Brief Overview
- Retroid teased its upcoming Pocket Duo, a new dual screen handheld gaming device inspired by the Nintendo DS.
- The teaser video reveals only the name and design style, with no confirmed specs, price or release date yet.
- The Pocket Duo is expected to rival other dual screen handhelds like the Ayn Thor, with pricing likely between $229 and $579.
Giving tough competition to Nintendo, Retroid is now jumping into the dual-screen handheld gaming device trend. The company recently shared a short teaser video for its next device, called the Pocket Duo.
It looks like Retroid’s version of the classic Nintendo DS. More and more brands are now making similar handheld gaming devices, and Retroid wants a piece of that market.
Let us take a look at what Retroid’s upcoming Pocket Duo offers.
What is Retroid Pocket Duo?
The teaser does not reveal much. It only shows a dark glimpse of the handheld gaming device, with no specs, no price, and no launch date.
Right now, all we know for sure is the name and the dual-screen design. Fans will need to wait for more details.
Retroid Has Made Handhelds Like This Before
Retroid is not new to building handheld gaming devices. It has released popular models like the Retroid Pocket 6 and the Pocket Flip 2. The Pocket Flip 2 comes with a 5.5-inch OLED screen.
The company has also tried dual screens before, but in a different way. It sells a Dual Screen Add-on that clips a second 5.5-inch AMOLED screen onto its other handheld gaming devices.
The Pocket Duo looks different from that accessory. The teaser suggests it will have a clip-free, cable-free design. This means Retroid built it as a proper dual-screen handheld gaming device from scratch, not as an add-on.
What Chip Could Power It
Retroid has not shared any chip details for the Pocket Duo. But its recent handheld gaming devices give us a hint.
The company could use a chip as strong as the Qualcomm QCS8550. This chip is already used in the Pocket Nova, and it can run Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Switch games.
If Retroid uses this chip, the Pocket Duo could turn into a strong emulation handheld gaming device, not just a nostalgic toy.
How Much Could It Cost
No price is set yet, but the market offers some clues. Other dual-screen handheld gaming devices range from 100 dollars for the Anbernic RG DS to 579 dollars for the Ayaneo Pocket DS.
Since the Pocket Duo has two screens, it should cost more than Retroid’s Pocket Nova, which starts at 229 dollars. So it will likely fall somewhere between these price points.
A Growing Handheld Gaming Device Market
Dual-screen handheld gaming devices inspired by the Nintendo DS are becoming a popular category. Looking at the craze for dual-screen handheld gaming devices, several brands have already launched their own versions.
Moreover, the Pocket Duo looks like it will directly compete with the Ayn Thor, another recent dual-screen handheld gaming device with a similar retro style.
What Happens Next
For now, fans have to wait. Retroid has not confirmed a release date, final specs, or pricing for this new handheld gaming device. The company has just teased us with a short video.
Given the company’s strong track record, expectations are already high. More updates should come as the launch date gets closer.
FAQs
Is the Nintendo DS still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the Nintendo DS still holds up for retro gaming thanks to its huge game library, though newer handhelds offer better emulation and screens.
Is the Retroid Pocket 2 worth buying?
The Retroid Pocket 2 is now an older, budget model, so it is only worth buying if you want a cheap entry point into retro emulation rather than the latest features.
Do Retroid devices come with games?
No, Retroid devices do not come with games preloaded, so users need to add their own game files or emulators.
Is Retroid Pocket Duo better than Nintendo DS?
It is too early to say, since Retroid has not shared specs, price, or release details yet.
