Compare Retroid Pocket 5 vs Zotac Zone

In this technical comparison between the Retroid Pocket 5 and the Zotac Zone, we analyze the key features to help you choose. The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) for the Pocket 5 versus 1920 x 1080p for the Zone.

Choosing between these two Portable Gaming Devices models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $199 - $219 USD and Approximately $799 USD.

Specifications Retroid
Pocket 5
Zotac
Zone
Retroid Pocket 5 Zotac Zone
Launch
Release Version September 2024 September 2024
Performance
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 AMD Ryzen 7 8840U (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1GHz)
GPU Adreno 650 (587 MHz) AMD Radeon 780M (12 RDNA 3 Cores)
RAM 8GB LPDDR4x 16GB LPDDR5X-7500 (Onboard)
Storage 128GB UFS 3.1 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD (Full-size 2280)
Expandable Storage MicroSD/TF card slot Yes (UHS-II microSD card slot)
OS / Platform Android 13 (Dual boot support for Linux-based OS like Rocknix/Batocera) Windows 11 Home
Game Store / Ecosystem Google Play Store, Retroid Launcher ZOTAC "One Launcher" (Aggregates Steam, Epic, Game Pass, etc.)
Display
Screen size 5.5-inch 7-inch
Image Resolution 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) 1920 x 1080p
Refresh rate 60Hz 120Hz
Max FPS 60 FPS 120 FPS
Panel type AMOLED (approx. 500 nits brightness, 401 PPI) AMOLED (800 nits peak brightness)
Touch support Yes (multi-touch) Yes (10-point multi-touch)
HDR - Yes (HDR Ready)
Adaptive Sync / VRR - No
Audio
Speaker format Dual front-facing stereo speakers Dual front-facing/down-firing stereo speakers
3.5mm Headphone Jack Yes Yes
Mic Integrated microphone Integrated dual microphones
Supported codecs - standard Windows/Realtek HD Audio support
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C (Data, Charging, and OTG support) 2 x USB4 (One top, one bottom; supports 40Gbps)
Display Output 1080p60 via USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) Yes (DP Alt-mode via USB4)
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.1 Bluetooth 5.2
NFC - No
Ethernet - No
Controls / Inputs
Built-in Controls 3D Hall-effect analog sticks (clickable L3/R3), Analog L2/R2 triggers, D-pad, ABXY buttons Hall Effect sticks, Hall Effect triggers, Clicky D-pad, ABXY, Dual Trackpads
Controller Features Customizable RGB lighting on sticks, Integrated vibration motor, Six-axis Gyroscope 2-Stage Adjustable Triggers (switch between analog and hair-trigger), Dual Radial Dials (around thumbsticks for quick settings), 2 Programmable Rear Macro buttons, 6-axis Gyro, Haptic Feedback
External Controller Support Supported via Bluetooth or USB-C Yes (Bluetooth/USB)
Compatibility
Backward Compatibility Emulates systems including PS2, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, PSP, and Dreamcast Runs standard Windows X86 applications/games
Accessory Compatibility Compatible with official Retroid Dock and third-party USB-C hubs Compatible with standard USB-C/USB4 docks
Docking Support - Yes (Official ZOTAC Docking Station sold separately)
VR Support - Yes (Capable via USB4, though performance varies by title)
Physical
Body Dimensions 199.2 x 78.5 x 15.6 mm 285 x 115 x 35 mm
Weight 280g 692g
Color options Black, White, GC (Purple), 16-Bit (Gray) Gunmetal Gray
Materials Textured ABS plastic frame with an all-glass front panel -
Cooling Active cooling (Internal fan + heatsink) Active cooling (Triple heatpipe, 60-fin heatsink, single high-airflow fan)
Battery & Power
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 48.5Wh (3-cell Li-ion)
Battery Life Approx. 4–6 hours (varies by system emulation load) Approx. 1.25 to 7.5 hours (depending on TDP/load)
Charging 27W Fast Charging 65W PD Fast Charging (Type-C)
Power Consumption - 15W–28W TDP (Configurable)
Misc
Inside the Box Retroid Pocket 5 Console, USB Type-C charging cable, User manual ZOTAC ZONE, 65W AC Adapter, USB-C Cable, Carrying Case (Pre-order bonus in some regions), 1-month Xbox Game Pass
Price $199 - $219 USD Approximately $799 USD
Full Details Pocket 5 - Full Specifications Zone - Full Specifications