The main difference between the Retroid Pocket 5 and the Retroid Pocket Classic is power.
The Retroid Pocket 5 plays everything up to PS2 well, while the Retroid Pocket Classic tops out at Wii.
Other differences
- The Retroid Pocket 5 is a horizontal, the Retroid Pocket Classic is a vertical, Game Boy shaped.
- The Retroid Pocket Classic launched at about $120 and the Retroid Pocket 5 at about $200.
- The Retroid Pocket 5 has two analog sticks; the Retroid Pocket Classic has none.
- The Retroid Pocket 5 has a 5.5 inch screen against 3.92 inches on the Retroid Pocket Classic.
Which is better
Which fits in a pocket better?
Retroid Pocket 5The Retroid Pocket 5 (199.2 x 78.5 x 15.6 mm, 280 g). The Retroid Pocket Classic is 89.9 x 138 x 26 mm, 223 g. Neither fits a jeans pocket; think jacket pocket or bag.
Which is better for PS2 games, the Retroid Pocket 5 or the Retroid Pocket Classic?
Retroid Pocket 5The Retroid Pocket 5. It scores 86 out of 100 for PS2 against 76.
Which costs less?
Retroid Pocket ClassicThe Retroid Pocket Classic, at about $120 at launch against $200. Prices today vary by store and the used market.
Which is better for GBA games?
Retroid Pocket ClassicThe Retroid Pocket Classic. GBA games fill 72% of the Retroid Pocket Classic's screen at 5x with even pixels, against 67% of the Retroid Pocket 5's screen at 6x.
Which has the bigger battery?
TieAbout the same: 5,000 and 5,000 mAh.
Side by side
| Retroid Pocket 5 | Retroid Pocket Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $200 | $120 |
| Released | Nov 2024 | Apr 2025 |
| Plays well up to | PS2 | Wii |
| Shape | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Software | Android or Linux | Android |
| Chip | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 | Qualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 |
| Memory | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Screen | 5.5 inch AMOLED 16:9 | 3.92 inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1240 x 1080 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Weight | 280 g | 223 g |
| Size | 199.2 x 78.5 x 15.6 mm | 89.9 x 138 x 26 mm |
| Analog sticks | Double, symmetrical | None |
| Hall effect sticks | Yes | ? |
| L2 and R2 | Yes, stacked | Yes, side by side |
| Analog triggers | Yes | ? |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Video out | Yes | No |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
Green marks the better value where one is clearly better. Prices are launch prices.
Emulation
- Retroid Pocket 5Retroid Pocket Classic
- Game Boy
- NES
- Genesis
- GBA
- SNES
- PS1
- DS
- N64
- Dreamcast
- PSP
- Saturn
- GameCube
- 3DS
- Wii
- PS2
- Switch
- Wii U
- PS3
100 means the system runs at full speed with no known issues.
Full details
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More comparisons
Why this pair: buyers weigh these two against each other. 55 comments by 42 different people compare them in community discussions. Specs, emulation scores and launch prices from the retrocatalog.com handheld database.