The Retroid Pocket Duo is finally here, and its increased performance pairs nicely with its form factor and features (like dual 120Hz OLED panels). Here are my initial impressions, and why it makes a lot more sense than their previous RP Duo Lite.
Retroid Pocket Duo:
use code “DUO” for $20 off until 30 October
RP Duo Lite impressions:
RP Duo Lite review:
Anbernic RG DDS video:
WatermelonDS:
Dual screen guide:
Frontend showcased in this video:
Adreno 722 drivers (ccu2 version works best):
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
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Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:24 specs and price
06:46 unboxing and impressions
17:40 the controls
27:16 displays and latency
35:14 benchmarks
38:15 NDS and 3DS performance
44:38 multitasking
46:51 GC and PS2
48:22 Wii U, Switch, PC games
51:02 summary and conclusion
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#Retroid #emulation #3DS #DS #NDS #gaming
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Note: there IS a focus lock feature in their software, I missed it when tapping through the options. I’ll show it off in the final review.
This video makes me want to cancel my order. This chipset is the biggest flaw.
Too bad the chip is just too weak for 3DS. I want 4x at least.
Is it just me or do Retroid Pocket Duo's design feels like it is all over the place?
Can you use controllers with it if you use the HDMI Output?
So stoked to get mine and review it! I hope they ship them soon!
Weak, Thor destroys it.
"Watching myself on YouTube" LOL!
Oof…they should have atleast used the G2.
I dig the shirt! I was pretty sure it was DCFC at the beginning of the video but was trying to get a glimpse of the band's name under the runners. Was not expecting it to say something different! I keep buying their new CDs but I definitely prefer their old stuff, especially Something About Airplanes.
Russ just subtlely "confirmed" he is TechDweeb:
https://youtu.be/ETq7F9KvuQg?t=2694
"Here I am watching myself on youtube up top…"
I would love to see you get your hands on a gp32 for a retro-retro game console review!
it should have had the thors chip
i mainly want a dual screen dpad top device that can play everything, pc games included
Let's never forget the folly that put them in the dirt a year ago in dual screens… Putting that GD right joystick to the top on the last one…all other variations could work but NOT that one!
I'd say wait and see what the price point on the Anbernic DDS is going to be, and then maybe even wait for a price drop on it… 😅
44:55 setup for April fools 2027: Complete
It may just be the chipset not being optimized with the drivers but why does this device look like it has worse performance than the Thor lite? I feel like I’ve seen an 865 device run Mario kart and windwaker with somewhat ease
give me one for free then, I'm broke
I'm really in the market for one of these that will play all the DS and 3DS Dragon Quest games and other such RPGs. My 3DS is great and all, but I just want bigger better screens. Looks like this one might be worth it, but that DDS looks interesting too.
What about pokemon luminescent platinum? Switch
Retroid Pocket Duo – Good screen but bad processor – 269$
Anbernic RG DDS (terrible name as usual) – Good processor but bad screen – ( Price probably somewhere around 200-300$)
Ayn Thor Base – Good top screen and good processor -329$
Ayn Thor Pro – Good top screen, good processor and extra ram – 409$
Which one do you prefer? I prefer the Ayn Thor Pro – Good processor, Good screen and extra RAM. Also, I get a "one that does it all" handheld.
Of course it has two key factors. What price are you willing to play and what games you intent to play. I have had my Miyoo Mini Plus for about three years and have been super happy with it. The Thor for me is more so I can play games released after Playstation 1 and SNES. They only problem I have is that I hate thinkering! I just wanna start the game and play it. Not spend 50% of my time just setting up different options and drivers and that kind of stuff. But that really goes for every handheld I would say..
Whatever YOU pick is gonna be AWESOME! I mean.. We can always own two or three of them.. I mean why not..
38:20 YES!!! Finally get to see another Golden Sun fan on Youtube xD
i bought one
i'm really excited to see the input delay on the lite plus. if it's really just the performance difference that allows it to play using the new software and not the 120Hz, i am totally going for the lite plus over the duo since i don't care about oled or high refresh rate when retro gaming. but if the lite plus still has that touch input delay and it is the 120Hz that is letting the duo have such a low touch input latency, that would really be a bummer cause then i'll have to get an actual new 2ds xl (cause i really do want the inline triggers) for like $500 on ebay smh
i feel like a 3ds slider would have been better than the switch 2 style analogue sticks. they used sliders on the original pocket flip, and they were actually pretty good, but they stopped using them for every flip device after that for some reason idk why.
Soooo excited for this to arrive, it really hits the sweet spot between my DSi XL and Steam Deck
12:19 well… that's not exactly their fault XD they have smaller hands so i'm pretty sure they don't have that issue or don't even have how to test it XD
25:16 man, don't do that, people watching this video don't want to check other video and look for an specific second to see how it is, i'm surprised you did this tbh O.O
do you think there will be aftermarket smaller joystick caps?
love u russ
That a deathcab shirt? I like it
Duo lite plus pls im thinking of getting it along with a snack and drink ready
Waiting for mine to ship out🥹🥹
Don't put down the RG DS plus. It's my first retro handheld and I like it
Looks like a pretty good system, especially for DS. Shame about the sticks though, i wonder if they could be improved.
WHAAAAAT!!! Is this confirmation Russ is in fact TechDweeb for real?! 🤯
Russ never disappoints!
The G2 Gen 2 would’ve been perfect here. Shame
8 gen 2 and stick up top this would've been damn near perfect
Great video russ, ive been using the flip 2 to travel and the power isnt the best over the thor or the rg dds , i just like retroid devices.
Welcome to the Retro Revival, 2DS XL Pro.
Ayn thor = s-tier specs s-tier price
Retroid duo = Cheaper thor
Anbernic DDS = not exciting features but ALMOST copies the original console. I have the original Gameboy SP and now the latest Anbernic SP and even with no performance boost the attention to copy the original SP makes using it that much more better.
9:40 This is also one of my biggest issues with the Thor: I am not sure why they couldn't give it that lip to close the whole thing up. The form factor of this Retroid, being plastic where there isn't screen just seems to look better than the Thor.
I would’ve bought one if the left stick was at top and not the bottom 😑
The wobble hinge used by the 3DS was a design feature to preserve the hinge when the console was moved up and down. It absorbed the shock. I’m curious to see how long this hinge lasts.
$60 more for thor feels totally worth it but man why can't we get an 8 Gen 3 ayn
My odin 2 mini already has 8 gen 2 and my fold 5 which can play ds and 3ds WAAAAYYYYY better
Granted i just want to watch retro game corps while playing xbox 360 honestly
I think what you were saying about the nova with the sides of the device being grooved down could make its way to one of these clamshells
Seems like a solid choice. Personally I think the much larger screen of this device makes it significantly more appealing than the Anbernic DDS.
I'm probably buying it. Time to retire some handhelds to make space for this one