Initial Verdict: The Pocket Go is an intriguing device from TECNO as it is a handheld that makes use of AR glasses for a different kind of immersive gaming. It remains to be seen if TECNO will make the Pocket Go available commercially, but it has its own potential as a gaming handheld.
Pros
-Familiar XBox controller layout
-Can be hooked up to a TV
Cons
-The device is on the thick side
While the POVA 6 Pro is meant for mobile gamers on a budget, TECNO also showcased at MWC 2024 their own gaming handheld for hardcore gamers with the Pocket Go. Making it unique is that it does not have a built-in display; instead, you have the choice to use it with the included AR glasses or hook it up to a TV.
We got the chance to try out the Pocket Go at TECNO’s booth at MWC 2024, and here are our first impressions:
TECNO Pocket Go Hands-On: Design
The Pocket Go has a 2-piece design that consists of AR glasses and a chunky controller that contains all of the hardware to run games. The controller follows an XBox button layout, and TECNO claims it to be around 50% smaller and 30% lighter than other Windows gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally. Like other gaming handhelds, you get RGB lighting on the Pocket Go as well.
Aside from the array of buttons, the Pocket Go’s ports include two USB-C ports and a dedicated charging port. A large vent sits on top of the ports for heat dissipation.
The Pocket Go works alongside a pair of AR glasses called AR Pocket Vision. These glasses have a 0.71-inch Micro-OLED screen, which TECNO claims matches the viewing angle of a 215-inch TV from 6 meters away. The AR Glasses have a 6-axis gyroscope that detects head movements, and an AI algorithm helps do so accurately.
TECNO Pocket Go Hands-On: User Interface
The Pocket Go comes with Windows 11 out of the box, so you can play your usual PC games through the AR glasses. If you prefer a more traditional way of playing games, you can hook up the Pocket Go with any display since its USB-C ports support DisplayPort output.
In a nutshell, the Pocket Go functions like any gaming handheld, with the only difference being the display is not integrated into the handheld itself.
TECNO Pocket Go Hands-On: Internals
The Pocket Go uses a Ryzen 7 8840HS series processor that’s paired with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, giving you serious gaming performance as a handheld. TECNO added a cooling fan and three copper pipes for heat dissipation so that the handheld can sustain peak performance even at ambient temperature. Unlike other gaming handhelds, the Pocket Go has a 50wHr battery.
How good is the Pocket Go? According to our friends from Gadget Pilipinas, it managed to run Cyberpunk 2077 without any hiccups.
TECNO Pocket Go Hands-On: Wrap-up and Initial Conclusions
TECNO’s entry to handheld gaming is interesting, especially with the Pocket Go’s design that lets you use it with AR glasses or hook it up to a TV. Should TECNO decide to make the Pocket Go available commercially, we look forward to the brand giving it a competitive price to give other gaming handhelds a run for their money.
