Title: The Abxylute One Pro: A Promising Cloud Gaming Handheld That’s Outshined by Retroid
In the fast-changing landscape of portable gaming, new handheld devices are unveiled at a rapid rate. Enter the Abxylute One Pro — a successor to the 2023 Abxylute Cloud Gaming Handheld. Tailored for cloud gaming enthusiasts, the One Pro seeks to provide an efficient, budget-friendly option for gamers focused on streaming services such as Xbox Game Pass, GeForce NOW, and PlayStation Remote Play. Yet, despite its potential, the One Pro faces challenges — primarily due to the presence of the Retroid Pocket 5.
Let’s delve into what the Abxylute One Pro has to offer, and why it finds it difficult to stand out alongside the more adaptable and robust Retroid Pocket 5.
A Cloud-Driven Design
The Abxylute One Pro revolves around cloud gaming. It is equipped with the MediaTek Genio 510 processor, complemented by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. These specifications may be modest, but they suffice for a device not designed for high-powered native gaming. Instead, the One Pro is fine-tuned for streaming, making it an appealing choice for users with dependable internet access.
The 7-inch LCD display offers ample screen space, and its larger form may attract gamers who favor a more substantial grip. The Kickstarter campaign for the One Pro has piqued interest, with early bird pricing set at $209, eventually increasing to $249 at retail.
However, while the One Pro marks an improvement over its predecessor, it enters a landscape already dominated by more equipped devices — particularly, the Retroid Pocket 5.
Retroid Pocket 5: A Cloud and Native Gaming Juggernaut
The Retroid Pocket 5 is a compact handheld that delivers exceptional performance. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, it boasts considerably more processing power than the One Pro. This enables it to manage not only cloud gaming but also native Android games and advanced retro emulation — covering systems like PlayStation 2, GameCube, and even early PS3 games thanks to custom firmware.
Whereas the One Pro is restricted to Android, the Pocket 5 provides greater versatility. Users can install custom Linux-based firmware like ROCKNIX or Batocera, unlocking extensive emulation options, including Xbox and PS3 — a capability the One Pro cannot replicate.
Display Comparison: AMOLED vs. LCD
The Retroid Pocket 5 also excels in display quality. It features a stunning AMOLED screen that produces deeper blacks, enhanced contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the LCD used in the One Pro. Although the One Pro has a larger 7-inch screen, the Pocket 5’s 5.5-inch AMOLED display offers a more impressive visual experience, particularly for retro games with pixel art or darker themes.
Cost and Value Considerations
Cost is a pivotal aspect in the handheld gaming market. The Abxylute One Pro is priced starting at $209 on Kickstarter, with a retail price set at $249. While this is less expensive than the Logitech G Cloud ($299), it still exceeds the price of the Retroid Pocket 5, which delivers more performance and flexibility at a lower cost.
Furthermore, the forthcoming Retroid Pocket Flip 2 — essentially a clamshell variant of the Pocket 5 featuring the same OLED display — is anticipated to be priced even more competitively than the One Pro. This places Abxylute in a challenging position: it comes at a higher cost than its direct rivals while offering less in performance and adaptability.
Where the One Pro Excels
Despite its limitations, the Abxylute One Pro does have its strengths. Its larger display and cloud-centric design cater to casual gamers who predominantly use platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW. It’s also suitable for those desiring a straightforward, plug-and-play experience without dealing with firmware modifications or complicated settings.
Additionally, the One Pro’s design and ergonomics might be appealing to users uncomfortable with smaller handheld devices over prolonged gaming sessions.
Final Thoughts: A Good Concept in the Wrong Market
The Abxylute One Pro is a device designed with good intentions for a specific audience — cloud gamers seeking a dedicated handheld. However, in a market where devices like the Retroid Pocket 5 provide more power, superior displays, and enhanced functionality at a lower price point, the One Pro finds it hard to validate its presence.
It exemplifies a situation where solid hardware is eclipsed by stronger competition. Had the One Pro launched a year earlier, it may have made a significant impact. But in 2024, with competitors like Retroid raising the standards, Abxylute’s latest product feels like it’s trailing behind.
If you’re considering the Abxyl
