Connect Your Retroid Pocket 3+ To A TV and Bluetooth Controller (Mini Home Console)

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I purchased the Retroid Pocket 3+ about a month or 2 ago and I’ve been having a blast playing it. 

This device can handle an incredible amount of emulation for a pretty reasonable price. Personally, I enjoy playing Gameboy Advance the most because this console gives me the most nostalgia.

But I also enjoy some of the 3d retro consoles like N64, Dreamcast, PS1, and Gamecube on it.

Yup, I said Gamecube. This device can even play some Gamecube titles with some performance setting tinkering. 

When it comes to 3d games, I prefer to play them on a TV over a handheld when possible. This probably has something to do with the fact that I played these games on a TV growing up. 

The good news is that the RP3+ can connect to a TV via micro HDMI out. But when you do connect it to a TV, it’s awkward to use the console itself as the controller. 

Even better news, you can connect controllers to the RP3+ via Bluetooth. 

With these built-in features, you can turn your RP3+ into a mini home console for retro games! 

Here’s the written guide on exactly how to do this. 

What You Will Need

In this example, I’m going to use a PS5 DualSense controller. Primarily because I already had it lying around the house.

To use your PS5 DualSense controller on your Retroid Pocket 3 + in order to game on your tv you will need the 4 following things: 

Connecting Your Bluetooth Controller To Your Retroid Pocket 3+

Connecting your Bluetooth controller to your Retroid Pocket 3+ is quite easy. Instructions will vary slightly depending on the controller you are using, just make sure you know how to put the controller into pairing mode. 

Here is a step-by-step guide. For this example, we will be using a PS5 Dualsense controller. 

  • Step 1: Head over to settings mode on your RP3+ and click on “connected devices.”
  • Step 2: Click on “pair new device.”
  • Step 3: Put your Bluetooth controller into pairing mode. For the PS5 controller, press and hold the home button followed by the share button. 
  • Step 4: After your controller is in pairing mode (for the PS5 it will be blinking blue) you should see your controller pop up as a new device
  • Step 5: Hit pair and you are good to go!

Make Sure To Map Your Buttons Properly 

After your controller is paired, the buttons should be mapped more or less correctly right off the bat. But you’ll want to make sure everything is mapped correctly on the specific Retroarch core or emulator you are using. 

For Retroarch, the process is fairly simple:

  • First, open up Retroarch making sure to click on it with the controller you want to map. 
  • Head over to settings and then scroll down to input.
  • Scroll down to port 1 controls. 
  • You should see the device index labeled as your connected controller. Scroll down to the specific inputs, press the action button on them, and then you will be instructed to press and hold the button you want to bind to that specific action. 

Update To The Latest Software To Fix Bugs

If your d-pad is acting funny, it’s possible you need to update your Retroid Pocket 3+ to the latest update. 

When I first connected my PS5 controller, the down d-pad was actually registering as up. This was fixed by updating my RP3+. 

Connecting Your Retroid Pocket 3+ To Your TV

Connecting your Retroid Pocket 3+ to your TV is a simple process. First, purchase a micro HDMI cord like this one.

Then simply plug it into your TV. 

Quick note, some TVs have issues with producing sound when plugged into the Retroid Pocket 3+. My Vizio 65” E-series TV would get no audio from my RP3+. 

However, my 40” Vizio D-Seies had no issues. I’ve seen other people on Reddit have the same issue so it’s not only my TVs. What TV’s work with the RP3+ is really going to depend on trial and error. 

Conclusion

In short, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is an awesome retro gaming device that can play many old games on handheld and on your TV. 

By connecting the RP3+ to a TV using a mini HDMI cable, the gaming experience becomes more immersive, like your childhood gaming on a TV. Pair this feature with a Bluetooth controller and you basically have a mini home console. 

To keep everything running smoothly, it’s important to keep the RP 3+ updated with the latest software to fix any bugs. While connecting it to a TV is easy, some TVs may have occasional sound issues, but trying different models might help find the right one.

Overall, the RP3+ is a versatile and enjoyable device for retro gaming. Whether it’s playing old Gameboy Advance favorites or exploring 3D classics, the RP3+ lives up to its promise of delivering a nostalgic and entertaining gaming experience.

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