Pocket AIS Retro Handheld Reveals $169.99 Price, 4:3 Display and Built-In App Store

AISLPC has detailed the Pocket AIS ahead of its October 24 launch, revealing a $169.99 retro handheld built around a 4.5-inch 4:3 IPS display. That aspect ratio is particularly appropriate for older console and arcade games, avoiding the enormous black borders that can appear when classic titles designed for traditional televisions are displayed on modern widescreen panels.

Resolution is 1024 by 768 pixels, giving the compact screen considerably more definition than the familiar 640-by-480 displays used by many inexpensive retro handhelds. Processing duties are handled by the Rockchip RK3562 alongside 2GB of RAM, 4GB of internal system storage and support for microSD cards up to 512GB. The handheld runs Ais OS, a customised environment based on Rocknix that includes its own application store and support for additional services when connected to Wi-Fi.

AISLPC lists compatibility with systems including PSP, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Game Boy families, Mega Drive, arcade platforms and selected PlayStation 2 titles, although PS2 performance will obviously vary considerably by game. Five-level active cooling, Wi-Fi 6, dual analogue sticks, vibration and a 4000mAh battery round out the specifications. Pocket AIS is available in black and green. It is not attempting to compete with flagship Android handhelds costing several hundred dollars.

Instead, it targets players who want a compact retro machine with a properly proportioned display. Sometimes respecting a thirty-year-old game's original aspect ratio is more valuable than adding another teraflop.