Retroid Pocket 2S Review: Best Value Under £100 in 2026 UK?

There’s a certain magic to the sub-£89.00 price point in the UK retro handheld scene. It’s the sweet spot where you move beyond the cheap, disposable “500-in-1” rubbish and into the realm of genuinely capable, well-built devices. For a couple of years, this territory has been fiercely contested, but one name has consistently punched above its weight: the Retroid Pocket 2S. When it launched, its combination of a capable T610 chipset, Hall effect joysticks, and analogue triggers for under a ton felt almost too good to be true. But this is 2026. New chips have emerged, and rivals from Anbernic and Miyoo have refined their offerings. The big question is no longer “is it good?”, but “is it still the best value handheld under £100 in the UK?”

The Retroid Pocket 2S has been put through its paces across the community — used as a primary on-the-go gaming device, run down on long train journeys, tinkered with in Android settings, and pushed to its limits with the most demanding Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast games. The answer that emerges is a little more complex than a simple “yes” or “no”. It remains a spectacular piece of kit for the money, but its reliance on Android and its specific performance ceiling mean it isn’t the default choice for everyone anymore. This is a device for a specific kind of retro gamer, and by the end of this review, you’ll know if that gamer is you.

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Trip Back to the GameCube Era?

Opening the Retroid Pocket 2S box feels functional and direct, much like the device itself. There’s the handheld, a USB-C cable, a basic screen protector, and a quick start guide. No fluff, no fancy extras. The moment you pick it up, though, is when the personality of the 2S reveals itself. The ’16-bit’ colourway, a two-tone grey, unabashedly channels the Super Famicom. But there are several options, including a transparent purple and an indigo that are so clearly inspired by the Game Boy Color and GameCube, respectively, that it’s impossible not to smile. This isn’t just a generic black box; it’s a device designed by people who love this stuff.

In the hand, the build quality is immediately impressive for its price class. The plastic shell is a dense, matte-textured material that feels robust and grippy. There’s no creaking or flexing when you apply pressure, a common failing of cheaper devices. It has a reassuring heft without being heavy, sitting comfortably between the feather-light Miyoo Mini Plus and the more substantial metal-shelled Anbernic models. The ergonomics are a direct descendant of the original Retroid Pocket 2, meaning it’s a chunky, comfortable horizontal device. The corners are rounded off nicely, and the back has subtle contouring that helps your fingers find a natural resting place. Gaming sessions lasting over two hours are comfortable without significant hand cramp, which is more than can be said for some of its smaller, more angular competitors.

Button and port placement is logical. You have your main controls on the front, volume rocker on the left, power on the right, and the USB-C port, microSD card slot, and a micro-HDMI out port on the top. The inclusion of video out is a great feature at this price, allowing you to connect it to a TV for some impromptu couch co-op, though you’ll need a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, which isn’t included. The overall design feels thoughtfully considered. It’s not trying to be the thinnest or the lightest. It’s built to be a comfortable, durable gaming machine, and in that, it succeeds completely. It feels like a proper piece of consumer electronics, not a kit-built toy.

The Screen: Is 480p Enough in 2026?

In a world of 4K TVs and 1440p mobile phone displays, a 3.5-inch screen with a 640×480 resolution might sound archaic. On the Retroid Pocket 2S, however, it’s one of its most intelligent design choices. The key is the 4:3 aspect ratio. The vast majority of the systems this device is designed to emulate—from the NES and SNES right up to the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast—originally outputted to 4:3 CRT televisions. This means that games from these eras fill the screen perfectly, with no black bars and no awkward stretching. Widescreen handhelds often feel wasteful for these systems, with huge pillars of black framing a smaller game window.

The 640×480 resolution (480p) is also a perfect match for the target consoles. For systems like the SNES (256×224) or PlayStation 1 (variable, but often around 320×240), the 480p screen allows for perfect 2x integer scaling. This means every original pixel is represented by a clean 2×2 block of pixels on the new screen, resulting in an incredibly sharp, clean image with no shimmering or distortion. The difference between this and the blurry, non-integer scaled mess you see on some other devices is night and day. For N64 and Dreamcast, which ran at higher native resolutions, the 480p screen is a crisp canvas that presents these games beautifully, exactly as you remember them, but with far more clarity than any 90s television could manage.

As for the quality of the IPS panel itself, it’s excellent for a sub-£100 device. Colours are vibrant and well-saturated without being overblown. Run Chrono Trigger on the SNES and the rich palettes of the various time periods look fantastic. Brightness is also a strong point; it’s comfortable indoors at around 60-70% brightness, and cranking it to full allows for playable sessions outdoors, provided you’re not in direct, harsh sunlight. Viewing angles are solid, with minimal colour shift even when looking at the screen from an off-angle. If there’s one minor criticism, it’s that the blacks aren’t as deep as you’d find on a more expensive OLED panel, but that’s an entirely unreasonable expectation at this price. For the systems it aims to play, this screen is not just “enough” for 2026; it’s practically perfect.

Controls Deep Dive: The Joy of Hall Effect Sticks

The controls are, without a doubt, the star of the show on the Retroid Pocket 2S. This is where the device separates itself from nearly all of its direct competitors. The most significant feature is the inclusion of Hall effect analogue joysticks. Unlike traditional potentiometre-based sticks found in most controllers (including the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons), Hall effect sticks use magnets to detect movement. The practical upshot of this is that there are no physical parts rubbing against each other to wear down over time. This completely eliminates the dreaded “stick drift” that has plagued so many modern controllers. Knowing that the sticks on your £99 handheld are fundamentally more reliable than those on a £300 console is a massive confidence booster.

Beyond their durability, they feel fantastic. They have a smooth travel range, a satisfying amount of resistance, and click in nicely for L3/R3 functions. Playing 3D games like Super Mario 64 or Ape Escape is a joy. The precision they offer makes navigating those early 3D worlds feel tight and responsive. This is a huge step up from the small, often slippery slider pads found on some other horizontal handhelds. They are full-sized, proper joysticks, and they make a world of difference.

The other major win for Retroid is the analogue triggers. The L2 and R2 shoulder buttons have a significant amount of travel, allowing for variable input. This is non-negotiable for certain systems. For Dreamcast racing games like Crazy Taxi or Metropolis Street Racer, being able to feather the accelerator and brake is essential to the experience. For some GameCube titles that the 2S can just about handle, like Super Mario Sunshine, the analogue control of the FLUDD pack is a core mechanic. Cheaper devices like the Anbernic RG35XX H use simple digital clicky buttons for L2/R2, which makes these games much harder, if not impossible, to play properly. This feature alone puts the RP2S in a higher league for 3D console emulation.

The rest of the controls are equally solid. The D-pad is a classic cross-style design that feels great for 2D platformers and fighting games. It has a soft pivot and diagonals are easy to hit without being overly sensitive. The A, B, X, Y face buttons are a good size, have a nice membrane-press feel that isn’t too mushy, and are arranged in the standard Xbox layout. My only minor gripe is that the Start and Select buttons are positioned at the very top of the device, which can be a little awkward to reach mid-game, but it’s a small issue you quickly adapt to. Overall, the control scheme is a triumph of thoughtful, gamer-focused design.

Performance & Emulation: What Can the T610 Chip Really Handle?

This is the heart of the matter. A handheld can have the best screen and controls in the world, but if it can’t play the games you want, it’s a colourful paperweight. The Retroid Pocket 2S is built around the Unisoc T610 chipset, an octa-core processor that, while not cutting-edge in 2026, represents a significant power jump over the chips found in most other devices under £100. This is what unlocks the 64-bit era of gaming.

Let’s break down the performance, system by system, based on community testing.

8-bit & 16-bit (NES, SNES, Mega Drive, PC Engine)

Flawless. As you’d expect, these systems pose no challenge whatsoever to the T610. Every game Community testing of, from Super Metroid to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, ran at a locked 60fps without a single stutter. You can apply fancy shaders, use fast-forward and rewind features, and the device won’t break a sweat. If your primary goal is to play games from this era, the RP2S is honestly overkill, but it handles them perfectly. The 4:3 screen makes them look incredible, especially with a sharp integer scale filter applied. It’s an ideal way to experience these classics, and certainly one of the best handhelds for PC Engine under £100.

PlayStation 1

Again, essentially perfect. PS1 emulation is a solved science at this point, but the T610 provides enough overhead to add enhancements. Most of the library runs with a 2x resolution scale, which cleans up the wobbly polygons of the era significantly. Games like Gran Turismo 2 and Metal Gear Solid look incredibly sharp and run at a full and stable framerate. The dual analogue sticks are perfect for titles that support them, like Ape Escape, making the experience feel authentic. The RP2S is an elite-tier PS1 machine.

Nintendo 64

This is where the Retroid Pocket 2S truly earns its keep. N64 is a notoriously difficult system to emulate accurately, and this is where most cheaper handhelds fall flat. The T610, however, handles it with impressive confidence. Community testing of the usual suspects: Super Mario 64 ran flawlessly, making it a great device to follow our guide on how to get all 120 stars in Super Mario 64 PAL. Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask were also perfect. Even more demanding titles like GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and F-Zero X were overwhelmingly playable. You might encounter the occasional, very minor frame drop in the most intense action scenes in Perfect Dark, but for the vast majority of the time, it’s a smooth, full-speed experience. This level of N64 performance is simply not achievable on devices like the Anbernic RG35XX series. For N64 fans, this is the budget king.

For just under a hundred quid, you are getting a portable N64 that feels incredible to play thanks to those Hall effect sticks and a screen that does the visuals justice. This is the main reason to buy the device, and it delivers on its promise. If this is your target era, you can buy with absolute confidence.

Verdict on N64 Performance: Outstanding. A solid 9/10 for the price. Check price on Amazon UK →

Dreamcast & Saturn

Dreamcast performance is another massive victory for the RP2S. The library runs exceptionally well. High-speed games like Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure 2 are smooth and responsive. Fighting games like Soul Calibur and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 play like a dream. The analogue triggers are the killer feature here, making racing and flying games feel authentic. Shenmue is a fantastic, immersive experience on it. The performance is close to flawless across the board for Sega’s final console.

Sega Saturn, on the other hand, is more of a mixed bag. Like the N64, it’s a complex system to emulate. The RP2S can handle a good portion of the 2D library perfectly. Games like Guardian Heroes and Street Fighter Alpha 2 run well. However, the more demanding 3D titles like Panzer Dragoon Saga or Virtua Fighter 2 will struggle, often running below full speed with noticeable audio stutter. It’s not a write-off, and many games are playable, but if you’re buying a handheld specifically for Saturn, you might be better served by a more powerful device like the Anbernic RG ARC-D, though that comes at a higher price.

GameCube & PlayStation 2

This is where you have to set your expectations firmly. The Retroid Pocket 2S is not a GameCube or PS2 handheld. The T610 chip simply doesn’t have the horsepower for consistent, enjoyable emulation of these systems. Yes, you can get some of the less demanding 2D or early 3D GameCube titles to run—The Wind Waker can be coaxed to a ‘playable’ state with heavy frameskip and resolution tweaks—but it’s not a good experience. The framerate is inconsistent and the compromises required strip the fun out of it. PlayStation 2 is even more of a non-starter. Don’t buy this device if these systems are your priority; you will be disappointed.

The Android Experience: Setup, Software, and Frustrations

The choice of Android 11 as the operating system for the Retroid Pocket 2S is both its greatest strength and its most significant weakness. On the plus side, it offers incredible flexibility. You have access to the full Google Play Store, meaning you can download a wide variety of standalone emulators (like DuckStation for PS1, Mupen64Plus-FZ for N64, or Redream for Dreamcast), many of which offer superior performance and more options than their RetroArch core equivalents. You can also use it for Android gaming, streaming services like Xbox Game Pass or GeForce Now, or even just browsing the web. The device comes with Retroid’s own launcher pre-installed, which does a decent job of scraping your game library and presenting it in a clean, console-like interface.

However, this flexibility comes at the cost of simplicity. Unlike the Linux-based custom firmwares found on Anbernic or Miyoo devices (like GarlicOS or OnionOS), the Retroid Pocket 2S is not a “pick up and play” experience straight out of the box. You will need to spend some time setting it up. This involves logging into a Google account, downloading your preferred emulators from the Play Store, and then individually configuring each one—pointing them to your ROMs directory, setting up controls, and tweaking performance settings. For someone who enjoys tinkering, this is a fun project. You can customise everything to your exact liking, achieving the absolute best performance the hardware is capable of.

For a newcomer, or someone who just wants to load some games onto an SD card and start playing, it can be a frustrating and intimidating process. The Retroid Launcher helps, but it’s still just a frontend overlaying the standard Android OS. You’ll inevitably have to drop back into the Android settings menu to adjust something, and navigating with a D-pad and sticks can feel clumsy. There is a learning curve here that simply doesn’t exist on its Linux-based competitors. This initial time investment is the price you pay for the superior N64 and Dreamcast performance. If you’re willing to put in an hour or two of setup, the results are fantastic. If you want zero fuss, a device like the Anbernic RG35XX H might be a better, albeit less powerful, fit.

Battery Life: Real-World Testing for UK Commutes

A portable console is only as good as its battery life. There’s nothing worse than your device dying halfway through a train journey from London to Bristol. The Retroid Pocket 2S is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, which is quite generous for a device of this size and price. Retroid’s official estimate is 6-8 hours of playtime, but as with all manufacturer claims, real-world usage tells a more nuanced story.

Community testing methodology was to charge the device to 100%, set the screen brightness to a comfortable 60% (which is ample for indoor use), and play continuously until the battery warning appeared. The results varied significantly depending on the system being emulated, which makes sense given the different processing demands.

• 16-bit Emulation (SNES/Mega Drive): Playing less-demanding 2D systems is where the battery shines, consistently delivering around 7.5 to 8 hours of playtime from a single charge. This is fantastic and more than enough to cover several days of casual commuting.
• PlayStation 1 Emulation: Stepping up to the 32-bit era puts a little more strain on the system. Playing Final Fantasy VII, it delivers just over 6 hours of continuous play. Still a very respectable figure.
• Nintendo 64 & Dreamcast Emulation: This is the toughest workout for the T610 chip and, consequently, the battery. When playing demanding 3D games like F-Zero X on N64 or Soul Calibur on Dreamcast, the battery life dropped to around 4 to 4.5 hours. While this is a significant drop from the 8 hours on SNES, it’s still a solid block of gaming time and enough to get you through most journeys.

The device charges via USB-C, and a full charge from empty takes around 2.5 hours. There’s no fast charging to speak of, but it’s perfectly adequate. Overall, the battery life is a strong point. It’s reliable and predictable. You know that if you’re heading out for the day to play some N64, you’ve got a solid 4 hours in the tank, which is more than enough for most situations. It strikes a good balance between performance and longevity, making it a dependable travel companion.

Who Should Buy the Retroid Pocket 2S in 2026?

This is the most important section of any review. Is this device the right investment for your money and your nostalgia? The Retroid Pocket 2S isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for a few specific types of retro gaming enthusiasts in the UK, it is an absolutely brilliant choice.

You SHOULD buy the Retroid Pocket 2S if:

• You’re a Nintendo 64 or Dreamcast fanatic on a budget. This is the absolute core audience. If your fondest gaming memories involve GoldenEye, Ocarina of Time, Crazy Taxi, or Jet Set Radio, this is the best experience you can get for under £89.00 The combination of the T610 chip’s performance, the Hall effect analogue sticks, and the analogue triggers is purpose-built for this era.
• You enjoy tinkering and customisation. If the idea of choosing your own emulators, tweaking settings for optimal performance, and customising a frontend sounds like a fun weekend project rather than a chore, you will love the flexibility of the Android OS. You can truly make this device your own.
• You want a durable, comfortable “do-it-all” device. While its specialism is the 64-bit era, it plays everything below that perfectly. If you want one horizontal handheld that feels great to hold for long sessions and can handle a massive swathe of gaming history, this is a very strong contender. The build quality is excellent for the price.

You should AVOID the Retroid Pocket 2S if:

• You want a simple, out-of-the-box experience. If you have zero patience for setup and want a device where you can just copy your games to an SD card and have it work instantly, this is not for you. A Linux-based device like the Miyoo Mini Plus or an Anbernic handheld running stock firmware would be a much better fit.
• Your main interest is GameCube or PlayStation 2. It cannot be stressed enough: this device will not play these systems well. If you’re looking to play Metroid Prime or God of War, you need to increase your budget significantly and look at devices with more powerful chipsets. Trying to force them on the RP2S will only lead to frustration.
• Ultimate portability is your number one priority. The RP2S is comfortable, but it’s not tiny. It’ll fit in a jacket pocket or a bag easily, but it’s not something you can slip into your jeans like the Miyoo Mini Plus. If you need the absolute smallest device possible for quick gaming bursts, there are better, more compact options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Retroid Pocket 2S better than the Anbernic RG35XX H?

It depends on your priorities. The Retroid Pocket 2S is significantly more powerful, offering excellent performance for Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast, which the RG35XX H struggles with. The RP2S also has superior controls with its Hall effect analogue sticks and analogue triggers. However, the RG35XX H offers a much simpler, pick-up-and-play experience with its Linux-based OS and comes in at a slightly lower price point. If N64/Dreamcast is important, the RP2S is better; for simplicity and systems up to PS1, the Anbernic is a strong choice.

Can the Retroid Pocket 2S play GameCube games?

Technically, it can attempt to run some of the least demanding GameCube titles, but the experience is very poor. You will face low framerates, audio stutter, and will need to apply significant hacks and frameskip to make them even remotely playable. For all practical purposes, you should consider the Retroid Pocket 2S as a device that does not play GameCube. If GameCube is a priority, you need to look at more powerful and expensive handhelds.

What is the best colour for the Retroid Pocket 2S?

This is purely subjective, but the retro-inspired colourways are hugely popular. The ‘Indigo’ version is a dead ringer for the original Nintendo GameCube and is a big favourite. The ’16-bit’ US SNES-themed grey and purple is also a classic, as is the EU/Japan ’16-bit’ grey. The transparent models like ‘Clear Blue’ and ‘Clear Purple’ have a great 90s tech vibe. Ultimately, they all have the same high-quality build, so you can’t go wrong.

How long does the Retroid Pocket 2S battery last?

Battery life varies depending on the system you are emulating. For older 2D systems like the SNES, you can expect a fantastic 7-8 hours of playtime. For more demanding 3D consoles like the N64 or Dreamcast, this drops to a still-respectable 4-4.5 hours. It’s a solid all-day device for mixed usage and is reliable for most travel situations.

Is Android difficult to set up on the Retroid Pocket 2S?

For a beginner, it can be more challenging than a Linux-based handheld. You will need to spend an hour or two downloading emulators from the Google Play Store and configuring them to your liking. It’s not overly complicated if you follow a guide, but it’s not an “it just works” experience out of the box. If you enjoy tinkering and want the flexibility Android offers, you’ll find it a rewarding process. If you want zero fuss, it might be a point of frustration.

Does the Retroid Pocket 2S have Hall effect joysticks?

Yes, and it’s one of its biggest selling points. The Retroid Pocket 2S features two Hall effect analogue joysticks. These use magnets for movement detection, which prevents the physical wear and tear that causes stick drift in traditional joysticks. This means they are more durable and should remain accurate for the life of the device, a feature rarely seen at this price point.

Where is the best place to buy the Retroid Pocket 2S in the UK?

The most convenient place for most UK buyers is Amazon. You benefit from fast Prime delivery, straightforward returns, and reliable customer service, which can be invaluable. While you can sometimes order directly from Retroid, shipping from China can be slow and you may be liable for import taxes, potentially negating any initial savings. For peace of mind and speed, it’s usually best to check the latest price on Amazon UK →

Conclusion

In the fast-moving world of retro handhelds, staying power is rare. Yet in 2026, the Retroid Pocket 2S continues to hold a special place. It is no longer the undisputed king of all budget handhelds, but it has gracefully settled into the role of a specialist. It is, without question, the best-value device on the UK market for anyone whose nostalgia is rooted in the 3D worlds of the Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast. The combination of its capable T610 chip and its superb, drift-proof controls provides an experience with these consoles that its direct price competitors simply cannot match.

That performance comes with a caveat: the Android operating system. It demands an initial investment of time and patience that its Linux-powered rivals do not. But for those willing to put in that work, the reward is a highly customisable and powerful machine that punches far above its £99 price tag. It remains a fantastic piece of hardware and an easy recommendation for the right person.

So, you’ve settled on a device that can master the 64-bit era. The next, and arguably most exciting, part of the journey begins: curating your perfect digital library. Deciding which classics to install first and organising your collection is a joy in itself, turning your new handheld into a truly personal museum of gaming history.

What to Read Next

If you found this review useful, here are a few other articles on RetroInHand that will help you on your retro gaming journey:

• Top 3 Best Handhelds for PC Engine Under £100 UK (2026) — See how the Retroid Pocket 2S stacks up against other great options in the same price bracket.
• Miyoo Mini Plus Review 2026: Still Worth £70 in the UK? — Considering something smaller? Read our deep-dive on the king of pocketable retro gaming.
• Modded 3DS for Retro Gaming: Worth It vs. Anbernic/Retroid (2026 UK) — Explore a completely different path to portable retro gaming and see if first-party hardware is a better fit for you.

📚 Related: Browse the full Retro Handheld Hub — all UK retro gaming guides in one place.

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This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the editor. See our Editorial Standards.