Retroid Pocket 2+

The Retroid Pocket 2+ is one of the most popular retro handheld consoles on the market as of now. It was released as a refresh to the Retroid Pocket 2.

The Retroid Pocket 2+ is one of the most popular retro handhelds in the sub $100 segment. It is now competing with similarly priced devices, more specifically the Anbernic RG351 series consoles. 

We actually wrote an article pitting these devices against each other. You can read about it, here. 

A successor of the Retroid Pocket 2, this device does not disappoint and offers gamers a suite of features that makes this device one of the best on the market. 

Speaking of gaming on Android, we also did an article about the best PSP emulators for Android.

The Retroid Pocket 2+ runs on Android 9, which makes it a flexible device to play with. This means that on top of emulating retro games, it has the ability to run titles released on more modern platforms — like Dead Cells, which is an Android game. 

The Retroid Pocket 2+ also has built-in WiFi as well as a touch screen display which is neat, considering that it only costs a little under $100.

Retroid Pocket 2+: Getting started

As beautiful and as seamless as the device looks, setting things up could prove to be a challenge. Here’s why. 

First, it does not come with an SD card, especially when you purchase it from GoRetroid. The aforementioned re-sellers, however, sometimes bundle the Retroid Pocket 2+ with one. So, make sure you know what you’re getting.

In addition, setting up an Android emulator feels pretty much like setting up a new phone. That said, the initial setup of the Retroid Pocket 2+ can be laborious and it genuinely feels like it’s not a pick-up-and-play device. 

Here, you’ll have to set things up like language, WiFi, time zone, and activate Google PlayStore. 

The setup process is pretty straightforward, but you can’t skip this process. 

Lastly, you will have to download emulators yourself, which means that you’ll have to spend a lot of time — and I mean a lot of it — getting things ready before you even get a taste of your first game. Nevertheless, you’ll find that the time you spent setting things up is all worth it. 

The Retroid Pocket 2+ can run games from NES to PlayStation 2. 

Retroid Pocket 2+: Installing apps from Google Play Store

Google Play Store holds a huge library of emulation applications. That said, you can simply download an emulation system here, like RetroArch. 

First, you’re going to have to sign in to PlayStore and download various applications to run various games including AetherSX2 for PlayStation 2, PPSSPP for PlayStation Portable, DraStic DS for Nintendo DS, and Dolphin for GameCube and Wii.

Wait for the applications to download and add the applications to the Retroid Launcher so you can easily access them. 

Retroid Pocket 2+: Installing BIOS

Having emulators is only the first step, you’re going to want to have to add BIOS files next. 

First, download BIOS files online. Save them on your computer and transfer them to your SD card. Likewise, you need to download ROMS. Once downloaded, move the files to your SD card. 

Retroid Pocket 2+: Connecting to a monitor

One of the best features of the Retroid Pocket 2+ is its ability to cast its screen on a larger, better monitor. 

Here’s how you do it: 

1. Get a micro HDMI to HDMI cord. 

2. Connect the micro HMDI end to the corresponding port at the top of the Retroid Pocket 2+.

3. Connect the HDMI end to the corresponding port on your TV or monitor.

Retroid Pocket 2+: Connecting an external controller

The Retroid Pocket 2+ is also Bluetooth capable, so you can connect an external controller to the Retroid Pocket 2+. 

Here’s how it’s done: 

1. Go to settings and select Bluetooth. 
2. Select your Bluetooth controller from the available devices. 
3. Synchronize the controller with the device. 

You can also connect a Bluetooth headset to the Retroid Pocket 2+ which is great.

Retroid Pocket 2+: Summary

The Retroid Pocket 2+ indeed has a taxing setup process. However, as we said earlier, the benefits of using this retro handheld device are far greater than the downside of spending time getting it up and running. 

For its price, the Retroid Pocket 2+ is a good gaming system that offers more modern features compared to other products in the market. 

If you are looking for something better than the Retroid Pocket 2+, the company is making a new device dubbed Retroid Pocket 3. With just how well the Retroid Pocket 2+ performs, we’re excited to see what its predecessor can do.

Price & Where to Buy

• Retroid Pocket 2+ [Official AliExpress Store] $173
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Specifications