In the world of portable gaming, Retroid has introduced a new budget-friendly gaming handheld, the Retroid Pocket 2S. Equipped with advanced hall effect joysticks, a Unisoc Tiger T610 chipset, and running on Android 11, this compact device promises an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price. In this article, we will delve into the specifications and features of the Retroid Pocket 2S, exploring its hardware, software, and gaming capabilities.
Design and Dimensions
The Retroid Pocket 2S boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring 155 x 80.6 x 28 mm and weighing just 200g. Its compact size ensures ease of portability, allowing gaming enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite titles on-the-go. Adding a touch of personalization, the device comes in six vibrant colours, offering options for users to choose from based on their preferences.
Hardware Specifications
Unisoc Tiger T610 Chipset
At the core of the Retroid Pocket 2S lies the Unisoc Tiger T610 chipset, a budget-friendly but capable system-on-chip (SoC). This chipset incorporates two powerful ARM Cortex-A75 CPU cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, providing smooth and efficient performance for gaming and multitasking. Additionally, it features six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores running at the same clock speed to handle less demanding tasks, ensuring optimal power consumption.
Mali-G52 MC2 GPU
The Retroid Pocket 2S integrates the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, operating at a clock speed of 614 MHz. This GPU delivers impressive graphics processing capabilities, allowing users to experience high-quality visuals and smooth frame rates during gameplay. It ensures an engaging gaming experience without compromising on battery life.
3.5-inch Touchscreen Display
The device sports a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, featuring a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The 60 Hz refresh rate guarantees smooth screen transitions and responsive touch controls, providing an enjoyable gaming experience.
Hall Effect Joysticks
One of the highlights of the Retroid Pocket 2S is its hall effect joysticks. Unlike conventional joysticks that rely on physical components for movement, hall effect joysticks utilize magnetic sensors to detect changes in magnetic fields. This design offers improved precision and durability, ensuring more accurate and reliable control during gameplay.
Memory and Storage Options
The Retroid Pocket 2S comes in two variants, differing in RAM and storage capacities. The base model features 3 GB of RAM paired with 32 GB of internal storage, while the higher-end model offers 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Users can choose the variant that best suits their gaming needs and storage requirements.
Battery
To power extended gaming sessions, the Retroid Pocket 2S is equipped with a robust 4,000 mAh battery. The combination of energy-efficient components and a well-optimized operating system allows for longer playtimes without the need for frequent recharging.
Software and OS
Running on Android 11, the Retroid Pocket 2S offers a familiar and user-friendly interface for gamers. Users can access a vast library of games and applications available on the Google Play Store. Android 11 introduces various optimizations and improvements, enhancing the overall performance and user experience.
Retroid has committed to providing 'incremental software upgrades,' ensuring that the device stays up-to-date with bug fixes and performance enhancements. However, it's worth noting that there is no confirmation yet about the availability of major OS updates, such as Android 12 or beyond.
Pricing and Availability
The Retroid Pocket 2S is currently available for pre-order, with shipments scheduled to start on August 10. The base model, featuring 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, is priced at US$99, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious gamers. Alternatively, for those seeking more storage and memory, the 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage variant is available at US$119, still maintaining an affordable price point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Retroid Pocket 2S is an impressive budget gaming handheld that packs a punch with its Unisoc Tiger T610 chipset, hall effect joysticks, and Android 11 operating system. Its compact design, coupled with the option to choose from six vibrant colours, makes it an attractive choice for gamers who seek a portable and customizable gaming experience. With its affordability and promising specifications, the Retroid Pocket 2S stands out as a strong contender in the handheld gaming market, offering great value for gaming enthusiasts.
