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Anyone interested in retro gaming handhelds should probably be interested in the Retroid Pocket Nova. It was first teased earlier this week, and now we know pretty much know everything there is to know about it. This includes key details such as its specs, price, and accessories. The retro 4:3 handheld will be available to pre-order on June 26 / June 27, depending on your time zone.
The Nova’s product page is already live on the Retroid store, but pre-orders are still pending at the time of writing this. That will soon change, as the two available (8GB RAM and 12GB RAM) models go on sale at the same time. It’s also available in seven different colorways, including some of Retroid’s usual designs such as 16-bit, GC (GameCube), and a bog-standard Black option.
When can you pre order the Retroid Pocket Nova?
Retroid has revealed that the Pocket Nova will be available from 9 AM BJT (Beijing Time) on June 27. That translates to 9 PM on June 26 for the East Coast of the U.S. We’ve put together a wider list of regions below to help you figure out how that works out in your local time.
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June 26
- Los Angeles – 6 PM PDT
- Denver – 7 PM MDT
- Chicago – 8 PM CDT
- New York – 9 PM EDT
June 27
- London – 2 AM BST
- Berlin – 3 AM CEST
- Mumbai – 6:30 AM IST
- Beijing – 9 AM BJT
- Tokyo – 10 AM JST
- Sydney – 11 AM AEST
- Auckland – 1 PM NZST
Our countdown clock below is also ticking down to the exact time pre-orders are due to arrive. Keep in mind that it will disappear once expired, so if you don’t see a timer, then the Pocket Nova is already available.
Pocket Nova launch models – how much do they cost?
There are two different variants of the Pocket Nova – the entry-level 8GB RAM variant, or a more expensive model that ships with 12GB. The pricing also differs slightly based on the color/design you choose, with Retroid’s typical designs being $5 cheaper. Below you can find full pricing details, starting from $229 in the United States. All models ship with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage.
- 8GB + 128GB (Black, 16-bit, GC): $229
- 8GB + 128GB (Ice Blue, Crystal, Watermelon, Clear Purple): $234
- 12GB + 128GB (Black, 16-bit, GC): $269
- 12GB + 128GB (Ice Blue, Crystal, Watermelon, Clear Purple): $274
A pre-order bonus also means all these models come with a free Bumped Back Shell + Tempered Glass Screen Protector.
Retroid has previously struggled to maintain stock of its higher RAM variants. It was forced to discontinue the 12GB RAM version of its flagship Pocket 6 handheld before announcing its return a few months later. With that in mind, we may see 12GB versions of the new Pocket Nova fly off shelves faster than its 8GB sibling, depending on whether fans deem the $40 mark-up worth it.
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