Retroid Pocket 5

The Verdict

The Retroid Pocket 5 is Retroid's flagship for 2024, and it's a solid mid-range powerhouse. Snapdragon 865 gives you excellent PS2 and GameCube emulation, the AMOLED screen is stunning, and the build quality is top-notch. It sits between the budget Flip 2 and the flagship Odin 2 — great for people who want strong performance without spending Odin money. The screen alone makes this worth it.

First Thing to Do

1. **Firmware update** — Retroid ships updates constantly, grab the latest

2. **Install Daijishō** — Best Android frontend for this class of device

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

4. **Download Dolphin MMJR2** — GameCube runs beautifully

5. **Get PPSSPP** — PSP at high resolution looks incredible on the AMOLED

6. **RetroArch for everything else** — Classics run flawlessly

The Loadout

→**PS2:** NetherSX2 (2x resolution for most games, some 3x)

→**GameCube:** Dolphin MMJR2 (2x resolution, locked 60fps for most)

→**Wii:** Dolphin MMJR2 (most games run well at native res)

→**PSP:** PPSSPP (3x resolution, 60fps, no sweat)

→**3DS:** Azahar or Citra MMJ (high resolution, great performance)

→**Dreamcast:** Flycast (perfect)

→**N64:** M64Plus FZ (every game at high res)

→**PS1:** Duckstation (enhanced resolution looks amazing on AMOLED)

→**Switch:** Eden or Citron (lighter titles — 2D games, some 3D)

→**Everything else:** RetroArch cores

What It Crushes

→**PS2** — God of War, FFX, Ratchet & Clank, all at 2x resolution

→**GameCube** — Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, Luigi's Mansion all locked 60fps

→**PSP** — Crisis Core, God of War, Persona 3 Portable looking gorgeous

→**Dreamcast** — Every game runs perfectly

→**3DS** — Full library runs great at native or higher

What It Struggles With

→**Wii demanding titles** — Mario Galaxy 2, Skyward Sword have some drops

→**PS2 at 3x resolution** — Shadow of the Colossus, God of War 2 will chug

→**Switch** — Lighter titles work, but don't expect TOTK

Skip These

→**PS3** — No Android emulator

→**Xbox 360** — No Android emulator

→**Demanding Switch games** — This isn't an Odin 2

Pro Tips

1. **AMOLED screen is a game-changer for 2D games** — True blacks, vibrant colors, perfect for pixel art

2. **Active cooling means no thermal throttling** — Long gaming sessions stay smooth

3. **Hall effect everything = future-proof** — No stick drift, no trigger wear

4. **Use fast forward in RetroArch for RPG grinding** — Saves hours in long games

Worth It?

Yes, if you want that AMOLED screen and solid mid-range power. At $249, it's more expensive than the Flip 2 but the screen and slightly better performance justify it. It's not as powerful as the Odin 2, but it's also $50-150 cheaper. If you prioritize screen quality and PS2/GameCube performance, this is a great middle ground.