Retroid Pocket Mini: Display swap looks anything but easy in official video (2025)

The launch of the Pocket Mini has not gone according to plan for Retroid. Initially, the device looked like a great option for those seeking a compact retro gaming handheld with more power than something like the Anbernic RG40XX H (curr. $84.99 on Amazon). In short, the Retroid Pocket Mini combines a bright AMOLED display with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset that can emulate pretty much anything you can throw at it.

However, the company was quickly found to be shipping certain early units with a different colour than it advertised on its website. Following that error, Retroid's long-awaited Android 13 upgrade caused enough issues that owners were warning others to remain on Android 10. Then, it turned out that Retroid had duped fans into believing that the Pocket Mini contained a 3.7-inch and 960p display when that was never the case.

Now, it turns out that Retroid's only hardware solution requires a lengthy disassembly and re-assembly process to pull off. To recap, the company announced last month that it would be offering a Pocket Mini front shell with the 3.92-inch and 1080p AMOLED display from the Pocket Classic. The process of installing this new shell is far from easy, though. Based on the video below, we would recommend proceeding with extreme caution when undertaking such a delicate procedure. This is only exemplified by Retroid seemingly providing no warranty if one botches the repair, which could easily occur given the volume of sensitive ribbon cables used.

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Alex Alderson - Senior Tech Writer - 12157 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.