Retroid Pocket Flip 2

The Verdict

This is the perfect travel companion for someone who wants GameCube and PS2 in their pocket without sacrificing screen protection. The clamshell design is polarizing — you either love it or you don't. I've been daily-driving the Flip 2 for months and it's my go-to airplane device. If you want power in a pocketable package and don't mind the GBA SP vibes, this is it.

First Thing to Do

1. **Update the firmware** — Retroid ships updates frequently, get the latest before anything else

2. **Install Daijishō** — Best Android frontend, bar none. Skip the stock launcher

3. **Download NetherSX2** — PS2 emulation is shockingly good on this thing

4. **Grab Dolphin MMJR2** — The MMJR2 fork runs GameCube way better than mainline

5. **Set up RetroArch** — For everything pre-N64, this is your one-stop shop

The Loadout

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

→**PS2:** NetherSX2 (most games run at native, some at 2x)

→**PSP:** PPSSPP (locked 60fps, no sweat)

→**GameCube:** Dolphin MMJR2 (stick to native resolution for best performance)

→**Wii:** Dolphin MMJR2 (many titles run well at native res)

→**N64:** M64Plus FZ (RetroArch's Mupen core also works great)

→**Dreamcast:** Flycast (flawless)

→**Saturn:** Yaba Sanshiro (skip the tough ones)

→**3DS:** Azahar or Citra MMJ (most games run fine, lower resolution if needed)

→**DS:** DraStic (absolute perfection)

→**Switch:** Eden or Citron (lighter titles only — think 2D games and lighter 3D)

→**GBA/SNES/Genesis/NES:** RetroArch cores

What It Crushes

→**PS1/PSP/Dreamcast** — These run like butter. Zero complaints.

→**16-bit era** — SNES, Genesis, GBA? Forget about it. Perfect.

→**DS games** — The clamshell form factor is *chef's kiss* for DS games

→**GameCube at native res** — Mario Sunshine, Metroid Prime, Wind Waker all run great

What It Struggles With

→**PS2 upscaling** — Native res is fine, but don't expect 3x resolution on demanding games

→**Heavy 3DS titles** — Pokémon X/Y will chug in battles without tweaks

→**GameCube gems like F-Zero GX** — Expect frame drops

→**Switch** — Lighter titles work via Eden/Citron, but demanding games won't

Skip These

→**PS3** — Not possible on Android

→**Xbox 360** — Not possible on Android

→**Demanding Switch games** — TOTK, Xenoblade are too much for this chip

Pro Tips

1. **The clamshell isn't just for show** — Toss this in your bag with zero fear. No screen protector needed.

2. **Hall effect sticks = no drift ever** — This is huge for long-term ownership. No Joy-Con nonsense.

3. **Use the trackpad for PS2/GameCube games** — Some menus are pointer-based, the trackpad saves you.

4. **Battery life hack:** Lower screen brightness to 60% and you'll get 5+ hours on PS1/GBA

5. **Wii games work better than expected** — Many first-party titles are fully playable