Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro: A Comprehensive Getting Started Guide

Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro: A Comprehensive Getting Started Guide

Congratulations on choosing the Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro! This advanced Android gaming device is crafted with gamers in mind, blending classic gaming with cutting-edge technology to deliver top-notch performance, portability, and versatility in a compact console. We’re excited to guide you through your journey with this comprehensive Getting Started guide, covering everything from initial setup to diving into your first game, ensuring a seamless experience.

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Unboxing

When you unbox your Retroid Pocket 4/4 Pro, make sure you have all the necessary components and accessories for a smooth start. Check all compartments and thoroughly inspect the entire box to find everything you need for a complete setup experience. Your package should include:

  • 1x Retroid Pocket 4/4 PRO
  • 1x USB-C Cable
  • 1x User Manual

If anything is missing or you are unsure, please contact our Customer Support team for assistance.

Device Overview

The Retroid Pocket 4 and Pocket 4 Pro deliver peak performance thanks to their MediaTek Processors – the Dimensity 900 for the standard model and the Dimensity 1100 for the Pro model. Depending on your model, you'll have either the Mali-G68 MC4 (Standard model) or Mali-G77 MC9 GPU (Pro model) for high-performance gaming. Your Retroid Pocket 4 includes many buttons and connectors, all clearly labelled in the user manual and shown below. Familiarise yourself with your device.

r/retroid - News on the retroid pocket 4 pro, the BEST handheld yet?

Setting Up Retroid Pocket 4 / 4 Pro

Setting up your Pocket 4 is simple:

  1. Fully charge your device.
  2. Insert the MicroSD card into the TF card slot.
  3. Power on the device.

We'll go into more detail below, or you can skip ahead to Setting Up Android.

Charge Device

Start by fully charging your device. Connect your Retroid Pocket 4 to a power source using the USB-C cable provided. The USB-C port is located at the base of the device (refer to Device Overview).

A full charge is crucial to prevent interruptions during setup, which may include important steps like battery calibration. This initial charge also helps maintain the battery’s health and efficiency over time.

Insert MicroSD Card

Next, prepare your device’s expanded storage. Insert the MicroSD card into the TF slot on the bottom side of the device (refer to Device Overview). This card will store all your data, so ensure it’s securely in place. Your device is almost ready!

Power On Device

Power on your Pocket 4 by pressing and holding the on/off button (refer to Device Overview). The first boot may take longer than usual — this is normal and part of the setup process. Subsequent boot times will be shorter, getting you into your games faster. A little patience goes a long way!

Setting Up Android

Both Retroid Pocket 4 models run on the Android OS, with the standard model on Android Version 11 and the Pro model on Android 13. This gives you access to a wide range of apps and games, plus enhanced customisability and functionality, including the Google Play Store, sideloading, social media, and more.

This transforms your Pocket 4 from a gaming console into a versatile multimedia device. But first, you need to configure Android on your device. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds! Follow the steps below:

You'll be greeted by a welcome screen and prompted to select:

  1. A preferred language
  2. A Wi-Fi connection
  3. A timezone

After connecting to the internet, you'll see an option to enable Google Play services. While optional, enabling it gives you access to the Google Play Store for direct app downloads – we recommend turning it on. Next, you can install preloaded applications and emulators. Finally, choose your user interface: the RP4 Pro Launcher or the standard Android AOSP Launcher. We suggest trying the AOSP for a familiar Android experience.

  1. Google Play services
  2. Preinstalled applications
  3. Select launcher
  4. Setup complete

Handheld Settings

You can customise your gaming experience in the Handheld Settings, which provide device-specific options separate from the standard Android settings. To access these settings:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select Handheld Settings from the menu.

Virtual Mouse

The virtual mouse feature transforms your left joystick into a mouse-like controller, making it easier to navigate and interact with non-gaming applications.

To enable this, go to the Handheld Settings menu and activate it under the Virtual Mouse tab. You'll need to set a shortcut to quickly toggle the virtual mouse on or off without going through the settings menu each time.

  1. Handheld Settings
  2. Enable Virtual Mouse

Setup Wizard

If you need to adjust your device’s initial setup without a factory reset, which would delete all data, the Setup Wizard in the Handheld Settings menu is a useful tool. It helps you fine-tune key settings for a more personalised experience.

To access the Setup Wizard, navigate to the Advanced tab in Handheld Settings and select Re-enter Setup Wizard. This will bring you back to the Android Welcome Screen to adjust your setup as you did initially.

  1. Handheld Settings
  2. Enter Setup Wizard

(Optional) Factory Reset

If you experience issues with your Pocket 4 or want to start fresh, a factory reset can be the solution. This restores your device to its original settings, erasing all data and installed applications. Follow our comprehensive guide below to learn when and why a factory reset may be beneficial. Remember to back up any important data before proceeding, as this action is irreversible.

How to Factory Reset Your Android Device

Installing & Setting Up New Games

If you’re looking to build an extensive game library on the Pocket 4 but don’t know where to start, our detailed guide below will help. This universal guide ensures you can set up and personalise your game library regardless of the operating system. Follow the Android instructions to start curating your collection of games.

How to Add New Games & ROMS to Your Handheld

Retrolize does not preload or preinstall any games on our devices. However, we fully support your gaming passion by providing a detailed, reusable guide on adding, installing, and updating games (ROMs) on your device.

RetroArch

RetroArch is a powerful open-source emulation frontend that simplifies retro gaming from a wide range of devices. To help you get started with RetroArch on your device, we’ve created a detailed guide, which walks you through the setup steps, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Check out the setup guide here and find it embedded below for easy access.

How to install and set up RetroArch on your Windows or Android devices

Connecting an External Display

Connecting your Retroid Pocket 4 to an external display is incredibly simple thanks to your device’s connectivity hardware. Your Pocket 4 comes equipped with a Micro HDMI and USB 4.0 port, so to connect your device directly to a display using a:

Effortlessly connect your Retroid Pocket 4 to an external display using its versatile connectivity options. The device features both a Micro HDMI and USB 4.0 port, allowing for a direct connection. Depending on the external display’s input, you can use:

  • USB 4.0 to USB 4.0 – for displays with USB 4.0 input.
  • USB 4.0 to HDMI – standard/mini/micro matching your display.
  • Micro HDMI to USB 4.0 – for displays with USB 4.0 input.
  • Micro HDMI to HDMI – standard/mini/micro depending on the display.

If you need further assistance or details, please refer to our comprehensive guide on connecting your Retroid Pocket 4 to external displays.

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