Retroid has taken a significant step by rolling out an Android 13 update for its compact gaming device, the Retroid Pocket Mini. This update brings the Pocket Mini on par with its larger counterpart, the Pocket 5, in terms of software.
Initially, there was quite the disparity between the Pocket Mini and the Pocket 5 upon their simultaneous release back in September. While both devices sported similar hardware, the Pocket Mini launched with Android 10, notably older software than even its predecessors, the Pocket 4 and Pocket 4 Pro. In contrast, the Pocket 5 was equipped with the more advanced Android 13 from the start.
This software lag proved to be a significant limitation for the Pocket Mini, restricting users from accessing newer emulators and games that demand more recent Android updates. The update to Android 13 should theoretically alleviate these issues and enhance the device’s capability.
Despite this promising update, users should proceed with caution. Reports indicate that transitioning to Android 13 on the Pocket Mini is not entirely smooth sailing. The upgrade process requires a complete wipe of the device’s storage, and early adopters have noted several bugs in the current Android 13 package. Consequently, experts in the retro gaming community advise holding off on this update until these issues are addressed, unless upgrading is absolutely necessary for specific applications.
While the Retroid Pocket Mini has now caught up software-wise, it’s essential for users to weigh the pros and cons of updating immediately versus waiting for a more stable version to arrive.
