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Retroid Pocket 6, Nova, and Duo get Linux Kernel 7.3 support

Owen Carter 0 comments 2 min read

Retroid Pocket 6, Pocket Nova, and Pocket Duo now support Linux Kernel 7.3, adding GPU acceleration, DisplayPort audio, and modern connectivity features.

Retroid Pocket 6, Nova, and Duo get Linux Kernel 7.3 support
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Retroid is offering a kernel update that adds support for kernel 7.3 to its current lineup of handhelds. That way, you can now run a modern open source operating system with all the latest features on your Retroid. This is a great update because it adds the latest features on an existing kernel without needing new hardware. If you are an open source software fan, then you have the option to have a compatible Linux setup on your Retroid device.

Kernel update adds GPU acceleration and DisplayPort audio to handhelds

As for what handhelds are compatible with the update, we're looking at three specific ones. These are the Retroid Pocket 6, Retroid Pocket Nova, and Retroid Pocket Duo. The Pocket 6 and Pocket Nova feature the Qualcomm QCS8550 chip whereas the Retroid Pocket Duo has the Eliza chip. So, you can see that this is a fairly widespread update across their recent lineup of retro handhelds.

With Linux kernel 7.3 support, there's plenty of core functionality that's compatible on these. You've got GPU acceleration and video decoding capabilities. There's support for touchscreens, gamepads, and RGB stick backlights for the Pocket 6 and Pocket Nova. There's also audio output support via speakers, headphones, internal mics, and USB-C Displayport Alt Mode.

Connectivity-wise, you've got Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Pocket 6 and Pocket Nova are using the WCN7850 module. The Pocket Duo is on the WCN7750 module.

UFS and microSD storage is also supported. PWM fan and thermal control are also in the mix to keep things running smoothly.

Keep in mind, however, that this kernel update requires a bit more technical knowledge to pull off. So, it isn't a super simple plug and play thing for everyone. We did cover some Retroid Pocket 6, Retroid Pocket Nova, and Retroid Pocket Duo updates before.

One of the concerns that came up was balance. Thankfully, this update helps with stability and adds all these new modern features of the latest kernel.

If you're one of the tech savvy folks out there, then you can find the update to Linux kernel 7.3 on GitHub. However, the update itself won't be changing any specs or pricing on the devices. So, you can now have a viable Linux option if you're a Retroid Pocket 6, Retroid Pocket Nova, or Retroid Pocket Duo owner.

Source: Retroid, IXBT

Linux

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