Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

The Verdict

The Pocket 4 Pro is Retroid's budget flagship — think of it as the Flip 2's traditional form factor cousin. You get solid PS2 and GameCube performance in a compact 4.7" package for $199. The Dimensity 1100 isn't quite as strong as the Snapdragon 865, but it's close enough for most games. If you want something pocketable that handles PS2 without breaking the bank, this is a strong contender.

First Thing to Do

1. **Update firmware** — Retroid improves performance with updates regularly

2. **Install Daijishō** — Clean frontend makes navigation a breeze

3. **Set up NetherSX2** — PS2 emulation is good here

4. **Download Dolphin MMJR2** — GameCube at native resolution runs well

5. **Get RetroArch** — Everything pre-N64 is perfect

The Loadout

→**PS2:** NetherSX2 (native resolution for most games, some 2x)

→**GameCube:** Dolphin MMJR2 (native resolution, 60fps for most)

→**Wii:** Dolphin MMJR2 (lighter titles work at native)

→**PSP:** PPSSPP (2-3x resolution, locked 60fps)

→**3DS:** Azahar or Citra MMJ (native or slightly higher)

→**Dreamcast:** Flycast (flawless)

→**N64:** M64Plus FZ (high resolution, no issues)

→**PS1:** Duckstation (enhanced resolution)

→**Switch:** Eden or Citron (lighter 2D titles only)

→**Everything else:** RetroArch cores

What It Crushes

→**PSP** — Every game runs perfectly at high resolution

→**Dreamcast** — Jet Grind Radio, Crazy Taxi, Power Stone all locked 60fps

→**N64** — Full library at high resolution

→**PS1/SNES/GBA** — Overkill for these, but perfect

What It Struggles With

→**PS2 demanding games** — God of War 2, Shadow of the Colossus will drop frames

→**GameCube heavy hitters** — F-Zero GX, Rogue Squadron struggle

→**3DS demanding titles** — Pokémon X/Y, Smash Bros have drops

→**Wii** — Many titles playable but demanding ones chug

Skip These

→**PS3** — No Android emulator

→**Xbox 360** — No Android emulator

→**Demanding Switch games** — Not enough power

Pro Tips

1. **720p screen is actually perfect for retro games** — Native PS1/PSP resolution scales beautifully

2. **Hall effect sticks = no drift** — This device will last years without issues

3. **Compact size fits in jacket pockets** — More portable than most Android handhelds

4. **Battery life is solid** — 4-5 hours on lighter games, 3-4 on PS2/GameCube

Worth It?

Yes, if you want a compact Android handheld under $200. It's not as powerful as the Pocket 5 or Odin devices, but at this price point, it's a fantastic value. The 720p screen and Dimensity 1100 chipset are compromises, but they keep the price down while still delivering solid PS2/GameCube performance. Great for daily carry.