Retro Joy Lab 레트로 즐거움의 활력소

[태그:] PSP emulator

  • Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Review – The Perfect Commute Companion for Retro Gamers

    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]

  • 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]