Retroid’s Pocket Mini Faces Challenges, Yet Future Prospects Look Promising
Retroid has gained a solid reputation for producing some of the most sought-after retro gaming handheld consoles on the market. However, a recent issue involving their latest device, the Retroid Pocket Mini, has sparked significant dissatisfaction among their customer base. This compact gaming console, featuring a 3.7-inch display, was launched late last year, but soon after its release, problems began to arise.
Users quickly recognized that there was a discrepancy with the device’s display performance. Upon closer inspection, it was found that the firmware responsible for the 1280 x 960 resolution screen was experiencing an odd malfunction. Instead of displaying the full resolution, the firmware was downscaling the output to 1280 x 928 and then upscaling it back to the intended resolution. This peculiar issue likely originated from the original specifications of the screen before Retroid adapted it for their handheld device.
As a result of this malfunction, many users reported that the pixel alignment was off. When gaming graphics were upscaled or certain visual enhancements were applied, visible vertical lines appeared, which frustrated many retro gaming enthusiasts. This became a hot topic of discussion within the community, causing a minor uproar among fans who expect high-quality performance from their devices.
In an effort to address the screen issues, Retroid initially communicated their intentions to collaborate with the screen manufacturer to find a solution. However, it soon became clear that there was no feasible fix for the problem. Ultimately, the company informed customers through Discord about a limited return window from March 8 to March 14, allowing only 200 devices to be returned. This limitation was designed to prevent returns for reasons unrelated to the faulty screen, but it understandably upset many customers, leading to a decline in Retroid’s previously cherished reputation.
Recently, Retroid made the decision to eliminate the cap on device returns. This reconsideration signifies the company’s acknowledgment of the customer backlash they faced over the original return policy. Following this announcement, Retroid has committed to covering as many returns as necessary. As part of their remedy plan, they have also begun collaborating with a well-known manufacturer to develop a new AMOLED screen for a follow-up device.
The investment for this new project is substantial, with Retroid reportedly committing $1 million upfront and an additional $1 million in future contracts. The company’s CEO has even taken the remarkable step of mortgaging his properties to secure a bank loan to fund this venture, showcasing a strong desire to rectify the situation. Retroid aims to integrate this new display technology into a successor to the Pocket Mini within the next year.
Despite these efforts, it’s important to note that this new screen will not directly benefit the current Pocket Mini purchasers. To acknowledge their customers’ patience and support, Retroid has promised a discount on the new handheld for existing Pocket Mini owners. However, given the fast-paced nature of the gaming market, a year-long wait for a replacement device may not feel substantial to those affected.
In the meantime, Retroid is expected to release two other devices, the Pocket Flip 2 and the Pocket Classic, this spring. Both of these new devices will utilize proven display panels already seen in the Retroid Pocket 5 and the AYANEO Pocket DMG, which should mitigate the risks of encountering similar screen-related issues in the future.
Retroid is clearly working to regain its standing in the gaming community by addressing the problems with the Pocket Mini, although their strategies have elicited mixed responses from the public.
