Hi everyone, this is Super Asurada 77.

During my daily commute, I often play retro games on the Trimui Smart Pro.
However, connecting wired earphones every time became inconvenient, so I decided to pick up the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for its excellent Bluetooth audio support.

Design & Build Quality

Unlike the Retroid Pocket 3+, the Pocket 4 Pro uses a different texture — it’s slightly rough to the touch instead of glossy smooth.
While this helps grip a little, long gaming sessions can still feel uncomfortable without an additional grip accessory.

Multimedia & Connectivity

The device supports Wi-Fi streaming, so you can watch Netflix or YouTube on the go.
However, since most subway Wi-Fi networks are unstable, expect occasional buffering or interruptions.
Keep in mind that this model does not support SIM cards, so you’ll need Wi-Fi access for all online services.

Everyday Use

When walking through transfer stations, I sometimes listen to music through Alsong while carrying the device.
Of course, please don’t walk while playing games or staring at the screen — safety first!

Bluetooth Audio Experience

Bluetooth earphone performance was excellent — almost no latency or dropouts.
The Trimui Smart Pro also supports Bluetooth, but with noticeable lag and frequent disconnections.
In contrast, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro delivers a stable, smooth experience — perfect for wireless gaming during commutes.

Size & Weight

Here’s a comparison: the device above is the Odin 2, which looks massive next to the Pocket 4 Pro.
After playing on the smaller Pocket 4 Pro, switching to the Odin 2 feels like entering a wide open space.

The Odin 2 is larger and heavier — weighing 426 g, while the Pocket 4 Pro weighs 274 g.
It’s heavier than compact handhelds under 200 g, but still light enough for extended use without much fatigue.

Buttons & Ports

The top edge houses the power and volume buttons.
The L2/R2 triggers are analog type, offering smoother control.

At the bottom, you’ll find the USB-C charging port and 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Always use a fast charger — a 5 V 1 A or 1.5 A charger can overheat or even fail, so stick with proper high-output chargers.

Gaming Performance

The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro handles most emulators impressively.
With the exception of some PlayStation 2 titles, it runs NDS, PSP, and all older systems flawlessly.

PS2 Emulator Test

I used Vulkan renderer at 2× resolution.

• Dead or Alive 2: runs perfectly smooth at 2×.
• Super Robot Wars Impact: smoother than on Odin Lite — menus and battle screens stay responsive even at 2×.
• Tekken 5: flawless at 2×.
• Winning Eleven 7 International: no slowdown at 2×.
• Onimusha 2: solid 2× performance.
• Dynasty Warriors 4: plays great at 2×.
• Virtua Fighter 4: stable at 2×.

Temperature & Heat

At the start of PS2 emulation, internal temperature measured 38.5 °C (after some prior testing).

After over 30 minutes of Virtua Fighter 4 at 2× resolution, it rose to 46 °C, which feels warm but not uncomfortable to the touch.

Tougher Titles

• Soul Calibur 3: struggles even at 1× on Vulkan; switching to OpenGL helps a little, but slowdown remains.
• Soul Calibur 2: lags at 1× on Vulkan, yet runs smoothly at 2× when switched to OpenGL.
• Kunoichi: stutters even at 1×, regardless of renderer.

For comparison, even the Odin Lite struggles with these titles, while the Odin 2 handles them effortlessly at 3× resolution — truly a powerhouse.

Overall Impressions

For commuters seeking a portable console that supports Bluetooth earphones and offers solid emulation up to PS2 level, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a fantastic choice.
You can occasionally stream Netflix or YouTube and even listen to music on the same device — all in one compact package.

However, the 4.7-inch display might feel small for users with aging eyes, and some PS2 games still show frame drops.
The D-pad is placed above the analog stick, which is great for retro gaming but awkward for those who prefer analog control.
Grip comfort is limited out of the box, but can be improved with an aftermarket grip (at the cost of added weight).

Final Thoughts

I initially considered using the Retroid Pocket 2S for commuting, but its 3.5-inch screen and lower PS2 performance made it unsuitable.
Upgrading to the Pocket 4 Pro has been the perfect solution — compact, capable, and comfortable for daily subway gaming.

So if you happen to spot a tall middle-aged guy playing retro games on a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro during rush hour —
that might just be me.

Original article in Korean: [link]