Retroid has officially confirmed that its Pocket Mini handheld console suffers from an unfixable shader issue affecting the display of certain graphical effects in emulated games. Users reported problems with scanline and pixel grid shaders, leading to visual distortions such as misplaced scanlines and uneven pixels. Read the full announcement on Retro Handhelds.
In response, Retroid announced a limited return policy for affected customers. The return window is open from March 8th to March 14th, 2025, and is capped at 200 returns for customers outside China. Customers are required to pay for return shipping upfront, with Retroid promising reimbursement upon receipt. Additionally, all Pocket Mini owners will receive a $10 coupon applicable to future Retroid products. More details can be found in The Verge’s coverage.
This situation has sparked discussions within the retro gaming community. Russ from Retro Game Corps highlighted the challenges faced by Retroid as a small company dealing with costly return logistics. He also sought community feedback on possible solutions to address the issue effectively. Check out his thoughts on Twitter.
While some users consider the shader issue minor, others feel it impacts their gaming experience, especially when using shaders to replicate the look of classic CRT displays. The limited return policy has drawn criticism from those who believe it doesn’t adequately address the concerns of all affected customers.
Retroid’s acknowledgment of the unfixable shader issue and its limited return offer have left some customers dissatisfied. As the company prepares for future product releases, it remains to be seen how this situation will influence consumer trust and brand reputation.