Published on: November 03, 2025
Soulja Boy Faces Criticism for Rebranding Retroid Handhelds Without Authorization
Notorious for courting controversy within the gaming industry, rapper and entrepreneur Soulja Boy—a.k.a.
DeAndre Cortez Way—has again drawn widespread attention for rebranding and reselling existing consumer electronics.
This time, the Soulja Game brand is facing a fresh wave of backlash after the reappearance of a now-familiar practice: rebranding third-party handheld devices and marketing them at inflated prices.
Background: A History of Rebranded Hardware
Soulja Boy first entered the gaming hardware scene in late 2018, causing a stir by attempting to sell Chinese-manufactured handhelds and retro consoles under his own Soulja Game label.
Public outcry, alongside legal threats from big-name companies like Nintendo, forced the rapper to remove products from sale.
Now, persistent fans and industry watchdogs have spotted similar activity resurfacing—but this time involving Retroid's renowned portable platforms.
The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and Retroid Pocket 4, both popular handheld gaming devices known for their robust emulation capabilities and accessible price points, are now being sold through the Soulja Game website.
Reportedly, Soulja Boy is listing the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 at $436.50—over double its retail price when purchased directly from original developer Retroid.
Official Statement from Retroid
According to a statement provided to Retro Dodo, a reputable source in portable gaming news, a Retroid spokesperson clarified, "Soulja Boy does not have any authorization to rebrand or sell our products as his own." The company further underscored that the Flip 2 model is protected by a current US patent, suggesting that legal action may be considered if unauthorized sales continue.
Industry Reaction and Consumer Advice
This incident marks another chapter in Soulja Boy's controversial involvement with the gaming hardware market.
Despite his previous claims of industry influence—including a disputed statement regarding the ownership of Atari—the rapper's latest venture has not been well received by the gaming community, particularly among portable hardware enthusiasts and Nintendo fans.
Industry experts advise consumers to exercise caution when purchasing gaming devices from unofficial resellers, especially when pricing appears unusually high or product legitimacy is unclear.
Those interested in the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 or Retroid Pocket 4 are encouraged to buy directly from Retroid or authorized distributors to ensure authenticity, warranty coverage, and fair pricing.
As the situation develops, both gamers and legal observers will be watching to see how Retroid pursues the matter—and whether Soulja Boy's latest foray into handheld gaming hardware will face further official scrutiny.
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