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]