with shitty TN panels for the last 7 years, an oled display is not a selling point for me. Personally for that size i think the trimui or rg40xxh is the best at the moment

[@nikolalaleta1534]

I think most people won't be buying these for the OLED but for the performance since it can run GC/PS2.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

I ordered that Saturn colorway. I wish there was a translucent option.

[@retrohandhelds]

Maybe in the future?

[@tobuslieven]

14:50 I don't think the ayaneo pocket dmg has a 4:3 screen ratio. I thought it was more square like the original gameboy. Still looks amazing though.

[@Cyko..]

Bro had to blur out the F-Zero GX footage. 😒

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah.. Nintendo always lurking these days

[@lastonewon]

​@@retrohandheldsRuss is feeling their breath on the back of his next atm too😮

[@_Majoras]

1:42 just slight variants of black and white? 🤣 worst color options ever

[@glazedbelmont]

yeah that's the general opinion, esp when you consider their previous devices.

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah hoping we get some more options down the line, SFC called to me the most of these options.

[@shirokuro73]

GREAT review and thanks for getting it out so quickly!! I still can't decide between this, the Odin 2 Mini, or the Ayaneo Pocket DMG! Comfort for d-pad gaming is my primary concern. Performance? that's a nice bonus. This does look very very nice though, and the colour offerings are gorgeous! Orange or SFC......

[@retrohandhelds]

For sure! Glad I could be of help here. That's a tough choice haha, SFC is what I went with so the screen will blend in better! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

[@nikolalaleta1534]

Man, if I had the cash I wouldn't even hesitate to get the Odin 2 mini, literally perfect and exactly what I've been looking for, but a $300 pricetag is too much. If you can afford it IMO it's the best one out of the three unless there are some features you specifically like about the other two.

[@RaiZdbyDINGOES]

Nice. Thanks for the video. I passed on the RP4/pro and picked up a RP5. I have the 3 and 3+ and love those devices. Will do some videos when I receive the RP5. Got the wider screen due to PSP higher resolution and Switch testing

[@ToyKeeper]

I would absolutely love a RP Mini or, even better, RP 5. It seems pretty great. But I'm broke and picky about ergonomics, so instead I ordered a cheap phone with performance roughly on par with the RP 4... to be used with my favorite controller and phone clip and stylus. It should be pretty nice for DS+3DS. Still hyped about these new Retroids though.

[@Stormbringer88]

This will be a nice companion to my Steam Deck on the go!

[@sendoh873]

When you do get your SFC Retroid Mini, will you take pics and or video of it? I already got an RP5 but Im probably going to get a Mini as well sometime next yr and the SFC colorway calls to me but the Grey Super Nintendo model looks great too

[@dean_dv]

I don't understand the need for a glass front, what's the benefit? I also don't think this can be considered a replacement for the 2S at over double the price.

[@Watamel0n]

I hope to see how Zelda twilight princess runs on the rp5 mini. I saw a chinese video, that shows this game for a couple seconds and it had a massive slow down, before he cut to the next game. Maybe he used the wrong settings?

[@alexch9152]

Honestly the bezels are a dealbreaker for me. We live in a bezeless world and as awesome that this thing is its more controller and less screen i will stick to my rp4

[@pgh_deb]

I wanted to buy this so badly, but unfortunately that screen to console ratio + all glass front + 3.7” screen is a killer for me. Going to stick to the Rg405M and steamdeck until another competitor appears

[@Likwidfox]

I wish they used the trans green more I love that. The biggest knock on the RP4 was the triggers breaking. The replacement back I bought broke in a week luckily I bought 2. Push the triggers a few hindered times and see if they break.

[@rorynolan2322]

This and the aya neo mini are very appealing to me. This looks for sure the better device but the small size of the aya really is an intrest. Im getting a steam deck soon which will be my premier emulation and handheld gaming device. Something like this though is something id actually take out and about with me or pn holidays with me etc

[@wopino]

This might be the best pocketable option with that oled screen. I've been wanting a 4:3 oled screen. Wonder if next yr they'll make it 4" oled, that would be great along with a SD 888.

[@hadouken2123]

Just imagine having this retroid pocket mini 4 years ago already 🤩 anyway, i cannot wait until i receive mine.

[@steamdeckknights8978]

Lol I actually can't wait to see the rp5 I'll hold on to my o2 mini cause these holidays are coming up except delays!!😅😅😅😅

[@davidmays7052]

pretty sure the gp2x wiz was the first amoled 4:3 handheld, please correct me if im wrong, i did have one back in the day

[@sTuPiDiScOoL_]

Of course it isnt the ultimate mini nobody is taking Odin 2 minis 🏆💯. Warzone is unreal on it 🐐🏆.

[@Mojomanultra]

The glass front is so shiny and the small screen.... If I can get it super cheap why not.

[@patrickjhimbaylon6253]

Dude what should I buy retroid mini or RG cube? Tyy

[@retrohandhelds]

Oh that's tough but a good duo to choose from, what systems are your favorite to emulate?

[@patrickjhimbaylon6253]

@@retrohandhelds GC, Wii, Switch broo

[@retrohandhelds]

@@patrickjhimbaylon6253 GC & Wii i'd go for the RP Mini. However for Switch, i'd get neither! Go for the AYN Odin 2 or Odin 2 Mini for that.

[@hightforce]

Could you test some android games like zzz and warzone mobile ?

[@rickyrns1059]

God, I can’t wait to get my Orange Mini. The screen looks so freaking good!

[@roronoazoro-136]

Is this handheld smaller than a samsung s23?

[@michaelbenny659]

Can’t wait to get my orange

[@TheTromboneFreak]

Woah. I literally just looked for this video and saw you JUST uploaded. Super quick video turnaround! I’m still in love with my RP 4 Pro, but this does look like the way to go for 4:3.

[@orakaa]

It's too bad you didn't talk about the Retroid launcher (they said they had revised it) or about Batocera support (again, Retroid said it would be available on it)

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah I did during the outro, and also during the livestream last night. The Launcher isn't ready yet, and Batocera is coming in October.

[@emilianomontanari283]

Odin two and retroid pocket five should not be mentioned as alternatives because one should not have as an alternative a 4:3 to a large 16:9 because it essentially means that one does not know what they are buying and for what purposes

[@retrohandhelds]

Fair! There's actually not a lot to compare this one to yet, it is very unique. Microsoft Surface Duo with its 4:3 AMOLED I guess is closest in a way, heh. Soon AYANEO Pocket DMG!

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

When you wreck in burnout Revenge, does the framerate cripple? I can't get it to run right on any android device. That and burnout 3.

[@retrohandhelds]

Burnout Revenge did not have framerate crippling on crashes I am happy to report, on NetherSX2 latest alpha, you can watch a bit more extended and raw footage of me playing it on our RP Mini livestream (which used AetherSX2 latest, the ad version unfortunately).

[@aaronh.2496]

Already have a high end android handheld, so I used the money for 3 cheaper handhelds. Might try to get the 4pro at a discount

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

This definitely isn't high end. Mid range

[@JsmashTech]

OMG STUBBs!!!! I LOVE YOU, I’m your biggest fan

[@retrohandhelds]

LOVE YOU MORE

[@jierenzheng7670]

Do you have a video of the back shell swap? Thanks for the video

[@retrohandhelds]

For sure! I need to order one of the back shells to try it out.

[@GoogleHelpYou]

Can it play the last story wii?

[@retrohandhelds]

That shouldn't be an issue here, but I haven't tested much Wii yet. Check out IronClad Cobra's channel who was going to focus on Wii in his content.

[@nerdicusx]

First!

[@retrohandhelds]

Ayyeeee

[@dayla8634]

Yeah. I'm not sold on the screen especially since it's the same size as the anbernic.

[@MiguelAviles175]

Can it emulate switch ?

[@retrohandhelds]

Technically yes, you need to sideload a special version of the emulator that works with Android 10.

[@Evergreen085]

It doesn't look retro. I want translucent colors for the case. Clear blue green red etc. I can care less about the easy to run games that my RP4 Pro runs, I wanna see it play Switch games that my RP4 pro doesn't play. The only reason I'd buy this would be to play more Switch games my RP4 Pro won't play. Otherwise as far as looks go the Rp4 takes a dump on the Mini and the 5 in the looks department, in my opinion. I won't buy an odin as the price isn't low enough. The Rp4 hits all the boxes for me. Price play-ablity and it looks awesome.

[@tomdonis4315]

It's okay to admit the rp5 looks good, I get ya have a rp4, telling us like a you're a vegan, you can get one too its okay.

[@nelsonnelson31]

1st!

[@-Brunnen-G]

Every handheld under $300 seems to do one major thing that I consider wrong or broken. This one is the all glass front. No portable device should have any more glass than is necessary. It looks cool, but it's just one more thing that could break.

[@godnah]

I ordered mine day 1, any idea when they’re shipping for real?

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah yes, shipping starts today (Sunday 9/29).

[@jayjayhooksch1]

Whats the point of going with full front glass, or bezeless, if you're going to leave so much real estate unused? The pocket 5 looks a little better, less unused real estate, but they went with ugly circular cutouts around the buttons and dpad instead of the precision cutouts like on the mini, which look great. Imagine putting a screen protector on over those ugly circular cutouts, youre going to have a pair of deep holes on your device, yuck. Both of these products just miss the mark a little bit aesthetically for me, which is too bad because we're at a point where their performance is good enough for me personally.

[@retrohandhelds]

I believe that's the only 4:3 AMOLED screen they could source.

[@mackw919]

This is a failure it needs the same criticism you guys give to Anbernic for rushing out a unfinished product

[@Watamel0n]

What exactly is unfinished here???

[@retrohandhelds]

What is failed about this one so far? I couldn't find a lot, and I was looking close 😅