The retro gaming community is buzzing with excitement as Retroid, the beloved handheld console manufacturer, has finally confirmed that its upcoming Retroid Pocket Classic will feature a powerful new Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. The announcement, made just days before the device’s March 17 unveiling, promises to elevate the handheld’s performance to rival modern gaming portables while retaining its nostalgic charm.
Snapdragon Power Meets Retro Design
In a surprise update posted to RetroHandhelds.gg, Retroid revealed that the Pocket Classic will abandon its earlier rumored MediaTek processor in favor of Qualcomm’s latest mid-tier Snapdragon chipset. While the exact model remains under wraps, insiders speculate it could be the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or a custom variant optimized for emulation. This shift marks a significant upgrade from previous Retroid devices, which struggled with higher-end systems like GameCube and PlayStation 2.
“This chipset unlocks smoother performance for demanding titles and reduces latency,” a Retroid representative teased in the announcement. “Fans of retro and modern indie games will find something to love.”
Community Reactions and Insider Hints
The news sent shockwaves through Retroid’s Discord community, where early adopters had been debating the device’s specs for weeks. In a now-viral thread, users dissected leaked benchmarks suggesting the Snapdragon chip could deliver up to 2.5x the GPU performance of the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. Meanwhile, another Discord discussion highlighted hopes for improved cooling systems to prevent throttling during extended play sessions.
“If this thing can handle God of War II at 2x resolution without dropping frames, I’m sold,” wrote one user.
Solving Past Problems
Retroid’s decision to partner with Qualcomm follows criticism of earlier models’ software optimization. Last year, the company faced backlash when the Pocket 3+ struggled with Android-based emulation. However, a recent GSM Go Tech report revealed that Retroid has been collaborating with Qualcomm to develop custom drivers, ensuring better compatibility with popular emulators like Dolphin and AetherSX2.
“The Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU architecture is a game-changer for Android emulation,” said emulator developer Laura Chen in an interview. “It’s more efficient, which means longer battery life and fewer crashes.”
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the Retroid Pocket Classic are expected to open immediately after the March 17 announcement, with shipments targeting late April. While pricing remains unconfirmed, analysts predict a 199–199–249 range given the upgraded hardware. Retroid has also hinted at exclusive colorways, including a translucent “Atomic Purple” edition reminiscent of the Nintendo 64.
For those eager to secure their unit, the device will be available via Retroid’s Amazon storefront, which offers global shipping and buyer protection.
The Future of Retro Handhelds?
The Retroid Pocket Classic’s Snapdragon upgrade signals a bold step forward for the retro handheld market. By blending cutting-edge hardware with user-friendly Android customization, Retroid aims to bridge the gap between nostalgic gamers and modern performance demands.
As the March 17 launch event approaches, all eyes are on Retroid to deliver a device that lives up to the hype. One thing’s certain: the battle for handheld supremacy just got a lot more interesting.
Stay tuned for updates, and let us know in the comments—will you be pre-ordering the Retroid Pocket Classic?
