Analogue Pocket

Analogue Pocket

The Analogue Pocket is finally in stock at RetroGear, which is good news for anyone serious about their Game Boy collection. This premium handheld plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges via FPGA hardware, without traditional software emulation.

This is most noticeable in the experience: you use your own cartridges, but play them on a modern device with a razor-sharp screen, USB-C charging and a finish that is clearly in the higher end. This is one of the most sophisticated ways to relive your original handheld library.

Main features

• Plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges
• Built around FPGA technology, so no classical software emulation
• 3.5-inch LCD display with 1600 x 1440 resolution and 615 ppi
• Original display modes for a look closer to the original screens
• USB-C charging
• Built-in 4300 mAh battery with approximately 6 to 10 hours of playing time, according to Analogue
• Stereo speakers and 3,5 mm headphone jack
• microSD slot for updates and Analogue OS functions
• Original-style link port for compatible link functionality
• Save states and screenshots via Analogue OS
• Support for optional cartridge adapters, such as Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, Atari Lynx and TurboGrafx-16

Why this model is special

The Analogue Pocket is often seen as the premium choice among FPGA handhelds for good reason. Whereas many retro handhelds mainly revolve around software emulation and ROM files, the Pocket is actually made for original cartridges. You snap your Game Boy, Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance game into the device and play on hardware designed to mimic original system behaviour as accurately as possible.

The screen is a big part of the appeal. The high resolution allows for extremely sharp rendering of classic handheld images, as well as mimicking original screen characters with display modes. This allows you to choose between a sleek modern image or a look closer to the original Game Boy experience.

It is good to know what the Pocket is not, though. This is not a cheap all-in-one emulator handheld, and cartridges are not included. You need separate adapters for systems outside Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, and the Analogue Dock for playing on TV is also a separate accessory. This is precisely why the Pocket feels more like a serious collecting and gaming device than a quick budget solution.

What you get

• Analogue Pocket
• USB-C cable

Cartridges, Dock, adapters, charger and other accessories are included only if explicitly stated in the chosen bundle.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges
• Technology: FPGA hardware
• Screen: 3.5-inch LCD
• Resolution: 1600 x 1440
• Pixel density: 615 ppi
• Display: variable refresh, original display modes
• Battery: rechargeable 4300 mAh lithium-ion battery
• Playing time: approximately 6 to 10 hours according to Analogue
• Audio: stereo speakers, 3,5 mm headphone jack
• Storage/updates: microSD slot
• Connections: USB-C, original-style link port
• Operation: buttons assignable via Analogue OS
• Optional: Analogue Dock, cartridge adapters and link/MIDI accessories

Frequently asked questions

Can the Analogue Pocket play my original Game Boy cartridges?
Yes. The Pocket is designed for original Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges. This is exactly what the device is basically designed for.

Does Analogue Pocket work with ROMs?
Analogue's official main claim is cartridge use: the Pocket plays legacy cartridges via the cartridge slot. The openFPGA side of the Pocket does offer opportunities for developers and community scores, but that is a different usage scenario than simply inserting a cartridge. For the product experience, original cartridge compatibility remains the most important and reliable claim.

Do I need adapters?
For Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, no. Other handheld systems, such as Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, Atari Lynx and TurboGrafx-16, require separate Analogue adapters. These are not included in the box as standard.

Can I play with it on TV?
Yes, but for that you need the Analogue Dock. That is not included as standard with the Pocket. The Dock lets you play on a screen via HDMI and use controllers.

Are save states the same as saving to the cartridge?
No. A save state captures a snapshot of the game through the system. A normal save is saved by the game itself, usually on the cartridge. It is often discussed in the community that this difference is important, especially with older cartridges or when moving saves around.

Is the Analogue Pocket the best choice for everyone?
Not necessarily. If you are mainly looking for a cheap handheld to play many systems via emulation, there are cheaper options. The Pocket is especially interesting if you have original cartridges, value image quality and are looking for a premium FPGA experience.

Why buy from RetroGear

The Analogue Pocket is a product that many customers have been asking for, and it is finally in stock at RetroGear. You buy it from a webshop that focuses on retro gaming and hardware, with an eye for devices that are not only nice to have, but really add something to your collection.