Retroid Pocket Flip 2 SD865

What’s the winning formula for making a clamshell device? You take a proven device and fold it in half. That is exactly what Retroid did with the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. By taking the powerful internals of the market-sweeping Retroid Pocket 5 and transplanting them into a folding shell, they’ve created a device that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge.

I’ve always been a clamshell enthusiast, having grown up with the GBA SP and the Nintendo DS / 3DS. In my opinion, this form factor offers the best of both worlds. When open, the Flip 2 gives you a large, immersive 5.5" 1080p OLED display. Because it’s positioned above your hands, the action feels closer to your eyes, like a vertical handheld. When playing older 4:3 games, the black bars on the sides just "disappear" into the black bezels. When you're done, you just close it up. The screen is protected, the controls are tucked away, and it slides into a backpack without needing a bulky carrying case.

Under the hood, the Flip 2 is a beast. It uses the same Snapdragon 865 processor as the RP5, meaning it handles GameCube, PS2, and Wii emulation with ease. You can even upscale these games to look better than they did on original hardware. It even tackles lighter Switch and PC titles, making it a very versatile travel companion.

The control layout is a bit unconventional, mimicking the Wii U gamepad with both analog sticks placed above the D-pad and buttons. It takes a moment to get used to, but it’s surprisingly comfortable for both D-pad and stick centric gameplay. The sticks are recessed, so they don’t touch the screen when the lid is closed. You get Retroid’s signature "clicky" Vita-style D-pad, paired with face buttons that have a slightly louder, soft "mushy" feel. Clamshell devices are mechanically complex, which means there’s more that can go wrong. Early units of the Flip 2 had a design flaw where the plastic hinge would crack over time. To Retroid’s credit, they offered free replacements and the revised models appear to have fixed the issue.

There are still a few quirks, though. The triggers have a sharp, straight-angle design that doesn't feel quite as natural as the sloped ones on the RP5. The speakers are also a bit mediocre out of the box. I highly recommend using the community-built EQ (

Two minor things keep this from being "perfect" for me. First, the lid only clicks into two angles (150 and 180 degrees). I personally find myself wishing for a 160-degree angle like a Nintendo DS to keep the screen perfectly perpendicular to my eyes. Secondly, I don't love the Pac-Man style pattern on the lid. I would have preferred a plain lid that I could customize with stickers.

Still, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is a powerhouse. It balances performance, price, and portability in a way few other devices can. If you want PS2-era power in a protected, compact package, this is the device to get.

Other options to consider:

• Retroid Pocket Flip 2 (D1100 version)
  : A great pick if you don't care about Switch emulation and want to save some money.
• Ayn Thor
  : Consider this if you want a dual-screen experience or even more raw power.
• Retroid Pocket 5
  /
  G2
  /
  6
  : If you realize you actually prefer a horizontal design.