The handheld gaming community spoke, and Retroid listened. In a surprising and swift turnaround, the company has announced new designs for its highly anticipated Retroid Pocket 6 and is ready to give pre-orders another shot. After a brief and rocky initial launch, the Android-powered handheld is getting a second chance to win over fans, complete with new color options and key design tweaks.
For those who missed the initial drama, the Retroid Pocket 6 was first unveiled with great excitement on October 27th. Pre-orders went live shortly after, but the celebration was short-lived. By October 29th, Retroid had deactivated the product listing entirely. The reason? A wave of negative feedback from its dedicated fanbase, primarily focused on the device's original aesthetic and layout.
Rather than pushing forward, the company took the critique in stride. "We hear you," seemed to be the unofficial motto as they went back to the drawing board. Now, just a short time later, they've emerged with a refreshed vision for the Pocket 6 that aims to address the community's core concerns.
A Fresh Start: New Pre-Order Date and Shipment Timeline
The wait to get your hands on the revised model now has a definitive end. Retroid has officially confirmed that pre-orders for the Retroid Pocket 6 will recommence this week.
According to announcements on both its official website and its X (formerly Twitter) account, the virtual doors will reopen for business at:
- 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- 9:00 AM Beijing Time (BJT)
Perhaps the most critical detail for eager buyers is the shipping timeline. Retroid states that units are expected to begin shipping to customers in January 2026. This gives the company ample time to manufacture the new designs and ensure a smoother rollout.
You can already get a sneak peek at the new look and place your order when the time comes by visiting the official Retroid Pocket 6 product page.
What’s New? Exploring the Revised Retroid Pocket 6 Designs
So, what exactly has changed? The product page, which is already live for browsing, reveals a handheld that has been thoughtfully refined.
First and foremost, the color palette has been adjusted. Where the original design offered six colors, the new Retroid Pocket 6 will be available in five distinct colorways. The specific green option from the first reveal has been retired, but the remaining five choices promise to cater to a wide range of tastes.
Beyond just colors, Retroid is offering unprecedented flexibility in its control layout. Buyers will be able to choose between having the D-Pad at the top or at the bottom for both the 8GB and 12GB RAM configurations. This is a fantastic nod to different play styles, whether you're a die-hard retro gamer who lives by the D-Pad or a modern gamer who prefers the analog stick for 3D titles.
Another significant, and welcome, change is the standardization of the rear buttons. Retroid confirms that all Retroid Pocket 6 models, regardless of color, RAM, or D-Pad style, will now come equipped with two configurable buttons on the back. This adds a layer of customizability and control that was a point of discussion in the original design.
For those concerned about the core specs, you can rest easy. The internal hardware and pricing for the Retroid Pocket 6 remain unchanged from the original announcement. The focus of this revision was squarely on the ergonomics, aesthetics, and layout that the community voiced their opinions on.
The journey of the Retroid Pocket 6 is a testament to the power of community feedback in the modern gaming landscape. By listening to its audience and acting quickly, Retroid has not only salvaged a potentially problematic launch but has likely generated even more goodwill and excitement.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the pre-order relaunch and follow the company's official X account for any last-minute updates. The redesigned Retroid Pocket 6 is coming, and it looks like it was worth the wait.
RP6 Pre-Orders go live on November 2nd 9pm EST pic.twitter.com/xBQwv9QPWH
— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) November 1, 2025