This new device is a love letter to retro gaming enthusiasts, blending nostalgic design with modern features. Let’s dive into everything we know so far about the Retroid Pocket Classic, from its vibrant colour options to its impressive screen specs and what it could mean for the future of retro handhelds.
A Nostalgic Design with Modern Flair
The Retroid Pocket Classic is a vertical handheld that pays homage to the classic Game Boy era. Its design is simple yet striking, featuring a large, nearly square screen and a button layout reminiscent of retro consoles. Notably, the device lacks an analogue stick, which hints at its focus on older retro games rather than modern titles.
The front of the device features a D-pad, X, Y, A, and B buttons, with the A and B buttons coloured green and red, respectively, adding a playful touch. The Start, Select, and Menu buttons are present but curiously off-centre, which made sense after the reveal of the Sega inspired Classic 6 button option. A front-firing speaker is positioned on the lower-right corner, ensuring clear audio for your gaming sessions.
Retroid Pocket Classic Color Options
One of the standout features of the RP Classic is its wide range of colour options. Retroid has gone all out, offering seven distinct colourways to suit every taste.
- PKM Yellow – A bright yellow shell with a deep purple D-pad and green/red A/B buttons.
- Retro – Inspired by the original Game Boy DMG.
- Berry – A bold pink option for those who love a pop of colour.
- Atomic Purple – A transparent purple design reminiscent of the Nintendo 64 era.
- Teal – A cool, calming shade perfect for fans of the Game Boy Color.
- Kiwi – A vibrant lime green option.
- Classic 6 – A six-button variant inspired by the Sega Saturn controller, offering additional functionality for emulating systems like the N64, Sega Saturn, and Sega Genesis.
These colour options are a major selling point, as they cater to both nostalgia and personal style. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Game Boy look or prefer something more vibrant, there’s a RP Classic for you.
Retroid Pocket Classic Screen Specs
Retroid has revealed that the Pocket Classic will feature a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1240 x 1080. This unique aspect ratio of 31:27 (10⅓:9) is nearly a perfect match for the Game Boy and Game Boy Color’s 10:9 aspect ratio, making it ideal for retro game emulation.
The AMOLED display ensures vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, while the 500-nit brightness guarantees visibility even in well-lit environments. This screen technology places the Retroid Pocket Classic in a premium category, rivalling devices like the AYANEO Pocket DMG but potentially at a more affordable price point.
Retroid Pocket Classic Specs
While Retroid has been tight-lipped about the internal specs, the lack of an analogue stick and the focus on retro gaming suggest that the Pocket Classic may not feature a high-end chipset. Instead, it could opt for a more budget-friendly processor, keeping the price accessible for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The original Retroid Pocket, released in 2019, used a slimmed-down version of Android, and given Retroid’s history, it’s likely the Pocket Classic will follow suit. However, the possibility of a Linux-based OS optimized for retro gaming hasn’t been ruled out.
If Retroid can deliver solid performance at an affordable price, the Pocket Classic could become the go-to device for retro gaming enthusiasts. Its focus on Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulation, coupled with the six-button variant for more complex systems, makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of gamers.
What’s Next?
Retroid has been on a roll with announcements, and the pace suggests that more details about the Pocket Classic are just around the corner. Specs, pricing, and release dates are expected to be revealed soon, with a Spring 2025 release likely.
For now, retro gaming fans can look forward to a device that combines the best of the past and present. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering classic games for the first time, the RP Classic promises to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience.
Stay tuned for updates! As Retroid continues to unveil more details about the Pocket Classic, we’ll be here to keep you informed. In the meantime, let us know in the comments—which colour option are you most excited about?
