Retroid Pocket 5 // In-Depth Review // Benchmarks, Teardown, Emulation & More!

[@retrotechdad]

Are you ordering the Retroid Pocket 5? I'll keep updates pinned here!

[@Pridetoons]

I'll definitely be buying the Retroid Pocket 5.

[@retrotechdad]

Whoa, I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts! 🤗🤗

[@leonardomatheus1888]

Will you test the battery life again when it gets updated?

[@sf-studio]

I've been stalking this device for a while, can't wait for mine to ship!

[@retrotechdad]

Yes, and I will be adding any updates here and to the description. 🙏

[@pajamieez]

First: Thank you for the teardown. I used this as a guide for a button swap. Second: Here are some additional notes for someone performing a button button swap. - Removing the backplate is harder than the video looks. I used two bezel pry tools. One to hold the device open on the top and another to pry the sides. The clips hook from the bottom, if you need some visualization. - When removing the plastic covers that are the trigger unit, and the analogue stick unit, do not remove the trigger cap, it will come off with the unit. - Retro Tech Dad stated that you don't need to remove the right speaker, and you don't. However, I recommend it anyway because it gets in the way during the reassembly. You don't even have to unhook it, just remove the screws and set them aside. - The long flat ribbon on the right side of the daughter board should be removed and reseated first for easiest disassembly and reassembly. - Before you close up the system, test all the buttons via the settings icon on the android menu. Good luck tinkerers. Beginner Difficulty 2/4 Experienced Difficulty 1/4

[@lovelydumpling]

good lord prying open the backplate is like impossible for me. I'm busting my hands up trying to do this. I've tried having one pick in the top to hold it open but it gets sent flying. I lost one already :(

[@0py6f]

Ordered mine in black, with a carry case and faster DHL shipping. Can't wait!

[@retrotechdad]

The black is just beautiful! 🔥

[@Thebasicwhisper]

I got dhl as well have you had any updates to your order yet?

[@ocreyy]

Lmao, same

[@youraveragedillon5958]

Yup another banger. Best retroid pocket 5 review on KZbin. I do wish you had the purple because that's the colour I ordered

[@retrotechdad]

Same color I ordered for my personal unit!

[@shbddh]

Thanks for disassembly episode, it was interesting! :)

[@retrotechdad]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🤗

[@TechDoctorUK]

Superb video man - can't wait for my RP5 !

[@VladNerd]

Absolutely exceptional video, RTD. I appreciate the metric ton of work that you put into it. ❤

[@retrotechdad]

👀👀It's awesome to see you here in the comments section! 🤗🤗

[@SavingPrivateBob]

Ooooh, another legend spotted in the wild. High praise from a great creator on the rise. Please do a review on this unit, your stuff is incredible.

[@mattdavis9601]

You must be Luis Gonzalez because you've knocked this one out of the park. This was an excellent review that didn't feel like it lasted an hour. I especially appreciated the tear down segment because I enjoy seeing how things are made. I also learned about a new-to-me PSP game, "Flow", that I'll need to try out later. I was gung-ho for the RP Mini and thought the 5 was pointlessly big. I still really like the Mini and may end up opting for it over its big brother anyways; but, seeing the RP5 next to the Vita and some other handhelds made me realize that it's not especially big at all. It's arguably right-sized. Overall it's a little bigger than the Mini; but, it'll still comfortably fit every pocket that I would've put a Pocket Mini in. Decisions. Decisions. Now I don't know which one I'm going to choose. I might end up choosing neither depending on how compelling next week's Anbernic is. Haha. No matter which path I end up choosing to travel down, thank you Rob for doing such a wonderful job of informing that decision with your videos on the RP5 and RP Mini.

[@quandrixtwincaster5738]

Incredibly happy to see the positive feedback. Now I'm not worried about my pre-order.

[@franciscobutte]

Most stylish retro handhelds channel ✨

[@retrotechdad]

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words! 😎😎

[@SavingPrivateBob]

Thank you so much for the teardown. I'm replacing the 16-Bit version with a clear backplate, but also want the Black version with the 16-Bit buttons, due to the more immersive experience the Black version accompanied with the AMOLED screen provides.

[@retrotechdad]

You're very welcome! 🙏🙏

[@ridge_r4cer]

that intro was FIRE

[@retrotechdad]

I appreciate it! 🤗🤗

[@johnsducks9816]

Ordered mine yesterday and I cannot wait

[@TechDweeb]

Freaking EPIC intro!

[@TechDweeb]

(The rest of the video is good too btw)

[@retrotechdad]

This puts a huge smile on my face! Yay TD 🤗🤗

[@HunnysPlaylists]

Eh.

[@rainy5517]

I've never been this early haha. I've benn waiting for this 😭😭 LOVE the long video format ❤❤

[@retrotechdad]

Not even sure how I ended up over 50 minutes 😭😭🤦‍♂️

[@nickentros]

I thought all I wanted was the RPMini, and I do like the mini quite a bit, but seeing how close these are in size, but how much bigger the screen is on the 5....I ordered a 5 too

[@retrotechdad]

I think for most the 5 will be the one to go with, not to take away from the Mini since it's an awesome device. 🙏

[@nodidog]

I'm seriously considering a 5 too, despite having picked up a mini... I only really emulate 4:3 systems - but with the amoled display, the 5 seems perfect for both aspect ratios

[@tappersreviews4677]

Same for me. Love the Mini, but had to get the 5.

[@snapkrr]

You can’t lose with either device but I’d probably get an Odin before I get the five

[@nickentros]

@@snapkrr .....I have an odin 2..... I think I also have a problem

[@cho-v4n]

Thanks so much Rob. Great review as always.

[@stuart2151]

Fantastic review! Thank you!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you, it's much appreciated! 🤗

[@L319HV]

Giving these test results so far im soo excited to get my hands on this to see how far it can be pushed. Soo many 360 era games sound like theyll be playable between wii u and switch ports of them or even the windows versions on winlator 🙌

[@retrotechdad]

I'm just getting started with Winlator, but I'll tell you seeing Tomb Raider on a device like this just gets me pumped to do more testing with it!

[@WMARUoriginal]

Upscaled Wii, Wii U and PS2 are very tempting but for those consoles I would prefer a bigger screen than 5.5. Impressive handheld overall though. Also that opening with all the retroids was killer!

[@retrotechdad]

It's definitely a nicely balanced device!

[@kewa_design]

Odin 2 portal

[@jonathanbriu]

Retro tech dad stepping up with the quality videos respect

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@nosferatumadness]

Kudos to you and a new sub, this was an amazing review, I hope you do a small follow up when the retail units come out so we can see if Retroid fix the battery issues

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and the sub! 🤗

[@Samblaze007]

Great review, that amoled display is definitely a treat. Seems like we could even run 3DS and some WiiU on here.

[@tededwards5709]

RP4 Pro already runs most 3DS in x2-x3 resolution no problem but yes Wii U will be easier to run on this & Switch emulation is better as well with the right settings.

[@retrotechdad]

It will be fun to follow with Wii U as it improves but what works right now is really fun to play on the RP5!

[@retrotechdad]

Switch emulation is looking really nice from the amount that I've tested so far!

[@奔富王訂閲我解密視頻]

既然是retro,为何不設計3:2比例？終極設計3:2，6.5寸

[@Chris-bv8qd]

​Are you able to run mario kart 8 on cemu? Mine always crashes after few seconds ​@@retrotechdad

[@101wonderment]

Love the preview of the device. Excited to get my purple hopefully soon

[@ginyuTV]

the battery issues definitely need to be looked at

[@manhealme]

I mean Retroid themselves delayed the retail units mainly to focus on firmware improvements to improve the battery life and in standby mode. Look at the community post from Tech Dad and Russ ( Retro Game Corps )

[@chadguts600]

Dope Intro!!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you! 🤗🙏

[@nelsonnelson31]

SICK INTRO!!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you! 🙏🙏

[@jericosha2842]

Can't wait for mine. Decided to buy one for the wife too. It's such a flexible device.

[@mhhocane3513]

Informative video, thank you for the detailed review.

[@JJN603]

ngl as a guy whos somewhat into tech and enjoys taking things apart. this is pretty intimidating to do on your new device. i mean its easy but the fear of accidentaly breaking something after this 2 month wait is very scary

[@bassderek]

I need to step up my intro game. Liked that little count up!

[@ThecrazycakeEATAH]

That intro was smooth

[@testchannelnamechange]

Well crafted vid

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you, I appreciate it! 🤗🤗

[@wopino]

Your videos are so freakin great.

[@Lisa313shoe]

Been ordered the black but with you guys code for the mini I had to grab it also for just $155

[@yabbabuuyabbabuu]

I am almost convinced to buy but I have no need for it. I think I wil wait for new version next year, probably stronger. Also I am still watinig for something new and fun to surprise me like a dual screen quality device (without the price being awfully high).

[@nickharris5231]

I would agree in a vacuum. But by the time they release the RP5+ there's a good chance Trump will have enacted tariffs on China. You're going to see a price hike on these Chinese handhelds.

[@8bitutopia1954]

The RP5 is surprisingly amazing… Honestly might get the RP5 instead of the Odin 2 Mini. I have an older Odin Lite I’m giving away to my brother, so I was thinking of getting a new handheld… RP5 is cheaper and from other videos I saw, can actually play some “mythical console” games!

[@chrisharrison3374]

Still not sold on the analogue stick placement and how the new bumps help with that, and none of the reviews I've seen so far (including this one) really go into it with any confidence...or even mention it. It does not look particularly comfortable when watching how you hold it for left stick use, maybe ok for short term use but not longer. Especially important given this device won't have a separate grip with anything hanging off the bottom (the grips made the RP4P usable for me).

[@retrotechdad]

I have a section talking about comfort, the device has only been in my hands for a week so it's tough to gauge long-term how things will settle for me. There are some nuances with how you will have to hold the device depending on the kind of game you're playing. In general though, the device is very comfortable to hold and compared to a stock RP4 Pro, is an improvement. I will say that the way I have to play games in my footage isn't the best judgement since I'm trying to keep my device centered to the shot and as such have to do things in awkward manner. 🙏

[@RealSantinoblack804]

I've watched a bunch of videos about the RP5 but I haven't seen many reviewers talk about what kind of changer they use for it

[@kumbackquatsta]

very very compelling. how does new retroid releases affect previous model prices? do they stop making them?

[@retrotechdad]

They usually phase them out as they run out of stock, but the 2S, 4, and 4 Pro are all still available and at lower prices now. 🤗

[@Deathexdraw]

I'm waiting your "In-Depth Review" on the Odin 2 Portal to choose between the Odin 2 Portal and the Retroid Pocket 5 :)

[@thisisorca]

One of the only videos I can find with fortnite on this console, thanks!

[@retrotechdad]

I'm glad the testing helps! 🙏

[@nepaliprayasgurung2594]

This is such a amazing 50 minutes of review with so much information. And I love it I'm still not sure if I wantjn RP4 Pro or RP5, *I know you're also getting Odin Portal* So when you get Odin Portal make sure to include Winlator, RPCS3 a PS3 emulator reviews at all. Especially Winlator because Winlator allows to play PC games which is amazing and if PS3 emulator such as RPCS3 makes it's way to android then make sure to include Winlator and RPCS3 on your reviews also!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙏 Winlator and CEMU will be especially amazing on the Portal because of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and that large screen! 🔥

[@nepaliprayasgurung2594]

@@retrotechdad You welcome I just want you to do a winlator test on RP5 with games like WWE 2k24, GTA V, Tomb Raider 1 3 or whatever Steam and PC games you have to test. Please test them out on RP5. And makes sure to include Winlator on your Odin Portal reviews and if any PS3 emulators are out on Android then give them a try. And before I finish my rant there's exagear which let's you play old pc games from 90's to 2000's - 2010 check that out and make sure to include Winlator, RPCS3, CEMU Wii U emulator and Exagear on Odin Portal reviews it'll be worth it!

[@jesusbarrera6916]

RPCS3 is not going to Android any time soon

[@RyanKorea]

Great video 👏🏻

[@aaronmeldrum1472]

Great video. Does the RP5 screen support HDR? Easiest way to check that I'm aware of is to see if KZbin videos in HDR provide HDR quality options. The RPMini screen does so I'm hopeful.

[@retrotechdad]

It does and it's stunning with YT and HDR on!

[@fernandogonzalezvera3271]

How does the PS2 Ace combat games run? On R4Pro they slowdown if the ground is within view.

[@bodakistvan]

Hi! How did you manage to setup the CEMU (Wii U EMU) for Fast Racing, because I use the latest build of the app but the game always crashes....

[@retrotechdad]

Which device are you trying to use?

[@bodakistvan]

​@@retrotechdad I have the Ayn Odin 2 Pro model. I know, is not a Retroid Pocket, but I am still considering to buy one, because of the size... For me is portability the most important option! Anyhow Odin 2 should run that Emulator without any issue, but I do not know why not works. Already checked all available videos on YT and set up the App how it should but still.... really could appreciate any help!

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Not Ordering the: PR-5 = A-O2 PORTAL MINI...yet... However, Awesome video... Sir Tech Dad... 🤔🧐😎...

[@jakesaround]

Two questions do you think ordering the screen protector and backplate are worth getting with this device? And secondly if Retroid were going to do it when do you think a RP5 Pro model may come out? I would be a little bummed to buy the RP5 and then a Pro model come out 2 months later for nearly the same cost. Thanks.

[@Cyliano]

I've been searching for a portable emulation station, this is nice, but i think I'm gonna get a lenovo y700 (2023) with a telescopic controller. It's a bit cheaper where I live with Ali discounts, and seems it has better specs too, hopefully thermal throttling isn't a problem

[@bulletpunch9317]

That tablet with 8 gen 3 for 200 dolars?? Oh no its 8+g1 but still??

[@Cyliano]

@bulletpunch9317 around 250, hopefully I don't get sent a brick

[@timseyer6769]

I'll be interested to see the gc color scheme, especially with 4:3 content. I am sold on the device but still not sure about the color since I see the appeal of the black one for 4:3 but overall the gc color scheme looks much nicer.

[@tededwards5709]

If you like purple, yes.

[@timseyer6769]

@@tededwards5709 true

[@AuFishh]

I agree, but I went with the purple. It just looks too good to me. I don't mind black bars, so I'm willing to make that compromise.

[@zacharydrake6631]

I have a black model and the haptic motor does this as well on mine.

[@Vahligames]

Hey, thanks for the review and especially the teardown! Quick question - would it be possible to take the RP5 dpad (along with its rubber membrane) and fit it directly on the RP Mini?

[@mmh-1453]

Man the intro was sick af. I really like the 16bit Version but the black is also really sick. Looks crazy with a 4:3 game (bazzle less design). But how about fingerprints on the black model?

[@716_ハディくん]

do you have to remap the button for android game (especially wuthering wave, genshin impact) or does it have native support ?

[@retrotechdad]

Wuthering Waves has native controller support now! You will still need to do controller mapping for Genshin. 🙏

[@716_ハディくん]

​@@retrotechdadi see thank you for the info, look forward to this gem

[@alistairblaire6001]

Love the detailed look and description of the device. Might actually pick one up soon. I already have a Steam Deck but it's a bit cumbersome sometimes and I find the ergonomics less than ideal for long-ish sessions. This looks a bit more wieldy and comfortable. Plus I'd rather use the space on my Steam Deck on actual PC games. Great review.

[@johncurry9584]

Awesome video! Can’t wait to get mine. Just curious - what platform were you running Burnout Paradise on?

[@retrotechdad]

That is the Nintendo Switch version with the latest build of Sudachi! I should have a follow-up Switch showcase/guide coming soon. 🤗🙏

[@ramspencer5492]

That idle battery drain is really extreme... Let us know when that gets ironed out.

[@WheeledHamster]

Can't wait for the 7" OLED from Odin Portal.

[@tappersreviews4677]

Not me. It’s too big and I already have a SD OLED that can do full PC games and emulation. RP5 is awesome because it’s small and light enough to actually take along easily. Same for the RP Mini which I also have. Retroid is killing it this year.

[@FinalNightmare1992]

​@@tappersreviews4677 Exactly. Having a SD OLED, Odin 2 and now soon the RP5. I have zero need for the Odin Portal.

[@DrocDoc]

Same here. I was dead set on the rp5 but for $130 more I could get damn near double the performance

[@Watamel0n]

Double the performance, but you can barely utilize it. Switch is still janky on android and it will be for the near future. Of course you can play ps2 games in higher resolution with the portal and you have to do it, because of the bigger screen, but if you want a smaller screen and more pocketable handheld a 2x resolution is more than enough anyway. For me, the one real advantage of the portal is only the bigger battery.

[@leonardomatheus1888]

Have you received the update yet?

[@bulletpunch9317]

Mini was running gow at 15-20 fps in the battery test. 5 is fullspeed.

[@retrotechdad]

The Mini was only doing that for the final minutes. It ran full speed for the entirety of the test with the same settings.

[@bulletpunch9317]

​@@retrotechdadoh so it does throttle?

[@retrotechdad]

No, it’s the battery saving features of Android doing that. 🙏

[@bulletpunch9317]

@@retrotechdad i see, but on 5 no such thing is implemented yet?

[@codedwarrior226]

Upgrading my rg 556 😍

[@tonyrosario1940]

Great video! How do we get Horizon Chase 2 to play on Android?? 🍻🤘🏼🔥

[@retrotechdad]

That is the Nintendo Switch version with the latest build of Sudachi! I should have a follow-up Switch showcase/guide coming soon. 🤗🙏

[@Ghostyx1989]

So i would like your honest opinion ive had a 2s and love it its one of my favorite handhelds and my first emulation one i want to upgrade but im worried that as soon as i get one they will announce a pro version what are your thoughts on that

[@retrotechdad]

It's hard for me to say if they will ever release a Pro version. I can only go based on their past release history, which they did do with the RP3 to the RP3+. Since then, they've been good about spacing out the release cycles. Another way to look at it, if this is something that interests you today and you are content with what it can do in terms of performance and it fills a use case for you, then a Pro (or follow-up) probably won't matter too much. Just like your 2S, it shouldn't take away from enjoying the device despite new releases, which are inevitable in this space across all brands. I hope that helps! 🙏

[@JsmashTech]

UGH I WANT MINE

[@retrotechdad]

Getting closer! 😁😁

[@geoffhall3012]

Was looking for the details on dual boot . Which u haven't mentioned at all

[@jasp2003]

Oh man i already have an rg cube and no time to tinker with it! I might get the white one tho

[@MarcusTheMister]

Great review. I want this thing and new to this retro gaming space…so I’ve wasted a lot of money buying handhelds and consoles that are simply missing games…or can’t handle high demand games. How do you get games on this thing? Is there something I can buy that already has a great catalog of games for me to put into this? I assume it doesn’t come with anything.

[@glideslope69]

Do you think it would be possible to swap the positions of the D-pad and the left joystick? I assume not, but from the outside they sure look like they would fit in eachothers holes

[@bulletpunch9317]

Can you do throttling test with burnout benchmark? Comparing devices with active cooling like odins and retroids to see how much watts they can sustain?

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

I prefer the design of the 4 pro, but that screen on the 5 is sooo nice

[@SavingPrivateBob]

Thank you for doing Wipeout Pure with the 60fps cheat, that's something I've always wanted on a handheld. And it's an extremely niché game, not many reviewers do tests for it on handhelds, much less brand new ones. I really wish you tested Breath of the Wild. I've heard it works on the Switch emulator better than the Wii U emulator though, a small note if you'd like to make a quick dedicated video for that. I'm sure it'd do good views. Or if you could reply to my comment with the results, I'd also greatly appreciate that! Regardless, incredibly thankful for this unique, in-depth review.

[@alinepiroutek8932]

All hail for the Wuthering Waves test 33:08

[@JDomenic8]

Does anyone know what model/spec the battery is in the RP5? Concerned about replacing it down the road

[@PalmMuteManiac]

I ordered mine on the 4th. Still in processing...! Being patient is hard.

[@Treysmix15]

how long did shipping take?

[@zombierepublican]

Awesome review. I’d like to see how this performs with mods, like HD textured for older games like GameCube

[@alexisrivera200xable]

@@zombierepublican Given that it can run the gamecube at much more than standard resolution I'd estimate it could handle HD textures as long as you don't crank the resolution too high. On these handhelds there is no real need to go crazy with the textures because then you start to sacrifice the battery endurance. Puting this on a dock is a different story, this should look quite nice on a TV with a bit of upscale and texture packs.

[@ΗΗΗΗΗΗ0000]

Do I need to take out heat sync to reseat battery battery cable? Mine having charging issue

[@glennshoemake4200]

I'm more interested in seeing how well it works using it only in Linux as I already own Odin 2 and Steam Deck but I would like to have a replacement for my aging RG552.

[@ThomasTheTankEngine22]

I would get one. But I'm waiting for them to announce the pro version next week 😂

[@RedBullAddict-_-]

How long is shipping to uk with accessories etc

[@-Airwalk1616-]

If you can get Red Dead Redemption running on winlatir without audio stuttering, please show how

[@justinmaxon12]

That’s all I’m waiting for too. That’s endgame for me as far as games go on the rp5

[@AdnanAli_313]

Are the emulators and games pre installed out of the box .

[@retrotechdad]

Yes, you can select to have the emulators pre-installed but I generally recommend going out and downloading it on your own for the latest versions. There are no games included with Retroid devices.

[@RogueZeth]

how's the input lag compared to other android devices?

[@Roadmanshy]

sick intro

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you, I appreciate it! 🙏🤗

[@yearls]

This is definitely a must buy, it's a shame the Mini has that glass faceplate around the face buttons. And I would love to have the Mini, because it was going to be my PSP replacement. But... I really like the 5 more.

[@fitnessrefocus]

Can you play games in vertical / TATE mode with the RP5?

[@Blockie]

Thanks dad.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

Do you Play MvC2 Online?

[@retrotechdad]

No, I don't and probably a good thing because I'm terrible at fighting games! 😅😭😭

[@shaice]

Already ordered. Could you stream PS5on it?

[@retrotechdad]

Yes! I recommend using PXPlay off the Play Store which is much better than the standard Sony app.

[@KoryCaines]

39:30 Game??

[@retrotechdad]

"A Short Hike" for the Switch 🙏

[@KoryCaines]

@ thank you ❤️

[@nightmanlol]

i would buy the 5 if the xyab buttons are dome switches. i bought the 3 plus but had to go out and buy the regular 3 just because it has the dome buttons.

[@alekjwrgnwekfgn]

I'm interested in this for a 3DS replacement. Is this the one?

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Odin 2 pro/mini

[@11tea82]

i would still buy the odin mini. its just that its too expensive.

[@tededwards5709]

Dissapointing it requires that much stuff being removed and unscrewed just to swap the buttons out. Makes me weary and nervous I’m gonna mess it up trying to put it back together….but I really want those colored buttons. I’m just not used to taking devices apart

[@pavichokche]

Wow, this thing is really not done cooking yet - the benchmarks were lower than the RP Mini somehow

[@MrRunItUp]

Bro, how are you not past a million subs yet! All your videos are 🔥

[@NateBuildingBricks]

Because the video is an hour. Short is better for mass appeal

[@shallowkal]

does this come ready loaded with all roms ready to use out of the box?

[@retrotechdad]

It doesn't, Retroid devices never do. 🙏

[@Beresunablle]

honestly i like the size perfect for carrying indescritly

[@KrystianWlr]

RP5 or RG556? 🤔 Thoughts?

[@Fleur_de_lis2k]

RP5 for small form factor and Odin2 for second tier performance. RG556 has very similar build to Odin2 that has a considerable leap in performance, I think it's worth paying the premium of Odin2 if you consider larger form factor.