The Retroid Pocket Nova is arriving in retail units, and buyers are immediately noticing a hardware quirk that affects the user experience. The retro handheld’s D-pad is louder than expected, creating a distracting clicking sound during gameplay. This issue matters because it impacts the tactile satisfaction of a device designed for precise input. Users who prioritize quiet, crisp controls may find this defect noticeable from day one.
Retail units reveal louder clicks from slightly longer control stem
The core of the problem lies in the physical construction of the control inputs. Engineers have identified that the D-pad stem on the Nova is approximately 0.02mm longer than the one found on the Retroid Pocket 6. This slight excess length causes the stem to scratch against the printed circuit board when pressed. The friction generates the audible noise that players are reporting.
The device’s internal layout exacerbates this mechanical issue. The trigger buttons use a closed diaphragm design that acts like a sound hole. This structure amplifies the scratching noise from the D-pad stem, making the defect more prominent to the ear. The combination of the longer stem and the acoustic design creates the specific auditory profile users are hearing.
Despite the noise, there is no evidence that the longer stem affects gameplay functionality. Reports do not indicate that the D-pad causes floating or fails to register inputs. A community-proposed fix involving tape requires disassembling the unit, which would void the manufacturer's warranty if components are damaged. Retroid has acknowledged the issue and sent the information to its engineers for review.
We have been tracking Retroid Pocket Nova closely — see our earlier coverage on Retroid Pocket Nova Teased as 4. An official response regarding a potential hardware revision or fix is expected in the coming days. Until then, the noise remains a confirmed characteristic of the current retail units.
Source: RetroHandhelds
