Retroid Pocket 5 Impressions, lack of review, and some news // Joey’s Retro Newscast

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

List of current Retroid Pocket 5 issues: There's no actual sleep mode, the battery drains like a Linux device when sleeping (can kill device in a day), it also shuts the entire device down 90% of the time while sleeping, there's hard crashes that are happening that might be ram related, there's zero fast charging and sometimes it doesn't charge at all, docking doesn't actually work, multiple issues with video output, and then a bunch of minor bugs after. This has been the buggiest android device I've ever seen. Oh and sometimes it doesn't turn on, needs 10 seconds plus to turn on. So yeah. I've been waiting on the proposed OTA update before doing my review, and I can't recommend the device in its current state (not all doom and gloom, love the device, just need this proposed OTA fix before I can actually recommend it - otherwise right now it's a recommendation based on potential, and I don't do that).

[@natebenton5829]

Okay, so that's why mine was dead this morning. I didn't even realize sleep mode wasn't working yet. Yeah, they definitely need to wait before shipping out consumer units then. Hopefully we get an OTA update soon. Really liking the device otherwise, if they fix these things.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

@natebenton5829 Yep, you see my problem now.

[@nickentros]

My RPMini seems to do this with “sleep” mode too

[@elnoel1220]

But, but, but… Ryan Retro says it’s perfect so it must be!

[@CrazyTiger-x1j]

What about Linux side of the story? Does Rocknix have all those bugs too?

[@marcusray4803]

One thing I like about your videos, it feels like you genuinely try to make the type of channel that you would watch if you were looking for a retro gaming channel. No frills, honest, straight to the point, and transparent about where the industry is and what you think should change. Keep it up!

[@tonyrosario1940]

Completely agree with your controls gripe. What I think needs to be said, as well, is that even D-pad on bottom will feel bad if it is directly under the joystick. Retroid needs to make their devices a little longer so they can V shape their control scheme. Then, I believe, either control placement will feel so much better, ergonomically, thumbs won't be knocking into other controls, etc. 🍻

[@luissolis2426]

I agree it’s too slim vertically in my opinion those buttons are mushed together cause of the screen taking up all the space

[@Shadowofthegame-2]

@@tonyrosario1940 absolutely.

[@seethruhead7119]

so incredibly happy this device is dpad top

[@eddiedevereoxford4995]

Maybe the main difference between our man Joey and other reviewers is his integrity. He considers us first. There are other OK reviewers out there but often their personal tastes take centre stage, which is fine if you like their gimmicky schick, but not for giving us the truth of the matter.

[@Lisa313shoe]

Great video on what you can speak on from what you got to work with as of now..

[@BobbysArchive]

12:10 YES, FLIP 2 PLEASE

[@JohnnyFiction]

D-Pad top Is always the best. Especially for a retro device. Unless you do a Steamdeck design (which is lateral and perfect) then D-Pad top is the only way I’ll ever buy a device

[@JaviPlayRetro]

Kinda crazy that no other reviewers have even mentioned any of this. Please correct me if Im wrong.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

I don't watch anyone but myself.

[@sotosmatthew3046]

​@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Lmao

[@hardcorebronson]

@@JoeysRetroHandheldsLOL

[@JaviPlayRetro]

@JoeysRetroHandhelds Not even me 💔💀 Jk Yeah man after last years RP4s green screens and triggers failing and all the other stuff. Ill patiently wait to see I want this. Looks enticing, but if I already have an Odin 2 Pro, Idkno if it makes sense for me. Still would appreciate something a little smaller.

[@CellPhish]

I haven’t seen this in any other reviews either

[@keith48993]

So glad they put the D-pad on top for us old school retro gamers. 🎮✌

[@whendolphinsstrikeback2762]

I need that Flip 2…If I can get a reliable pocketable GC/PS2 capable clamshell I’ll feel like I can finally be done collecting handhelds. It would be my endgame.

[@JsmashTech]

I understand what you mean with the PS controller and I do wish they offset it more. Me personally I like the Dpad top but the sticks placement 😭. It’s still ok enough for me and I loved the mini so the RP5 might be legendary for me.

[@warningx10x24x]

I'm really excited to get my hands on one. I'm thinking a lot of the issues I won't have because like you, I'll be playing a lot more retro games on it. This was an in-between model for me for something larger than my RG35XXSP (with hopefully better ergonomics for long play times) and my Steam Deck, which is just overly large for trying to hold it in front of my face on the couch while also watching TV in the background. My biggest concern is probably going to be the analog stick on the right side, as after watching TechDweeb's review, it seems to get in the way of pressing buttons sometimes.

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

Just remember that. Hector is going to be running 3 Honda Civics with spoon engines. And on top of that, he just went into Harry's, and he ordered 3 T66 turbos, with NOS. And a Motec exhaust.

[@DNAMobileGaming]

I have the RP Mini, I was smashed by the entire Retroid Discord/Reddit community for my honest feedback about my first week with the RP Mini. Rushing their consoles is because Christmas is coming, and as Mr Krabs says "MONEY". I watched Russ's video today, and he compared the 5 with the Odin 2 and I have been smashed about comparing devices too in the past. I think the community is so in denial either that or they are all part of the company and are trying to make themselves feel better by pointing fingers at someone who is transparent and honest about this company and their devices. I'm glad you did this and shared the posts you did, plus Russ got my respect for his review today not that I ever didn't like his content but I don't watch him personally.

[@StopToBreathe]

Hey Joey, I have a question, why have people start normalizing piracy in this day and age especially of ongoing game productions. I really don’t get the argument that just because an emulated consoles runs the game better that it justifies downloading a pirated copy of the game. When the switch 2 does come out with better hardware, do you think people can still hide behind the veil that the only purpose of emulation is to not pay for the actual games? Would like your valuable insights into this because aside from you, I see almost every single reviewer focus heavily on if the switch emulation is perfected or not.

[@CellPhish]

I don’t understand why this is DPad top. It’s geared to support systems that came with joystick focus. It doesn’t make sense to not keep the focus on the joysticks that the original systems had. Makes it awkward to play

[@washuai]

They reserve that for their Ayn Odin line 🤷‍♀️

[@tappersreviews4677]

You do realize PlayStations have always had that setup, and people seem to enjoy those systems for all kinds of games over the years. Having said that, I actually agree that analog top on the left side could be better, and maybe the next models will do that. But even if they don’t, I’m fine either way.

[@Jassu323]

I think Joey's comparison to the DS4 or DS5 controller is apt. D-pad on top is fine if you off-set the joystick locations accordingly. That may be more difficult to do on a non-clamshell handheld, though (I can't say for sure; never actually thought about trying to design one of these).

[@christophergarcia6064]

I've played the NDS, 3DS, PSP, and Vita all comfortably with d-pads on top. They're all handhelds.

[@jesusbarrera6916]

​@@tappersreviews4677handhelds are not controllers, ergonomics are different .... It's not rocket science

[@JiggityJiggity]

1:45 Japan buys the most the physical games %-wise. They don’t wanna mess with their most loyal customers. Cartridge backwards compatibility should be a given. 😤

[@pritt871]

Ya know, something was telling me to wait on getting the RP5 or just to pass on it altogether. Glad to see I was in some ways right or at least I had reason to be patient with it. Thanks for the transparency, Joey! ✌️

[@raiford5082]

always wait, I waited a year before purchasing my rg405m and by that time all the bugs and kinks were pretty much solved and the device is honestly spectacular,

[@vinardo88]

Very nice video! Only thing I have yet to see someone comment about is the audio. How would you say is the audio compared to the Retroid Flip? My only complaint about the flip is the audio, the backward facing speakers make it so I have to raise the volume near maximum to hear well depending on the game.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Definitely better than the Flip, but not the best audio I've ever heard. Still good enough.

[@cho-v4n]

Flip 2 😆

[@johnsducks9816]

Yeah I think the 5 will be the last retro handheld for me, at least until we one day get an official steam port for android then I might want something more powerful

[@HermanM-wl6zw]

Good stuff, glad you're liking the RP5. The pics of the Gamecube model that came out today look amazing, I'm so glad that's the one I went for. Sorry if you've mentioned this before, but what holds you back from using Gamecube / PS2 emulation on Android? Just the RetroAchievements? Switch I get, but those two feel close to perfect for me.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Yep! RetroAchievements is the exact thing.

[@antwango]

im still waiting for a slightly larger, more ergonomic updated device from any of these guys, whether from Retroid, Anbernic, AYN, AYA, Powkiddy! Exactly what Joey implies with the closeness and cramped controls! I wouldnt mind the internals of this device paired with an X55 form factor with symmetrical controls!

[@christophergarcia6064]

I'm hopeful Retroid gets the software sorted and the device shipped on time. But I'm not expecting to have mine in hand until December.

[@diversionmary]

I cannot wait to relive Metroid prime, wind waker, and rogue squadron. Ugh does this thing do Netplay? Coop LOTR would be dope.

[@sendoh873]

Yeah, hopefully Retroid fixes all the hardware issues by the time the 5 ships. And hopefully there won't be much physical hardware issues. I just saw that Retroid finally showed the GC colorway RP5 and it looks great. That's the one I got via early bird and I can't wait!

[@seethruhead7119]

nintendo is still firmly in the era of physical games when they say it's backwards compatible they 100% without a doubt mean physically

[@mikep9862]

If you had to pick one, would you go with RP5 or Odin 2? I just don't know if Odin 2 is that much better at Switch emulation, and if the extra power is worth the tradeoff for the OLED screen. Thanks!

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

I wouldn't buy the Odin 2 with the Portal existing. RP5 or Portal.

[@fredgoodlord8094]

Great info and update on RP5 👍 👍

[@coppermutant]

My biggest complaint about the Pocket 4 is standby battery life. Whenever I forget to fully shut it down and come back to it, its fully drained meaning I end up going to another device.

[@ZER0H0UR333]

From what other reviews have said, this is a problem still on some of the review models but retroid knows and is trying to fix it by the time a launch title comes out

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

I'd definitely watch my section here and read my pinned comment, at current state, it's much worse. But we are expecting a fix, for what that's worth.

[@Bar1noYee]

Granted, you should not need to do this. Sleep should just work, this can work in a pinch

[@pavichokche]

@@ZER0H0UR333 They're talking about the RP4 though, not RP5...

[@Bar1noYee]

@@coppermutant I’m not sure what happened to my comment the first time I replied to this. You could use a tasker rule to turn off your rp4 after some period of inactivity. That way you wouldn’t come back to a totally dead device. Would only work with root though

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

See, this makes me have beef with other reviewers now. Not one review that I’v watched (about 8 reviews) has talked about any of these issues and that’s a big problem to me. Either they didn’t catch the problems or they just didn’t care, either way that’s a fail IMO. Good looking out Joey.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Every reviewer and person was told part of these issues - x.com/Retroid0fficial/status/1850559114994147580?t=9FMVXFium-py3wC1SZHe7g&s=19 and then more were discovered afterwards, but yep it should be everywhere.

[@Shadowofthegame-2]

SO STOKED TO QUIT LOOKING FOR PS2 EMULATION HANDHELDS. I'll definitely need a grip for this bad boy, especially wirh that d pad placement. But it'll still be great! I put grips on all of my handhelds.

[@silverbackhc]

thanks joey looking forward to your final review

[@boxed-sound]

What are you emulating 3ds with lime3ds? It looks great!

[@isaiahamador7015]

New to handhelds, but how does it compare to the Anbernic 556?

[@chimrichalds81]

556 had some wonky joysticks with Cardinal snapping. These are more precise. Both nice devices

[@Chaotikmusic]

RP5 will also run games better than the 556

[@Wrain.]

I don't like Anbernic D-pads. They are too hard. It hurts my Thumb.

[@tablemon]

How can I find out how to run Majora's Mask as shown in this video?

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX3PZZyXh6ZgeZI

[@metalsquid]

Thanks, Joey. Hopefully these are fixed before launch. I'll hold off ordering till then. No point in saving a few bucks by preordering an unfinished product. Do you think the Portal will unseat the RP5 for you like the RP5 unseated your Mini? Extra power aside it's also the better device on paper - wifi 7 + bt 5.3, bigger battery, bigger screen, 4k60 video out, sticks top, only 25% wider than the RP. Definitely seems to be the better couch device and better for streaming/docking. Unless that size difference really, really matters for you (she said). Looking forward to seeing the purple OP soon, though I'd likely go with the black one anyway. Wish there was a 16-bit US option.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Nope! At that size I want to use my Ally X, not an Android device, but the Portal looks awesome, I have the Indigo preordered.

[@metalsquid]

@@JoeysRetroHandhelds roger that!

[@spunktr]

Question about the A30: I cant login into retro achievements (stock os / spruce). Wifi works fine and i can scrap the box arts. Is there any trick? On my TrimUI Smart Pro and other handhelds everything works fine ..

[@Wrain.]

I want D-Pad on the top. I want to play older games. D-pad on the top is super important.

[@0Husk]

Please, in your retroid pocket 5 review, please include a quick section about moonlight stats! Im curious about decode latency.

[@starsasumi8430]

If I am remembering this correctly, even my RP2s can stream within 3-5ms decode latency when on 5GHz WiFi. It shouldn’t be an issue here for PR5. I have beaten couple bosses in Black Myth Wukong last month with the RP2s. The tiny screen is killing my eyes but besides that no issue

[@christopherwebster2422]

When do they even plan to start releasing retail models? I've been searching everywhere for a good handheld like r36s(the only one I've really seen still watching your videos) but I don't want to get something broken or that crashes alot

[@christopherwebster2422]

I really want something that can run wii,nds, playstation1-2 and other classic consoles

[@janmichaelipapo7916]

Seeing that you have most handheld consoles. Can I request for a video showcasing which ones can handle Genshin Impact? I'd like to buy a handheld console to play old games and at the same time be able to play Genshin

[@emilianomontanari283]

the real issue is that sticks are obstacles to d pad and buttons usage

[@MilliardoMK]

Your content is great bro, I don't know why I haven't subbed till now.

[@seethruhead7119]

what about and odin flip? portal 120hz oled screen odin offsett controls snapdragon internals i'd be down for that

[@damianvillela7341]

Wow I almost ordered so should I just go with the pocket 4 pro?

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Wait a week :)

[@damianvillela7341]

@JoeysRetroHandhelds okay thanks 👍

[@Shadowofthegame-2]

This is making the pocket 4 pro look pretty blah in terms of capabilities as well as price point brand new, just all around. 5 is kicking the 4's butt.

[@TDQGaming]

Party on, Joey.

[@VincentFraga]

I have small hands. People love the joystick from the Xbox controller, for me its just not a great grip. I dont mind the thumbsticks being at the bottom. It really reminds me of my psvita witch was even for me a little uncondortabble but nothing that a grip cant fix.

[@JaviPlayRetro]

Can I ask? Why don't you like PS2 and game cube emulation?

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

I do, I just don't like it on Android due to lack of retro achievements, which exists on the Windows or x86 versions.

[@damianabregba7476]

This device supports linux PC versions of emulators

[@Shadowofthegame-2]

​@@damianabregba7476🤔so, retro achievements?

[@damianabregba7476]

Hopefully this may get semi proper linux support with bazzite. This would change the game

[@leelee7334]

I think it would be misleading to say the Switch 2 is backwards compatible and then it doesn’t use the cartridge. That would also mean that the NSO is going to use the same user accounts and experience.

[@adamg88]

You don't normally wait for a manufacturer to sort their software out before doing a full review, what gives? Retroid getting special Joey treatment?

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

This device hasn't shipped yet, it's not in retail users hands and like I said in the video, my current recommendation is do not buy. My final review will be done on the final build. Zero special treatment unless you're ignoring the do not buy recommendation and I would rethink the special treatment questions when it comes to my reviews.

[@adamg88]

@@JoeysRetroHandhelds I didn't ignore you're recommendations however you have done full reviews on other competing devices before they have shipped and in retail users hands, it seems like Retroid is being given favourable treatment.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

@@adamg88 The difference that you're missing and that I shared in the video, is that retail units will be shipping with an OTA that fundamentally changes the device. It's currently broken, do not recommend. With the OTA, might be a recommend, but I need that before I can do a final review. It's very simple - no other devices were in this position in previous reviews.

[@krayozmines]

Are you gonna cover the powkiddy rgb20 pro?

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Negative. I have it, no reason to.

[@tonyrosario1940]

Joey News! 🍻🤘🏼🔥

[@starsasumi8430]

About the stick situation, is it better or worse than the Retroid Pocket 2S? I have been using RP2s to stream Black Myth Wukong and the comfort wasn’t an issue for me. So if the 5 is better than the 2s, then it will be perfect for me.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

You'd be fine with it then.

[@DepthWave]

Are you in Winnipeg, or do you have some kind of special way of making the ending of the video match the city of the user, or do you name a random city at the end of the video? This is the first time I've watched one of your videos, and I'm in Winnipeg, so this is kind of spooky.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Hah! It's a random city every Newscast!

[@GundamDroid]

All i want is a ps vita sized device with oled display and strong enough to play most switch games but could also run linux or windows. Android is good but limited.

[@kalban112]

Retroid Pocket 5 Carrying Case already sold out? wtf

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Back in stock.

[@HeelBJC]

I've, uh... Definitely seen quite a few RP5 reviews that didn't even begin to touch on any of those current issues. Kinda a bad look in my opinion? I don't feel like that's too harsh.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Considering we were all sent a list of issues, it should be in every review. Then the more that were discovered after.

[@adams4244]

According to their Discord, they are shipping RP5 retail units with Android 13 instead of 10. I wonder if that will improve Switch performance.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

The review units shipped with A13. I'm using it.

[@YungHaimovitz]

“Switch emulation is a meme” based take

[@JizzyNinja]

Odin 2 mini w/oled holy shit yes plz

[@jvelezh3]

How’s Wii U and Wii emulation looking?

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

I did a full video on Wii U!

[@jinstinky501]

What does a baby kangaroo know about retro handhelds? :)

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Barely anything!

[@jinstinky501]

@JoeysRetroHandhelds lol

[@antwango]

laughing at you ALL from xmas when Retroid drop the Retroid 5 Pro XDDDDDD

[@burkeyjmoney]

8:02 what game is this?

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Black ops 6.

[@dean_dv]

Agree re. the sticks, if the device is focused on N64 and above then the sticks should to be at the top.

[@Edwinschuur]

It's personal. PS4 and PS4 are high end systems that also use this layout.

[@nmanifold]

​@@EdwinschuurBut they are proper controllers with curved grips, there's no comparison.

[@dean_dv]

@Edwinschuur it's no comparison, when you compare a handheld to an actual controller a PS4 controller feels totally different in the hand to a portable gaming device like this, as Joey said.

[@fufu5068]

No wonder there's no docked review for RP5 huh.

[@theagent578]

Dpad top is pure stupidity on this device. There's so many cheaper options if you want to play GBA, SNES and Sega. I pre-ordered one and I'm just praying some one makes a grip for it.

[@elnoel1220]

Cheaper, yes, but with its wonderful OLED screen, the RP5 can be a one size fits all solution for all consoles, including older 4:3 aspect consoles. Whether the d-pad or stick is up top, comfort will be compromised when having to cater for two types of controller configuration in one device. Personally I think Joey’s proposed solution would offer the best all-round experience; d-pad up top but with the sticks inset, similar to a PlayStation controller.

[@theagent578]

@elnoel1220 RG556

[@Admiral_Gonzo_III]

The Spruce is loose!!

[@elemileTLDR]

I second the ultimate wish to have this with left stick on top and/or flip redesign... Maybe next year.

[@TheMysteryDriver]

GBA could play GB and GBC. GBC could play GB. DS could play GBA. 3DS could play DS. Wii could play GC. Wii U could play Wii.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Awesome! Thanks Jeeves!

[@pavichokche]

Yeah of course it makes little sense to do a full/final review on a pre-production unit. I was surprised you even did so many videos showing gameplay, given that A13 isn't available yet and performance could change

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

We have A13, it just has problems. It was delivered with A13 installed.

[@mattdavis9601]

"That's all for me, Winnipeg" Winnipeg's Jets crash and burn more often than Boeing's do. They somehow lost to the 2024 Blue Jackets! What loser poverty franchise does that‽ "Clamshell Pocket 5" I don't disagree with this. Part of me would prefer a Pocket Mini SP; but, I wouldn't disown a clamshell full size 5. Bonus points if they include a cellular modem so I can use it as a smartphone too. "Switch emulation is a meme" Preach it, Brother!

[@AB_223]

The 5 perfectly fits my needs for price/size/screen and power. Just wish the left stick was at the top 😞

[@vinztheroxor]

I refrain myself to buy the rp5 because of the sticks not on the top, it's a massive loose from retroid. Looking for the Odin 2 portal (even if it's more expensive..) or the RG406H (less powerfull)

[@jqweary]

Is it really overall that much better than rg556?! 🤔🤷🏾‍♂️🎮

[@mutkaheki]

As soon as a device plays N64/Dreamcast I personally believe the thumbstick should be up top on the left side.

[@antwango]

Nintendo nuked all of Joeys pockets!!!! Live on stream! XDDD

[@kmjsuperfly1]

I still think the RP5 needs to have the thumbstick on top with the way I would be using it. Soooo close.

[@nmanifold]

I agree Joey, completely baffled why Retroid keep putting the D-Pad on top on such powerful machines. This is a PS2 and GameCube powerhouse, why would I want the D-Pad on top? It's the main reason I stopped purchasing Retroids handhelds.

[@oliwek70]

Maybe they see that as sharing the market ? dpad up for retroid, stick up for AYN

[@rasheeddaley6773]

bro is afraid of nintendo lol, switch emulation is a meme?

[@ianmacd]

"Just buy a Switch" is a dismissive comment that reveals a fundamental failure to acknowledge the multitude of well-considered reasons that many game players prefer to use software emulation to play Switch games. To refer to this desire as a meme is both churlish and inaccurate; not to mention more than a little strange for one whose channel is dedicated to the use of devices that run software to emulate OEM gaming platforms.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Big difference between emulating SNES and a modern day system poorly. It's fine that you don't agree, nothing churlish or inaccurate about it.

[@AntiZi0Nz]

Best price performace is the Trimui Smart pro it have 4.96" IPS screenz stereo sound, dual analog sticks with lumalight 5000 mha battery!AND only 50 bucks

[@Tacquito]

I'm still waiting for my OLED switch 2 with backwards cartridge compatibility 🫰🫰 I'll pay up whenever Nintendo launches it.