Retro Joy Lab – Fuel for Retro Joy

[카테고리:] Retro Consoles

  • Retroid Pocket 5 Mini V2 – Hands-On Review

    By Super Asurada 77 | Retro Joy Lab

    Retroid has released both the Retroid Pocket 5 and its smaller sibling, the Pocket 5 Mini.
    However, many users complained about the smaller screen size.

    Then, quite suddenly, Retroid dropped the V2 version — and it’s now officially available on their website.
    I managed to get my hands on one and gave it a proper test.


    One of the biggest strengths of the Pocket 5 Mini is its light weight.

    The regular Pocket 5 weighs about 282 g, but the Mini tips the scale at only 233 g — incredibly light.
    Among all handhelds in the 200-gram class, this one easily leads in performance.

    It uses the same Snapdragon 865 chipset as the Pocket 5 — the very same chip found in the Galaxy S20 Plus.

    Unlike smartphones that can throttle performance due to heat (since they lack a fan),
    the Pocket 5 Mini includes active cooling, keeping frame drops under control even during demanding games.

    Performance:
    Even at 3× internal resolution, PS2 games run smoothly without lag.

    Kunoichi — a game that usually stutters on many handhelds — runs beautifully on this device.

    Onimusha 2 also plays effortlessly.

    Tekken 5 runs perfectly fine too.

    Even Super Robot Wars Impact performs like a charm.

    However…

    When you open the map view, things get tough for us 40- or 50-something gamers with aging eyes.

    It’s really hard to tell the units apart! On the 2D tactical map, you can only distinguish red and blue units —
    but identifying the individual mechs is nearly impossible, even with the upgraded 3.9-inch display.

    On PSP, the screen appears slightly cropped at the top and bottom — so everything looks smaller.

    If you adjust the display scaling in the PSP emulator, it becomes much more comfortable to watch.

    At 1:1 aspect ratio, it feels crisp and clear —

    But returning to the original ratio makes it tiny again.
    Oh, my eyes… if only I could get my youth back!

    Nintendo DS requires some tweaking too — the left and right edges may get cut off depending on the layout.

    Still, NDS games run extremely well.

    If the Pocket 5 Mini V2 handles Tekken 5 smoothly, then Tekken 3 (PS1) is absolute perfection.
    Even when you crank up all the graphical enhancements in the core settings, it doesn’t break a sweat.

    Famicom (NES) originally had an 8:7 pixel aspect ratio,
    but on CRT TVs it was stretched to 4:3.
    With the emulator set to 8:7, you get a much more natural and satisfying view.

    Super Famicom (SNES) uses a similar ratio — set it to 8:7 and it looks fantastic on the V2 screen.
    This is one of the biggest visual advantages of the new version.

    Game Boy titles, with their nearly 1:1 aspect ratio, look perfect on the V2 display.

    Neo Geo Pocket games also match beautifully with this screen.

    And Game Boy Color runs wonderfully as well.
    You can enjoy most portable console titles in their original aspect ratios,
    almost identical to the feel of real hardware.

    Surprisingly, even Game Boy Advance titles look good —
    though you’ll notice thin letterbox bars on top and bottom, the image fits the V2 display naturally.

    I also compared PS2 gameplay between the Pocket 5 and Pocket 5 Mini V2.
    The difference? Practically none in performance.
    However, those tiny map screens will definitely test your eyesight!

    When it comes to Super Famicom games, the V2’s native 8:7 ratio really shines.
    Despite the smaller screen, it doesn’t feel cramped compared to the Pocket 5.

    Same goes for Famicom titles.

    NDS games are surprisingly enjoyable too.

    Interestingly, GBA graphics even appear sharper on the Mini V2 —
    whereas on the Pocket 5 you can clearly see the pixel grid.

    When it comes to Game Boy, the Pocket 5 Mini V2 wins hands down.

    If you enjoy long sessions — say, a full hour of Super Robot Wars —
    you’ll appreciate the comfort and lightness.

    For comparison: playing the same game on the Odin 2 while lying down
    can make your wrist ache after an hour.
    The Mini V2, however, feels feather-light.

    Verdict

    If you value portability and want to enjoy classic consoles like the Famicom and Super Famicom
    in their authentic screen ratios, the Retroid Pocket 5 Mini V2 is highly recommended.

    It’s also a great choice for those who want smooth PS2 performance in a compact form.

    However, if your eyesight isn’t what it used to be,
    you might be happier sticking with the Pocket 5 instead — the larger display makes a real difference.

    A Few Notes

    • Bluetooth audio can disconnect occasionally in the subway — more often than on the Pocket 5 —
      but it only happens in weak-signal areas.
    • Charging: Supports fast charging.
      Don’t use a 5 V 1 A charger — it may overload and overheat.
      Always use 5 V 2 A or 9 V chargers for safety.

    Enjoy your retro gaming life!
    🎮 — Super Asurada 77

    Original article in Korean: [link]

  • RG477M Review – 4.7-inch Retro Gaming Powerhouse

    Hello everyone, this is Super Asurada77.

    The RG477M is a retro handheld console with a 4.7-inch display, 1280×960 resolution, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate.
    Its metal body gives it a premium look and feel — one you can proudly take out and play on the subway without hesitation.

    Although it’s portable, it weighs about 365g, which might feel a bit hefty at first.
    The metal body gives it that luxury feel, but it also adds to the overall weight.

    Still, even during a one-hour subway commute, I didn’t really find it tiring to hold — probably because I rested it on my backpack while playing. 😄

    The 4:3 ratio 4.7-inch screen is absolutely perfect for retro gaming.
    Especially for those of us in our 40s and 50s, this screen feels like a cure for aging eyes!
    It’s easy on the eyes — truly comfortable.

    The ABXY buttons are quiet enough to enjoy shooting games even in public.
    However, the L1/L2 and R1/R2 buttons make a noticeable clicking sound, so I tend to avoid pressing them too much.

    See that vent? Even when playing PS2 games, the device barely gets warm.
    I was hoping it could double as a hand-warmer in winter… but nope, it stays cool! 😆

    The fan noise is audible, but once you plug in your earphones, it fades into the background.

    Because the R2 and L2 buttons aren’t analog triggers, games that require pressing both can feel a bit awkward to hold.
    But hey, just play games that don’t need them! 😂

    It supports 3.5mm headphones, and even 4-pole headsets work perfectly.
    However, when using Bluetooth earphones, I sometimes experienced disconnections in specific subway sections — but the signal returns right after passing those areas. T.T

    You can enjoy PS2 games in 4:3 ratio on this 4.7-inch screen without letterboxing.
    For middle-aged eyes, it’s a true blessing. 👀✨

    In Super Robot Wars Impact, the map and robot icons look crystal clear.
    On the Retroid Pocket 5 Mini, it was hard to tell whether I was looking at Mazinger or Great Mazinger, but
    on the RG477M, the difference is obvious — which makes me really happy.

    Recently, SEGA Ages Virtua Fighter 2 for PS2 runs perfectly after emulator updates.
    There’s minor glitching on the character selection screen, but gameplay is smooth.

    The Retroid Pocket 5 also runs it fine, but at 3x resolution the performance drops noticeably.
    On the RG477M, however, you can knock down your opponent, jump up, and slam them at full speed — even at 3x scaling.
    (2x scaling also runs well on the Pocket 5.)

    When you play PSP games (16:9) on the 4:3 screen, you’ll get letterboxing at the top and bottom.
    It makes the image appear smaller, but still perfectly playable.

    If you stretch it to full screen, it fills the display — though characters look a bit elongated. 😅

    Here’s the original ratio screen of PSP Super Robot Wars A Portable.

    And this is the stretched full-screen version — taller and thinner, but still playable.

    PSP Tekken 5 in its original aspect ratio.

    And here’s the full-screen stretched version — the fighters look long and lean. 😂

    Now here’s Bubble Bobble running on the 4.7-inch 4:3 display.
    Looks spacious, right? Super comfortable on the eyes!

    Super Famicom (SNES) games also look amazing on this wide 4:3 screen.

    Here’s Game Boy Super Robot Wars G — you can see a slight letterbox on the sides,
    but it’s still a great experience on the larger display.

    Famicom (NES) Super Mario 3 also looks great on the big screen,
    though pressing A and B together can be tricky due to the narrow button spacing.
    But hey, just skip the running and focus on jumping! 😆

    Even MAME Run and Gun 2 runs beautifully — smooth and vibrant!

    Here’s a size comparison between the Retroid Pocket 5 (top) and the RG477M (bottom), both in 4:3 mode.
    The RG477M’s display is clearly larger, though the Pocket 5 still holds up nicely.

    Here’s another comparison — PS2 Super Robot Wars Impact:
    the Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
    Notice how much larger the text appears on the RG477M.

    And this one compares PSP gameplay — Pocket 5 (top) and RG477M (bottom) stretched to full screen.
    The RG477M still handles PSP games decently well!

    Here’s the original aspect ratio comparison — Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
    Smaller but much sharper and cleaner visuals on the RG477M.

    Here’s Yoshi’s Island on SFC (SNES) — Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
    The 4.7-inch 4:3 screen truly shines for retro titles like this.

    Game Boy games look pretty similar between the two devices.

    Finally, GBA (Game Boy Advance) comparison — Pocket 5 (top) vs RG477M (bottom).
    The RG477M’s screen is slightly smaller but still crisp and clear — perfectly enjoyable. 😄

    Make sure to use a 5V 2A charger or higher!
    Using a 5V 1A charger can overheat or even damage it — mine got really hot during charging.

    With my daily 3-hour commute, the battery easily lasted until Wednesday, which is pretty impressive!

    Final Thoughts

    Despite a few downsides — a bit of weight, Bluetooth dropouts in certain subway areas, and slightly awkward R2/L2 buttons —
    the 4.7-inch 4:3 screen is a huge strength, especially for middle-aged gamers fighting presbyopia. 👓

    It’s a wonderful retro gaming device that brings back old-school joy without eye strain.

    Enjoy your retro adventures, everyone!
    – Super Asurada77, Retro Joy Lab

    Original article in Korean: [link]