Handheld gaming keeps getting weirder, and that's a good thing. Retroid has officially launched the Pocket Duo, a $269 Android handheld that swaps the single big display for two OLED screens.
The hardware
The upper screen is a 5.5-inch 16:9 panel and the lower is a 4.5-inch 4:3 panel, both at 120Hz. The upper display sits on a 180-degree free-stop hinge, so you can tilt it to your preferred angle. Inside is a Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-7790, Android 16, active cooling and a 6,000mAh battery, plus protruding shoulder triggers for grip.
Shipping
Per iGeekphone, pre-orders are shipping in staged waves by colour: Transparent Purple from November 2, Ice Blue from November 5, 16-Bit from November 9, GC from November 10 and Black from November 12. Those are ship-start dates, not delivery guarantees.
Should you care?
If you play dual-screen-era classics or like keeping a guide, chat or map on the second panel, this is a clever fit at a reasonable price. If you want a conventional device, a single-screen handheld may serve you better.
- Second-screen usefulness depends on software support.
- Battery life and thermals still need independent testing.
- Price is $269, so compare against single-screen rivals.
For creators and side-hustlers streaming gameplay, a second screen for chat or notes is the sort of small edge that adds up. Timing is everything, and Android handhelds are entering their experimental era. Source: iGeekphone.
