My Problem with Retroid Pocket
Retroid Pockets are handheld gaming devices that run on Android operating systems capable of emulating the earliest gaming consoles up through PS2 games. They've continued to improve their designs and nearly have it "perfect" in form factor and button functionality. Their newest Retroid Pocket 4 Pro has their upgraded (and much desired) analogue triggers and hall effect thumbsticks that will prevent future drift! The buttons press nicely and are logically located. It has a vibrant 4.7" 750x1334 16:9 touchscreen and a 5,000mAh battery. Physically it's one of the most ideal designs on the market currently. But what I want to focus on in this article is what it yet lacks. What "can't" it do that it's more expensive competition can? And what could ANY handheld company add to take these devices rise above their competitors?
There's a pretty large price gap between Retroid's most powerful handheld, the Pocket 4 Pro ($200), and the more powerful competitors such as the Odin2 ($299), Steam Deck OLED ($550), or ROG Ally ($600+). I'd closest compare the Pocket 4 Pro and Odin2 (both Android OS) as both will play up to PS2 games. However, the Odin2 still has the more powerful graphics and processor. It does place the left thumbstick above the D-pad which could be a turnoff for some retro gamers. It also has the bigger 6" screen with full HD resolution. The Odin2 may have the better performance and larger screen, but the RP4 is smaller, more pocketable, slightly better buttons/sticks, and had the D-pad above the thumbstick. Benefits to both are that they can stream games via apps like moonlight from your PC, allowing you to play new AAA games on these devices also! (Do you really need to spend hundreds of dollars more on a Steam Deck or ROG Ally now?[only if you play away from wifi])
It's very impressive to see how fast technology has made the majority of gaming capabilities portable and the subtle improvements each company makes to improve the comfort and enjoyment for gamers! I haven't talked much about the software capabilities of these devices yet aside from moonlight, however the last few improvements I would add onto ALL GAMING HANDHELDS will possibly delve into some software capabilities.
How To Improve Retroid Pockets
We've now made portable gaming devices capable of connecting via WiFi and are able to play retro games with our friends over the internet. Fantastic achievement! It's excellent that software like RetroArch has built in NetPlay and allows adding a stream key for livestreaming to platforms like Twitch or YouTube! But it's primary flaw... is that it's only the game that streams. As far as I'm aware there's no way to overlay an audio input from a microphone on top of your gameplay through that software alone (which is why most PC streamers use OBS to add audio and video input). Speaking of video input....
This is the primary feature I think is lacking from nearly all gaming handhelds at the moment: A built in video camera (w/ keystone adjustment for angle comp.). Retroid already uses many hardware parts from cellphones in their devices, it would be cheap enough to implement the same type of phone cameras in their screens making these devices capable of livestreaming (with your face)! (Just like on PC, but now portable!) I watched another YouTuber attempt to rig his Steam Deck with adapters and a clip on webcam. While he proved in theory it worked, the top heavy attachments added weight and awkwardness to the device and wouldn't be suited for extended gaming sessions. He's also using a Windows emulation, enabling him to utilize OBS, which android OS lacks. Google Play Store does have a Streamlabs app (which should similarly function) but I have yet to test it's capabilities with these devices (at least audio capture testing since there's no camera to test!).
It showed me there's a greater desire amongst the gaming community to connect with our friends while gaming. While I understand not everyone is interested in livestreaming or even online gaming, we shouldn't hinder the progression of technology when there's many of us calling for innovation and those desires! Retroid has made many devices with 2 models for many years, I suggest they make a livestream model (built in camera/mic) and a basic model (no camera/mic) to give each gamer their preferred gaming experience. I believe that would be a fair compromise to their "value oriented nature".
I discussed these ideas to some length with Retroid Pocket's Discord mods in their #suggestions channel, but unfortunately was quickly told my idea would only be liked by a small niche minority and wouldn't be aligned with their value oriented nature... I'm glad to hear 2 mods speak for an entire gaming community.
So if any other handheld company wants to create the NEXT GREATEST GAMING HANDHELD with me, please get in touch! (or at least send me a model when it's complete!)
I don't want to end this article by pooping all over Retroid Pocket. I really do admire their devices, which is why I purchased their RP2s. I think they are definitely an important innovator to this market with quality designs. Now, do I like the belittling dismissive remarks from their Discord mods? No... but I'll forgive them. My only hope is that one day they'll move on from talking about "button colors" and take real innovations like portable livestream gaming devices more seriously.
I love you Retroid, but I'm NICKED OFF!
Comments
Post a Comment