A Retroid Pocket G2 on a bright background with the text "RIP G2" displayed on the screen

Retroid discontinues the Retroid Pocket G2

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The popular handheld becomes the latest victim of the RAMpocalypse

The RAM shortage, brought on by the AI boom, is worsening and retro handheld manufacturers are starting to feel the squeeze. This month alone various handheld makers have upped prices and discontinued products due to ongoing components shortages. Among the first to announce to announce changes as a result of this was AYN when they raised prices for their hugely popular AYN Thor. Soon thereafter Retroid officially discontinued the 12GB version of the flagship Retroid Pocket 6. And on March 17th the company announced through their discord that they’d also discontinue the Retroid Pocket G2 after only months on the market.

The G2 was a likely victim

The Retroid Pocket G2 always occupied an awkward space in the lineup. Originally intended to launch alongside the flagship Retroid Pocket 6, the two devices were simply too similar in price, performance, and features. This overlap led many to question the logic of releasing two nearly identical products simultaneously, especially while the Retroid Pocket 5 remained on sale at a similar price point.

However, recent price hikes for the Retroid Pocket 6 have created the market segmentation that was previously missing. Where it was once difficult to recommend the Retroid Pocket 5 over the slightly more expensive G2, it is now significantly more affordable than the current flagship. With the G2 removed from the equation, Retroid’s lineup is finally clear: a premium flagship in the Pocket 6 and a high-value alternative in the Pocket 5.

What this means for the handheld industry

The “RAMpocalypse” is forcing a shift in how handheld manufacturers operate. First and foremost, the race to put more RAM in handhelds is officially over. For years, we saw a steady climb toward 16GB and even 24GB configurations, but with those top-tier models being the first to the chopping block, the industry is retreating to more sustainable 8GB and 12GB baselines. And even lower end budget devices have seen higher RAM configurations axed to lower costs on already low margin devices.

Secondly, the barrier for entry is no longer just price, it’s also raw availability. It’s one thing for a device to become $20 more expensive; it’s another thing entirely for a manufacturer to simply be unable to source enough components to fulfill orders. We are likely entering an era of “Single Flagship” strategies where companies like Retroid and AYN streamline their inventories to focus on single, high-margin devices that they can actually build.

The timing of this shortage is particularly devastating. Retro handhelds are finally inched closer to the mainstream, with devices like the AYN Thor being among the first devices to really take off among more mainstream gamers. While the industry should technically be able to offset some of the lost revenue from higher component costs through this increased volume, the reality is that fulfilling that surging demand has never been harder. We are in a “bittersweet” moment where the demand is at an all-time high, but the supply chain is at an all-time low.

What to get instead of the G2

If you were holding out for a G2, you now have two clear paths depending on your budget and performance needs. Interestingly, both of these options still sit below the $250 mark, making Retroid’s current lineup very competitive even after recent price hikes.

  • The Flagship Move: Retroid Pocket 6
    With the G2 discontinued, the Pocket 6 stands alone as Retroid’s only flagship product of the current performance tier. For $244, it is the definitive choice for high-end emulation, including Switch and PS2. It offers the best performance Retroid currently has to offer in a familiar, high-quality form factor.
  • The Value Choice: Retroid Pocket 5
    If you want to stay closer to $200, the Pocket 5 is the better value proposition. While it lacks the raw power of the RP6, it handles most retro systems with ease and remains a fan favorite for its build quality and ergonomics. At $199, it's one of the best ways to get a premium handheld experience without breaking the bank.

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