The Analogue Pocket is a handheld gaming device that can play cartridges from various retro consoles, such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color, and more. It also features a high-resolution display, a built-in synthesizer, and a digital audio workstation. The device has been highly anticipated by retro gaming enthusiasts, but it has also faced several delays and price increases due to the global chip shortage and other factors. Here is everything you need to know about the Analogue Pocket, its features, availability, and price.
The Analogue Pocket is a device that aims to preserve and celebrate the legacy of handheld gaming. It is designed by Analogue, a company that specializes in creating high-quality hardware for playing classic games. The Analogue Pocket is not an emulator, but a hardware device that uses a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chip to run the games natively. This means that the games run exactly as they were intended, without any lag, glitches, or inaccuracies.
The Analogue Pocket can play over 2,780 games from various handheld consoles, such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Atari Lynx, and more. It can also play games from other consoles using adapters, such as the TurboGrafx-16, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo Entertainment System. The device has a cartridge slot that accepts the original game cartridges, as well as a microSD card slot for firmware updates and other features.
The device also has a stunning 3.5-inch LCD display that has a resolution of 1600 x 1440 pixels, which is 10 times the resolution of the original Game Boy. The display can also adjust the color, brightness, and contrast to match the original console’s screen. The device has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 6 hours, a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and two stereo speakers. The device also has four face buttons, a D-pad, two shoulder buttons, and a start and select button. The buttons are mappable and can be customized to suit different games and preferences.
What are the other features of the Analogue Pocket?
The Analogue Pocket is not just a gaming device, but also a creative tool. It has a built-in synthesizer and a digital audio workstation called Nanoloop, which allows users to create music and sounds using the device’s hardware. Nanoloop has a sequencer, a synthesizer, a sampler, and an effects processor. Users can also connect the device to a computer or other devices using MIDI or USB-C cables.
The Analogue Pocket also has a feature called Original Display Modes, which lets users choose from different display modes that mimic the original console’s screen. For example, users can choose from LCD, Dot Matrix, or CRT modes, as well as adjust the color palette, scanlines, and curvature. Users can also create their own custom display modes using the device’s settings.
The Analogue Pocket also supports wireless connectivity and multiplayer gaming. Users can connect the device to a Wi-Fi network and access online features, such as firmware updates, game downloads, and cloud saves. Users can also connect the device to other Analogue Pockets or compatible devices using Bluetooth or a Link Cable. Users can play multiplayer games with up to four players, either locally or online.
The Analogue Pocket also has a dock that allows users to connect the device to a TV or monitor using an HDMI cable. The dock also has two USB ports for connecting controllers, keyboards, or other devices. The dock also charges the device and supports 1080p output. Users can also use the device as a controller when it is docked.
How can I get the Analogue Pocket?
The Analogue Pocket has been in high demand since it was announced in 2019, but it has also faced several challenges and delays due to the global chip shortage and other factors. The device was originally supposed to launch in 2020, but it was pushed back to 2021, and then to 2022. The device also had a price increase from $199 to $219 due to the rising cost of components.
The device is currently sold out, but Analogue has announced that it will reopen preorders on December 14, 2021, at 8 am PT/11 am ET/7 pm GMT. Users can preorder the device from Analogue’s website, but they will have to wait for a long time before they receive it. Analogue has divided the preorders into three fulfillment groups, based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Group A will ship in Q1 2022, Group B will ship in Q4 2022, and Group C will ship in 2023. Users can cancel their orders at any time before they are shipped and receive a full refund.
The device is available in four colors: black, white, beige, and transparent. The transparent version is a limited edition that will never be sold again after the initial run. The device also has various accessories, such as a carrying case, a tempered glass screen protector, a fast charger, and different adapters for playing games from other consoles. The dock is sold separately for $99.
The Analogue Pocket is a device that promises to deliver a nostalgic and authentic handheld gaming experience, as well as a creative and versatile tool for making music and sounds. However, it is also a device that is hard to get and expensive to buy, due to the limited supply and high demand. Users who are interested in getting the device will have to act fast and be patient, as they may have to wait for a long time before they can enjoy the device’s features.