Retroid Pocket Nova combines a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with a 4.5-inch 4:3 AMOLED display

The Retroid Pocket Nova is a high-performance Android-based handheld gaming device designed specifically for retro emulation with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It utilizes the Qualcomm QCS8550 chipset, an IoT variant of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, providing identical gaming performance to its mobile counterpart. The device features a 4.5-inch AMOLED display with a 1280x960 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, marking it as the first true 4:3 AMOLED handheld in its class. Testing indicates the device can handle demanding systems like PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Sega Saturn at 2x internal resolution while maintaining full speed on low-power profiles. Ergonomically, the Nova adopts a refined design with a flat back and heavily rounded corners, making it more comfortable than previous Retroid models. It includes Hall sensor analog sticks and triggers, along with redesigned face buttons that are significantly quieter than those on the Retroid Pocket 4. Input latency is a standout feature, measuring as low as 50ms in Super Mario All-Stars tests using RetroArch's run-ahead feature. While the audio quality is noted as slightly muffled in the high end and the fan can be audible at maximum settings, the device represents a high-end option for retro enthusiasts at a starting price of $229.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Retroid Pocket Nova is a high-performance Android-based handheld gaming device designed specifically for retro emulation with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It utilizes the Qualcomm QCS8550 chipset, an IoT variant of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, providing identical gaming performance to its mobile counterpart. The device features a 4.5-inch AMOLED display with a 1280x960 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, marking it as the first true 4:3 AMOLED handheld in its class. Testing indicates the device can handle demanding systems like PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Sega Saturn at 2x internal resolution while maintaining full speed on low-power profiles. Ergonomically, the Nova adopts a refined design with a flat back and heavily rounded corners, making it more comfortable than previous Retroid models. It includes Hall sensor analog sticks and triggers, along with redesigned face buttons that are significantly quieter than those on the Retroid Pocket 4. Input latency is a standout feature, measuring as low as 50ms in Super Mario All-Stars tests using RetroArch's run-ahead feature. While the audio quality is noted as slightly muffled in the high end and the fan can be audible at maximum settings, the device represents a high-end option for retro enthusiasts at a starting price of $229.

The Retroid Pocket Nova uses the QCS8550 chipset, which offers performance equivalent to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It features a 4.5-inch AMOLED display with a 1280x960 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The device successfully emulates PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles at 2x resolution using low-performance power profiles. Redesigned face buttons provide a quieter and lighter tactile experience compared to previous Retroid handhelds.

Input latency testing showed a delay of approximately 50ms, which is comparable to original console hardware on CRT displays. The handheld supports 27W fast charging and includes a charge separation feature for docked use.

Chapter guide

Introduction and BackgroundOverview of the device's origin and its similarity to a dream handheld wishlist.Technical SpecificationsDetailed breakdown of the QCS8550 CPU, RAM options, and storage.Display and BatteryAnalysis of the 4.5-inch 4:3 AMOLED screen and 5000mAh battery features.Pricing and Color OptionsInformation on the $229 starting price and the seven available color variants.Unboxing and Physical DesignExamination of the box contents and the device's ergonomic refinements.Size ComparisonsSide-by-side visual comparisons with other popular retro handhelds and the Nintendo Switch Lite.Controls and InputsEvaluation of the D-pad, quiet face buttons, and Hall sensor analog sticks.Display PerformanceIn-depth look at brightness, color accuracy, and PWM flickering characteristics.Input Latency TestingComparative testing of button-to-screen delay against other handheld devices.Audio and Emulation PerformanceAssessment of speaker quality and gameplay testing across various retro systems.

Worth noting

  • The reviewer had the device for only six hours prior to filming these first impressions.
  • Input latency testing was conducted using a high-speed camera but is not considered a definitive laboratory measurement.
  • Linux support is mentioned as a future possibility but was not available for testing at the time of the video.
  • Audio quality and fan noise were noted as potential concerns requiring further long-term evaluation.

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