The tech world is buzzing about Retroid's upcoming release, the Pocket Classic, which features a 4nm Qualcomm chipset—a first for the company. This handheld gaming device, aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts, comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an impressive 5000mAh battery. While details on the exact chipset remain vague, industry experts speculate that it could be the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 or even higher-tier models like the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. Despite its budget-oriented design, the Pocket Classic boasts a premium AMOLED display, raising questions about its final price point. As Retroid continues to unveil more information, anticipation grows regarding how this midrange chipset will perform compared to competitors in the retro gaming market.

With Retroid's spring lineup gradually being revealed, one standout feature of the Pocket Classic is its adoption of a cutting-edge 4nm Qualcomm chip. Although the specific model remains undisclosed, several logical contenders exist based on the provided specifications. Among these, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 stands out as a probable candidate due to its alignment with the device’s listed Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities. This particular chipset, designed primarily for affordable smartphones, aligns well with other cost-effective components such as eMMC 5.1 storage, contrasting sharply with Retroid's recent preference for faster UFS 3.1 technology.

Other potential options include the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and above, which promise enhanced performance albeit at a steeper cost. Such upgrades could elevate the device closer to flagship standards akin to the Snapdragon 865 found in the Retroid Pocket 5. This increased power would significantly benefit emulation tasks, particularly for systems like the Sega Saturn, which the six-button configuration seems tailored towards. Interestingly, both the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 and Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 possess advanced wireless capabilities beyond what Retroid has chosen to implement, marking an unusual omission given the superior connectivity seen in their previous devices over the past two years.

As Retroid ventures into unexplored territory with these midrange Qualcomm chipsets, expectations are high regarding their suitability for retro gaming handhelds. Unlike many budget-focused rivals running Linux, such as the TrimUI Brick, Retroid's Pocket Classic aims to carve out a unique niche. Meanwhile, the concurrently launching Pocket Flip 2 showcases established processors like the Dimensity 1100 and Snapdragon 865, ensuring predictable performance levels familiar from earlier models like the Pocket 4 Pro and Pocket Mini/5.

Ultimately, the Pocket Classic appears poised as a budget-friendly option catering to fans of older consoles and handhelds, supported by its joystick-free design. However, the inclusion of a top-tier AMOLED screen introduces uncertainty regarding pricing. Given Retroid's steady pace of announcements, clarity on the Pocket Classic's full potential should emerge soon, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further revelations.