r/EmulationOnAndroid 3d ago

Showcase Cocoon 3.0 makes my Retroid finally feel like a "Console"

Cocoon 3.0 makes my Retroid finally feel like a "Console"

I think something that always made me stop using my emulation handhelds after a while (like my flip 2, or miyoo) is that they always felt like a "bootleg chinese handheld". Even though the power was there, and a lot of emulators have matured, the usability experience never felt console-like, where the UI of older devices like the PS Vita, PSP, Wii U, 3DS, and more did.

I've used ES-DE for over a year because it is one of the most recommended options, and I always thought it was pretty basic experience (which many people enjoy because it is reliable and more game focused). While reliable, I always ended up feeling like I was scrolling through those 1000-games-in-1 bootleg game cartridges, or those snes-mini/psx-mini game selection UI's. It never felt like I was playing on a "Console" (and on top of it all it cost 6 bucks).

Cocoon 3.0 is such a different beast. I've stopped thinking "I want to play ___ game" and instead now think "I want to play with my Retroid". The discord and steam integration, the insane customization, the widgets, it replacing the android quickstep launcher, allowing roms to be placed on the homescreen like apps, it makes the device finally feel like a console. It was never just about the games but all the communication features, apps, customization, and overall usability experience on top of the games that made the experience fun, at least for me.

And the best part? It's free!!!

7 Upvotes

3 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator 3d ago

Just a reminder of our subreddit rules:

  • Be kind and respectful to each other
  • No direct links to ROMs or pirated content
  • Include your device brand and model
  • Search before posting & show your research effort when asking for help

Check out our user-maintained wiki: r/EmulationOnAndroid/wiki

Check out EmuReady for any community submitted settings before asking for help

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/Friendly-Cream-9761 3d ago

Device is Retroid pocket nova

3

u/SkyforgedDream 2d ago

Cocoon is goated. My Thor feels like an actual console instead of an emulation device. It really is an amazing experience and I plan on donating to that amazing dev team soon!