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| The Retroid Pocket 6 in 16Bit and Black color options. |
Just when you thought the saga of the Retroid Pocket 6 was settling down, the company has thrown another curveball. A few months ago, Retroid broke the hearts of power users by discontinuing the 12GB RAM version of its popular Android handheld. The official reason? Soaring component costs, particularly for high-speed RAM and storage chips. It seemed like the era of a truly maxed-out Retroid device was over before it really began.
But this week, in a surprise announcement on the official Retroid Discord channel, the company revealed that the 12GB RAM configuration is back. Well, mostly back. If you were hoping for an exact re-release of the original high-end model, you’ll want to read the fine print — because Retroid has made some significant changes to bring this device back to the shelf.
Same RAM, Less Storage
The original discontinued Pocket 6 (12GB RAM variant) shipped with a generous 256GB of UFS storage. The resurrected version, however, pairs that 12GB of RAM with 128GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. That’s half the capacity for the same type of fast, modern flash memory. The price? Still $279. So you’re paying the same amount for the same memory but losing 128GB of built-in space.
For most emulation and Android gaming enthusiasts, that’s not necessarily a dealbreaker. The Pocket 6 includes a microSD card slot, so expanding storage is cheap and easy. Still, it’s an unusual move to cut the internal storage while keeping the price identical. Retroid hasn’t commented on why they didn’t offer a $259 or $269 option, but the supply chain pressures that caused the original discontinuation likely still linger.
Stick Top Only — D-Pad Fans, Look Away
Here’s where things get even more specific. The new 12GB RAM Pocket 6 is only available with asymmetrical thumbsticks — what Retroid calls “Stick Top” layout (left stick above the D-pad, mimicking an Xbox controller). If you prefer the “D-pad Top” layout with symmetrical sticks (more like a PlayStation or the original Retroid Pocket 2), you’re out of luck for the 12GB model.
Those who want the D-pad on top will have to settle for the 8GB RAM version. That’s a meaningful trade-off for retro purists who primarily play classic 8-bit and 16-bit games where a quality D-pad position is non-negotiable. With the 12GB model being aimed at heavier GameCube, PS2, and even some Switch emulation, the Stick Top layout arguably makes more sense for analog-centric 3D titles. But the forced choice will still frustrate fans who want both high RAM and their preferred control scheme.
Three Color Options — No Orange, No Light Purple
Retroid handhelds are known for their fun, retro-inspired colorways, but the new 12GB model is keeping things restrained. It’s available in just three colors: Silver, 16Bit (the classic gray and purple SNES-inspired look), and Black. Notably absent are the vibrant Orange and Light Purple variants that were offered on previous runs. If you were hoping to stand out with a bold shade, you’ll need to look at the 8GB model or wait and see if Retroid expands the palette later (don’t hold your breath).
The Best News: No Pre-Order Waiting
On a more positive note, Retroid says this new 12GB RAM + 128GB version is in stock and ready to ship. That’s a breath of fresh air in a handheld market currently plagued by lengthy pre-order windows and crowdfunding-style delays. Competitors like the AYN Thor and Odin 3 are notorious for making customers wait months between payment and delivery. Here, you order, and it ships.
If you’re ready to grab one, head over to the official Retroid website.
Availability is limited exclusively to that official store — you won’t find this variant on Amazon or third-party resellers, at least not yet.
Who Is This For?
The $279 price point puts the Pocket 6 12GB/128GB in direct competition with the Anbernic RG556, the AYN Odin 2’s base model, and even secondhand Steam Decks. But the Retroid’s advantage remains its compact size and mature Android software stack. With 12GB of RAM, you’ll be able to run demanding emulators, Android native games like Genshin Impact, and even some light Windows emulation via Winlator without memory-related stutters.
The storage cut is a minor annoyance, but most enthusiasts will slap in a 512GB or 1TB microSD card and never think about it again. The bigger deal is the forced Stick Top layout. If you can live with that — or actually prefer it — then this is the most powerful Retroid Pocket 6 you can buy today, with the bonus of immediate shipping.
If you absolutely need a D-pad on top and 12GB of RAM… well, here’s hoping Retroid changes its mind again. In this hobby, that’s never off the table.
Bottom line: The 12GB Pocket 6 is back, but it’s a little different, a little less colorful, and ready to ship right now. Just don’t blink — if component costs spike again, this variant might disappear for good.
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| The new 12GB RAM version of the Pocket 6 is available in three colors only. |