Retroid Pocket DUO Review: Mid-game (+ Odin 3 Portal thoughts)
Review discussion with Stubbs, Rob and Russ, including ergonomics, DS/3DS, drivers and battery testing. Watch the full video on YouTube ↗
Watch on YouTubeCheck the video for exact names and versions.
Jump to a chapter
- 0:00 · We're Live!
- 3:08 · Joystick Design, Button Feel & Ergonomics
- 6:05 · Local Game Streaming
- 9:30 · 3D Printed Grips
- 15:45 · 3DS & DS Emulation
- 22:15 · Software Quirks
- 27:00 · Retroid Pocket Duo vs. Duo Lite & Duo Lite Plus
- 35:55 · Clamshell Layouts: D-Pad vs. Stick-on-Top Debate
- 38:40 · AYN Odin 3 Portal Specs, Pre-Orders & Thoughts
- 49:35 · Turnip Drivers & Switch Emulation
- 63:00 · Performance Profiles, Benchmarks & Battery Life Analysis
- 75:35 · Android Native Ports
- 93:50 · Final Thoughts
Settings and findings
What the reviewer found in this video at the time. Newer app versions can behave differently.
The Retro Handhelds video description links Vauzi’s Turnip 4.3 release as an extra-performance driver.
More detail
- Not every test in the stream necessarily used this package.
A Retro Handhelds host installs Vauzi Turnip 4.3 EXP-fix during the stream and reports improved Mario Kart 8 Deluxe performance in Eden, while saying it is not a stable 60 fps.
- graphics driver
- Turnip-710-720-722-v4.3-exp-fix.zip
The stream reports Monster Hunter 4 improving from 2× to 3× resolution with Vauzi 4.3 EXP-fix, with only about 110% fast-forward headroom.
- resolution scale
- 3×
- graphics driver
- Turnip-710-720-722-v4.3-exp-fix.zip
More detail
- The emulator is not named.
The Retro Handhelds discussion reports The Wind Waker HD in Cemu becoming more stable around 30 fps with Vauzi 4.3 EXP-fix.
- graphics driver
- Turnip-710-720-722-v4.3-exp-fix.zip
More detail
- The exact Cemu build or fork is not stated.
The hosts mention manually correcting WatermelonDS’s initial top/bottom screen assignment. No application version is stated.
One host describes several app and screen-focus glitches on a review unit, including Azahar failing to load, and says a factory reset mostly restored normal behavior.
More detail
- The host guesses their DroidDeck setup caused it.
About these notes
Taken from what the reviewer says in the video. App and driver versions appear only when the reviewer names them, and each link jumps to that moment.
Related game notes
Wii UThe Wind Waker HDCemu and a separate native Android recompilation both have short regular Duo samples around 30 fps. Their apps, drivers and settings differ; the recompilation fork is unconfirmed and neither sample establishes full-game performance. A later native-port sample reports 1080p with stock drivers; its sampled counters do not establish locked 60 fps.Pocket Duo
SwitchMario Kart 8 DeluxeA stream reports better performance with a custom driver in Eden, without a stable 60 fps, and a written review saw 30 to 45 fps. A later 0.75× sample approaches 60 fps with drops and missing/flickering item icons; its emulator and driver build are unconfirmed.Pocket Duo
Card screenshots come from Libretro, not from a Duo.
Software in this video
- 3DSAzaharOpen-source Nintendo 3DS emulator based on Citra.Emulator · Preview · 2127.0-alpha4
- Wii UCemu for AndroidExperimental Android port of the Cemu Wii U emulator.Emulator · 0.5
- DroidDeckRuns a Steam client and a Linux gaming environment on supported Android handhelds.PC gaming · 0.6.9
- SwitchEdenNintendo Switch emulator with Android and desktop builds.Emulator
- Vauzi TurnipExperimental community Turnip builds targeting Adreno 710, 720, 722 and other Adreno GPUs.Graphics driver · 4.5
- WatermelonDSNintendo DS and DSi emulator for Android, based on melonDS, with external-display support.Emulator · Preview · 0.8.0.rc3
More reviews
🔥 Probé la Retroid Pocket Duo: ¿Vale la pena para 3DS, Switch y más?Esto es Retro · First impressions
Retroid Pocket Duo: The Ultimate Stress TestOJAYSAN · Gameplay test
The new Dual Screen to get: Retroid Pocket DuoWULFF DEN · Review
BIG Driver Updates for the Retroid Pocket DuoRetro Game Corps · Setup tip