This was posted 2 years 1 month 5 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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[Back Order] Retroid Pocket 2+ Handheld US$94 + US$15 Delivery (~A$147) @ Retroid

470
E8E7-B7DE

Update: sorry for all the people who missed out just earlier. This is a great deal at RRP. I was lucky to use my $25 coupon but it was a one-time use, but was pleasantly surprised to see the $10 code worked multiple times. I have another $10 coupon but that is also not working anymore, looks like each code has a limit and we've finished it. I have updated the post, with a $5 voucher, thanks michaelphillips. This code works for now, but you might have to be fast or the quantity will be used up. I think I also had another $5 and $3 code somewhere. I will be in touch with the team, and fingers-crossed will get an OzBargain code to share (eg Retrarse?).

Main Post
(Let's see if we can get this to front page!)
This is the best gaming handheld you can buy, apart from the Valve Steam Deck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMmn3MpHKTA
Thanks to our friend Taki, I've linked a coupon code (sorry Free vouchers taken) which takes USD $10 off. There's free postage in USA, but they're charging $15 to Australia. Normal cost is ~$170 AUD shipped, but I just paid $139. Not sure when the code will get inactive, but I suspect within a week or two. Think of it as paying double the amount of the Zelda Watch&Game, for something that does what Nintendon't.

Yes, I bought one. It makes for a good present.
However, due to parts shortage there is a +30 day delay, which I'm personally fine with. I should specify, whilst the site says "Pre-Order", it is more like "Back Order" because this product has already hit the market and been shipping to customers for a couple months. So you don't get the usual risks associated with a pre-order which might come with many hardware or software problems, or could even turn out to be vapourware (ie KickStarter campaigns).

I've replied to some comments below, this is from a passionate small team, and not a cheap toy or clone. It is better than higher-priced and lower-quality competitors from the likes of GPD, Anbernic, Powkiddy, etc etc. This system can run most emulators to a satisfactory level, as well as Android Apps, and Game Streaming. I have listed some examples in the comment below. If you have any questions, ask away!

Btw, great channels, and in-depth reviews here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy_ue_DpRkw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-Jtzj3wcbI

Available colours are:
- Orange shell, Black buttons
- Indigo shell, White buttons
- Black shell, Neon buttons
- Grey shell, RGBY buttons
- Grey shell, Maroon buttons

You can also buy all four, and mix and match parts. All units look good, but I'm not a fan of the Old Grey shell, the Matte Black is okay, but the Indigo and Orange shells are best. As for the Action Buttons, I'm not a fan of the Maroon (NES), also the Action Buttons that are completely Black are hard to see, the White buttons are okay, but the Neon-Black and the RGBY (SNES) Action Buttons are best. I would probably combine the Neon Buttons with the Orange shell… or perhaps the RGBY Buttons with the Indigo shell.

Side note: The best models actually were the limited-edition run they did with the FunTastic Collection. If this becomes available in the future, I would buy the shell to make the PCB upgrade. The expired options were: Ice Teal, Snow White, Frost Blue, Jungle Green, Dark Purple, Fire Orange, Watermelon Red, Clear case.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TGu4SGGHCQ

edit1: changed some wording, clarified the Pre-Order, re-worded the Transparent Cases, added some comments. See deal revision if you don't trust me.
edit2: made Update at top of listing.

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closed Comments

  • -8

    FYI it's just a generic console they've slapped their name on. Available from Aliexpress for about the same $136.86 + free shipping.

    • +2

      Link?

    • +11

      Link?

      That's actually not true.
      It is definitely not a "generic console" with their name slapped on it. This is a retro handheld that is designed by "GoRetroid" which is a team of enthusiasts in France, USA, and China and possibly other locales. As far as I'm aware, most of the work is done in France (design), with a team in USA (coding), and a team in China (manufacturing). They claimed to be open-source, but so far they haven't made the hardware details available for the (1, 2, and 2+) and for the kernel/source-code they have only released it for the 1 and 2 afai. They sell directly from their site, and also to other vendors (like on Aliexpress).

      However, the "generic consoles" that you are seeing which look like the RP2+ are either:
      1- Scam listings
      2- Just a middleman, profiting, selling higher price than GoRetroid
      3- Clones which are not comparable in software, hardware, features, support etc etc.

      • +1

        Yep, my mistake, didn't notice the 2+ upgrade.

  • +1

    what games / consoles does it do?

    • +6

      Everything from 1.5D to 2D Games:

      Game&Watch, Pong, Atari, Phillips Odyssey 2, Coleco Vision, MAME Arcades, Wonder Swan, NeoGeo Pocket, GBC, NES, Sega Master, Game Gear, Atari Lynx, NEC TurboXpress, NEC TurboGrafx 16, Sega Megadrive, Sega Nomad, SNK NeoGeo, SNES, GBA, 32X, MS DoSBox…. basically does these systems perfectly/without issues.

      Stepping up to the 2.5D and 3D systems:
      Sega Saturn, PS1, N64, NDS, Dreamcast, PSP…. all basically at or near-perfect.

      And here's where it starts to really struggle, with 3.1D Games:
      PS2 - about 25% performance
      3DS - about 33% performance
      GameCube - about 50% performance
      Wii - about 40% performance
      NSwitch - Egg NS about 5% performance, Skyline about 1% performance.
      ….for these systems focus on lighter titles and custom settings.

      Don't wait for these 3.3D games systems:
      Xbox, WindowsXp 32bit, PS Vita, Xbox 360, PS3, WiiU, XB1, PS4, Windows7 64bit, PS5, Xbox series X.

      It also natively plays AndroidOS Apps, which usually means lower battery drain and higher-graphical quality. The best looking Android Games that I know of are:
      Sky Children of Light, Morphite, Endless Nightmare, Shadow Fight 3, Infinity Blade 3, Dead Trigger 2, Shadowgun Legends, Asphalt 9 Legends, Real Racing 3, CoD Mobile, PubG Mobile, Fortnite, Genshin Impact, Ark Survival Evolved.

      There are some graphically more impressive games than those, and it comes courtesy thanks to having a port from the Nvidia Shield TV. If you are somewhat competent, these are some exclusive titles you could enjoy:
      Skateboard Party 3, Portal, The Witness, Half-Life 2, Doom 3, MG Revengence, Tomb Raider 2013

      You can do Game Streaming/Cloud Gaming on it too. Several options from the likes of:
      PC-Moonlight, Steam Link, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Game Pass, PS Remote Play, PS Now (cloud), Google Stadia.

      • +1

        If only we could get ps2, 3ds, GameCube, og xbox, vita.. Just to do away with my old consoles. No other reason.

    • Upto GameCube/Dreamcast/PSP/PS1 and almost everything before except few odd balls like Sega Saturn which is very hard to emulate on most platforms

  • What's the battery life like?

  • +9

    Spent 2k on a laptop only few hours ago and now this. Ramen for the next 6 months I guess

    • +3

      This is the way

    • +1

      Ramen isn't going to be a cheap option with wheat prices going through the roof due to the war in Ukraine!

    • +1

      Somebody hasn't seen the reports that instant noodles are about to be hit with a price increase…

  • I don't see the alternate case colours like Ice Teal etc, would those be off Ali?

    • +2

      Nah they were official ones from Retroid that are sold out. Might get lucky on Ebay etc

      • Bugger, what a tease by OP.

  • One of the Anbernic devices has hdmi out albeit with dodgy implementation. So i'm kind of holding out for a newer model with hdmi out because I think this would be a bit of a game changer for me. The RP2+ is a great device though.

    • +2

      This has proper HDMI out, unlike the Anbernic units (likely a Linux Distro implementation issue). The caveat with the RP2+ is that it has a 4:3 screen, so the TV-out is also in the same format. I think they will make an update soon, where it will give you the option to toggle that to 16:9 as that has been a highly requested feature. And the team has a pretty great track-record for software updates on the three devices so far.

  • I wish Miyoo Mini was easier to buy

    • Yeah I've been waiting in mine for months

  • +1

    I dream of a day where portable handheld can handle ps2 at stable fps. God I miss kingdom hearts, timesplitters, dark chronicles and Godhand.

    Until then waiting to see how steamdeck pans out - have an rg351mp to tide me over until then.

    • +5

      I wouldn't wait if I were you.
      Get the Valve Steam Deck as soon as possible. It's going to be harder to find than the PS5, XsX, and Gaming PCs… it's just that good. However, it is a portable device similar to a large tablet. It is not pocketable.

      You never contemplated the GPD Win 2?
      That 2018 niche device was around the limits of pocketability, had acceptable battery life, and yes was powerful enough to do PS2 Emulation through its more optimised Intel/x86 Windows10 OS (PCSX2 program). We've had DamonPS2 on ARM/Android for a long time but I've never recommended it, and only recently this year was AetherSX2 finally released on the PlayStore. It runs fairly PS2 well on high-end Snapdragon phones, and not too bad on the upcoming "AYN Odin Pro" handheld device.

      I also think you should buy the RP2+ above now. The RG351mp can tide you over until it arrives, then you should sell that asap, or set it up, and gift it as a hand-me-down. The Retroid is just that much better than the Anbernic. It makes sense to own the RP2+ and VSD since they complement each other, rather than compete: one is great solution for outdoor gaming whilst the other is more for indoor gaming.

      rant:
      Just as background info, we've had some expensive, powerful and niche devices in the field from time to time. But in the mainstream segment, where they are pocketable and affordable, these retro systems became heated up fairly recently. See their evolution from:
      2017 Modded PSP-3000
      2018 Jailbroken PS Vita
      2019 PowKiddy RK2020
      2020 Retroid Pocket 2
      2021 Anbernic RGB10 Max2
      2022 Retroid Pocket 2+.

      • +1

        My RG351V does all I need it too.

        • How's a modded ps vita compare to Retroid Pocket 2+?

          I already got 1 x oled vita and 3 x 2000 models

          • @Circly: I just recently modded my OLED vita and it's amazing.
            The only downside is a lack of l2 and r2 buttons if you plan on playing PS1 games. It also has a limited compatibility with N64 and a couple other consoles from around the same time. That said, it does have a much better homebrew/porting scene.
            The L2 R2 thing can be fixed with an accessory from aliexpress or ebay, also.

            I'd say that in most cases if you have a vita you won't need this.

            • @chul00p4: I stupidly updated the firmware. Is it possible to mod still?

            • +1

              @chul00p4: I played PS1 Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Crash Bandicoot and I think a few others and I found it ok.

              I think you can get away with it but yeah dedicated L3/R3 buttons are better.

              I did install henkaku a few years ago and I think I tried a snes game on it and then didn't touch it again.. I didn't like how you had to run henkaku every single time from a browser. Hopefully there are more convenient methods now?

              • @Circly: Yeah the current mods load at book, so you don't need to stuff around too much.
                When it comes to retro emulation you just need to install Retroarch and can launch retro from there.
                There's also now ways to add games from retroarch as tiles on the vita homescreen to launch straight from there. It's wayyyy more streamlined than it ever used to be.

      • Still no word on an official aussie date of release/ price. I feel by the time we get v1, they'll be up to steam deck v2 in rest of the world HAHA

        Still got a $500 JB voucher burning a hole in my pocket so would be nice if JB get a crack at it - but realistically probably going to be another EB exclusive.

  • Why not just buy a kishin/generic bt controller and use your phone? Chances are you've got a mid/flagship with better specs than this.

    This is my first time looking into this product but it seems you have to do all the setting up yourself. ie. emulators and roms. I mean if I'm gonna go through all that trouble, I'd do it to a device I have 100% of the time tbh

    • +2

      Once you use a device like this, you’ll understand.

      • -3

        There's no way I'd enjoy playing on a 3.5" screen. The switch is borderline too small for me already

        • +1

          It's probably one of those things, where you try it and eventually get used to it.

          If you are thinking about a phone-console, the best option is to get the Samsung S10+ (QSD 855 version) with 256GB storage. Then root it. And use it with the Razer JungleCat controller.
          …this way, you still have access to a decent "flagship" phone, and the two controllers can be removed, slapped together, and thrown in a pocket together. Making it a pocketable console.

          Buying a controller like the: GameSir T1s, iPega Double-Spike 9167, or Razer Kishi… well these aren't pocketable. They're too big.

          • @Kangal: why root it? you have access to apps already i have most of them downloaded on my s22

  • Does it come with pre installed roms? Or can anyone pm me where to DL. This looks good will order. Thanks

    • +2

      Or can anyone pm me where to DL.

      Google it. It’s not like it’s hard to find roms.

      Make sure you get a good set, nointro, ReDump etc. Spend some time researching about good dumps. Don’t just use random roms from shitty websites that aren’t verified as being one of the above.

      Look into making 1G1R sets if you want complete set of games for systems.

      Don’t pm me. I won’t share links to copyrighted material via OzBargain. It’s not the place. Reddit has a whole community for Roms.

      • There are some pretty cool romhacks floating around too eg Pokemon Unbound - which is a hack based off Fire Red. Actually quite enjoyable with lots of QoL features.

  • Must resist. Too many handheld devices already!

  • +1

    The Odin is better but this is half the price.

    I have a RP2+ and it’s really fun but the screen is small.

    • -1

      I'm not a fan of the Odin.
      It's too expensive compared to competitors (fixable), it's processor is too slow for a flagship (somewhat important), and finally it's too big to take with you wherever you go (unchangeable fact). Also not a fan of the off-set joystick which affects ergonomics.

      So I would rather choose something pocketable, like the RP2+, or I would want a better emulation/gaming experience inside the house and that would be through a Gaming PC or the Valve Steam Deck. But those are just my preferences.

  • I got the 2, it’s great.
    Shipping took an age and a half from pre order though.
    The screen could be improved and maybe better wifi but apart from that it’s solid.
    Oh, still need to update the android 6 it came with… when I figure that out

  • -6

    Interesting, but for retro you can get a working Gameboy advance for cheaper

    • +1

      And? Does a GBA play PlayStation and Dreamcast games? No.

    • +2

      This machine is way better. I bet even GBA looks better on this.

    • Have a think about what the games the gameboy advance can play and then think about what games the RP2 can play.

  • +2

    Getting "discount code isn’t valid for the items in your cart"

  • +1

    PiBoy-DMG. Google it.

    • Wow, they should have something out with a keyboard like the Pocket Chip, I'd be all over it.

  • Does anyone know if this will arrive before Christmas?

    • Which Christmas? Christmas in July which Australians say they Celebrate or the Christmas in December which Australians fake to appease the Winter bullies?:)

  • Can you link these up and play multiplayer games on separate screens?

  • +1

    already have a modded new 3ds xl red, has two screens and touch screen. is this better? or no point upgrading?
    can also just get these games on your mobile phone

    • +2

      RP2 is an emulation device. Unless your 3ds with 2 screens and touch screen can emulate every console up to Dreamcast then no point upgrading.

  • +2

    Upon using the code there's an error msg "1.0.0.8 discount code isn’t valid for the items in your cart"

    Guess it is already expired

  • +1

    code doesn't work, it's now US$114
    https://imgur.com/a/0UFIJed

  • +1

    Didn't work for me

    1.0.0.8 discount code isn’t valid for the items in your cart

    • +2

      Same, guess i'll wait and see if they restock the funtastic transparent styles before steam release the deck in australia.

  • +3

    RP2+ Videos to watch:

    Some minor problems to be aware of: https://youtu.be/SAjHN2-sPgE

    Actual expenses to get into Retro Gaming with RP2+: https://youtu.be/cOtd4JPqXXw

    Retro Beginner Review: https://youtu.be/ZZ8QW31499o

    RP2+ Miscellaneous Features: https://youtu.be/PuOMLdn1gzQ

    Some Realtime Gameplays:

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8cjqludRLugCiW3GTuZd…

  • Hopefully a similar deal is offered soon.
    I saw a unit on Amazon, but it wasn't the 2Plus

  • +1

    For people who missed on this deal, I would say even without the deal this device is very much worth $99 USD if you are in lookout for a portable retro gaming device.

  • +5

    Hey everyone who missed out, I hunted down a discount code online for $5 off, not $10 like OP's code but at least it works! :)

    Discount Code: E8E7-B7DE

  • I have a retroid pocket 2+.

    It’s ok but it doesn’t really offer anything new that my GPD XD offered me years ago.

    I regret not putting the money towards a steam deck or a Odin pro

    • A bit more Gamecube, Dreamcast ,PSP and a little PS2 performance with a polished software experience with the added benefit of playing some android games as if they are made for console especially for people who are just getting into retro gaming.

      If you are planning to splurge for Steam Deck north of 650AUD and you already have GPD XD then saving this $150 AUD make a lot more sense. Only steam deck has the same VFM money ratio as RP2+ and both are hard to get after making the pre-order.

      Steam Deck is still kind of unobtanium for Aussies as No dates known. Only way is getting it shipped from US thru friend/fam. Once you get it you can even sell your RP2+ and GPD because I don't think you will need any of those if you have a steam deck.

      • Also, the GPD XD has been marred by QC issues. The software on it has been pretty gross. It was priced around AUD $400. But if you had bought one several years ago, then yes, you wouldn't have needed to upgrade the device. It's took until 2021 to properly dethrone it.

        Today, you have a decent LineageOS ROM (unofficial), it is around $330 price, and it is at it's end-of-life phase as being officially discontinued by the company. So it isn't very competitive with the current market of portable retro machines.

        The biggest advantage it has over the RP2+ (and others), is that it uses a 16:9 screen, with a 720p resolution, that's quiet large at a 5.0 inch size.

  • Apart from the form factor (and 3ds screen which is sometimes too large on older games) is there any other big difference between this and using my 3ds with some 'hacks' to play gameboy games etc? The 3ds is pretty powerful already, you can get it (or you could 2 years ago) pretty cheaply, and it comes from a big manufacter.

    • +2

      Beautiful Emulation performance with many Gamecube, Dreamcast, PSP, PSX and other platform titles which I doubt you may be able to do with a 3ds. But if you are satisfied with 3ds games and some low end emulation then 3DS should be enough.

      • I see. Not for me as I don't play these older games apart from the odd emulation that can be handled by 3ds (definitely noticed that it does play awkward with the bigger screen and different form factor.) Thank you however for the explanation if I were more into retro gaming I think I could justify it.

  • If a device like this had a cellular modem, I'd be tempted to use it instead of a phone - mostly use buds for the few calls I make anyway.

    • +1

      Cellular Modem: YES
      Cellular Antenna: NO
      Cellular Capable Signal Amplifiers: NO
      Sim Slot: NO

      It takes a lot more to produce a cellular device even if using a chipset with embedded 4G/5G baseband.

      Your best bet is getting a LG V50 korean (sub 200 AUD) and then use a controller which slots in the phone for that use case.

  • +1

    Honestly take a + just for the writeup OP, I looked into these when they first came out with the previous model the 2 non plus and forgot about it after lacklustre reviews. I've been tracking the handheld emulator market for well over a year now and absorbing all sorts of content but have never taken the splash; every single unit has just something thats not quite up to scratch; even this, the right joystick movement annoys many a reviewer.

    However, I just watched WULFF DEN on how handheld Emulators are GOOD Now? and whilst i'd love what he calls the King of Emulation the AYN Odin the eye-watering accompanying price tag is just too much to swallow. Interestingly he posed a question at the end of the Emulators are GOOD Now? - "Is this the thing that's finally gonna get you into retro handhelds?" and after your amazing post and all the videos posted above, i think I might bite the bullet, you're all such bad influences. My bank account does not thank you but I do.

    Will wait to see if other coupons become available otherwise i'll have ozb regret if I see it posted up cheaper a few hours from now.

    edit: Shipping delays are pretty extreme, current delays are apparently a 77 days or higher

    • +1

      My opinion is everything just decimates once Steam Deck reaches GA. Nothing matches the price performance of a quad core zen3+rdna2 with the excellent ergonomics, build quality and control scheme of steam deck along with optimized steam os.

      Even then that is in an entirely different price bracket compared to this. So at $120 USD there is not a single product that is in direct competition to this right now.

    • Thank you for the upvote : )

      Whilst I agree the AYN Odin is "better" (snapdragon drivers, better screen, right joystick) it really isn't. Sure it has a bigger battery but it is heavier and more power hungry. Sure it has a bigger display, but the whole unit is much larger. At the end of the day, it is about x3 larger and it costs x3 more money. I wouldn't say they are necessarily competitors (RP2+ slides into jeans and is great on the bus. The AYN needs a backpack and is better around the house). The Valve Steam Deck is in a similar category, but that one is even larger and costs even more money, but ultimately it is much more capable than the other two units.

      When I bought mine, it looked like it was 55 days delay. But when I double-checked it only showed a 30 day delay. And that's because one of the factories in Shenzhen closed down temporarily. I don't want to jinx it, hopefully they'll get back to regular production capacity/rate soon. Despite the delays, I still recommend buying it.

      Why?
      Because it is not likely that we will get something better announced soon (Xiaomi is large and afraid of IP infringement, AYN Odin will not get price reductions as it has only ever increased, PowKiddy has serious QC issues, GPD is always over-priced, whilst a more powerful Anbernic would still lack Android, Touchscreen, Wifi, etc etc). And even if out-of-the-left-field something phenomenal is announced, has it been verified? Let's say the major enthusiasts receive a review unit, test it, and are happy… well, it still needs to be released. So that company will likely experience the same chip-shortage issue like everyone else. By the time your delayed RP2+ is received, there's heaps of time to fiddle with it, learn, and eventually gift it or sell it, then upgrade if you really wanted to. I can't imagine you'd lose much money selling it, in fact, you probably would make a profit.

  • Is this better than a modded Vita?

    • Can modded vita play Gamecube/Dreamcast and some PS2 games like this does?

    • +1

      This also has the 4:3 aspect ratio, so if you're into retro games, the screen will be better suited and not have black bars on the sides.

  • So this works fine with Mame/Coin-Op/Arcade ( to Mid 90s?) okay?

    • Yes of course. Anything until late 90's bar some exceptions like Sega Saturn.

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