The Retroid Pocket 5 Just Got a Surprise Spec Bump
Retroid has responded to community concerns about what’s under the hood of the RP5, boosting the RAM and operating system.
Only days after unveiling its next flagship device, Retroid has responded to community concerns about what’s under the hood of the Retroid Pocket 5.
Following Friday’s reveal that the RP5 and Retroid Pocket Mini devices would both come with Android 10 and 6GB of RAM, members of the retro handheld community expressed some disappointment and concern about the devices and what they will be capable of. That’s because the current Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (released at the beginning of 2024) is equipped with 8GB of RAM — and because less RAM more or less rules out Switch emulation, even with the RP5’s Snapdragon processor and better driver compatibility.
In a post on Twitter Saturday night the company said: “You all spoke. We listened. RP5 now with 8GB of RAM & Android 13.”
While the Snapdragon 865 chip isn’t exactly a powerhouse for Switch emulation, the higher memory spec will certainly help. Android 13 will also allow for the installation of newer and better builds of existing Switch emulation software.
Retroid said that the RP Mini will remain at 6GB and Android 10, but has been informed (presumably by their partners at Qualcomm) that users will be able to flash Android 13 to the device if they want. Qualcomm has reportedly been working on Android 13 support for the SD 865, with a 2025 release goal.
While Switch will probably remain mostly out of reach for the Mini, its 4:3 display is more suited to PS2, Dreamcast, and older systems anyway.
Retroid has also launched the official product pages for the Pocket 5 and Mini. Ignore that “Sold Out” flag — preorders begin Monday, September 9 at 9 pm Eastern (6 pm Pacific). Customers who order in the first 24 hours are eligible for an early bird discount, while later preorders will also receive a slightly smaller discount off the full retail price.
What’s the catch? In response to inquiries on Twitter Retroid hinted that, while the early bird and preorder pricing remains the same, the RP5’s final retail price might end up higher than the $219 announced this week. (UPDATE: The final retail price has been announced — a very reasonable $6 bump to $225 USD.)
When will the Retroid Pocket 5 ship? Retroid announced today that they are estimating the Mini will ship starting at the end of September, and the RP5 at the end of October.
The company also said that the Linux operating systems will be ready in time for launch. Videos on this will be posted to YouTube next week.
What do you think of the change? Has this upgrade convinced you to buy an RP5? Let us hear it in the comments!
