The best retro handheld console (2025): why we chose the Retroid Pocket 5
Objective: a single device capable of covering a maximum of retro/indie uses, without breaking the bank or sacrificing ergonomics.
After five years of iterations, Retroid delivers a device that ticks (almost) all the boxes: a 5.5" 1080p AMOLED screen , a Snapdragon 865 chip , 8GB of RAM , 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage , Wi-Fi 6 , Bluetooth 5.1 … all in a compact and lightweight form factor. For us, the Retroid Pocket 5 is currently the best daily driver for emulation and mobile gaming.
What makes the difference
1) A screen that enhances retro
- 5.5" AMOLED (1920×1080, ~400 PPI) : deep blacks, vibrant colors, perfect pixel readability in 2D as well as 3D.
- Precise touch for Android interfaces and games designed for stylus/touch.
2) Solid and stable performance
- Android runs smoothly: mobile games run without a hitch.
- Emulation : impeccable coverage of 8/16/32-bit systems, Dreamcast, N64, DS, PSP; very convincing PS2 and GameCube ; several Switch games run surprisingly well.
- Ultra-responsive navigation thanks to 8GB LPDDR4X + UFS 3.1 storage .
3) Controls and comfort
- Sticks Hall Effect (durable, precise), L3/R3 , analog triggers , gyro , vibration .
- Integrated handles to limit fatigue during long sessions.
- Symmetrical stick arrangement (up/down) : excellent for precision, however some may prefer sticks a little lower.
4) A well-designed OS… and even a dual-boot option
- Retroid Launcher : quickly install useful apps (emulators, frontends) and organize your game library.
- Dual-boot Android / Linux : switches to an even more retro-oriented experience and provides access to emulators not available on Android.
5) Connectivity & ecosystem
- Wi-Fi 6 , Bluetooth 5.1 , USB-C (data/charge, video output ), audio jack , microSD .
- Compatible docks/hubs: play on TV/external screen, map your controls, enjoy cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud) or local streaming (Moonlight/Steam Link).
- PortMaster opens access to certain selected PC ports.
6) Autonomy and thermal management
- 5000 mAh battery : several hours of real-world gaming, discreet ventilation (or even passive depending on load).
- Controlled heating in 2D/retro; in 3D, the chassis remains sensible for the category.
What type of player is this for?
- Pure retro & indie : everything is there, ready to use.
- Demanding nomad : truly portable format, low weight, excellent for playing on the train or on the sofa.
- Jack of all trades : Android + Linux + cloud + streaming = maximum flexibility without PC complexity.
Key points / points to know
✅ Advantages
- High-end and stable emulation (PS2/GC included).
- Superb AMOLED screen (colours, contrast).
- Very smooth navigation (8 GB RAM) and fast storage .
- Hall effect sticks , analog triggers , gyro .
- Large ecosystem of apps (Android) + dual-boot Linux .
- Video output : easy connection to a larger screen.
- PortMaster for certain PC ports.
- 5000 mAh : good endurance for the category.
- Excellent features/format/price ratio.
⚠️ Important to know
- Stick placement : not ideal for all hands.
- 16:9 screen : black bars may appear on some retro systems with different image formats (this is normal, and it can be managed via shaders/bezels).
Alternatives… within the same family
Do you love the DNA but want a different format? Check out this year's Retroid range (same performance, different ergonomics): more compact format or flip case. Browse the Retroid Pocket collection to find the silhouette that suits you best.
Where to buy it and what to see afterwards?
- 👉 Product sheet: Retroid Pocket 5
- 👉 Browse all our handheld consoles: Handheld Consoles Collection
- 👉 Explore the Retroid universe: Retroid Pocket Collection
Verdict
If you're looking for a versatile, compact retro console that looks great on screen and is easy to use every day, the Retroid Pocket 5 is, in our opinion, the best overall choice in 2025. It combines visual appeal , comfort , sufficient power , and software flexibility —without the limitations of a handheld PC. In short: you can't go wrong.