Retroid is moving the Pocket Nova from anticipation into actual sales, but buyers will still need patience after checkout. Pre-orders open on 26 June at 9:00 PM ET, while shipping is not expected to begin until late July.
That timing matters because the handheld already has its price and configuration details, yet the waiting period remains longer than many shoppers may want. Retroid confirmed the pre-order schedule through Discord and directed buyers to its official website once sales go live.
Two memory options at launch
The Pocket Nova arrives in two versions, both with 128GB of storage. The entry model pairs 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage and is priced at $229.
The higher-end model increases memory to 12GB of RAM while keeping the same 128GB storage, and it starts at $269. For buyers weighing the two, the main difference is RAM rather than internal storage.
| Model | RAM | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Nova base model | 8GB | 128GB | $229 |
| Pocket Nova higher-end model | 12GB | 128GB | $269 |
The company only unveiled the device one day earlier, after several days of building interest around the handheld Android release. At that stage, Retroid had already shared the full specifications and pricing, but the pre-order and shipping schedule had not yet been announced.
Why the timing is drawing attention
Interest in Android-based handheld gaming devices remains strong, especially when a familiar brand launches a new model with a clear price ladder. Pocket Nova enters that market with a straightforward choice between two RAM configurations and the same storage capacity on both versions.
The launch also comes at a time when component conditions and device pricing are not always stable. That has made introductory pricing more appealing to some buyers, particularly those who want to secure a unit before any later changes.
There is also concern that the lowest starting price may not remain available for long if market pressures shift. While Retroid has not signaled any earlier shipping window, the company has said delivery is expected to begin at the end of July.
What buyers need to keep in mind
Anyone planning to order the Pocket Nova should expect a gap between the moment checkout opens and the moment units begin to ship. The device will be available for pre-order soon, but it will not be in buyers’ hands immediately.
That approach is common for new hardware launches, particularly when a company is collecting early orders before production catches up. In this case, the official site will be the place to watch when the pre-order window opens on 26 June at 9:00 PM ET.
For now, the key update is simple: the Pocket Nova is nearly ready for purchase, but the wait for delivery continues into late July.
