Mini Loom Pocket 1 Review: A Comfortable Retro Handheld That Finally Has the Software to Match

Introduction

The Mini Loom Pocket 1 first impressed with its hardware, but the original software held it back. Now, with a new custom operating system called Leaf, this budget handheld has become a much more complete package. This review takes another look at the device and explores how the new software changes the experience.

Hardware Overview

The Mini Loom Pocket 1 runs on a Rockchip RK3566 chipset. That is a modest processor, but it handles PlayStation 1 games without issue and can manage a selection of Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast titles. The device includes 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. Importantly, the Leaf operating system runs from a micro SD card, so it does not touch the stock firmware already installed internally. That makes it a non-destructive software solution.

The screen is a 4-inch LCD with a resolution of 960x720. That resolution works well for scaling retro systems. It provides a 5x integer scale for Game Boy and Game Boy Color, a 4x integer scale for Game Boy Advance, and a 3x or 3.2x scale for systems like NES, SNES, and Genesis. PlayStation and Nintendo 64 games scale at 3x for 240p content or 1.5x for 480p content.

The battery is rated at 4,000 mAh and charges over USB-C with just about any charger. It may not charge quickly, but it does not require a special cable or adapter. The device also includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI out, which is a solid set of connectivity options for a device under $100.

Controls and Feel

The build quality is where this handheld stands out. The shell is sturdy, with slight ergonomic bumps on the back that are textured and comfortable in the hand. The matte plastic finish feels good to hold. Stacked shoulder buttons and triggers are included, though they are digital rather than analog, so they are not suited for racing games that need analog input. For most retro titles, they work well.

The face buttons are rubber membrane but feel light to the touch and have a nice crystal finish. They are among the best face buttons found on a device under $100. The D-pad is removable, and different shield styles are available, though only one style comes in the box. It is not overly sensitive, so games like Contra play without false diagonals, and fighting games like Street Fighter also respond well.

The single analog stick uses a Hall sensor and offers a smooth range of motion. It feels similar to the sticks found on more expensive handhelds. RGB lighting surrounds the stick, and the color can be changed in the software. The device also has a removable magnetic face plate, which could allow for shell swaps in the future, though no additional shells are currently available.

The main drawbacks are the single analog stick, which limits dual-stick games, and the single mono speaker, which sits in a position that can muffle audio during play. Aside from those two points, the controls and overall comfort are excellent for the price.

Leaf Operating System

The Leaf operating system is simple to install. A micro SD card formatted to FAT32 is all that is needed. The latest release is downloaded from the Leaf website and extracted onto the card. After inserting the card into the device, the installation completes on first boot. The website also provides clear documentation for adding BIOS files and organizing ROMs.

The interface is clean and fast. Navigation between games feels snappy, and the layout is customizable. Users can create tabs for recently played games, favorites, or apps. The home layout can be switched between a tab layout and a coverflow style, which offers a more visual way of browsing systems and games.

The menu button opens a range of settings. Appearance options include color schemes, themes, icon styles, fonts, and font sizes. Display and sound settings allow the refresh rate to be changed from 60 Hz up to 120 Hz, with black frame insertion available at higher refresh rates for both 60 fps and PAL content. HDMI out works automatically, with options for 4:3 or stretched 16:9 output. The top USB-C port supports USB headphones, and the device can charge at the same time.

Network settings enable Wi-Fi, over-the-air updates, and box art scraping. Accounts can be linked for screen scraper and retro achievements. The general tab includes auto sleep and time zone options. Under actions, users can search games, rescan the library, reboot, power off, or exit to the stock operating system. An app called Packrat allows additional options to be installed, including Portmaster, though it is not yet officially supported by the Portmaster team.

Five Game Mode

One of the most interesting features in Leaf is five game mode. This limits the device to five selected games, creating a focused launcher instead of a full library browser. It works out of the box, which is a notable improvement over similar setups that required heavy customization in the past.

Setting it up is straightforward. Users navigate through their library and pick the five games they want. The tiles can be rearranged, and a pin code can be set to lock the mode, which is useful for handing the device to a child. Theme colors or a black and white setup can be selected. Once active, the launcher shows only those five games, and each can be started with a single button press.

While in a game, the menu button brings up quick options for saving and loading states, resetting, and changing the performance profile. Most games run through RetroArch, so full RetroArch settings are also accessible for custom shaders and core overrides. Powering off is fast, using a quick menu combination of the menu button, R1, and A.

Exiting five game mode is simple when no pin is set, and re-entering it remembers the previously selected games. Per-system and per-game configurations are also available, allowing different cores, performance profiles, and individual artwork scrapes.

Buying Advice

The Mini Loom Pocket 1 is priced around $80 to $90, with some retailers offering it for less. The hardware is comfortable, the controls are excellent, and the new Leaf operating system makes the whole experience feel polished. For someone looking for a first retro handheld, this is a strong option because it is comfortable and everything works well out of the box.

If you already own a cheap handheld that plays the same systems, it may not be worth upgrading. But for a starter device, the combination of ergonomics, build quality, and the new software makes it one of the better deals available in 2026.

Conclusion

The Mini Loom Pocket 1 was already a well-built handheld, and the Leaf operating system fills the gap that held it back. The hardware remains comfortable and responsive, and the software adds customization, performance options, and a focused five game mode. For a budget retro handheld, this is a very complete package.