Z-Pocket Game

The Z-Pocket Game is a horizontal handheld launched in 2019, a niche project that was never mass produced. The first 100 units used the Snapdragon 800 chip and were built on the basis of Sony Xperia Z1 Compact phones, reworked into a dedicated gaming device.

Inside is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC with four Krait 400 cores at 2.15 GHz, Qualcomm Adreno 330 graphics running at 450–578 MHz and 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. This combination comfortably handles classic systems, from Atari, NES, SNES and Sega Genesis / Mega Drive up to Game Boy Advance and PlayStation, while Nintendo DS, Nintendo 64, PSP and Dreamcast are playable. The platform list also includes MAME, Final Burn Neo, Neo Geo, ScummVM and OpenBOR.

The 4.3-inch IPS touchscreen offers HD 1280 x 720 resolution in a 16:9 format, roughly 341 ppi and a 60 Hz refresh rate, all protected by tempered glass. The result is a very sharp image for a pocket-sized device.

The controls are inspired by the PS Vita: a separated cross D-pad placed up top, a single analog stick positioned lower, four face buttons and L1, R1, L2 and R2 shoulder buttons. Dedicated buttons cover power, reset and volume, plus an OTG switch. At 165 x 65 x 16 mm and 196 g, the plastic shell stays light, though there is no rumble.

The 3635 mAh battery charges via Micro USB. Connectivity includes WiFi, Bluetooth, USB OTG, phone function and a 3.5mm headphone jack, alongside a single front-facing mono speaker. Storage is expandable via microSD, in 64 GB or 128 GB configurations.

The device runs Android 7, giving access to the emulation apps available on that platform. Sensors inherited from the phone, including gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, proximity and ambient light sensors, can be used in compatible games.

Ideal for: collectors of rare devices and emulation enthusiasts who want a compact Android handheld with an HD screen and PS Vita-style controls, capable of running up to PSP, Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast.