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The original was posted on /r/sbcgaming by /u/DrNSQTR on 2024-09-08 03:56:38+00:00.
With the recent hype around the new Retroid devices, namely the Mini, there's been a lot of conversation around the importance (or unimportance) of 'pocketability'.
As a result, I've noticed that whenever the issue of pocketability is brought up someone will invariably ask "okay, but how many people are actually walking around with these things in their pockets?" EVERY. DAMN. TIME.
But that question fundamentally misses the point - what we're talking about when we talk about pocketability (I think) isn't just whether or not it can fit into your pants pocket, but also covers a broader concept of portability, i.e. how easy is this thing to bring along with you?
Most packs and bags nowadays have built-in pouches and slots specifically for your chargers, phones, powerpacks, and what not. If something is pocketable, it's likely that it'll be able to fit nicely into one of these dedicated spaces instead of having to be tossed into a much larger main/secondary compartment - which will also often force you to buy a carrying case because it might get bumped around.
Personally, I don't like to carry things around in my pants pocket, but pocketability is important to me because I daily carry a sling instead of a backpack, and what is considered pocketable is also more likely to fit into my sling.
'Pocketable' also carries with it the concept of how fragile a device is or whether it has any protrusions or irregularities in its shape - e.g. non-recessed analog sticks, wacky shoulder buttons, etc - which helps to determine whether or not your device is likely require some sort of additional protection.
All this is to say that I wish people wouldn't act like pocketability only matters if you intend to carry a device around in your pockets. It's more nuanced than that, and I'd go as far as to argue that all gaming devices should take pocketability into consideration during their design for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.