A new budget gaming handheld has quietly arrived, and it’s aiming to stand out in a crowded market with a feature you don’t often see at this price. The Miniloong Pocket 1 is a compact, pocket-sized retro gaming device built around the familiar Rockchip RK3566 platform, but with a modular twist designed for players who like to customize their hardware.
At its core, the Pocket 1 is made for classic games and emulation on the go. It features a 4:3 IPS display with a 960 x 720 resolution, which is a great fit for older console libraries and retro titles. The screen is also rated for up to 450 nits of peak brightness, helping the handheld stay usable in brighter rooms or daytime conditions.
Performance and everyday usability are backed by 1 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and a 4,000 mAh battery. Charging is handled over wired power at up to 7.5 W. For storage, the Pocket 1 includes 8 GB of eMMC flash, plus two microSD card slots—useful for expanding game libraries without constantly swapping cards. There’s also a mini HDMI port, letting you connect the handheld to an external monitor or TV for a bigger-screen experience.
Connectivity is ready out of the box as well. The Pocket 1 runs a Linux-based operating system and supports both Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, which can be handy for wireless accessories, updates, and general convenience depending on how you use your handheld.
Where the Miniloong Pocket 1 really tries to separate itself from other affordable RK3566 handhelds is its modular design. The device supports hot-swappable faceplates that attach with magnets, making it easy to change the look and feel without tools or complicated teardown steps. Miniloong also includes two different d-pad designs, and they can be swapped whenever you want—an appealing option for players who have strong preferences for fighting games, platformers, or arcade-style controls.
In terms of size, the Pocket 1 measures about 165 x 79 x 18 mm and weighs roughly 260 grams, keeping it portable while still large enough for comfortable two-handed play.
The Miniloong Pocket 1 is set to officially launch in China on January 29 at 10:00 local time. It has already appeared on AliExpress listings for around $83, including white and retro-themed finishes. For now, there’s no confirmed word on wider official availability outside China, but its early listings suggest global buyers may be able to import it while waiting for broader release details.
