Analogue have been making quite the name for themselves by specializing in the development of quality, retro inspired devices that allow you to use the original cartridges for your favorite platforms of yesteryear. Not only this, but each device from the Mega SG to the NT mini sports a slew of enhancements such as 1080p resolution, zero latency input, onboard quality control applications, and support for each system’s original RGB and/or composite formats. Just to name a few. Now, they’re about to release their newest creation: The Analogue Pocket. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Right out the gate the Pocket looks very clean and premium. Coming in two distinct flavors; Black and White, you’d be hard pressed not to mistake the device for Nintendo’s own GameBoy Pocket at a glance. However, the differences become abundantly clear once you start inspecting the device and checking out its many features.
To start, it’s compatible with an abundance of other portable platforms including the Neo-Geo Pocket, Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, and even more. This is all done via included swappable cartridge adapters. This leads to a very important bit of information. The Analogue Pocket does not emulate any of the original games. Yes. You need the actual cartridge in order to play. This coincides with their bid to stay clear of any Copyright infringement claims that almost comes from any form of emulation. Primarily in regards to Nintendo, who is notorious for issuing DMCAs on fan projects and shutting down websites hosting ROMs of their IPs.
Back to the features. The Pocket’s display comes in at 3.5″, almost a full inch bigger than the original GameBoy Pocket, with a resolution of 1600×1440. 10x the resolution of its predecessor. I could go on and on about the specs, bells, n’ whistles, but you can find all that on the official page. Instead, I want to talk a little about why this product is intriguing.
For one, the focus on not only preserving each platform’s original presentation, but going as far as to enhance it is commendable. They could have simply left its multi-platorm functionality as its main draw and end it there. Instead, they’ve ensured that the experience is tailor made to give you the best possible quality. Beyond just playing games, the Analogue Pocket also doubles as a portable audio production unit, mini dev kit via GB studio support, and features connectivity between the original portable hardware(s).
Retro gaming will always be a profitable market. With every new generation the allure of ‘reliving’ our favorite moments from games of the past tends to grow. Utilizing the original cartridges makes The Pocket very enticing for longtime collectors who may not always want to fire up the old hardware and further deteriorate its value. What really impresses me is just how much utility and functionality is being back into this compact device. Want to take a break from your upteenth run of Castlevania: Circle of the Moon to make a beat? Cool. Suspend your game and fire up the built in Nanoloop workstation. Want to try putting together your own retro style GB game, but have no programming knowledge? Cool. You don’t even need a PC or Mac (Yes, the Pocket features Mac support as well.). Load up GB Studio and you can drag n’ drop assets to piece together a full functioning and aesthetically entertaining GameBoy game of your own.
This is all just scratching the surface, and now you must be thinking: “Well, this is gonna’ cost an arm and a leg!” You’re not wrong, but considering what you get I’d there is great value for those that are interested in what this device offers.
Pre-Orders for the Analogue Pocket begin August 3rd, 8am PST for $199.99. For reference, the original GameBoy Pocket released at $89.99. Considering the Analogue Pocket is a psuedo PC along with being nearly every portable device ever to come out, it starts to make the price tag a little easier to swallow.
I love experimenting with and trying out new hardware and technology, so there’s a good chance I may grab a Pocket for myself and do a full write up of my thoughts and impressions. How about you? Does this device interest you? Does it pack enough features and functionality for you to jump in day one? Let me know in the comments!