Retroid is back with another compact emulator box, and the Retroid Pocket G2 might be the smartest refresh it’s done yet. It keeps the recognizable shell of the Pocket 5, but swaps in faster internals, more memory, and new color options, all while staying Android-based and handheld-friendly.

Retroid Pocket G2 refines what worked in the Pocket 5

At a glance, the G2 looks nearly identical to the Pocket 5. That’s no accident. The two share the same chassis, meaning the G2 supports all existing accessories. This decision keeps things simple for buyers who have already invested in grips or cases. Still, the G2 isn’t just a rebrand.

Retroid Pocket G2 comes in five vibrant colors

The G2 offers more personality than its predecessor. Two new finishes, Yellow and Turquoise, give off strong Switch Lite vibes, while 16Bit, Black, and GC return from the Pocket 5 lineup. That variety helps it stand out, even if the shape stays familiar.

Key upgrades in the Retroid Pocket G2

Here’s what separates the G2 from last year’s Pocket 5:

• Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 replaces the older Snapdragon 865
• 8 GB of LPDDR5x RAM
• 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage
• Android 15 pre-installed
• 5.5-inch AMOLED display (1080p @ 60Hz)
• 5,000 mAh battery with 27W fast charging
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
• DisplayPort output via USB-C
• RGB-lit Hall Effect joysticks

Retroid Pocket G2 targets smoother emulation and faster UI

With the new Snapdragon chip and LPDDR5x RAM, the G2 aims to push past the occasional slowdowns seen in its predecessor. It’s still not a Steam Deck rival, but for Android emulation and streaming, it’s a snappy little upgrade. Charging gets a speed boost too, thanks to 27W wired support.

Pocket G2 sticks to what fans love

By keeping the feel of the Pocket 5 but pushing the specs forward, Retroid made the G2 familiar without being lazy. It’s a minor leap, not a revolution, but in a market of overdesigned handhelds, that might be exactly what retro players want.