Retroid is hellbent on dominating the DS clone space, as it just announced a third Pocket Duo model less than two weeks after the last two. Players were already caught off guard when the portable maker revealed a cheaper "Lite" model to rival Anbernic's RG DS Plus, but now there's a Lite+ option you'd potentially rather have pre-ordered instead.
Admittedly, I almost thought the tweet announcing the Retroid Pocket Lite+ was simply a reference to the reveal from September 10. Instead, it's actually an entirely new best retro handheld contender that's seemingly based on community feedback. It's more or less a souped-up version, with the portable claiming it retains "the same sleek, slim form factor you love from the Duo Lite, but now packs a serious performance upgrade with the Dragonwing Q-7790."
At this stage, there are more than a few DS handhelds out there already, including the Anbernic RG DS for under $140 and the beefier Ayn Odin Thor from $259. If you're not fussed about clamshells, the MagicX Zero 40 is also a wonderfully odd option for $75.99 that ditches hinges for a veritcal screen.
The Pocket Duo Lite+ is set to come in at $219, meaning it sits bang smack in the middle of the base Lite version and the full-fat Duo. It is being treated to the usual "early bird" discount, though, as it'll be available for $199 if you pre-order. That's a nice gesture, but one that likely adds salt to the wound for players who would have spent $50 extra on this portable if it had launched last week.
https://t.co/jnaMpNLvMwSeptember 20, 2026
As you'd expect, players are already calling shenanigans on Retroid's latest reveal. One of the comments that really stuck out to me says, "You basically tricked people into buying the other models and before I even get hands on one you drop another?" encapsulating the general vibe tied to stealth announcing new handhelds.
The good news is that Retroid is already looking to appease players who pre-ordered a vanilla Lite model, as it's running an exchange program. In an email shared to early bird customers, the brand says it's "pausing Duo Lite shipments for the next 3 days" to give people a chance to consider whether they want to keep their order or swap it out for the Plus version.
Retroid also has units that have shipped covered, as it's prepared to cover return shipping costs so that customers can reorder the Lite+. If you've got a handheld on the way, you'll want to check your inbox for that email, as you'll have to reply by September 23, 8 am EST to confirm your decision.
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/handhelds/not-even-two-weeks-later-retroid-just-unveiled-yet-another-ds-handheld-and-the-pocket-duo-lite-is-causing-a-ruckus/
