If you’ve been eagerly awaiting your Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Dual Screen Add-on, you’ll be getting a better product, but you’ll have to wait just a few more days to get it. In a move that is equal parts frustrating and commendable for retro handheld enthusiasts, Retroid has announced a brief, three-day delay in shipping the highly anticipated accessory. The reason? The company identified a latency issue with the secondary display and is implementing a firmware fix to resolve it before any units leave the warehouse.
The announcement, which has been met with a largely positive response from the community, highlights the delicate balance hardware manufacturers strike between meeting deadlines and ensuring quality.
The Allure of the Dual Screen Add-on
For the uninitiated, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is already a powerhouse in the Android-based handheld emulation scene, capable of smoothly running everything from PlayStation 2 and GameCube games to modern Android titles. The Dual Screen Add-on, which connects via the device's USB-C port, is designed to unlock a new tier of classic gaming: the Nintendo DS and 3DS libraries.
This accessory aims to provide an authentic dual-screen experience, a feature that has been notoriously difficult to emulate satisfactorily on a single screen. The add-on features a second 4.7-inch HD display, a folding mechanism, and an additional 5,000mAh battery, effectively doubling the device's playtime. Pre-orders have been strong, with many users excited to replay classics like The World Ends With You, Chrono Trigger (DS version), and Pokémon HeartGold in a format true to their original design.
The Discovery: A Split-Second of Lag
The issue, as explained by Retroid, wasn't with the hardware itself but with the communication between the main unit and the add-on display. In internal testing, the company's engineers identified a slight but perceptible amount of input latency or visual lag on the secondary touchscreen.
For many game genres, a few milliseconds of lag might be unnoticeable. However, for the precise touch controls and rapid screen-swapping required by many DS and 3DS titles, it could be the difference between a perfect experience and a frustrating one. This kind of attention to detail is what separates a good emulation device from a great one.
In a post on their official Twitter account, Retroid broke the news to their customers. The company stated, "To ensure a better gaming experience, we have optimized the firmware of the dual screen. The shipment will be delayed for about 3 days."
[Embedded link: https://x.com/Retroid0fficial/status/1957767547111035248]
This direct communication is a key example of Retroid’s engagement with its community, a factor that has contributed significantly to its loyal fanbase.
A Community Response: Patience Over Frustration
Interestingly, the delay announcement has been met with overwhelming support. On forums like Reddit and Discord, the prevailing sentiment is one of appreciation. Comments like, "I'd rather wait a week for a perfect product than get a broken one on time," and "This is how you do customer-focused manufacturing," are common.
This reaction is bolstered by early previews from tech reviewers. Notably, in a comprehensive video review, popular tech reviewer Taki Udon was able to get hands-on with a near-final version of the add-on. While he praised the hardware's build quality and concept, he did note the very latency issue Retroid is now fixing. His hands-on demonstration provides a clear look at the product and the context for why this fix is so important.
[Embedded link: https://youtu.be/CL6wJuwrgPI?t=1568]
By addressing this problem before shipping, Retroid is proactively solving a problem that would have undoubtedly led to a wave of criticism, support tickets, and potential returns—a costly and reputation-damaging scenario for any company.
What This Means for You and the Future of Retroid
If you have a pre-order in, your wait is now just a little bit longer. The new shipping schedule is expected to add approximately three business days to the process. For a community that often waits weeks or months for crowdfunded hardware, this is a minor blip.
The decision to delay also speaks volumes about Retroid's position in the market. They are no longer just a small player; they are a established brand that is investing in its reputation for quality. This "get it right" approach is essential for competing in an increasingly crowded field of retro handhelds.
For those looking to jump into the Retroid ecosystem, the base unit, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, remains one of the most recommended devices for 2024. Its power, form factor, and Android flexibility make it a winner, with or without the dual-screen attachment.
[Embedded link: https://amzn.to/4lz9n6s]
The Bottom Line: A Short Wait for a Superior Experience
In the fast-paced world of tech, delays are often seen as a failure. However, in this case, Retroid’s three-day shipping delay for the Dual Screen Add-on is a clear victory for quality assurance and customer satisfaction. By choosing to tackle a latency issue head-on with a firmware fix, the company is ensuring that the first impression of this innovative accessory will be a positive one.
The brief wait will be quickly forgotten, but a flawed product would have been remembered for much longer. For retro gamers dreaming of a perfect Professor Layton or *Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days* experience, those extra three days will undoubtedly be worth it.
Important update, regarding the RDS latency. pic.twitter.com/qGfq8cn6iO
— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) August 19, 2025
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