Retroid axes its 12GB Pocket 6 and raises 8GB prices

Retroid discontinues its 12GB Pocket 6 handheld due to memory market changes

Retroid has announced that it has discontinued its 12GB Retroid Pocket 6 handheld and raised the price of its 8GB model. This is “due to significant changes in the global memory market”, which has largely been caused by AI datacenter buildouts. Retroid is one of the largest producers of retro gaming handhelds, with their Pocket series devices being incredibly popular.

The 8GB Retroid Pocket 6 has seen its price increase by $15 to $244. Back in December, Retroid cited the global RAM shortage when it ended its “Early Bird” pricing, raising the handheld’s price from $209 to $229. Those who have already ordered a 12GB Retroid Pocket 6 will receive their units at their original price.

In today’s memory market, Retroid claims that they “cannot continue offering the 12GB configuration at a reasonable price”. This is why they have decided to stop producing this model. If memory pricing lowers, which is unlikely anytime soon, Retroid may reintroduce this model.

Retroid isn’t the only handheld maker facing memory shortages. Valve has confirmed that “memory and storage shortages” are preventing it from producing enough Steam Deck handhelds to meet demand. Valve has also dropped its more affordable Steam Deck LCD model from its lineup, likely due to rising memory costs.

You can join the discussion on Retroid dropping its 12GB Pocket 6 handheld on the OC3D Forums.