Retroid Pocket 6 shipping delayed as OLED calibration woes slow production but early units are already still rolling out
Retroid has confirmed that its Pocket 6 handheld’s shipping will be delayed due to efficiency constraints in the handheld’s OLED screen calibration and demura process. Still, shipments are underway for a few select early pre-orders.
For now, only around 100 units of the black version with joysticks on top have been dispatched as part of the initial batch. The company aims to ensure a widespread rollout of shipping for certain higher-spec models, such as the 12GB sticks-on-top model.
A display-centric conundrum
Currently, Retroid has posted several statements on its Discord server, explaining the hiccup and reassuring customers that it is actively addressing the OLED issues and taking measures to resolve them as soon as possible.
This isn’t surprising, given the complexity involved in calibrating custom OLED panels for something akin to the Retroid Pocket 6. Apparently, the factory handling the Retroid’s manufacturing is reportedly inexperienced with OLED panels, leading to the delay. Reportedly, each panel takes about ten minutes to process.
To bypass this issue, Retroid has seemingly invested in a new calibration system capable of calibrating up to 12 OLED panels simultaneously, boosting productivity tenfold. Coupled with this development, the Retroid Pocket 6 black edition is being prioritised for shipment, consisting of both joystick and directional pad configurations. As for the other color variants, the company hopes to ramp up production of the vibrant Retroid Pocket 6 lineup soon.
No luck yet for lower-spec buyers
However, not all Retroid Pocket 6 variants will be shipping early. Details on shipping dates for the 8GB variant with the directional pad on top have yet to be announced, suggesting the company will deliver the lower-spec Retroid Pocket 6 at a later date.
Retroid took user feedback into account last year and opted for multiple controller layouts. While the company’s developments have come a long way from the official announcement, they have caused considerable hurdles in the production segment.
If you’re still in the market for a Retroid Pocket 6, you might want to act fast: the first batch is sold out, second-batch pre-orders are already open, and shipping is slated for early March 2026.
For now, Retroid is trying to keep up with demand, and tuning into their Discord server is your best bet to get updates hot off the press.
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