Retro Joy Lab 레트로 즐거움의 활력소

[태그:] Retroid Pocket

  • Choosing a Retro Handheld Based on Your Stage of Fatherhood

    Hello, this is Super Asurada 77.

    Usually, people choose retro game consoles based on price and performance specs. While that works for the younger crowd, for a family man balancing work and childcare, the criteria change completely. It’s not about the fastest processor—it’s about how much “Dad Time” you actually have.

    Here are my recommendations for the best handhelds tailored to your specific stage of parenting.

    1. The “New Dad” Stage (Toddler / 1-2 Years Old) Recommendation: Anbernic RG35XX SP

    If you are a dad in your early 30s with a toddler, the RG35XX SP is your best friend.

    Let’s be honest—you can’t just sit on the couch and game openly anymore. You need something for those short, stealthy sessions while the baby is finally napping. This device is compact, foldable, and perfect for sneaking in quick gaming breaks without getting caught. It’s the compact economy car of handhelds—small, efficient, and gets the job done.

    2. The “Elementary School” Stage (Mid-30s, Lower Grades) Recommendation: Anbernic RG Cube

    For this stage, I recommend the RG CUBE.

    Think of this as the reliable sedan (like a Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra) of the handheld world—a perfect balance of design, performance, and price. You’ve finally graduated from all-day diaper duty, but you aren’t completely free yet. This device fits that “in-between” phase perfectly, offering a great experience for the pockets of free time you’re starting to get back.

    3. The “Upper Elementary” Stage (Mid-30s, Higher Grades) Recommendation: Retroid Pocket 5

    At this point, you need the Retroid Pocket 5. It offers stable performance, much like a solid mid-size sedan (think Sonata or Camry).

    Parenting is getting a little easier, and you’re starting to see glimpses of “me time” again. This console is perfect for blowing off steam and enjoying some PlayStation 2 games comfortably. It’s a reliable daily driver that won’t let you down.

    4. The “Middle/High School” Stage (Early 40s) Recommendation: RG477M

    Time flew by so fast you can barely remember the sleepless nights, right? Consider this device a reward for your survival.

    The RG477M feels like a premium full-size sedan—think Hyundai Grandeur (Azera) or a Lexus. It has a luxurious metal build and a heavy, quality feel. It plays PS2 games at 3x resolution without breaking a sweat, and that 4.7-inch 4:3 screen is absolutely optimized for retro gaming. You’ve earned this upgrade.

    5. The “Veteran Dad” Stage (Late 40s) Recommendation: AYN Odin 2

    Now we are talking about high performance. The Odin 2 is the Genesis G80 of handhelds—pure luxury and power.

    It handles high-end games with plenty of headroom. If you want a zero-compromise experience that reflects your status as a veteran dad, this is the one.

    6. The Ultimate Setup Recommendation: AYN Odin 2 Portal

    If the Odin 2 is a luxury sedan, the Odin 2 Portal is the high-end luxury SUV (like the GV80).

    By this age, you’ve become immune to your wife’s side-eye. She’s used to your hobbies now. You’ve earned the right to sprawl out on the living room sofa, comfortable and unbothered, enjoying your games on a top-tier device.

    So, which stage of fatherhood are you in, and which console fits your life right now?

    Original article in Korean: [link]

  • 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]