Retroid found itself in hot water this weekend as the hardware manufacturer revealed a new, upgraded edition of its Pocket Duo Lite handheld console just weeks after opening pre-orders on its original model.

Revealed on Sunday, the Pocket Duo Lite+ features the same dual-screen external build as the Pocket Duo Lite - first revealed earlier in September - but packs a more powerful internal punch thanks to its Dragonwing Q-7790 processor and 8+128GB infrastructure. The new model retails for $199 (€174) and is expected to ship in November.

Understandably, some buyers who had already locked in their orders for the original Duo Lite model were quick to vent their frustration to Retroid, noting they would have gladly purchased the upgraded model in a hot minute had it been available alongside the other Pocket Duo editions. Retroid notes that the Lite+ was designed after the fact in response to customer feedback, but this didn't do much to placate people's ire.

In response, Retroid has launched a cancellation/exchange programme for all customers who had previously ordered the original Pocket Duo Lite.

These customers should be receiving an email giving them the opportunity to keep their original pre-order or exchange it, paying the difference to upgrade to the new Lite+ model. Customers who have already received their Duo Lite can return it to Retroid, with the company covering the return shipping costs.

Look fast, however, as the exchange programme is only valid until September 23 at 20:00 EST / September 24 at 01:00 BST. After the deadline, Retroid considers all Pocket Duo Lite orders locked in.

This was clearly always going to be the outcome of revealing a new model so soon - weeks, even - after taking pre-orders. While the Lite+ offers a clear performance upgrade over its little brother, customer frustrations were wholly inevitable. Hopefully, everybody concerned can tweak or retain their orders and, ultimately, end up happy with their chosen purchase.

The Pocket Duo, Pocket Duo Lite, and Pocket Duo Lite+ are now available from Retroid.