New Retroid Flip 2 Variant Swaps in Dimensity 1100 for $30 Less, Offers Smooth PSP and GameCube Emulation (With Caveats)

(Retro handheld enthusiasts, take note!)

Retroid has quietly launched a budget-friendly revision of its popular Flip clamshell handheld—the Retroid Flip 2 "Performance Edition"—replacing the MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset with a Dimensity 1100 and shaving $30 off the price tag. Priced at $149 (down from $179), this variant promises significant emulation gains, particularly for PSP and GameCube titles. According to in-depth testing by trusted reviewer Retro Game Corps, the device delivers noticeably smoother performance in demanding emulation scenarios—but not without compromises.

Performance Leap, Price Drop

The Dimensity 1100’s upgraded CPU (4x Cortex-A78 cores) and Mali-G77 MC9 GPU give the Flip 2 a tangible edge over its predecessor. Retro Game Corps’ testing revealed near-flawless PSP emulation in titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, with sustained 60 FPS gameplay. GameCube performance also impressed, with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Mario Sunshine running at full speed—a hurdle many sub-$200 handhelds struggle to clear.

Spoiler: The Dimensity 1100 is 25–30% faster than the Dimensity 900 in GPU workloads. That extra muscle matters for GameCube/PSP.
– Retro Game Corps

The Trade-Offs

The savings come with hardware concessions:

Plastic Build (vs. Original’s Metal Accents): The shell feels less premium but retains the iconic flip design.
Smaller Battery: Reduced from 5,000mAh to 4,500mAh, though real-world drain appeared minimal during testing.
No 5G Wi-Fi: A minor hit for cloud streaming; local gameplay remains unaffected.

Retro Game Corps’ full breakdown—including thermal performance, Android optimizations, and side-by-side comparisons—is essential viewing:

👉 Watch the Deep Dive Analysis Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxLZ1uOsVXM

Who’s It For?

If you prioritize PSP/GameCube emulation and want a clamshell design under $150, the Flip 2 Performance Edition is a compelling option. However, if build quality or Wii/PS2 emulation (which still struggles) tops your list, the original Flip 2 or competitors like the Anbernic RG405M may be wiser.

Availability: Shipping now via Retroid’s official store (retroid.com), with delivery estimates of 7–14 days.

Final Verdict: A savvy revision that nails the "cheaper and faster" pitch—so long as you temper expectations for higher-end systems. For retro gamers craving PSP/GC on a budget, it’s a win. 🎮